Transitional Phrases

What words signify a dispute?

It isn't true that, people are wrong who say that, deny that, be that as it may, by the same token, no doubt, we often hear it said, many people claim, many people suppose, it used to be thought, in any case

What words signify comparisons?

Like, in the same (like) manner or way, similarly

A water main downtown broke this morning, so several businesses had no water for hours.

Cause and effect

Some people in New Jersey built their houses very close to the shoreline. Consequently, they have had to spend a lot of money trying to protect their property from the sea.

Cause and effect

Larry will probably be a late bloomer socially, just like his older brothers.

Comparison

Even though most Americans are primarily concerned about AIDS as it exists in the U.S., it should be remembered that it is now nearly a worldwide disease.

Contrast

Residents complain bitterly about potholes in the streets and sloppy trash pick-up, yet these same people resist paying higher taxes for the improvement of these services.

Contrast

_________ I'm very allergic to flowers, my boyfriend bought a bouquet of roses. What does the underlined word indicate?

Even though; Contrast

What words signify order or sequence?

First, second, (etc.), finally, hence, next, then, from here on, to begin with, last of all, after, before, as soon as, in the end, gradually

What words signify an example?

For example, to illustrate, for instance, to be specific, such as, moreover, furthermore, just as important, similarly, in the same way

If you have company for dinner, try to get as much done in advance as possible. __________, set the table the day before.

For instance

Running can make people more aware of their physical surroundings, such as the scent of honeysuckle or the changing moods of the trees.

Illustration/example

There are ways you can make boring tasks more pleasant. For instance, bring a portable radio and listen to music on earphones while you work.

Illustration/example

What words signify a summary or a repetition?

In summary, to sum up, to repeat, briefly, in short, finally, on the whole, therefore, as I have said, in conclusion, as you can see

What words signify intensity?

Above all, first and foremost, importantly, again, to be sure, indeed, in fact, as a matter of fact, as I have said, as has been noted

What words signify space or place?

Above, behind, below, beyond, here, there, to the right (left), nearby, opposite, on the other side, in the background, directly ahead, along the wall, as you turn right, at the tip, across the hall, at this point, adjacent to

Science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke correctly predicted that satellites would be used for communication. Moreover, in 1947 he correctly predicted that 1959 would be the year the first rocket to the moon was launched.

Addition

Telephone interviewing allows for a large number of responses in a short time and at relatively low cost. Moreover, the method permits interviewers to reach respondents at specific times of the day; this is an important consideration in the study of radio and TV listening habits.

Addition

What words signify alternatives, exceptions, and objections?

Although, though, while, despite, to be sure, it is true, true, I grant, granted, I admit, admittedly, doubtless, I concede, regardless

What words signify addition of ideas?

And, also, besides, further, furthermore, too, moreover, in addition, then, of equal importance, equally important, another

What words signify results?

As a result, hence, so, accordingly, as a consequence, consequently, thus, since, therefore, for this reason, because of this

My grandfather loves to say, "You're as nervous __________ a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs." What does the underlined word indicate?

As; Comparison

Manny's car stereo was on full blast, I could see his lips moving, but I had no idea what he was saying. What does the underlined word indicate?

Because; Cause and effect

___________ the invention of television, people probably spent more of their leisure time reading.

Before

What words signify a contrast?

But, in contrast, conversely, however, still, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, and yet, on the other hand, of course, on the contrary, or, in spite of this, actually, a year ago, now, not withstanding, for all that, strangely enough, ironically

What words signify time?

Next, afterward, finally, later, last, lastly, at last, now, subsequently, then, when, soon, thereafter, after a short time, the next week (month, day, etc.), a minute later, in the meantime, meanwhile, on the following day, at length, ultimately, presently

The lazy checkout clerk forced the six-pack of cola into the bottom of the bag, tearing it. Then she shrugged her shoulders and said, "I guess you'll have to carry the bag from the bottom."

Time

What words signify purpose?

To this end, for this purpose, with this in mind, for this reason, for these reasons