Transitional Devices
Transitional Devices show the link between sentences and paragraphs to bring out the main ideas in a smooth and organized manner. Transitional devices are words used to show the connection between ideas or used to move from one sentence to another sentence.
Types of Transitional Devices
There are two main types of transitional devices, conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs. According to their functions they can be divided into groups.
- Conjunctions
- Conjunctive adverbs
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are used to connect words or phrases. Below are the examples of conjunctions:
1. Correlative conjunctions
These are pair of words that connect words, paragraphs with the same grammatical form.
Examples:
Either… or
Neither… nor
Not only… but also
- You either respect the law or face the consequences.
- Not only did they clean the house but also did the laundry.
- Both Susan and Bill received their ten-year pin this year.
- Either you get a job or you go back to school.
- Whether you stay or leave is entirely your decision.
2. Subordinating conjunctions.
They join passages which are not grammatically equivalent. They show dependence in clauses.
Examples:
after, even, though, than, wherever, although, if, that, whether, as, in order, that, though, which, as if, in order to, unless, while, as though, rather than, until, who, because, since, when, before, so as to, whenever, even if, so that, where
- In order to make feasible projections, we need to have reliable data.
- He's taller than you are.
- He looks as if he were about to cry.
3. Coordinating conjunctions
They are used to connect elements of a sentence which have of the same grammatical equivalence.
examples:
so, but, for, yet, and.
- Ali and Ahmad are working on this project. (and has been used to connect two nouns)
- Look in the cupboard or in the drawer. (Or joins two phrases.).
- You can't do that kind of heavy work, nor should you be expected to. (Nor joins two clauses.)
Conjunctive adverbs
These are used to modify an action by showing connectivity between two points or paragraphs which are independent. In most cases they are not used at the beginning of a paragraph. They are used to show disparity, continuity and other relationship of ideas.
Of addition/ inaddition
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)
Examples:
- Ali is rich as well as young.
- He must have got stopped at the border crossing; otherwise, he would have arrived by now.
- The lecturer had a monotonous voice; furthermore, he jumped from one idea to another so that the lecture was very difficult to follow.
To show comparison
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true, Similarly, like, as if
Examples:
- Peter is a boxer; similarly, his son job, is a boxer too.
- Paul went to Lakeland college; his daughter, likewise, did her studies there.
- Kate is engrossed in her dogs; Martha is similarly obsessed with her horses.
For contrast or difference
Still, however, instead, nonetheless etc.
Examples:
- The students had a lot of time to finish their work; still, they could not finish it.
- We were able to run only four courses; still, this compares favorably with other summer programmes.
- It's really cold today; we can't complain, however, as it's been mild overall.
As a result of/ effect
Hence, thus, therefore etc.
Examples:
- The patient did not follow the doctor’s prescription; therefore, his situation got worse.
- Caffeine is a stimulant; thus, it can keep a person awake at night.
- We discovered Ida's activities were duplicating those of Marla; we, therefore, assigned Ida other tasks.
Of time relationship
immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then
Examples:
- The network has crashed; next, the power will go off.
- First boil the water; then, pour it over the tea bag
To Emphasis
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation
Examples:
- “Above all, we must exercise discretion.”
- “Certainly, he’ll find out for himself in time.”
- “In fact, they’re on their way right now.”
For Examples
for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate
Examples:
- “For example, he could have asked for advice first.”
- “In particular, I draw your attention to the stain on the carpet.”
- “Namely, consider the consequences of your decision.”
Sequence
first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon
Examples:
- “Earlier, you had mentioned a report.”
- “Eventually, we’ll see some improvement.”
- “Meanwhile, I’ve been waiting for you.”
Space/place
- “Below, you’ll find instructions for assembling the shelf.”
- “In the distance, he could see the approaching figure.”
- “Off to one side, a package wrapped in plain paper caught her attention.”
Summary/conclusion
in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently
Examples:
- “In conclusion, I see no reason to delay any longer.”
- “In other words, they’re incompetent.”
- “Therefore, your decision leaves me no choice.”
More Information:
What are transitional words – Definition
Before you get to applying transition words, it's good to understand what exactly are transitional bias. Transitional words just from the word conveyance, means to bridge commodity from one point to another, thus these are words used in an essay to link points and paragraphs to grease smooth inflow. In addition to that, they can be used to move to another paragraph to show the durability of ideas. However, it can make your exploration paper look clumsy and may give the anthology a hard time, If not duly used. Well, used transition words will help one produce a well- structured exploration paper, with rulings and paragraphs that flow well from one idea to the other. In a exploration paper, you need to state your findings and support them adequately. The moment you write your essay and move from one point to another without bridging it also you're likely to lose the meaning of your points or the anthology might not understand you well.
Difference between Transitional Devices and Transitional Words
Just like transitional words, transitional Devices are words used to show the connection between ideas or to move from one judgment to another. They show the link between rulings and paragraphs to bring out the ideas in a smooth and systematized manner. You may find your work not flowing because they warrant transitional words to link different corridor of your essay.
References:
- https://www.athabascau.ca/write-site/academic-writing-resources/transitional-devices.html
- https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/mechanics/transitions_and_transitional_devices/transitional_devices.html