Which of these is the term for a word or phrase that shows relationships among ideas?

Transitional words and phrases show the relationships between the parts of a sentence, between the sentences in a paragraph, or between the paragraphs in a longer piece of writing (i.e., an essay, short story, novel, magazine article, etcetera). Although transitional words and phrases mean little by themselves, they are very important in linking your ideas together smoothly and logically so that your paragraphs have coherence. Transitional words and phrases can be divided into categories according to the kind of relationship you as a writer are trying to show. There are eight (8) basic categories you must learn:

1. To Show Time. after, afterward, always, as soon as, at last, at once, briefly, eventually, finally, immediately, in the meantime, in the past (or future), last, later, meanwhile, next, never, now, often, once, promptly, sometimes, soon.
2. To Show Place. above, among, around, at this point, behind, below, beside, beyond, down, forward, from, here, in front of, inside, nearby, next to, on, on the other side, opposite, over, through.
3. To Add An Idea. again, also, and, as well as, besides, for one thing, further, furthermore, in addition to, last, likewise, more, moreover, next, similarly, too.
4. To Illustrate or Explain an Idea. for example, for instance, in other words, in particular, namely, specifically, such as, that is, thus, to illustrate.
5. To Compare or Contrast Ideas. but, even so, conversely, differently, however, in contrast, in spite of, in the same way, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still,yet.
6. To Show a Result. accordingly, as a result, consequently, for that reason, hence, then, therefore, thus.
7. To Empasize an Idea. above all, especially, indeed, in fact, most important.
8. To Summarize an Idea. as has been noted, finally, in brief, in other words, in short, on the whole, to sum up.

These are not all of the transitional words and phrases in the English language that we use, but they represent a good sampling of those most often employed in writing. Remember that transitions are like bridges -- they link one thing with another. They can be used to go forward (on to the next sentence or paragraph) or to go backward (to refer to something that has just been stated). The following is a brief listing of commonly used transitional words and phrases one finds in daily speech:

The student writer who masters the usage of transitional words and phrases is well on the way to achieving coherence (a smooth flow in the writing that is logical and easy to follow) in one's writing. Keep in mind that your paragraphs can be unified (stick to the topic sentence and the thesis statement) yet still lack coherence (sounding mechanical and stiff).

Coherence is achieved when the sentences in your paragraphs are arranged in an order that makes your ideas clear and sensible to the reader; the relationship among the sences and paragraphs is logical; and your ideas flow smoothly from one sentence and paragraph to the next. As one of the devices to achieve coherence, transitional words and phrases are a most important writing tool. With reference to using transitions effectively in writing (and also as a guide to reading with comprehension and critically), there are some authors (i.e., Langan, Donnelly, Neeld, et al) who refer to transitions as signal words. Do not let terminology fool you as the intent is the same -- no matter what you refer to these as, it is absolutely essential to master transitions if one is to become a good writer.

Courtesy of Paragraphs (Roloff & Brosseit, 1979)

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement, Paragraphing, and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations:
Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic.
Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation–Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly
as a result
and so
because

consequently
for that reason
hence
on account of

since
therefore
thus

Chronology–Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after
afterwards
always
at length
during
earlier
following
immediately
in the meantime

later
never
next
now
once
simultaneously
so far
sometimes

soon
subsequently
then
this time
until now
when
whenever
while

Combinations
Lists–Connecting numerous events.
Part/Whole–Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally
again
also
and, or, not
as a result
besides
even more

finally
first, firstly
further
furthermore
in addition
in the first place
in the second place

last, lastly
moreover
next
second, secondly, etc.
too

Contrast–Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all
although
and yet
at the same time
but

despite
however
in contrast
nevertheless
nonetheless
notwithstanding

on the contrary
on the other hand
otherwise
though
yet

Example–Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration
e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example
for instance
specifically
that is

to demonstrate
to illustrate

Importance–Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly
critically

foundationally
most importantly

of less importance
primarily

Location–Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above
adjacent to
below
beyond

centrally
here
nearby
neighboring on

opposite to
peripherally
there
wherever

Similarity–Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token
in like manner

in similar fashion
here
in the same way

likewise
wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases
Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”)
in other words

that is
that is to say
to clarify
to explain

to put it another way
to rephrase it

Intensification

in fact
indeed
no

of course
surely
to repeat

undoubtedly
without doubt
yes

Purpose

for this purpose
in order that

so that
to that end

to this end

What is expressing one idea and making sure every idea that follows supports that idea?

What is an arrangement of ideas using topics and subtopics called?

Which of these is the term for the smooth flow of ideas in sentences between paragraphs and in paragraphs quizlet?

What mood is used to express questions or statements of fact or opinion?