Vocabulary handout – transitional phrases

Ways to introduce another viewpoint
  • Although
  • On the other hand
  • On the surface it might seem that ……..However,
  • On the opposite side
  • The fundamental question is not, however……
  • Nevertheless
  • Sometimes
  • However
  • At a deeper level….
  • In spite of
  • In contrast to
  • What needs to be noted is that……
  • This differs from
  • At the same time
  • However, the basic issue is…..
  • Not withstanding
  • Despite this
  • Ultimately, the realisation is…..
  • More importantly….
  • More significantly….
  • Initially it might seem plausible to argue that ……however, on closer…..
  • To argue…… is insufficient, it is necessary to consider……
  • On closer inspection it is worth considering that…….
/ Below is a list of “says that” substitutes.
  • Comments that
  • Counters that
  • Stresses the point that
  • Puts forward the view that
  • Advances the argument that
  • Expresses the view that
  • Offers the evidence of
  • Has shown/attempts to show that rejects the evidence/view
  • Reveals
  • Means gives rise to
  • Culminates in
/
  • Admits that
  • Estimates that
  • Maintains that
  • Concludes that
  • Explains that
  • Is committed to
  • Observes that
  • Argues that
  • Points out that
  • Asserts that
  • Considers that
  • Reasons that
  • Submits that
  • Claims that
  • Contends that
  • Urges the reader to
  • Sympathises with

Some comments/phrases for evaluating credibility and impact
  • This point is a significant contribution to the argument because….
  • The power of this argument stems from….
  • The coverage of the issue is extensive/flimsy…
  • The content is dominated by…..
  • The most surprising/interesting aspects of this argument is….
  • The argument evokes….
  • The argument condemns…..
  • The all persuasive influence of this argument is….
  • The dominant trend in the debate is….
  • The argument embodies the prejudices/aspirations…..
  • The argument generates considerable heat because….
  • The overall/cumulative impact of this stance results in….
  • The argument over-emphasises…..
  • The debate clouds the issue
/ Below is a list of “is” substitutes
  • initiates
  • indicates
  • reflects
  • manifests
  • discloses
  • expresses
  • influences
  • becomes
  • generates
  • contributes to
  • shapes
  • inspires
  • Symbolises
/
  • Produces
  • leads to
  • provokes
  • fosters
  • engenders
  • allows
  • mirrors
  • shows
  • represents
  • exemplifies
  • creates results in
  • bring about

Commas after Introductions
It is common for a sentence to start with an introduction. An introduction can be anything from just one word to a long clause. In general, an introduction is used to state a time, a place, a condition, a frequency or a fact before the main part of the sentence. (Introductions vary hugely.)
On Tuesday 4th July a band played carols in the park for 8 hours.
("On Tuesday 4th July" sets a time. It is an introduction and should be followed by a comma.)
In the centre of London, the number of people who fell victim to pickpockets rose by 30 per cent in a month. (sets a place)
After twelve years of therapy, my psychiatrist said something that brought tears to my eyes. He said, "No hablo ingles." (sets a time)
As soon as the cake is golden-brown, take it out of the oven. (sets a time)
When I was young, I used to think that money was the most important thing in life. Now that I am old, I know it is. (both set a time) (Oscar Wilde quote
Semicolon before a Transitional Phrase
This point is closely related to the lesson Extending a Sentence with a Semicolon as it concerns merging two sentences to form one. However, in these examples, there is a short bridge between the first half and the second half. The bridge is known as a 'transitional phrase'. There is always a comma after a transitional phrase. (The transitional phrases are shown in bold below.)
Everyone knows he is guilty; of course, it will never be proved.
(The transitional phrase "of course" acts like a bridge between the first half and
the second half.)
Sarah's guest was turned away by the doorman; as a result, she left before the presentations.
("as a result" - transitional phrase)
Business is booming; for example, Siemens has made 10 orders since
4 o'clock.
("for example" - transitional phrase)
I missed the early plane; however, I still made the meeting.
("however" - transitional phrase)
The paper is stuck in the lift; consequently, we cannot finish the
printing.
("consequently" - transitional phrase)
She does not loathe chess, on the contrary, she quite likes it.
(The term "on the contrary" is a transitional phrase. You cannot merge two
sentences into one with a comma. You must either start a new sentence or
use a semicolon.)
My security guards are not trained in fire-fighting; therefore, we paged the
fire service.
Start a new sentence nine times out of ten
Transitional phrases are common. Most of the time, a transitional phrase will start a new sentence. However, you can use a semicolon if you wish a smoother transition. You should not do this too often.
DEFINITELY NOT A COMMA
You cannot merge two sentences with a comma. This is a very common mistake.
It is extremely foggy, nevertheless, the game will be played.
MAIN CULPRIT IS 'HOWEVER'
The error described above is called a 'comma fault' or 'run-on error'. This error is most commonly seen with the word 'however'.
I am leaving on Tuesday, however, I will be back on Wednesday to collect my wages.
I am leaving on Tuesday; however, I will be back on Wednesday to collect my wages.
I am leaving on Tuesday. However, I will be back on Wednesday to collect my wages.
Grammar-monster. (2012). conjunctions. Retrieved June 25, 2012, from Grammar-monster: / Put a Comma before a Conjunction If It Joins Two Independent Clauses
Words like 'and', 'or' and 'but' are known as 'conjunctions'. (There are other conjunctions, but these 3 are by far the most common.)
Conjunctions are often used in lists, and the ruling about when to use a comma before a conjunction in a list depends on whether you're following US or UK writing conventions. However, this page is about conjunctions that are used to merge two sentences into one. This is a very common practice. When a conjunction is used in this way, it should have a comma before it.
He is a great swimmer, but he prefers to play golf.
("He is a great swimmer." + "He prefers to play golf.")
(This is two sentences merged into one with "but" - comma required.)
I may consider your plan, or I may disregard it.
("I may consider your plan" + "I may disregard it." - comma required)
The female applicant must be able to tell jokes and sing, and she must be
able to dance.
("The female applicant must be able to tell jokes and sing." + "She must be
able to dance." - comma required)
The female applicant must be able to tell jokes, sing, and dance.
(This conjunction is not joining two sentences. Therefore, a comma is not required after "sing" if you're following UK conventions. In the US, the comma would be okay.)
PLC provided the material, and we built the road.
Drink is the curse of the land. It makes you fight with your neighbor. It makes you shoot at your landlord and it makes you miss him.
("It makes you miss him." is a sentence - comma required before "and")
A little dog can start a hare, but it takes a big one to catch it.
Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in my bath, and she'd come in and sink my boats. (Woody Allen)
I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. (Winston Churchill)
(There is no need for the comma before "and" - "sweat" is not a sentence.)
The play was a great success, but the audience was a disaster. (Oscar Wilde)
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. (Winston Churchill)
COMMA AFTER 'SO'
When the word 'so' is used to mean 'therefore', it is a transitional phrase and should be followed by a comma.
We are not in a position to fund the changes. So, the current system will remain until at least April when it will be
reviewed again.