Types of Transition Words and Phrases in Academic Writing

学术写作中过渡词和短语的分类

May 17, 2022 3 min read Knowledge, Academic

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

过渡的单词和短语（也称为连接词）用于将文本中的不同观点连接在一起。它们通过表达不同句子或句子部分之间的关系来帮助读者理解你的论点。

There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

过渡词有四种主要类型：递进、转折、因果和顺序。在每个类别中，过渡词则分为几个更具体的功能。

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

记住，意思相似的过渡词不一定可以互换。理解你使用的所有过渡词的意思很重要。如果不确定，请查阅字典以找到准确的定义。

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

表示递进的过渡词引入了新的信息或例子。它们可以用于扩展、比较或澄清前面的文本。

Function	Example sentence	Transition words and phrases
Addition	We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted.	indeed furthermore moreover additionally and also both x and y not only x but also y besides x in fact
Introduction	Serveral researchers have previously explored this topic. For instance, Smith (2014) examined the effects of ...	such as like particularly including as an illustration for example for instance in particular to illustrate especially notably
Reference	The solution showed a high degree of absorption. Considering this result, it is reasonable to conclude that ...	considering x regarding x in regard to x as for x concerning x the fact that x on the subject of x
Similarity	It was not possible to establish a correlation between these variables. Similarly, the connection between x and y remains unclear …	similarly in the same way by the same token in like manner equally likewise
Clarification	The patient suffered several side effects, namely increased appetite, decreased libido, and disordered sleep.	that is (to say) namely specifically more precisely in other words

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

表示转折的过渡词总是表示某种对比。它们可以用来介绍与前面文本不一致或相反的信息。

Function	Example sentence	Transition words and phrases
Conflict	The novel does deal with the theme of family. However, its central theme is more broadly political ...	but however although though equally by way of contrast while on the other hand (and) yet whereas in contrast (when) in fact conversely whereas
Concession	Jones (2011) argues that the novel reflects Russian politics of the time. Although this is correct, other aspects of the text must also be considered.	even so nonetheless nevertheless even though on the other hand admittedly despite x notwithstanding x (and) still although in spite of x regardless (of x) (and) yet though granted x
Dismissal	It remains unclear which of these hypotheses is correct. In any case, it can be inferred that ...	regardless either way whatever the case in any/either event in any/either case at any rate all the same
Emphasis	The chemical is generally thought to have corrosive properies. Indeed, several studies have supported this hypothesis.	above all indeed more/most importantly
Replacement	The character of Godfrey is often viewed as selfish, or at least self-absorbed.	(or) at least (or) rather instead or (perhaps) even if not

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

表示因果的过渡词用来描述因果关系。它们可以用来表达目的、结果和条件。

Function	Example sentence	Transition words and phrases
Consequence	Because Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany.	therefore because (of x) as a result (of x) for this reason in view of x as owing to x due to (the fact that) since consequently in consequence as a consequence hence thus so (that) accordingly so much (so) that under the/such circumstances if so
Condition	We qualified survey responses as positive only of the participant selected “agree” or “strongly agree.” Otherwise, results were recorded as negative.	(even/only) if/when on (the) condition that in the case that granted (that) provided/providing that in case in the event that as/so long as unless given that being that inasmuch/insofar as in that case in (all) other cases if so/not
Purpose	We used accurate recording equipment so that our results would be as precise as possible.	to in order to/that for the purpose of in the hope that so that to the end that lest with this in mind so as to so that to ensure (that)

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

表示顺序的过渡词表示一个顺序，无论是事件按时间顺序发生的顺序，还是你在文本中呈现它们的顺序。它们可用于学术论文行文的标志。

Function	Example sentence	Transition words and phrases
Enumeration	This has historically had several consequences: First, the conflict is not given the weight of other conflicts in historical narratives. Second, its causes are inadequately understood. Third, ...	first second third
Initiation	To begin with, I want to consider the role played by women in this period.	in the first place initially first of all to begin with at first
Continuation	Subsequently, I discuss the way in which the country’s various ethnic minorities were affected by the conflict.	subsequently previously eventually next before x afterwards after x then
Conclusion	Finally, I consider these two themes in combination.	to conclude (with) as a final point eventually at last last but not least finally lastly
Resumption	To return to my main argument, it is clear that ...	to return/returning to x to resume at any rate
Summation	Patel (2015) comes to a similar conclusion. In summary, the four studies considered here suggest a consensus that the solution is effective.	as previously stated/mentioned in summary as I have argued overall as has been mentioned to summarize briefly given these points in view of x as has been noted in conclusion in sum altogether in short

Thanks & References

Transition Words & Phrases