Emphasis or Clarification:
These words signal that the author is about to clarify or interpret a certain point. They tell us that the second statement is an expansion of a previous one.
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clearly |
evidently |
in fact |
in other words |
|
of course |
as a matter of fact |
undoubtedly |
truly |
|
obviously |
certainly |
to be sure |
|
Examples:
- I dislike fish sticks. In fact, if fish sticks were being served for dinner, I'd be at Domino's.
- Studies have shown that many students try to pass their courses with D's. Clearly, schools do not hold them to a high enough standard. Undoubtedly, if students are encouraged to work for A's, they may earn higher grades.
Illustration or Example:
These transitions indicate that an author will provide one or more examples to illustrate and clarify a given idea. They tell us that the second idea is an example of the first.
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for example |
to illustrate |
once |
for instance |
specifically |
|
to be specific |
as an illustration |
such as |
including |
|
Examples:
- There are various ways you can save money, such as bringing lunch to work and preparing home–cooked meals versus eating out.
- There are several things you can do to prepare for a test, including reviewing the material, getting plenty of rest, and eating a good meal before going to class.
- My brother Mike will do anything to impress his girlfriend. Once he spent his entire paycheck on a gift for her and did not have enough money to pay his rent.
Location (Spatial Order):
Location transitions show relationships in space. They tell us where something is in relation to something else.
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next to |
inside |
across |
over |
in the middle of |
|
in front of |
outside |
beneath |
under |
on the other side of |
|
above |
on top of |
near |
far |
ahead of |
|
below |
nearby |
within |
between |
at the end of |
|
in back of |
opposite |
behind |
beyond |
|
Examples:
- On top of my son's dresser are collectables from the Star Wars saga.
- Several inexpensive restaurants are near TCC.
- You have to go beyond the city limits to see a crystal–clear sky with all its stars.
Summarize or Conclusion:
These transitions signal that the author is about to summarize or come to a conclusion. They tell us that the idea that follows sums up what has gone before it.
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in summary |
all in all |
to sum up |
to conlude |
|
in other words |
ultimately |
in short |
on the whole |
|
in conclusion |
in brief |
|
|
Examples:
- At the banquet, the candidate for state senator spoke for an hour and a half without interruption. He finally concluded by saying, "In brief, ladies and gentlemen, vote for me."
- After a twenty–minute analysis of my financial situation, my accountant told me, "To sum up, Mr. Mills, you're broke."
Time or Chronological Order:
These transitions indicate a time relationship. They tell us when something happened in relation to something else.
|
first |
next |
as |
while |
often |
|
until |
immediately |
since |
soon |
previously |
|
then |
before |
now |
during |
after |
Examples:
- First, I take notes in class, then I rewrite them at home. Next, I write down any questions I have so I can ask about them the next day.
- During the thunderstorm, a tree fell on my car.
- Before you go, please turn out the lights, then lock the front and back doors.
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