Transitional words and phrases can also be referred to as signal words. A good writer strategically places these words and phrases to strengthen the internal cohesion of their writing. In other words, transitions (short for transition words and phrases) act as bridges between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. When correctly spaced and placed at key points, they guide the leader through one sentence, or paragraph, to the next one.

Using transitions to connect words, sentences, and paragraphs is a twofer. They help writers achieve consistent, clear, and coherent communication with their readers while at the same time providing a sense of movement that allows the readers to navigate through different sections easily. This way, readers are not left in the lurch but clearly understand the writers' purpose and the intended message from the beginning to the end.

This way, the transition signals will be acting like signposts. Let's take the example of traffic signals. Learning to pay attention to these signs is a crucial skillset for all road users. In the same way, learning and paying close attention to signal words is an essential skill for readers. They will be able to follow the direction of a writer's thoughts—they will know when the writer is moving to the next idea, or referring to a previous one, thus helping them make connections or move across ideas smoothly and swiftly.

According to INK, transition words make it easierLinks to an external site. for your readers to anticipate change. When a reader knows what a particular signal word or phrase stands for, they will then predict what will follow.

List of Ten Common Signal Words and Phrases

1. To Signal Addition of Ideas

Example: also, besides, too, another, of equal importance, then, furthermore, moreover, in addition, etc.

2. To Signal Order or Sequence

Example: as soon as, before, in the end, gradually, first (second, third, etc.), from here on, last of all, next, etc.

3. To Summarize or Repeat

Examples: to sum up, in conclusion, on the whole, as you can see, in summary, briefly, etc.

4. To Signal Time

Examples: next, after a short time meanwhile, in the meantime, a minute later, at length, thereafter, on the following day, soon, next week, etc.

5. To Signal Space and Place

Examples: above, across the hall, as you turn right, in the background, at this point, behind, beyond, nearby, directly ahead, etc.

6. To Show Results

Examples: for this reason, accordingly, because of this, hence, as a consequence, thus, therefore, consequently, since, etc.

7. To Signal Purpose

Example: To this order, with this in mind, for these reasons, for this purpose, etc.

8. To Indicate Contrast

Example: but, a year ago, for all that, ironically, on the other hand, in spite of this, notwithstanding, on the contrary, however, still, etc.

9. To Dispute

No doubt, it used to be thought, it isn't true that, many people suppose, people are wrong to say that, in any case, no doubt, etc.

10. To Signal Intensity

Above all, importantly, again to be sure, as has been noted, first and foremost, indeed, as a matter of fact, as has been noted, again, as I have said, etc.

As seen, signal wordsLinks to an external site. help carry over a thought from a sentence to the next, from a paragraph to the next, and between paragraphs and topics. Some may lead the readers forward, while others may prompt the readers to refer back to previously mentioned ideas and make comparisons or draw conclusions (from the preceding sentences).

Whichever the case, just like the way motorists use traffic signals to drive smoothly across interstates, readers need to take advantage of signal words to follow the logic flow of ideas from a written work.