Transitions to use on the final!
Additionally
*Function*: More formal than "and." Used for joining sentences. Prefers non-identical subjects and appears before the subject. *Example*: The community is working to meet the needs of its citizens. The Town Council has just authorized a new senior center for the elderly. _________, the Parks Department has instituted a summer arts program for teens.
In other words
*Function*: Saying something in another way, to clarify.
Consequently
*Function*: Signals causal relationship Example: He was absent over 50% of the time and missed the final exam. ___________, he failed the course.
For this reason
*Function*: Signals causal relationship when reason is explicitly stated. *Example*: She was an excellent intern last summer. ____________, I'm willing to hire her for the new full-time position.
Therefore
*Function*: Signals causal relationship. Also signals a logical conclusion or reasonable inference. Example: 1)He was absent over 50% of the time and missed the final exam. ____________, he failed the course. 2)He has failed several courses this year. __________, I think it's likely that he'll change his major.
In addition to
*Function*: Use when adding a noun phrase to a sentence. Verbs in this phrase take the -ing form. *Example*: 1)____________ building a new senior center for the elderly, the community has implemented a free senior transportation system. 2)____________ the new senior center, there is a new transportation system.
Furthermore
*Function*: Usually used when three or more reasons (or premises) are given for the same conclusion *Example*: Moderate exercise has many beneficial effects. It lowers blood pressure, reduces weight, and improves overall muscle tone. __________, it has the added benefit of releasing endorphins, generally improving the mood of those who exercise.
Moreover
*Function*: Usually used when two or more reasons (or premises) are given for the same conclusion *Example*: The Senator's remarks have outraged the liberals; ____________, they have alienated the conservatives. He will surely suffer in the next election.
On the other hand
Comparison of two choices or two sides of an issue Example: Buying lottery tickets is probably a waste of money. _____, it might be the best investment you could ever make!
Also
Function: Almost interchangeable with "and." Prefers identical subjects and usually appears after the subject. Example: The community is working to meet the needs of its citizens. The Town Council has just authorized a new senior center for the elderly. It has ______ implemented new social programs for teens and will be discussing a pre-school program at the next meeting.
On the contrary
Opposition (not x but y). Follows a negative statement and elaborates Example: The island was nothing like the tropical paradise we had expected._____, it was noisy, dirty, and completely unrelaxing! (In academic writing, the phrase "contrary to" is far more common: Contrary to the tropical paradise we had expected, the island was noisy, dirty, and completely unrelaxing.)
Thus
Same as "therefore" but more formal. Both of these can be used to introduce phrases rather than complete sentences. Example: The grant is nearing the end of its cycle. _____, we're actively seeking funding. The grant is nearing the end of its cycle. _____, the search for new funding.
However
Shows contrast between comparable things or between expectation and reality Synonymous with "but" and "despite this" Example: Northern regions experienced record snowfall last year. _______, southern regions had one of the mildest winters on record. (contrasting two similar things) The research clearly shows the risks. ______, incidence of smoking is increasing rapidly in developing countries. (contrasting expectation and reality) I've had breakfast; ______, I'm still hungry.
Nonetheless
Shows contrast between expectation and reality Synonymous with "but" and "despite this" Example: The research clearly shows the risks. _____, incidence of smoking is increasing rapidly in developing countries. I've had breakfast; _____, I'm still hungry.
In contrast
Shows contrast between two comparable things Synonymous with "but" Not synonymous with "despite this" Example: Northern regions experienced record snowfall last year. ________, southern regions had one of the mildest winters on record.
In that case
Signals a conditional relationship, like if->then Example: Water may reach flood stage by morning. _____ (if that happens), the National Guard will come to assist.