TIME
EXAMPLES
These words indicate an association between ideas,
theories or concepts that are time dependent.
These words are used to introduce examples and
illustrations in your writing.
Again, already, at first, at length, at that time,
briefly, concurrently, during this time, earlier,
eventually, finally, firstly (secondly, etc),
formerly, gradually, immediately, in future, in
the meantime, in the past, lastly, lately,
meanwhile, next, never, once, presently,
recently, shortly, simultaneously, so far,
sometimes, soon, subsequently, suddenly, then,
thereafter, until then, until now, ultimately led
to.
By way of illustration, for example, for instance,
namely. Specifically, such as, that is, to
illustrate, to demonstrate, thus.
Example:
Stem cell transplant research occurred as a result of
developments on many fronts. Biological research led
to a greater understanding of how cells grow into a
variety of other cells. At the same time, medical
research into transplant therapy examined the
viability of neutral cell transplants.
SUMMARY
These words summarise ideas, concepts or theories.
Example:
Active relaxation techniques involve physical
exercises that are designed to reduce muscular
tension. For example, one technique involves
contracting muscle groups and then relaxing them.
To illustrate, make a fist and then relax it; repeat this
process three more times. Then move on to the arm,
shoulders, neck and back. This will lead to an overall
reduction in muscular tension and a greater feeling of
relaxation and therefore lower stress levels.
ORDER OF IMPORTANCE
These words are used to rate information in an
importance hierarchy.
Least, least important, more importantly, most
important.
Altogether, finally, in brief, in conclusion, in
other words, in summary, on the whole, that is,
to summarise, to conclude, to finish this
discussion.
Example:
Example:
Based on an original brochure by Paul Fenton
(“TRANSITION WORDS AND PHRASES USED
IN ACADEMIC WRITING” 2002)
Student Learning Centre
Massey University, Auckland
Updated Ken Cage 2004
To summarise, this essay has shown that treatment of
depression should involve a combination of therapies.
PARAGRAPHS:
TRANSITION
WORDS AND
PHRASES
While there are many ways to relieve stress, most
importantly, it must be sustainable by the patient.
HELPING YOU GET THE MOST
OUT OF YOUR TIME AT
UNIVERSITY
CONTRAST
INTRODUCTION
This brochure is a quick reference guide that details
the transition words used to give coherence to
paragraphs in academic writing and to move from
paragraph to the next. (See brochure: WRITING A
PARAGRAPH).
You must use transition words within paragraphs and
especially between paragraphs, to preserve the logical
flow of your essay.
Transition is not limited to phrases like “as a result,
in addition, while … since … etc.” but includes
repeating key words and progressing the idea.
Transition provides the intellectual architecture to
argument building.
The transition words listed in this brochure are
designed to lead readers forward, introduce
contrasting ideas, introduce examples, etc.
Each section will include an example of how the
words can be used.
ADDITION
These words are used to add information to other
ideas, concepts and items on a list.
Additionally, again, also, and then, as well, by
the way, besides, equally important, finally, first
(second, etc), furthermore, in addition,
incidentally, lastly, likewise, moreover, next,
similarly, what is more.
Example:
There are many ways to treat patients suffering from
depression. First, there are pharmacological treatments. Second, there are psychological treatments
that seek to ameliorate the effects of depression.
Finally, in the most severe cases, Electroconvulsive
Therapy (ECT) may be used.
These words are used to introduce contrasting or
opposing ideas, concepts or theories.
Actually, after all, all the same, alternately,
although, at any rate, at the same time, but, by
contrast, conversely, despite, even, for all that,
however, in contrast, in reality, in spite of this,
instead, meanwhile, nevertheless, nonetheless,
notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other
hand, regardless, so, still, that being said,
though, unfortunately, whereas, yet.
Example:
Accordingly, as a consequence, as a result,
because of this, consequently, ergo, hence, so,
subsequently, the result of this, therefore, thus.
Example:
Stress can lead to an increase in muscular tension.
Therefore, stress reduction involves opposing this
state of tension; namely by using relaxation
techniques.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be used to
treat depression. However, there are many difficulties
with this method such as short-term memory loss and
the trauma associated with the treatment itself.
That being said, there are benefits of ECT in
severe cases, although more research is required.
SIMILARITIES
These words are used to introduce ideas, theories and
concepts that are similar to each other.
Also, comparably, in like manner, in the same
way, likewise, resembling, similarly.
Example:
Stress levels can be reduced by relaxation techniques,
which operate on the principle that one cannot be
tense and relaxed at the same time. In the same way,
exercise has a similar effect on stress levels.
LOGICAL REASONING
These words are used to indicate where your ideas
are going and the logical relationship between
concepts, theories and facts.
These words are used to indicate the relationship
between and action and the result of that action.
Accordingly, after all, as a result, by this means,
consequently, for this reason, hence, in many
cases, in this way, naturally, of course, since, then,
therefore, thus, with this end, with this in mind.
Example:
Stress can cause an increase in muscular tension,
especially in the muscles around the shoulders and
neck. As a result, an individual may experience
headaches.
A POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP
These words highlight possible associations between
ideas, theories or concepts.
Appears, could implies, indicates, likely, seems,
suggests, suggests a relationship between.
Example:
Because stem cell research is a complex issue, it is
likely that alternative cell sources will be found.