Common Transitional Expressions in English What are transitional

Common Transitional Expressions in English

What are transitional expressions? �Transitional expressions are words or phrases that indicate the logical relationships between sentences and paragraphs. �They help readers follow the author’s train of thought and give the essay “coherence. ” �Of course, if transitions are used incorrectly, they confuse the reader.

Transitional expressions �Many transitional phrases are adverbs (however, … therefore, …)or adverb phrases (as a result, … of course, … ). �However, others are prepositions (due to, despite… ) that must be followed by noun objects. �Others are subordinating conjunctions (because, although) that must be followed by clauses. �If transitional expressions are placed at the beginning of a sentence, they are set off by a comma.

Transitional expressions �In this presentation, I group common transitional expressions into categories of use. However, you can’t substitute any expression in one category for any other expression in the same category. There are often subtle differences in usage that are difficult to explain. �You will only learn to use transitions well if you devote yourself to reading the kind of material that you want to write.

CATEGORY: Enumeration �First, … Second, … Third, … (in modern usage, these are preferred over Firstly, … Secondly, … Thirdly, …) �Note the spelling of Fourth, … (not forth) • Finally, …, lastly, …. last but not least, … Use Finally…, and Lastly… to refer to the last point. Do not use them to begin the conclusion.

Notes: �at first ≠ first (at first means 剛開始時) �at last ≠ last (at last means 終於)

CATEGORY: Opening a New Topic �Prepositions: regarding/ in regard to/ with respect to with reference to [your letter of May 26] �Adverb Clause: as far as [NOUN] is concerned, �Informal: speaking of , as far as… goes, when it comes to

CATEGORY: Basis �Prepositions: according to, based on, �Adverb Clause: as [Person X] has shown as [Person X] has demonstrated �Incorrect: as I know (see GENERAL KNOWLEDGE)

根據我所知 �Odd: As I know, the earth is round. �Acceptable: As everyone knows, the earth is round. �Academic: It is well established that the earth is spherical in shape, with some flattening at the poles (REFERENCES).

CATEGORY: General Knowledge �It is a well known fact that… �It is common knowledge that… , �It is generally accepted that… �Based on what we now know, … BUT IN ACADEMIC PAPERS, BEWARE OF “GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. ” FACTS NEED TO BE DOCUMENTED.

CATEGORY: Cause �Prepositions: because of, due to [NOUN] �Subordinating Conjunctions: because/ since/ due to the fact that [CLAUSE] �Other: One reason for this is… One possible explanation is that… The most possible explanation is that… The most probable explanation is that…

由於…. 因此 Only one word of this paired expression needs to be translated. Ex. : 由於岩性軟弱，因此初鹿地區常為谷地地形。 Due to the rock type is weak, therefore the exposed region is usually valley-type topography. Because this rock type is weak, it usually forms valleys where it is exposed.

由於…. 因此 Taiwanese are fond of translating 由於 as “owing to, ” but I find that phrase a little stiff: Owing to Taiwan’s limited land area and its high production of waste, waste disposal has become a serious problem on the island. IMPROVED: Because Taiwan has a limited land area and a high volume of waste production, waste disposal has become a serious problem on the island.

CATEGORY: Effect �Adverbial phrases: as a result, as a consequence

CATEGORY: Conditions/ Premises �if… (then), if and only if �as long as �given that, assuming that, provided that �under the condition that, �unless

CATEGORY: Logical Conclusion �therefore, thus �(Don’t use hence unless you’re a mathematician!) �Informal: so

CATEGORY: Comparison �Adverbials: in the same way/ in the same manner, likewise, similarly �Prepositions: in comparison with, compared to, like

CATEGORY: Contrast �Adverbials: in contrast, on the other hand, however �Subordinating Conjunctions: although, even though �Prepositions: in contrast to, despite/ in spite of, unlike

even though, even if, despite NOTES: Even + [CLAUSE] is always wrong—use even though or even if! Even Michael studied hard, he still failed the test. �even though - past or present facts Even though Michael studied hard, he still failed the test. �even if -future or hypothetical situations. Even if Michael studies hard, I doubt he’ll pass the course. �Despite/ in spite of - past or present facts Despite his hard work, Michael failed the course.

even though, even if, despite Despite adequate nasal preparation, there is a risk of bleeding during intubation. Even with [Even if there is] adequate nasal preparation, there is a risk of bleeding during intubation. [FUTURE POSSIBILITY] BUT Despite adequate nasal preparation, the patient still Experienced bleeding during intubation. [PAST FACT]

CATEGORY: Introducing a Faulty Assumption �Many people think that. . �It is widely believed that… �It is commonly assumed that…

CATEGORY: Correcting a faulty assumption � however, … �on the contrary, … �contrary to what most people think, … �contrary to popular opinion, …

相反- in contrast/ on the contrary �On the contrary – Expresses complete disagreement with what has just been said; used to correct wrong assumptions. �Ex. : Many people think that my father is a very serious person. On the contrary, he has a zany sense of humor. �TIP: Try substituting “That's wrong!” at the beginning of the second sentence. If it works, you can probably use "On the contrary. ”

一方面、另一方面: On the one hand, on the other hand �Use on the one hand to introduce the first of two contrasting points, facts, or ways of looking at something. It is always followed later by on the other hand. �On the other hand can be used by itself. �On the other hand is the best transition to use if you are switching from a point in favor of an argument to a point against an argument—or vice versa. In contrast and on the contrary are not used in this way.

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING �Most UFO reports can be easily discredited and add nothing to the case that UFOs exist. ______ , there a certain number of reports by reliable witnesses like airline pilots and astronomers that still have not been satisfactorily explained. a. In contrast b. On the contrary c. On the other hand

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING �The American house is casual, and opens to a patio for outdoor living. ____, the Dutch house is more formal, and because of hard winters, is closed against the cold outside. a. In contrast b. On the contrary c. On the other hand

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING �These finding do not support the “Snowball Earth” hypothesis. _____ , they suggest that the earth was quite warm at this time. a. In contrast b. On the contrary c. On the other hand

CATEGORY: Example �Adverbials: for example, for instance, e. g. , namely, specifically, in particular. �such as, including �Take for example of … �Consider the case of …

CATEGORY: Addition �also, not only… but also �Adverbials: in addition, furthermore, moreover, what is more Informal: besides, what’s more, for another thing, plus �Prepositions: in addition to, along with

In addition/moreover/ furthermore �Moreover/ furthermore are best used to add points or reasons to an argument (In informal speech, besides is used in this way) �In addition works for adding anything. This high-tech bicycle has a computer-controlled gear change. Moreover, the suspension can be electronically adjusted. This high-tech bicycle has a computer-controlled gear change. In addition, the suspension can be electronically adjusted.

CATEGORY: Certainty �Adverbials: certainly, obviously, clearly, without a doubt, undoubtedly �Other: It is clear/ obvious/ apparent/ evident that… Note: evidently and apparently express some uncertainty: apparently = it appears that ≠it is apparent that

CATEGORY: Probability �most likely, in all probability, in all likelihood � evidently, apparently, presumably �The results suggest that…, this may be due to…

CATEGORY: Probability �most likely, in all probability, in all likelihood � evidently, apparently, presumably �The results suggest that…, this may be due to…

Apparently � Apparently means “it appears to be true, ” but suggests “it has not been proven to be true. ” �Ex. : Apparently, the entire universe began as a very hot dot, much smaller than the diameter of an atom. [HYPOTHESIS RATHER THAN A PROVEN FACT]

CATEGORY: Uncertainty �Perhaps, maybe, possibly �It is possible that

CATEGORY: Doubt �It is difficult to believe that… �It is highly unlikely that…

No doubt vs. there is no doubt �No doubt = it is very likely that ≠ there is no doubt that, without a doubt No doubt, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are rising. There is no doubt that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are rising. No doubt, the governments of the world will continue to stall on the issue of carbon reduction.

CATEGORY: Clarification �actually, in fact �It should be noted/ pointed out that

In fact �There are some differences in the usage of 事實上 in Chinese and in fact in English. It is hard to say what those differences are, but often student usage of in fact sounds odd. Odd: I’m already in my third year of student at CJCU. In fact, I haven’t been a very motivated student. Natural: I’m already in my third year of student at CJCU. But to tell the truth, I haven’t been a very motivated student. In fact, I have hardly opened a book in the last three years.

CATEGORY: Expected Result �as expected, as predicted, as anticipated, not surprisingly

CATEGORY: Unexpected Result �surprisingly, amazingly, curiously, contrary to expectations

CATEGORY: Emphasis �most importantly, in fact, indeed, notably �it is important to note that … � it should be pointed out that… � it should be stressed/emphasized… � it is significant that… � of particular significance is the fact that… �we must bear in mind the fact that… �This point cannot be overemphasized.

CATEGORY: Concession �certainly, granted, admittedly, of course, [OTHER SIDE’S POINT] �nevertheless, still, yet [YOUR POINT] �Subordinating conjunctions: although, even if, while …. �While it is true that… , nevertheless �Yes, it is true that… , but �It cannot be denied that… Nevertheless, …

CATEGORY: Concession �Note: Never use even as a subordinating conjunction. Use even though (past or present facts) or even if (imagined or future states).

CATEGORY: Alternatives �instead, rather, otherwise, if not, alternatively �“We must not…. Instead/ Rather, we must…. “ �“X must not be allowed to happen. Otherwise, Y…” �CAUTION: Beware of the “False Dilemma” fallacy. Maybe there are other possible outcomes besides X and Y!

CATEGORY: Generalization �in general, as a general rule, generally, on the whole, for the most part, in most cases, broadly speaking, to a great extent, with few exceptions

CATEGORY: Restatement �in other words, that is, i. e. , simply put, in brief, essentially, in effect �to put it in another way, to put it simply

CATEGORY: Repetition �as stated previously, �NOTE: Do not say, “As stated above. ” When a manuscript is printed, page position may shift.

CATEGORY: Digression (going off-topic) �incidentally, �it is interesting to note

CATEGORY: Opinion �in my opinion (Formal: in the opinion of the author) �I firmly believe that, I am convinced that

CATEGORY: Summary �in conclusion, in summary, in the final analysis

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Introduction �It is generally agreed today that. . . �Most (Taiwanese, Americans) believe that… �It has long been assumed that/ It was once widely accepted that … This is no longer true. / This viewpoint has come under fierce attack in recent years. �X has long been an issue of great controversy/ The issue of X has been hotly debated for many years. �This issue has profound implications for the future/ for all of us.

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Thesis �For a number of reasons, I believe that… �I am in favor of Action X for three major reasons. �Action X/ Product X has three main advantages. �While others may disagree, I believe that Action X must be taken. There are three main reasons for my viewpoint.

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Developing the Argument �First, … Second, … Third, … The main/first/most important advantage of. . . , One major advantage of. . . , �A further advantage. . . , Another/An additional advantage of. . . , �One argument/ One of the strongest arguments in favor of Action X is …

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Introduction �Let us start by reviewing the facts �In view of these facts/ statistics, it is clear that. . . �These facts demonstrate/ prove… �The facts speak for themselves.

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Using Facts �Let us start by reviewing the facts. �In view of these facts/ statistics, it is clear that. . . �These facts demonstrate/ prove… �The facts speak for themselves.

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Using Expert Opinion �According to experts, … �According to Dr. X, [POSITION], … �Experts point out that/ are convinced that �Mary Smith, head of Institution X, has pointed out that… �In Smith’s view, …

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Using Quotations �According to Dr. X, [POSITION], “_____. ” �Writing in the journal Commentary, X states that “_____. ” �Y agrees when he writes, “_____. ” �Z disagrees when she writes, “____. ”

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Using Examples �Take the case of … �A case in point is… �We need look no further than… �This example demonstrates that/ highlights the need to…

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Going from one side of the argument to the other �On the other hand, …

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Presenting Opposing Arguments �Opponents to Action X typically raise three main objections. They claim that… �One point/argument against. . . �The main/most important disadvantage /drawback of Plan X. . . �Another/An additional disadvantage of. . . �Critics of Plan X charge that it would…

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Presenting the Counter-Argument �X’s argument has several serious flaws. fails to take relevant factors into account. is based on faulty or incomplete evidence. rests on questionable assumptions. �Opponents of Action X fail to realize that… �There is absolutely no evidence to support the claim that… �These objections/ charges/ fears are groundless.

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Presenting Various Sides of an Issue �In discussions of X, one point of controversy has been _______. On the one hand, [Author A] argues [position statement]. On the other hand, [Author B] contends ____. Other [authors] even maintain _____. My own view is _______. �Opponents argue/ have argued that ______. Up to a certain point, this is true. However, they fail to realize that _______. � There is a measure of truth in the arguments against Action X.

GENERAL PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY: Conclusion �The case for Action X is compelling. In view of the arguments presented, it is clear that. . . �The arguments we have presented strongly suggest that. . . / prove that. . .