Transition Words

Coordination and Subordination
What is Coordination?
Coordination combines sentences of equal value and uses a coordinating

conjunction and comma before a coordinator.
JUST REMEMBER: FANBOYS
It's helpful to remember the acronym F.A.N.B.O.Y.S., which represents the

following coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Each
coordinating conjunction has a different purpose in combining sentences.
FOR (CAUSE/EFFECT) - Yasmine is afraid of dogs, for she was bitten by a dog
when she was young.
AND (ADDITION) - Maria wants to attend college, and she plans to major in
biology.
NOR (NEGATIVE OF) - Lisa doesn't want to go to college, nor does she want to
find a job.
BUT (CONTRAST) - Amy likes to read, but she prefers to watch television.
OR (ALTERNATIVE) -Juan wants to study math, or he might be interested in

engineering.
YET (CONTRAST) - Justin really likes to run in the morning, yet he hates getting
up early.
SO (CAUSE/EFFECT) – Sheena loves dogs, so she went to the pound to adopt

one.
CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS OR TRANSITIONAL PHRASES
Conjunctive adverbs are also called adverbial conjunctions. Although their name
suggests otherwise, conjunctive adverbs are not considered true conjunctions,
even though these adverbs join independent clauses.
A conjunctive adverb modifies a word (usually a verb) in the second clause,

answering when? where? how? why? under what condition? or to what degree?
an action occurred or a situation existed. Additionally, as with other adverbs,
e.g., subordinate conjunctions, which introduce a subordinate adverbial clause,
conjunctive adverbs typically express a relationship between clauses, sentences,
or paragraphs that involve the concept of addition, cause & effect, comparison,
concession, contrast, emphasis, example, summary, or sequence.
An adverb or adverbial phrase -whether a subordinating conjunction,

conjunctive adverb, transition, or adverbial expletive-is always identified and
defined by function alone. For example, the adverbs however, consequently,
always, indeed, etc., to name only a few, commonly function as conjunctive
adverbs. However, these same words can also be transitions and/or expletives
in other sentences. To correctly identify an adverb, we must examine its
position relative to the rest of a sentence or paragraph.
Adverbs and adverbial phrases, in highlighted text, function as conjunctive

adverbs in the following examples.
1. Dennis went to the symphony; consequently, he was suspended from the

band.
2. Barry seems very friendly; incidentally, he's the same sign as I am.
3. Our horse is a great jumper; on the other hand, he isn't very good in the
races.
4. Max appears to be a level-headed guy; still, there's something about him

that's just not right.
Transitional Elements
From the preceding we know that a conjunctive adverb (a word or phrase)

appears between independent clauses acting like a coordinating conjunction. In
addition to this function, a conjunctive adverb can appear between entire
sentences, acting as a connector, or bridge, between the sentences. Conjunctive
adverbs can also appear between entire paragraphs acting as a connector
between these constructions. Adverbs functioning in either of these capacities
are called transitional elements, or simply, transitions. In the following
examples, adverbs functioning as transitions appear in highlighted text.
1. Most of us would like to believe that all persons are created equal. However,
the real word isn't based upon idealistic beliefs.
(An example of an adverb functioning as a connector between two sentences.

We call these adverbs transitions.)
2. Therefore, while I refrain from claiming that these tests are actually
damaging, I submit that we need to develop strategies that will help us to
overcome false results.
(An example of an adverb functioning as a connector between two paragraphs.)
Adverbial Expletive
An adverb can function within a sentence as an expletive, or interrupter--a word

or phrase that is mildly or definitely parenthetical content. (An expletive
attributive is an adjective or adverb (or adjectival or adverbial phrase) that does
not contribute to the meaning of a sentence, but is used to intensify its
emotional force.) Adverbial expletives can appear nearly anywhere within a
sentence. Expletives do not introduce dependent clauses, join independent
clauses, or act as a bridge between sentences or paragraphs. They are empty
words inserted into a sentence which add nothing materially to the meaning of
the sentence.
For example:
1. Her face, however, was spared the ravages of the fire.
2. Toni found that old sofa, by the way, lying in a vacant lot.
3. The new students, incidentally, don't have enough pencils.
4. By the way, are you going to the dance?
Common Conjunctive Adverbs
(These Adverbs Can Also Function as Subordinators, Transitions & Expletives)

Accordingly Again also Anyway
as a matter of fact as a result at the same time Besides
Certainly consequently finally for example
Furthermore However incidentally in fact
Indeed in other words in that in the first place
Likewise Meanwhile moreover Nevertheless
Nonetheless Now on the other hand Otherwise
Similarly Still Then Therefore
Thus
A. Coordinating Conjunctions
Location of a coordinating conjunction
1. Don't use a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) at the
beginning of a sentence. These conjunctions can be used to join two independent
clauses, so they come in the middle of a sentence rather than the beginning.
Commas with coordinating conjunctions
2. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it is being used to

join two independent clauses.
1. I wrote for ten hours, but I didn't finish my composition.
2. I wrote for ten hours, yet I didn't finish my composition.

3. I couldn't decide if I should continue writing, or if I should go to bed.
4. I was tired, so I went to bed.
5. I went to bed, for I was tired.
6. I continued thinking about my composition, and I couldn't fall asleep.
7. I didn't finish my composition, nor did I get any sleep.
3. The coordinating conjunctions and and or can be used to join two nouns,
verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. In these cases, don't use a comma before the
conjunction.
1. I couldn't decide if I should continue writing or go to bed.
2. I felt nervous and worried.
3. I was thinking about my composition and other homework all night.
B. Conjunctive Adverbs
Location of a conjunctive adverb in a sentence
1. A conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, nevertheless, therefore, moreover,

likewise, furthermore, consequently, etc.) can be used at the beginning, middle, or
end of a single independent clause. The beginning or middle is preferred to the end
position.
Commas with conjunctive adverbs
2. Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb when it starts a single independent

clause.
1. I wrote for ten hours. However, I didn't finish my composition.
2. I wrote for ten hours. Nevertheless, I didn't finish my composition.
3. I was tired. Therefore, I went to bed.
4. I was tired. Consequently, I went to bed.
3a. Use commas around a conjunctive adverb when it comes between a subject
and main verb in a single independent clause.
Eg - I wrote for ten hours. I didn't, however, finish my composition.
3b. Use a comma before a conjunctive adverb when it ends a single independent
clause.
Eg - I wrote for ten hours. I didn't finish my composition, however.
Semi-colons with conjunctive adverbs

4. A conjunctive adverb can be used to join two independent clauses. In this
case, a semi-colon is used instead of a period after the first independent clause.
1. I wrote for ten hours; however, I didn't finish my composition.
2. I was tired; consequently, I went to bed.
C. Subordinating Conjunctions
Location of a subordinating conjunction in a sentence
1. A subordinating conjunction (because, although. until, if, when, while, before,

after) is used to join an independent clause and a dependent clause. They
can come at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle when they begin another
clause.
Commas with subordinating conjunctions
2. When you begin the sentence with the subordinating conjunction and the
dependent clause, use a comma after the dependent clause (before the
second/independent clause).
a) Although I wrote for ten hours, I didn't finish my composition.
b) Because I was tired, I went to bed.
3. When you use the subordinating conjunction in the middle of the sentence and
the dependent clause at the end, don't use a comma after the first (independent)
clause.
a) I didn't finish my composition although I wrote for ten hours.
b) I went to bed because I was tired.
Types of transitions
Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to
include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just
covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the
following section.
Transitions between paragraphs: When arranging paragraphs, so that the content

of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that
already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of
the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be
a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence.
Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second
paragraph, or in both places.
Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and

paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to
anticipate what is coming before they read it.
Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words
or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to
convey.
Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a
dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.
LOGICAL RELATIONSHIP TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION
Similarity also, in the same way, just as … so too, likewise, similarly
Exception/Contrast but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless,
nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
Sequence/Order first, second, third, … next, then, finally
Time after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later,
meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently, then
Example for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
Emphasis even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
Place/Position above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there
Cause and Effect accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
Additional Support or additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthe
Evidence in addition, moreover, then
Conclusion/Summary finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis,
whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in summary

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Coordination and Subordination

Coordination combines sentences of equal value and uses a coordinating

JUST REMEMBER: FANBOYS

It's helpful to remember the acronym F.A.N.B.O.Y.S., which represents the

OR (ALTERNATIVE) -Juan wants to study math, or he might be interested in

SO (CAUSE/EFFECT) – Sheena loves dogs, so she went to the pound to adopt

A conjunctive adverb modifies a word (usually a verb) in the second clause,

An adverb or adverbial phrase -whether a subordinating conjunction,

Adverbs and adverbial phrases, in highlighted text, function as conjunctive

1. Dennis went to the symphony; consequently, he was suspended from the

4. Max appears to be a level-headed guy; still, there's something about him

From the preceding we know that a conjunctive adverb (a word or phrase)

(An example of an adverb functioning as a connector between two sentences.

(An example of an adverb functioning as a connector between two paragraphs.)

An adverb can function within a sentence as an expletive, or interrupter--a word

1. Her face, however, was spared the ravages of the fire.

3. The new students, incidentally, don't have enough pencils.

4. By the way, are you going to the dance?

Common Conjunctive Adverbs

(These Adverbs Can Also Function as Subordinators, Transitions & Expletives)

Location of a coordinating conjunction

Commas with coordinating conjunctions

2. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it is being used to

1. I wrote for ten hours, but I didn't finish my composition.

2. I wrote for ten hours, yet I didn't finish my composition.

4. I was tired, so I went to bed.

5. I went to bed, for I was tired.

6. I continued thinking about my composition, and I couldn't fall asleep.

7. I didn't finish my composition, nor did I get any sleep.

1. I couldn't decide if I should continue writing or go to bed.

2. I felt nervous and worried.

3. I was thinking about my composition and other homework all night.

Location of a conjunctive adverb in a sentence

1. A conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, nevertheless, therefore, moreover,

Commas with conjunctive adverbs

2. Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb when it starts a single independent

1. I wrote for ten hours. However, I didn't finish my composition.

2. I wrote for ten hours. Nevertheless, I didn't finish my composition.

3. I was tired. Therefore, I went to bed.

4. I was tired. Consequently, I went to bed.

Eg - I wrote for ten hours. I didn't finish my composition, however.

Semi-colons with conjunctive adverbs

1. I wrote for ten hours; however, I didn't finish my composition.

2. I was tired; consequently, I went to bed.

Location of a subordinating conjunction in a sentence

1. A subordinating conjunction (because, although. until, if, when, while, before,

Commas with subordinating conjunctions

a) Although I wrote for ten hours, I didn't finish my composition.

b) Because I was tired, I went to bed.

a) I didn't finish my composition although I wrote for ten hours.

b) I went to bed because I was tired.

Transitions between paragraphs: When arranging paragraphs, so that the content

Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and

Similarity also, in the same way, just as … so too, likewise, similarly

Sequence/Order first, second, third, … next, then, finally

Example for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate

Emphasis even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly

Cause and Effect accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus

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