Appendix 2: Transitional Words and Phrases
The words and phrases in this table can be used to connect ideas in academic writing.
|
Function |
Logical Connectors |
Subordinating Conjunctions |
Coordinating Conjunctions* |
|
To add more information or another example |
moreover in addition besides furthermore also |
|
and |
|
To show contrast |
however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless on the other hand on the contrary |
although even though though while |
but |
|
To show similarity |
likewise similarly |
|
and |
|
To give a result |
therefore thus hence consequently as a result |
|
so |
|
To show a sequence of events |
first (second, third) next then after that finally |
after before as soon as when |
|
|
To show a reason or cause |
for this reason |
because since |
for |
|
To restate an idea |
in other words in short |
|
|
|
To strengthen an idea |
indeed in fact as a matter of fact |
|
|
|
*Note: In academic writing, coordinating conjunctions are generally not used to begin a sentence. Therefore, logical connectors and subordinating conjunctions should be used instead. |
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Punctuation Notes:
For logical connectors: use a semicolon (;) or a period before and a comma after.
There may be a shortage of the rare earth metal indium in the future; however, scientists believe that a replacement will be found.
There may be a shortage of the rare earth metal indium in the future. However, scientists believe that a replacement will be found.
For subordinating conjunctions: if the sentence begins with one, use a comma after the subordinating clause. Otherwise, no punctuation is needed.
Sending astronauts to Mars may not be possible because of the high cost and technical challenges.
Because of the high cost and technical challenges, it may not be possible to send astronauts to Mars.
For coordinating conjunctions: use a comma before the conjunction.
Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, but the event was postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic.
Vocabulary Building:
Throughout this course, you study academic vocabulary from the Kyodai 1110 Database. To build your vocabulary, examine how words from the Kyodai list are used in the model essays. Try to use words from the academic vocabulary list as you write essays.
Stories and the Brain (Chapter 5): 18 words from the Kyodai 1110 list are used in the model essay
crucial (146), culture (36), specify (136), efficacy (259), convey (397), resonance (370), significant (6), phenomenon (42), occur(ence) (173), synchrony (373), disruption (314), correspond (24), demonstrate (19), trigger (143), synthesis (182), reciprocity (438), subsequently (166), tolerance (341)
Single-Use Plastic (Chapter 9): 16 words from the Kyodai 1110 list are used in the model essay
distribution (10), reliable (255), expose (120), furthermore (65), quantity (210), prominent (212), fragment (177), definition (29), potential (12), mitigate (450), significant (6), broaden (91), commitment (176), resolution (84), efficacy (259), analytical (209)
