Meeting XIII

Transitional Words
and Phrases
Understanding of transitional words
and phrases
There are some certain ways how to tell a
story; most of which start from beginning to
end in the order in which things happened.
Telling a story in the order in which things
happened can be done by the use of
transitional words and phrases; linking
words or phrases which signal a shift from
one idea to the next.
For example, read this following story!

Yesterday Jason went walking. He does not

walk in the mornings. The sun was shining and he felt
like some exercise. He saw lots of different animals
such as birds, squirrels, butterflies, and rabbits. He
decided to walk further than usual to see how many
more he could spot. He reached the pathway which
would take me home. He was enjoying myself so
much I decided to carry on. The weather was still
warm, although the clouds were beginning to gather.
He was quite far from home when the rain came
down. It was only a gentle shower, but it soon started
falling more heavily. By the time he got home he was
wet through and quite cold.
 Now read this one:
Yesterday Jason went walking. Generally He
does not walk in the mornings. However, today the
sun was shining and he felt like some exercise.
During his walk, he saw lots of different animals such
as birds, squirrels, butterflies, and rabbits. As a result,
he decided to walk further than usual to see how
many more he could spot. Finally, he reached the
pathway which would take him home. However, he
was enjoying himself so much he decided to carry on.
Besides, the weather was still warm, although the
clouds were beginning to gather. As a result, he was
quite far from home when the rain came down. To
begin with, It was only a gentle shower, but it soon
started falling more heavily. Consequently, By the
time he got home he was wet through and quite cold.
 Kinds of Transitional Words:
The words in bold and italics are called transitional
words and phrases. They help to link the ideas or
sentences and make it sound better rather than
the one without.
Some kinds of transitional words and phrases.
1. Adding information and agree with the previous one.
also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in
addition, likewise, moreover, similarly.
For example, In the past, grandparents, parents, and children used
to live together. In addition, sometimes brothers with their
families were part of this extended family.
2. Diversion.
by the way, incidentally.
For example, he stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found
only on this hill.
 Kinds of Transitional Words:
3. Showing result or consequence.
accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this
purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus,
thereupon, wherefore, because, since, etc.
For example, Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an
accident that morning.
4. Contrast and Comparison
contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one
hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but,
however, still, nevertheless, in contrast, etc.
For example, the children were very happy. On the other hand, and
perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in
providing good care.
5. Exception
aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive
of, other than, outside of, etc.
For example, consensus was arrived at by all of the members
exclusive of those who could not vote.
 Kinds of transitional words
6. Giving illustration
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated
with, as an example, in this case, to illustrate, such as, etc.
For example, the chapter provided complex sequences and
examples illustrated with a very simple schematic diagram.
7. Sequence
first of all, the second, to begin with, in the first place, at the same
time, for now, for the time being, the next step, later on,
meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier,
simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind,
For example, The music had a very retro sound but at the same
time incorporated a complex modern rhythm.
8. Generalizing
as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking,
ordinarily, usually
For example, there were a few very talented artists in the class, but
for the most part the students only wanted to avoid the alternative
course.
 Kinds of transitional words:
9. Direction:
here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above,
to the left, to the right, in the distance, etc.
For example, she scanned the horizon for any sign though in the
distance she could not see the surprise coming her way.
10. Emphasis
above all, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly, etc.
For example, the Quakers gathered each month with attention to
deciding the business of their Meeting.
11. Exemplifying:
especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely,
particularly, including, specifically, such as, etc.
12. Summarizing:
after all, briefly, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on
the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, on
balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally.
For example, she didn't seem willing to sell the car this week, but in
any case I don't get paid until the end of the month.
 Exercise:
Read and find out if there are any transitional
words or phrases through the following story.

THE OLD MAN AND HIS GRANDSON

There was once a very old man, whose eyes
had become dim, his ears dull of hearing,
his knees trembled, and when he sat at
table he could hardly hold the spoon, and
spilt the broth upon the table-cloth or let it
run out of his mouth.
 THE OLD MAN AND HIS GRANDSON

His son and his son's wife were disgusted at this,

so the old grandfather at last had to sit in the
corner behind the stove, and they gave him his
food in an earthenware bowl, and not even enough
of it. And he used to look towards the table with his
eyes full of tears. Once, too, his trembling hands
could not hold the bowl, and it fell to the ground
and broke. The young wife scolded him, but he
said nothing and only sighed. Then they brought
him a wooden bowl for a few half-pence, out of
which he had to eat.
 THE OLD MAN AND HIS GRANDSON

They were once sitting thus when the little

grandson of four years old began to gather
together some bits of wood upon the ground.
'What are you doing there? asked the father. 'I am
making a little trough,' answered the child, 'for
father and mother to eat out of when I am big.'
The man and his wife looked at each other for a
while, and presently began to cry. Then they took
the old grandfather to the table, and henceforth
always let him eat with them, and likewise said
nothing if he did spill a little of anything.
 Exercise
Read each statement, paying special attention to the
boldfaced word or phrase. Choose the best answer.

1. Every year Wes asks for a chocolate cake for his

birthday. However, this year...
a. theres more detail to come
b. an opposite idea is coming
c. these ideas are in order

2. Mrs. Washington assigned the class a report. You are to

include at least three different kinds of sources, she
instructed. In addition, you must...
a. theres more detail to come
b. an opposite idea is coming
c. these ideas are in order
 Read each statement, paying special attention to the
boldfaced word or phrase. Choose the best answer.

3. Dr. Taylor was silent as he examined my overweight cat.

Then he looked at me and said, Although he appears
healthy now, this guys weight...
a. theres more detail to come
b. an opposite idea is coming
c. these ideas are in order

4. Merideth was obviously excited. She went right to the

computer to e-mail Sally. Earlier she had heard the
news. Now, she couldnt wait...
a. theres more detail to come
b. an opposite idea is coming
c. these ideas are in order
 Read each statement, paying special attention to the
boldfaced word or phrase. Choose the best answer.
5. You probably imagine bears as slow, lumbering creatures. In
contrast, bears can move very quickly for short distances.
a. theres more detail to come
b. an opposite idea is coming
c. these ideas are in order

6. Tom and Mike had been playing ball in the house against Moms
rules and broke a vase. They knew they were in trouble and
furthermore...
a. theres more detail to come
b. an opposite idea is coming
c. these ideas are in order

7. Clay was down in the dumps. Art asked him why. For one thing, I
missed getting an A in math by two points. Next, ...
a. theres more detail to come
b. an opposite idea is coming
c. these ideas are in order
 Glossary Words

Shift (n) : a change in position or direction.

Broth (n) : thick soup made by boiling meat
or fish and vegetables in water.
Earthenware (adj) : made of very hard baked clay.
Trough (n) : long narrow open container for
animals to eat or drink from.