Transitional words and

phrases

Paragraph coherence
Contents:

 Transition signals
 Paragraph coherence

 Clarity
 Compound Adjectives
 Write as much as is appropriate
Transition signals
 Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that
act like bridges between parts of your writing.

 Transition signals act like signposts to indicate to the

reader the order and flow of your writing and ideas.

 They strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing.

Using transitions makes it easier for the reader to follow
your ideas.

 They help carry over a thought from one sentence to

another, from one paragraph to another, or from one
idea to another.
Three types of Transition signals

1. Sentence Connectors - transition phrases

- conjunctive adverbs

2. Clause connectors - coordinating conjunctions

- subordinating conjunctions

3. Others
1. Sentence Connectors
(transition phrases & conjunctive adverbs)

Transition phrases:
 Appear in the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
 A coma is needed.

Example:
For example, the Baltic Sea (, for example) in Northern
Europe is only one-fourth as saline as the Rea Sea in the
Middle East (, for example).
Conjunction Adverbs:
 Often used with a semicolon and a comma to join two
independent clauses.

Examples:
In warm climate zones, water evaporates rapidly; therefore,
its net profit declined.

Some English words do not have exact equivalents in other

languages; for example, there is no German word for the
adjective fair, as in fair play.
2. Clause Connectors
Coordinating conjunctions
 Used with a comma to join two independent clauses
and to form a compound sentence.

Examples:
In a matriarchy, the mother is the head of the family, and
all of the children belong to her clan.

In warm climate zones, water evaporates, so the

concentration of salt is greater.
Yet and But:
 Yet and But an opposite idea is coming.
 Yet: preferred when the 2nd clause is an unexpected or
surprising contrast to the 1st clause.
 But: preferred when the 2 clauses are direct oppositions.

 Yet is similar in meaning to “nevertheless”.

 But is similar to “however”.

Examples:
Thomas Edison dropped out of school at age 12, yet he
became a famous inventor.
I want to study art, but my parents want me to become an
engineer.
Subordinating conjunctions
 Used to introduce a dependent clause, which is
joined to form a complex sentence.
 Position: use a comma if the DC comes before the IC;
do not use a comma if the DC comes after the IC.

Examples:
Although the company’s sale increased last year, its
net profit declined.
The company’s net profit declined last year although
its sales increased.
 3. Others
 Indicating transition:
additional (adj.); despite (prep.); examples (n.).

Examples:
An additional reason for the firm’s bankruptcy was the lack of
competent management.
Examples of vocabulary differences between British and
American English include petrol/gasoline, windscreen/windshield,
and lorry/truck.
Despite increased sales, the company’s profit declined last
quarter.
Common Transition Signals
Meaning / function Sentence Clause connectors Others
connectors (adj, verb, prep)
Coordinators Subordinators
To introduce a also and another
similar additional besides nor (and not) an additional
idea furthermore
in addition
moreover
too

To compare things also and as as…as

likewise both…and just as like/alike
similarly not only…but also just like
too neither…nor similar to
be alike
be similar

To introduce an however but although despite

in contrast yet even though in spite of
opposite idea,
instead though compared to/with
and to contrast in/by comparison whereas be different (from)
things nevertheless while be dissimilar
on the other hand be unlike
on the contrary differ (from)
still
Meaning / Sentence Clause connectors Others
function connectors (adj, verb, prep)
Coordinators Subordinators

To introduce an For example such as

example For instance like
In this case an example of
to demonstrate
take the case of

To emphasize In fact

To explain Indeed (really, certainly)

and restate That is

to introduce otherwise or If
an alternative unless
Meaning / Sentence Clause connectors Others
function connectors Coordinators Subordinators
(adj, verb, prep)

To indicate thereafter Immediately

time then before, after
soon during
at that time
at this point prior to
formerly
finally
Previously

To signal first, second, then, after the first, the second

chronological next… as the next, the last, the
order first of all, now, soon as soon as final
last, finally before before lunch
meanwhile since after the war
gradually until since 1990
after that when in the year 2008
since then while (any time expression)
Meaning / Sentence Clause connectors Others
function connectors (adj, verb, prep)
Coordinators Subordinators

To indicate above all a more important

order of first and foremost the most important
important more/most importantly/ the second most
significantly significant
primarily the primary

To introduce consequently for because result from

a cause or therefore since be the result of
reason for this purpose as due to
because of
the effect of
the consequence of
as a result of
as a consequence of
Meaning / Sentence Clause connectors Others
function connectors Coordinators Subordinators (adj, verb, prep)

To Accordingly so result in
introduce As a result cause
an effect or As a consequence have an effect on
result
Consequently affect
Hence, thus the cause of
Therefore the reason for

To conclude All in all It is clear that…

In brief We can see that…
In conclusion The evidence
In short suggests that…
In summary These examples
In deed show that…
accordingly
Sample text:

http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/trans1.html
 Paragraph Coherence

 Coherence: how sentences hold together.

 A coherent paragraph does more than simply lay down the
facts -- it organizes them, creating a logical argument that
makes sense from idea to idea.
 Coherent paragraphs have a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Four ways to achieve coherence:

1. Repeating key nouns / key words

2. Using linking pronouns
3. Using transition signals
4. Applying logical order
Example

 Limited investment in the housing sector makes it practically impossible

to allocate sufficient resources for urban dwellers' housing needs. A high
rate of urban population growth has increased the country's needs for
housing. A small group of city officials has laid out a new plan to combat
the crisis. A solution to the housing-shortage problem is a vital policy
issue here. The housing problem has grown in the last twenty years.

 Limited investment in the housing sector makes it practically impossible

to allocate sufficient resources for urban dwellers' housing needs. In fact,
the problem has grown in the last twenty years. Because a high rate of
urban population growth has increased the country's needs for housing,
a solution to the housing-shortage problem is a vital policy issue here. A
small group of city officials has laid out a new plan to combat the crisis.
Why is this paragraph less coherent?
Repetition of key nouns
(how many key nouns, pronouns are used?)
Use of consistent pronouns:
Avoid change of person or change of number.
(why is it inconsistent?)
Transition signals
Which paragraph is easier to understand?
 Clarity

 Make sure every pronoun has a clear antecedent.

Examples:
Norden picked up the wrench, removed the nut,
and handed it to Robert.

Complaining angrily, John wrote it up and sent it to the

newspaper. (what is it?)
Avoid the use of the indefinite it and they.

In the college handbook, it lists the holidays we get in the

winter quarter.

At DuPont, they provide very reasonable health insurance.

 Eliminate the vague it, they, is when, and
is where.
1. In Oregon, they have passed a law which encourages the
recycling of waste materials.

2. In the instruction manual, it explains how to operate an

chewing machine.

3. Inflation is when the dollar is worth less than previously.

4. At the Farmers’ Auction Block is where they have many

buyers of truck crops.
practice
1. I went with Brad to Phil’s place because he wanted
company.

2. Peter spoke to the assistant, and he was very rude.

3. The division manger always favored Sam. This

angered the other employees.

4. John showed the news reporter how to take good

pictures, and his pictures turned out beautifully.
5. Gail hired the waitress, which was a wise move
on her part.

6. After the electrician installed new switches in the motors,

some of them did not work.

7. Plant three-food azalea in front of the seven-food

rhododendrons to make them stand out.

8. As the ferry boat approaches the tugboat, it blows a

warning.
Compound Adjectives
 A single adjective made up of two or more words is called
a "compound adjective".

 The words in a compound adjective are linked together by

a hyphen (or hyphens) to show that they are part of the
same adjective.

 A compound adjective is a modifier of a noun. Compound

adjectives do not always have hyphens.

 They are hyphenated to avoid confusion.

 Types of hyphenated compound adjectives

1. Adjective + Noun (including comparatives and superlatives)

A red-light district. A full-time employee. A high-level requirement.

A large-scale development. A shorter-term solution
2. Numeric+ Noun (Singular)

A seven-year itch. A ten-storey building. A five-minute walk

3. Noun + Noun
(Adjectival phrases are often hyphenated to avoid confusion with nouns.)

A parent-teacher conference. Some food-web dependencies.

A crude-oil processing. An ice-cream shop
B、
1. Adjective + Adjective

A dark-green dress.
A bitter-sweet memory.
2. Noun + Adjective

A water-proof jacket.
A nation-wide campaign.
A duty-free shop.
A world-famous player.
C、

1. Adjective + Participle
2. Adverb + Participle
3. Noun + Participle
4. Numeric + Past Participle
5. Past Participle + Adverb
6. Past Participle + Preposition
1. Adjective + Participle
(including comparatives and superlatives)
An ugly-looking goose = A goose which looks ugly.
A snow-covered mountain = A mountain which is covered with snow.
An eye-catching girl = A girl who catches people’s eyes.

2. Adverb + Participle
A never-ending story = A story which never ends.
A well-paid salary.
A well-respected teacher
3. Noun + Participle
An adventure-packed quest = A quest which is packed with adventures.
A home-made cookie.= The cookie was made at home.
A heart-broken story.
A fun-loving person.

4. Numeric + Past Participle

A one-eyed bear.
A two-sided story

5. Past Participle + Adverb

A laid-off worker = A work who is laid off.
A scaled-down operation.

6. Past Participle + Preposition

An agreed-upon solution.
We should not place a hyphen in a compound adjective if
the adjectives are capitalized, such as when they are part
of a title.

•His book was entitled, "Gender Neutral Language in

English Usage," and it revolutionized the way people think
about sex roles.

•However: His book on gender-neutral language

revolutionized the way people think about sex roles.
practice
1.This is a dress which was made by hand.
This is a _________ dress.
2. It is a walk which takes just 7 minutes.
It is just a ___________ walk.
3. I like the house which was painted brown.
I like the ___________ house.
4. Can you see the star which is shining brightly?
Can you see the _____________ star.
5. This is a cake which is made carefully.
This is a ____________ cake.
Too Many Passive Sentences

 Because passive sentence are usually longer and harder

to read, using too many can make your writing slow and
uninteresting.
 Active sentences, on the other hand, are generally clearer,
more direct, and seem stronger.

 However, this does not mean you should stop using

passive sentences. Use passive sentences only when you
want to emphasize something important.
Suggestions about when to use passive
sentences:

1. When the action is more important than the doer:

The theater was opened last month.

New students are invited to meet the dean in Room 126.

2. When the receiver of the action is more important than the

doer:

Everyone was given a key to the gym.

The letters were faxed this morning.
3. When the result of the action is more important than the
doer:
Our advice was followed by our clients.
The new computers were installed by the system staff.

4. When you don’t know the doer, don’t care, or don’t want
your reader to know:
A mistake was made, and all the scholarship application
files. This report was written at the last minute.

5. When you want to sound objective:

The pigeons were observed over a period of three weeks.
The subjects were divided into three groups.
Sentences that are too long or too short
(I). Too many long sentences:
The following sentence may be confusing to read because
of its length:

 My favorite place to visit is my grandparents’ house near

the lake where we love to fish and swim, and we often
take the boat out on the lake.

(Breaking the sentence into two can make your writing clearer and more
interesting.)
 My favorite place to visit is my grandparents’ house near
the lake. We love to fish and swim there, and we often
take the boat out on the lake.
(II). Sentences that are too short:
Too many short sentences often makes the writing sound
choppy:

 I knew my friends would throw me a party. It was for

my birthday. There was something in the air. I felt it
for a whole week before that. I was nervous. I was
also very excited. I got home that night. My friends
didn’t disappoint me. I walked in my house. All my
friends yelled, “surprise!”

To improve the above paragraph, you should join some

of the short sentences using connectors.
 Because it was my birthday, I knew my friends would
through me a party. There was something in the air
for a whole week before that. I was nervous but
excited when I got home that night. I wasn’t
disappointed. When I walked in my house, all my
friends yelled, “Surprise!”

A good style often involves the combination of both short

and long sentences.
 Write As Much As Is Appropriate

“Rhe professional writer writes in plastic; the amateur writer

writes in concrete.”

this means that the professional works his sentences

over and over, knowing that the first version is seldom
the best.
One of the most common errors is using
unnecessary words.

What is the obvious problem of the following sentence?

“Many uneducated citizens who have never attended

school continue to vote for better schools.”
Other examples
Each and every employee will report in writing and complete
and turn in form number 402 by August 31 not later.

The employers cooperated together and endorsed a

confirmation of the important essentials of the concurring
agreement.
Meaningless and Ineffective Usages
List of words/phrases that be made simpler:

12 midnight midnight
3 am in the morning 3 am
a person who is honest an honest person
a total of 14 birds 14 birds
circle around circle
close proximity proximity
end result result
exactly the same the same
Important and basic essential
in spite of the fact that although

in the field of economics in economics

shorter/longer in length shorter/longer

small/large in size small/large
blue in color blue
square/round/rectangular in shape square/round/rectangular
summarize briefly summarize
surrounded on all sides surrounded
surrounding circumstances circumstances
there is no doubt but that no doubt
the future to come the future
and also and or also
basically, essentially, (try to avoid these words)
totally
Due to the fact that due to, because
each every each or every
equally as (O) equally important
(O) as important as
(X) equally as important
Firstly, secondly, thirdly first, second, third
kind of or sort of somewhat, rather, slightly
lots or lots of many or much
plus and or moreover
a considerable amount of much
The reason why is because The reason is / because
on account of because
a number of several
referred to as called
In a number of cases some
has the capacity to can
It is clear that clearly
obviously apparent apparently
It is apparent that apparently
employ use
fabricate make
mix together mix
combine together combine
connect together connect
for the purpose of for….
to….
noticeable to the eye noticeable
Visible to the eye visible
Audible to the ear audible
Alone all by himself alone
during the winter months during winter
In the month of May In May
In the city of Detroit In Detroit
Past experience experience
Past history history
In the final analysis finally
Final conclusion conclusion
Whole entire entire
Might possible might
Here in this place here
Different variations variations
In this day and age today
Retrieve back retrieve
Return back return
Repeat again Repeat
Prior to the time that before
practice
1. The clerk reviewed the statement for the purpose of
checking for errors.
2. All the students must know the absolutely basic
fundamentals of grammar.
3. The politician tried to make his influence felt among the
citizens.
4. The bank teller asked the customer to endorse the check
on the back.
5. The governor’s assistant gave a speech on the subject
of the resources of Texas.
6. The patient was to take his medicine at regular intervals
of time.
Plague Words and Phrases
1. “All things considered”:
All things considered, Connecticut's woodlands are in better
shape now than ever before.
Connecticut's woodlands are in better shape now than
ever before.

2. “As a matter of fact”:

As a matter of fact, there are more woodlands in Connecticut
now than there were in 1898.
There are more woodlands in Connecticut now than
there were in 1898.

3. “At the present time”:

This is because there are fewer farmers at the present time.
This is because there are fewer farmers now.
4. “Because of the fact that”:
Woodlands have grown in area because of the fact that farmers
have abandoned their fields.
Woodlands have grown in area because farmers have
abandoned their fields.

5. “Exists”:
The fear that exists among many people that we are losing our
woodlands is uncalled for.
The fear among many people that we are losing our woodlands
is uncalled for.

6. “For the most part”:

For the most part, people's suspicions are based on a
misunderstanding of the facts.
People's suspicions are based on a misunderstanding of the
facts.
7. “In my opinion”:
In my opinion, this wasteful policy ought to be revoked.
This wasteful policy ought to be revoked.

8. “In the case of”:

In the case of this particular policy, citizens of northeast Connecticut
became very upset.
Citizens of northeast Connecticut became very upset about his
policy.

9. “In the final analysis”:

In the final analysis, the state would have been better off without
such a policy.
The state would have been better off without such a policy.

10. “In the process of”:

Legislators are already in the process of reviewing the statutes.
Legislators are already reviewing the statutes.
11. “It seems that”:
It seems that they can't wait to get rid of this one.
They can't wait to get rid of this one.

12. “The point I am trying to make”:

The point I am trying to make is that sometimes public policy
doesn't accomplish what it set out to achieve.
Sometimes public policy doesn't accomplish what it set
out to achieve.

13. “Type of”:

Legislators need to be more careful of the type of policy they
propose.
Legislators need to be more careful of the policy they
propose.
Web links
 http://www.englishpage.com/prepositions/phrasaldictiona
ry.html (Phrasal Verb Dictionary)
 http://valenciaenglish.netfirms.com/phrasals00.htm
(Phrasal verb introduction)
 http://www.englishdaily626.com/c-mistakes.php
(common mistakes)
 http://www.cybertranslator.idv.tw/grammar/phrasalverbs.
htm (common Phrasal Verbs )
 http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
http://www.chineseowl.idv.tw/html/c_new.htm
(The Chinese online writing lab – 柯泰德 Ted Knoy)
 http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/tsw/esl-link.htm
(Common writing problems)
Links to exercises and practice
 http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.
asp?id=1792

 http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.
asp?id=5348

 http://www.englishdaily626.com/sentence_connectors.ph
p?005

 http://www.englishgrammar.org/sentence-connectors-
exercise-2/