June Language Lab: Transition Words for Fluency
When levelling up your English speaking, writing, and listening skills, you likely grapple with complex grammar, sentence structure, and tough vocabulary, and rightly so. But there is another element to explore on your quest for language proficiency. Fluency is what everyone desires, and that is only obtainable if your language flows like a river. This month’s language lab investigates whether using transition words for fluency works.
A 2012 scientific study suggests as much; however, let’s first unveil the best-known transition words, group them, and see to what extent they help you speak and write fluently like a native speaker.
What Are Transition Words?
You will have guessed from the illustration that transition words link sentences and ideas. Some help to create a contrast, others introduce fresh information, and some oil a text with timings.
Let’s start off with a basic example of the impact of transition words.
I had a toothache. I didn’t go to work.
Because I had a toothache, I didn’t go to work.
I went shopping. I drove home. I cooked dinner.
After I went shopping, I drove home and cooked dinner.
You instantly recognise how crucial using transition words is to developing fluency. Transition words come in meaning/role groups, as you can see below:
Transition Words to Add Information
| Transition Word | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Moreover, | Beginning | Moreover, the results took everyone by surprise. |
| Furthermore, | Beginning | Furthermore, we must discuss the details. |
| In addition, | Beginning | In addition, the team attended a workshop. |
| Additionally, | Beginning | Additionally, the competitor provides better value. |
| Also, | Mid | He also exceeded the targets. |
| Besides, | Beginning | Besides, we can do better. |
Transition Words to Create Contrast
| Transition Word | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| However, | Beginning | However, there is still time to complete the task. |
| On the other hand, | Beginning | On the other hand, we must redouble our efforts. |
| Although, | Beginning | Although the race was tough, she finished it. |
| Despite, | Beginning (+ noun) | Despite initial difficulties, they succeeded. |
| Nevertheless, | Beginning | Nevertheless, we carried on until we reached our destination. |
| Whereas, | Mid | She likes opera, whereas I prefer heavy metal. |
Transition Words to Reveal Cause & Effect
| Transition Word | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Therefore, | Beginning / Mid | Therefore, we must act now. |
| As a result, | Beginning | As a result, sales skyrocketted |
| Consequently, | Beginning | As a result, she received a bonus. |
| Because of, | Beginning (+ noun) | Because of the delay, we missed the flight. |
| Since, | Beginning | Since you are tired, take a break. |
| Thus, | Beginning | Thus, the project was a huge success. |
Transition Words to Give Examples
| Transition Word | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| For example, | Beginning | For example, Italy has beautiful churches. |
| For instance, | Beginning | For instance, many employees are on holidays. |
| Such as, | Mid (+ nouns) | Grains such as spelt are high in fibre. |
| Including, | Mid | Many sports, including surfing, are Olympic events. |
5. Transition Words to Sequence
| Transition Word | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First(ly), | Beginning | First, we need to collect the data. |
| Second(ly), | Beginning | Second, we should analyse it. |
| Finally, | Beginning | Finally, we can draw conclusions. |
| Next, | Beginning | Next, add salt and pepper. |
| Afterwards, | Beginning | Afterwards, we had dessert. |
Transition Words to Summarise
| Transition Word | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| In conclusion, | Beginning | In conclusion, the team exceeded the targets. |
| To sum up, | Beginning | To sum up, the company needs more staff. |
| Overall, | Beginning | Overall, the results are satisfactory. |
| In summary, | Beginning | In summary, we recommend these changes. |
How to Speak and Write Fluently with Transition Words
Now that you have a chart with transition words, you can work on knitting them into your writing and speaking. When writing, have the list by your side and think about the structure of your text. When linking ideas, choose the appropriate transition word, prioritising clarity, logic, and flow. Ask yourself whether you are adding information, contrasting, listing, summarising, giving examples, and so on. Once you have determined your reasoning, you can easily select the appropriate transition.
As you are unlikely to bring a list with you when out and about, use basic transition words like “and”, “but” or “next” first. Memorise the more formal varieties and gradually incorporate them when you are speaking.
You will also become cognisant of how common transition words are among native speakers when reading and listening.
