Signal Words
Transitions, or signal words, may help a reader to locate the main idea of a passage. The main idea is the single, most important point which the writer wishes to convey to the reader.
The following chart shows the different types of transitions with examples, and how these transitions help the reader determine the main idea. Sentences Illustrating Signal (Transition) Words.
Finally, there is a Signal Words Activity with a corresponding Answer Sheet.
Type
of Transition Example What
They Tell the Reader Time-Sequence first, later, next, finally, before, after, now, previously, last, then, when, immediately, formerly, subsequently, meanwhile, presently, initially, ultimately The author is arranging ideas in the order in
which they happened. Example for example, such as, for instance An example will follow. Enumeration and, too, I, II, III..., finally, furthermore, 1, 2, 3..., first, second, third, last, another, next The author is marking each major point (sometimes
to suggest order of importance). Continuation also, in addition, and, further, another The author is continuing with the same idea
and is going to provide additional information. Contrast on the other hand, in contrast, however, but, in spite of, conversely, despite, nevertheless, on the contrary, instead, rather, notwithstanding, though, yet, regardless, although, unlike, even though, whereas The author is switching to a different, opposite,
or contrasting idea than what was previously discussed. Comparison like, likewise, similarly, as, at the same time, as well as, in comparison, both, all, by the same token, furthermore The writer will show how the previous idea is
similar to the one that follows. Cause-Effect because, accordingly, for this reason, hence, resulting, as a result, so, then, thus, therefore, since, consequently The writer will show the connection between
two or more things, how one thing caused another, or how something happened
as a result of something else. Summation thus, in short, to conclude, in brief, in the end, in summary, to reiterate, in conclusion, to sum up, finally, therefore, thus, as already stated The writer will state or restate the main point. "The mind, relaxing into needful sport, should turn to writers of an abler sort, whose wit well managed and whose classic style give truth a lustre, and make wisdom smile."
- Cowper
