INTRODUCTORY WORDS
Introductory words go by various names: transitions or sentence modifiers or introductory adverbial words/phrases. These words serve many purposes, including:
–to pay interest on the prize
–to provide useful information
–to lead the reader, logically, from one point to the next.
These connecting words are usually used at the beginning of the sentence and are followed by a comma.
TO CONTRAST
Here are some words and phrases you can use to contrast ideas:
– according to
– apparently
– as it is shown in
– on the contrary
– On the contrary
– however
– However
– In theory
– Nevertheless
– on the one hand
– otherwise
– rather
TO CONNECT IDEAS
To give consistency to the ideas, you can use these words and phrases. When you need to relate one thought to the next, they provide a well-structured flow.
– especially
– anyway
– in the best case
– at least
– due
– for example
– for example
– in a broader sense
– in all fairness
– in reality
– naturally
– To that end
TO ADD IDEAS
Often when you’re trying to strengthen your point, you’ll want to add ideas. These transitions will help you do just that.
– Additionally
– what’s more
– Finally
– plus
– what’s more
– last of all
– it’s more
-next
– of course
– second
– to all that
– And what is more
TO POINT SIMILARITIES/DIFFERENCES
When developing an argument or working to persuade, the effective writer will use words/phrases like these to strengthen their point of view.
– compared
– in a similar sense
you only have
-I like
– Similary
– also
TO MAKE TIME REFERENCES
They also serve to indicate time.
– after
– a little later
– from today
– immediately
– in the meantime
– later
-Meanwhile
-next
– early
– after
– today
-morning
WORDS AND ADVERBIAL PHRASES GIVE COHERENCE AND STRENGTH
Use these words to make your writing powerful and understandable. The following illustrates how you can bring clarity to your writing.
Seemingly contradictory example, without transition:
Joe is a good employee. I have to fire him.
Improved example, using an introductory word:
Joe is a good employee. However, I have to fire him.
Do what the best writers (and the best leaders) do: Use verbal bridges to help your listeners/readers easily understand your ideas.