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

2. Clause connectors

3. Others

- transition phrases

- conjunctive adverbs

- coordinating conjunctions

- subordinating conjunctions

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.

Coordinating conjunctions:

Used with a comma to join two independent clauses

and to form a compound sentence.

2. Clause Connectors

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 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”.

Yet and But:

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.

Indicating transition:

additional (adj.); despite (prep.); examples (n.).

3. Others

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

connectors

Clause connectors Others

(adj, verb, prep)Coordinators Subordinators

To introduce a

similar additional

idea

also

besides

furthermore

in addition

moreover

too

and

nor (and not)

another

an additional

To compare things also

likewise

similarly

too

and

both…and

not only…but also

neither…nor

as

just as

as…as

like/alike

just like

similar to

be alike

be similar

To introduce an

opposite idea,

and to contrast

things

however

in contrast

instead

in/by comparison

nevertheless

on the other hand

on the contrary

still

but

yet

although

even though

though

whereas

while

despite

in spite of

compared to/with

be different (from)

be dissimilar

be unlike

differ (from)

Meaning /

function

Sentence

connectors

Clause connectors Others

(adj, verb, prep)

Coordinators Subordinators

To introduce an

example

For example

For instance

In this case

such as

like

an example of

to demonstrate

take the case of

To emphasize In fact

To explain

and restate

Indeed (really, certainly)

That is

to introduce

an alternative

otherwise or If

unless

Meaning /

function

Sentence

connectors

Clause connectors Others

(adj, verb, prep)Coordinators Subordinators

To indicate

time

thereafter

then

soon

at that time

at this point

Immediately

before, after

during

prior to

formerly

finally

Previously

To signal

chronological

order

first, second, then,

next…

first of all, now, soon

last, finally

meanwhile

gradually

after that

since then

after

as

as soon as

before

since

until

when

while

the first, the second

the next, the last, the

final

before lunch

after the war

since 1990

in the year 2008

(any time expression)

Meaning /

function

Sentence

connectors

Clause connectors Others

(adj, verb, prep)Coordinators Subordinators

To indicate

order of

important

above all

first and foremost

more/most importantly/

significantly

primarily

a more important

the most important

the second most

significant

the primary

To introduce

a cause or

reason

consequently

therefore

for this purpose

for because

since

as

result from

be the result of

due to

because of

the effect of

the consequence of

as a result of

as a consequence of

Meaning /

function

Sentence

connectors

Clause connectors Others

(adj, verb, prep)Coordinators Subordinators

To

introduce

an effect or

result

Accordingly

As a result

As a consequence

Consequently

Hence, thus

Therefore

so result in

cause

have an effect on

affect

the cause of

the reason for

To conclude All in all

In brief

In conclusion

In short

In summary

In deed

accordingly

It is clear that…

We can see that…

The evidence

suggests that…

These examples

show that…

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.

1. Repeating key nouns / key words

2. Using linking pronouns

3. Using transition signals

4. Applying logical order

Four ways to achieve coherence:

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.

weak

improved

Although related by topic (housing shortage), each sentence makes its own separate point with no link to the sentences before or after. The result is a group of related yet separate ideas instead of one coherent paragraph.

Each separate fact now flows into the next, creating a coherent whole.

Why is this paragraph less coherent?

(how many key nouns, pronouns are used?)

Repetition of key nouns

Use of consistent pronouns:Avoid change of person or change of number.

(why is it inconsistent?)

Transition signalsWhich 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?)

Norden picked up the wrench, removed the nut, and handed the tool to Robert.

Angrily, John wrote up his complaint and sent it to the newspaper.

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.

The college handbook lists the holidays we get in the winter quarter.

DuPont provides 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.

Oregon has passed a law which …

The instruction manual explains how to operate…

Inflation occurs when the dollar is ....

Many buyers of truck crops are at the Farmers’ Action Block.

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.

Because Brad wanted company, I went with him to Phil’s

place.

Peter spoke very rudely to the assistant.

This action angered…

the reporter’s pictures

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.

Gail’s hiring of the waitress was a wise move on her part.

Gail hired the waitress. This move was wise on her part.

some of the switches did not work.

the rhododendrons (or the azaleas) stand out.

The ferry boat blows a warning as it approaches the tugboat.

Compound Adjectives

複合形容詞

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

A:

1. Adjective + Noun (including comparatives and superlatives)

2. Numeric+ Noun (Singular)

3. Noun + Noun

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

A red-light district. A full-time employee. A high-level requirement.A large-scale development. A shorter-term solution

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

A parent-teacher conference. Some food-web dependencies.A crude-oil processing. An ice-cream shop

B:

1. Adjective + Adjective

2. Noun + Adjective

A dark-green dress.

A bitter-sweet memory.

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)

2. Adverb + Participle

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.

A never-ending story = A story which never ends.A well-paid salary.A well-respected teacher

3. Noun + Participle

4. Numeric + Past Participle

5. Past Participle + Adverb

6. Past Participle + Preposition

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.

A one-eyed bear.

A two-sided story

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

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 languagerevolutionized 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.

brown-painted

carefully-made

seven-minute

hand-made

brightly-shining

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:

(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.

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.

(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

“The 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.

The employers cooperated and endorsed the essentials

of the agreement.

Each employee will complete and turn in form 402 by

August 31. (10 words saved)

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

List of words/phrases that be made simpler:

Meaningless and Ineffective Usages

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,

totally

(try to avoid these words)

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

practice1. 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.

influence

a speech on

fundamentals

checking

endorse the check

regularly

Only →注意這個字在句子中的位置。

當你要表達"He kicked that ball only ten

yards." 的意思時，切勿寫成"He only

kicked that ball ten yards."

Plague Words and Phrases

1. “All things considered”:

All things considered, 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.

3. “At the present time”:

This is because there are fewer farmers at the present time.

Connecticut's woodlands are in better shape now than ever

before.

There are more woodlands in Connecticut now than

there were in 1898.

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.

5. “Exists”:

The fear that exists 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.

Woodlands have grown in area because farmers have

abandoned their fields.

The fear among many people that we are losing our woodlands

is uncalled for.

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.

8. “In the case of”:

In the case of this particular policy, citizens of northeast Connecticut

became very upset.

9. “In the final analysis”:

In the final analysis, 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.

This wasteful policy ought to be revoked.

Citizens of northeast Connecticut became very upset about his

policy.

The state would have been better off without such a policy.

Legislators are already reviewing the statutes.

11. “It seems that”:

It seems that 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.

13. “Type of”:

Legislators need to be more careful of the type of policy they propose.

They can't wait to get rid of this one.

Sometimes public policy doesn't accomplish what it set

out to achieve.

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/ (普渡大學寫作中心)

http://www.chineseowl.idv.tw/html/c_new.htm

(The Chinese online writing lab –柯泰德 Ted Knoy)

http://blog.udn.com/trjason

(廖柏森英語與翻譯教學 )

http://www.cybertranslator.idv.tw/grammar/grammar.htm

(文法寫作指南)

http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/tsw/esl-link.htm(Common writing problems)