Lecture 08 TRANSITIONAL DEVICES

Transition words (also called 'conjunctive adverbs', referents, and cohesive devices)
act partly as conjunctions (joining one clause or sentence to another) and partly as adverbs in
an adjunctive sense. They are words like 'and', 'but, so' and 'because". They show readers the
relationship between phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs. When we use them, they make
it easier for our readers to understand how our thoughts and ideas are connected. Following
are some of the transition words in English:

However Furthermore Moreover Otherwise

Nevertheless Therefore Meanwhile Similarly

Consequently indeed accordingly albeit

Function of Transition Devices

A transition is a connection between two parts of a piece of writing, contributing to

cohesion. They help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another,
or from one paragraph to another. Finally, transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs
together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

They strengthen writing by improving flow and clarifying the relationships between
ideas, sentences, and paragraphs.

Transitions act as bridges that string together the ideas conveyed in a document by
establishing a connection between sentences and paragraphs. In simple words, transitional
words and phrases enable a reader to move from one idea to the next idea.

Types of Transition Devices

The following list, categorized by type of relationship, provides examples of some

common and useful transitional words and phrases.

i. Cause and effect: consequently, therefore, accordingly, as a result, because,

for this reason, hence, thus

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Muhammad Irfan Sabir (Lecturer in English)
 ii. Sequence: furthermore, in addition, moreover, first, second, third, finally,
again, also, and, besides, further, in the first place, last, likewise, next, then, too

iii. Comparison or contrast: similarly, also, in the same way, likewise,

although, at the same time, but, conversely, even so, however, in contrast,
nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, otherwise, still, yet

iv. Example: for example, for instance, in fact, indeed, of course, specifically,
that is, to illustrate

v. Purpose: for this purpose, for this reason, to this end, with this object.

vi. Time or location: nearby, above, adjacent to, below, beyond, farther on,
here, opposite to, there, to the south, before, after, later, afterward, immediately, in
the meantime, meanwhile, now, since, soon, then, while

Characteristics

Transition words are also characterized by:

Usually being separated off by commas

Having various positions in sentences

Being able to stand in separate sentences or combined (multiple') sentences.

We see all these features below.

Separate Sentences Combined Sentences

They were late. However, we did not mind They were late; however, we did not mind.

They were late. We, however, did not mind. They were late; we, however, did not mind

They were late. We did not, however, mind. They were late; we did not, however, mind.

They were late. We did not mind, however. They were late; we did not mind, however.

Examples

The following text illustrates the use and possible positions of however.
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Muhammad Irfan Sabir (Lecturer in English)
She had never forgotten that, if you drink much from a bottle marked 'poison', it is almost
certain to disagree with you sooner or later. However, this bottle was not marked 'poison'.
First, however, she waited for a few minutes.

(Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.)

I am not sure, however, that Jane is right in taking him out of his position.

(Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance.)

He hasn't got that far yet, and I doubt that he ever will. At least he's trying, however.

(Daniel C Dennett, Darwin's Dangerous Idea.)

With a book he was regardless of time; and on the present occasion he had a good deal
of curiosity as to the event of an evening which had raised such splendid expectations. He
had rather hoped that his wife’s views on the stranger would be disappointed, but he soon
found out that he had a different story to hear.

Oh! My dear Mr. Bennet,” as she entered the room, “we have had a most delightful
evening, a most excellent ball. I wish you had been there. Jane was so admired, nothing
could be like it. Everybody said how well she looked, and Mr. Bingley thought her quite
beautiful, and danced with her twice!”

(Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)

What works for, however, works also for the other transition words.

Uses of Transitional Devices:

Transitional words can be used in several instances:

1. To start paragraphs- They can be used to begin essays or paragraphs.

2. To add something- Writers can easily add their points using transitional phrases.

3. To compare two different things- In research papers, through transitional words, the
researchers can compare different versions and come up with the main points.

4. To prove something or support- Researchers can support their points in a research paper

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Muhammad Irfan Sabir (Lecturer in English)
5. To indicate exemption: They can indicate exceptions.

6. To show time frame

7. To repeat a point earlier said

8. To emphasize some points

9. To indicate sequence or flow

10. To state examples

11. To conclude essays, paragraphs, composition, etc.

Final Thought:

In a nutshell, transitional devices are essential tools in creating coherent and well-
organized discourse. They provide a link between different ideas, sentences, and paragraphs,
guiding the reader or listener through the logical development and progression of the
argument. Furthermore, their apt usage makes the communication clear, concise, and
understandable.

Synopsis/ Summary

Transition devices are words that join different parts of a sentence or sentences and ideas. A
transition is a connection between two parts of a piece of writing, contributing to cohesion.
They help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from
one paragraph to another. In simple words, transitional words and phrases enable a reader to
move from one idea to the next idea. They show cause and effect, sequencing, compare and
contrast, examples, purpose, time and location, and so on. This sentence is an example of a
transition device: They were late; however, we did not mind. Transition devices are used
to start paragraphs, add something, compare two different things, prove something or support
something, indicate exemption, show a time frame, repeat a point earlier said, emphasize
some points, indicate sequence or flow, state examples, conclude essays, paragraphs,
composition, etc.

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Muhammad Irfan Sabir (Lecturer in English)