50+ Transition Words For English Conversations

Summary

In this educational video, Jennifer from JForrestEnglish.com introduces over 50 transition words to enhance English vocabulary for advanced, professional communication. She explains the purpose of these words in organizing ideas and showing connections, with examples ranging from casual to formal contexts. The lesson covers various categories of transition words, including those for cause and effect, chronology, contrast, addition, generality, examples, emphasis, and conclusion. Jennifer also offers a bonus tip on using these words to expand ideas, encouraging viewers to practice in the comments and subscribe for more English learning resources.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video aims to add over 50 transition words to viewers' advanced English vocabulary to enhance their spoken and written English.
• 🗣️ Jennifer from JForrestEnglish.com emphasizes the importance of using transition words in both formal writing and spoken English to sound advanced and professional.
• 🔔 Viewers are encouraged to subscribe and enable notifications for new lessons on the channel dedicated to boosting English confidence in public speaking.
• 🔗 Transition words help organize ideas and show connections between them, making communication more structured and coherent.
• 📉 The script categorizes transition words into groups such as cause and effect, chronology, contrast, addition, generality, examples, emphasis, and conclusion.
• 📝 Examples are provided to illustrate how to use transition words in sentences, showing the relationship between ideas and enhancing the flow of speech or writing.
• 📉 The video script lists transition words from most formal to least formal, allowing viewers to choose the appropriate level of formality for their context.
• 📈 The use of transition words in business contexts is highlighted, demonstrating how they can be used to articulate cause and effect in professional scenarios.
• 📑 Chronology transition words are explained to show the sequence of events, making narratives or explanations more organized and easier to follow.
• 🤔 The script suggests using contrasting transition words to handle opposing ideas, providing a way to express complexity in arguments or discussions.
• 📝 The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to practice using transition words in the comments section, applying them to expand on ideas and improve their English fluency.
• 🎓 A free speaking guide is offered on JForrestEnglish.com, providing additional resources for those looking to improve their English speaking skills.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video by Jennifer from JForrestEnglish.com?

The purpose of the video is to help viewers expand their advanced English vocabulary with over 50 transition words, enabling them to communicate more effectively in both written and spoken English, particularly in professional and academic contexts.

Why are transition words important in English communication?

Transition words are important because they help organize ideas and show connections between them. They are commonly used in academic and formal writing, and can also enhance spoken English by making it sound more advanced and professional.

What is an example of using transition words to show cause and effect?

An example given in the script is 'I spilled my coffee. As a result, I changed my shirt.' This shows the relationship between the two events, indicating that the action of changing the shirt was a consequence of spilling coffee.

How should one choose the appropriate transition word based on the context?

The choice of transition word should reflect the formality of the context. More formal transition words like 'consequently' are suitable for academic or business contexts, while less formal words like 'so' or 'because' are more appropriate for everyday speech.

What is the role of transition words in showing the chronology of events?

Transition words that show chronology, such as 'firstly', 'next', 'then', and 'finally', help organize events in a sequence based on when they occur, making the narrative or explanation clearer and more logical.

How can transition words be used to show contrast between two opposing ideas?

Contrasting transition words like 'however', 'although', 'though', and 'but' are used to highlight the opposition between two ideas. For example, 'I love ice cream, but I'm lactose intolerant.'

What are some transition words used to add emphasis to a point?

Transition words that add emphasis include 'in fact' and 'as a matter of fact'. They are used to strengthen a statement by providing additional supporting information.

How can conclusion transition words be utilized to end a speech or presentation?

Conclusion transition words such as 'in conclusion', 'finally', 'ultimately', and 'to sum up' are used to signal the end of a speech or presentation, often to emphasize the final point or summary.

What is the bonus tip Jennifer shares about using transition words to expand ideas?

The bonus tip is that transition words can be used to expand on ideas by adding contrast, examples, and additional information. This helps to develop a simple idea into a more comprehensive and detailed explanation.

Where can viewers find additional resources to improve their English speaking skills?

Viewers can visit Jennifer's website, JForrestEnglish.com, to download a free speaking guide that provides six tips on how to speak English fluently and confidently.

How can viewers practice using transition words as suggested by Jennifer?

Viewers are encouraged to practice by taking one idea and using three or more transition words from different categories to expand on that idea in the comments section of the video.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Transition Words

Jennifer from JForrestEnglish.com introduces a lesson on advanced English transition words, aiming to boost viewers' confidence in public speaking for career and personal advancement. She emphasizes the importance of subscribing for new lessons and provides an overview of transition words as connectors in speech and writing. The first set of words is introduced to show cause and effect, with examples and a list ranging from formal to informal usage.

05:00

🕰 Chronological Transition Words

The second paragraph delves into transition words that indicate the sequence of events or chronology. Jennifer provides a list of such words, from 'first' to 'last but not least,' and illustrates their use in organizing ideas and making speech sound more advanced. She advises against repetitive use of the same transition words to maintain variety and sophistication in language.

10:03

🔍 Contrast, Addition, and Generality Transition Words

Jennifer discusses transition words that express contrast, addition, and generality. She explains how to use these words to convey opposing ideas, add similar ideas, and indicate general truths. Examples include words like 'however' for contrast and 'furthermore' for addition, with a focus on varying formality to suit different contexts.

📈 Emphasis and Conclusion Transition Words

In the fourth paragraph, Jennifer introduces transition words used for emphasis and conclusion. She explains how to strengthen points and signal the end of a speech or presentation with words like 'in fact' and 'ultimately.' The paragraph also includes a list of conclusion words, from most formal to least formal, to help viewers effectively wrap up their ideas.

🌟 Expanding Ideas with Transition Words

Jennifer concludes the lesson by demonstrating how to use transition words to expand on ideas, providing a practical example that incorporates contrast, example, and cause-and-effect to elaborate on the productivity of meetings. She invites viewers to practice in the comments and offers a free speaking guide from her website, emphasizing the utility of transition words in enhancing communication.

Keywords

💡transition words

Transition words are connectors used to organize ideas and show the relationship between them in speech or writing. They are essential for creating a smooth flow of information. In the video, Jennifer emphasizes their importance in both academic writing and spoken English, illustrating their use with examples like 'As a result, I changed my shirt' to show cause and effect.

💡formal

The term 'formal' refers to the level of language appropriate for serious or official contexts. Jennifer discusses the formality of transition words, suggesting that more formal words like 'consequently' are suitable for academic or business settings, while less formal words like 'so' are better for everyday speech.

💡chronology

Chronology pertains to the order of events as they occur in time. The video script uses this concept to explain how transition words can indicate the sequence of events, making narratives more coherent. For example, 'First, I went to the store. Then, I worked out. Finally, I made dinner.'

💡contrast

Contrast highlights the differences between two opposing ideas. In the script, Jennifer uses contrasting transition words like 'However' to show the conflict between loving ice cream and being lactose intolerant, thus emphasizing the importance of these words in expressing nuanced viewpoints.

💡addition

The concept of addition in the context of transition words is used to introduce supplementary information or similar ideas. Jennifer gives the example 'In addition, I love cake' to expand on the idea of loving desserts, demonstrating how these words can enrich and extend one's points.

💡generality

Generality refers to statements that are typically or usually true. The video explains how transition words like 'generally speaking' can be used to make general statements about situations, such as 'Generally, our meetings are very productive,' indicating a common but not absolute truth.

💡examples

Examples are used to illustrate points with specific instances. Jennifer mentions transition words like 'For example' to introduce an example that strengthens a point, such as stating 'This software has really helped us. For example, it reduced our error rate by 40%.'

💡emphasis

Emphasis is the act of highlighting or stressing a particular point. The video script explains that words like 'In fact' can be used to add emphasis, as in 'I love pie. In fact, it's my favorite dessert,' making the statement more compelling.

💡conclusion

A conclusion is the final part of a speech or piece of writing, often summarizing the main points. Jennifer uses conclusion transition words like 'Ultimately' to signal the end of a presentation or argument, as in 'Ultimately, if we want to remain competitive, we have to invest in automation.'

💡expand

To expand means to elaborate or provide more detail. In the video, Jennifer teaches how to use transition words to expand on ideas, giving the example of adding contrast, examples, and effects to the idea that meetings are generally productive, thus creating a more comprehensive narrative.

💡speaking guide

A speaking guide is a resource that offers tips or strategies to improve one's spoken language skills. The video script mentions a free speaking guide available on Jennifer's website, which promises to share six tips on speaking English fluently and confidently, indicating an additional resource for language learners.

Highlights

The video introduces 50+ transition words to enhance advanced English vocabulary.

Jennifer from JForrestEnglish.com helps viewers feel confident speaking English in public.

Transition words organize ideas and show connections between them.

They are commonly used in academic and formal writing, but also beneficial for spoken English.

Using transition words makes spoken English sound advanced and professional.

The video teaches how to use transition words to expand simple ideas into longer discussions.

First group of words shows cause and effect relationships.

Formal to informal transition words for cause and effect: Consequently, hence, etc.

Chronology transition words help sequence events in time.

Examples of chronology words: First, second, next, finally.

Contrast transition words are used to present opposing ideas.

Contrast words listed from most formal to least formal: However, although, but.

Addition transition words combine similar ideas, e.g., desserts or sweets.

Generality transition words indicate that something is true most of the time.

Example transition words strengthen points by adding specific instances.

Emphasis transition words make a point stronger with supporting information.

Conclusion transition words are used to end speeches or presentations effectively.

Bonus tip: Use transition words to expand on ideas in discussions.

Invitation for viewers to practice using transition words in the comments section.

Free speaking guide available on JForrestEnglish.com for improving English fluency.

The video concludes with a reminder to subscribe for more English learning content.

Transcripts

In this video, you're going to add 50  plus transition words to your advanced  

English vocabulary. Of course, I'm Jennifer from  JForrestEnglish.com And this channel is dedicated  

to helping you feel confident speaking English in  public so you can take your career and your life  

to the next level. Now, before we go any further,  make sure you subscribe and hit that bell icon  

so you're notified every time I post a new  lesson. Now, let's get started with this lesson.  

So what exactly are transition words? Well,  transition words are individual words or groups of  

words, phrases, that you can use to organize your  ideas and to show connection between your ideas.  

They are commonly used in academic or formal  writing, but you shouldn't limit their use to  

just that because you can absolutely use them in  your spoken English. And you should use them in  

your spoken English to sound very advanced and  professional. And if you watch to the end of  

this video, I'm going to share how you can  use transition words to expand your ideas.  

And to take a really simple idea and be able to  talk on that idea for longer using transition  

words. So stay right to the end. So let's get  started. You're going to learn over 50 transition  

words in this lesson. Don't feel overwhelmed, just  add them to your vocabulary as you go. Our first  

group of transition words are used to show cause  and effect, causation. So here I have two separate  

ideas. I spilled my coffee. I changed my shirt.  Now this is where we can use a transition word  

to combine these ideas together and to show the  relationship between them. I spilled my coffee.  

As a result, I changed my shirt. Cause and effect.  Here are the transition words in this category,  

and they're listed from most formal to least  formal. So you can take a screenshot of this.  

Consequently, hence, accordingly, thus, for that  reason, as a result, therefore, and so, since,  

because, due to. Now the example I gave you,  I spilled my coffee. As a result, I changed my  

shirt. This is a casual statement. It might sound  a little odd perhaps, out of place, to use a very  

formal transition word, such as consequently,  in such a common everyday speech. I spilled my  

coffee. Consequently, I changed my shirt. You  could absolutely say it. It's grammatically  

correct. But the choice of transition word is  just a little too formal. So do not think that  

formal is the best, and you absolutely should use  formal. You should use formal when your ideas are  

more formal. They're more academic. They're more  professional, in a business context. Let's look at  

a business context. The project is over budget.  We have to cut costs. So again, we'll show our  

cause and effect. We'll use a transition word  to combine these ideas. And because it's a more  

formal context, I can use a more formal transition  word. The project is over budget, hence,  

consequently, thus, we have to cut costs. Our next  group of transition words is chronology. This is  

how events are related based on when they occur.  So think of time. Here are three events. I went  

to the store. I worked out. I made dinner. Now of  course, we can add first, second, third, first,  

next finally. That's chronology. And it instantly  sounds more organized, and more advanced, when  

you add the transition words. So let's review the  transition words in this category. First, firstly,  

to start, to begin, at the beginning, at the  start. Second, secondly, after, afterwards, next,  

then, subsequently, later. Third, thirdly, after,  afterwards, next, then, subsequently, later,  

finally, lastly, last but not least. Now  notice that for the second and third events,  

many of the transition words are the same. You can  use after, after for the second and third event.  

Or you can use the next, next for the  second and third and fourth and fifth event.  

But you might want to avoid that so you don't  sound repetitive using the same transition word  

again and again. So you can use next  then. Then subsequently. Subsequently  

finally. So you can use the different transition  words just to show off your advanced vocabulary.  

Our next category of transition words is to  show contrast, when you have two opposing ideas.  

Let me give you two ideas. I love ice cream. I'm  lactose intolerant. So can you see how these two  

ideas are in opposition? I love ice cream is  great. It's a really positive thing. But I'm  

lactose intolerant, that's negative and it also  means that I can't eat ice cream. So those ideas  

are in opposition. So we can use our contrasting  transition words. However, although, though, but.  

I love ice cream, but I'm lactose intolerant. Same  thing, the transition words are listed from most  

formal to least formal. Again, you could say, I  love ice cream. However, I'm lactose intolerant.  

But again, these ideas are quite simple. So you  probably want a more simple transition work. Our  

next category of transition words is addition  on similar ideas, I love ice cream. I love cake.  

It's adding a similar idea because they're both  in the same category, which is desserts or sweets.  

The most common transition words, from most formal  to least formal, in this category are Furthermore,  

moreover, further, additionally, in addition,  also, and. I love ice cream, and I love cake.  

Obviously you know that one, so why not try to  advance your vocabulary by using, in addition.  

I love ice cream. In addition, I love cake.  Now let's talk about generality. This is when  

things are true most of the time. The most common  transition words in this category are, in general,  

generally, generally speaking, by and large, for  the most part, most of the time, more often than  

not, usually, typically, mostly. So let's take  an example. Our meetings are very productive.  

Now of course I'm sure there's one or two meetings  that aren't very productive. But most of the time,  

in general, generally speaking, our meetings are  very productive. Now let's look at the category of  

examples. There are really only three main  transition words. For example, as an example,  

for instance. This software has really helped us.  Now it can make your points a lot stronger or help  

you expand on your idea by adding an example.  This software has really helped us. For example,  

as an example, for instance, it reduced our  error rate by 40%. Our next category is emphasis.  

This category is used to make a point stronger by  adding more supporting information. Let's take a  

simple example. I love pie. Now what if I wanted  to make this point stronger? I can say, it's  

my favorite dessert. I love pie. In fact, it's my  favorite dessert. I love pie. As a matter of fact,  

it's my favorite dessert. These are the only two  transition words that are commonly used to add  

emphasis. And finally, conclusion transition  words. Notice I just use a transition word,  

and finally. That is a conclusion transition  word. Now of course, in this category, we use  

transition words when we want to end what we're  saying. End our speech, end our presentation.  

Here are the most common transition words listed  from most formal to least formal. In conclusion,  

to conclude, to summarize, in sum, all things  considered, finally, overall, ultimately,  

in the end, to wrap up, to sum up, all in all.  So let's say I'm ending my presentation at work  

and I want my colleagues to remember one very  important fact. And that fact is, if we want  

to remain competitive, we have to invest in  automation. Now to let my colleagues know  

that this is the last point I'm going to make,  my final point, I'm going to add a conclusion  

transition word. Ultimately, if we want to remain  competitive, we have to invest in automation. So  

now you have 50 plus transition words to help you  communicate your ideas in a very professional and  

organized way. Before you go, let me share a bonus  tip with you. You can use transition words to help  

you expand on your ideas. So let's take one idea.  In general, our meetings are very productive.  

Now I can pick any category of transition words  to expand on this idea. I could add a contrast.  

However, they usually run over time. So this is  an opposing idea. Now, let me give an example of  

my last point to add emphasis and to expand even  more. For example, today our meeting was scheduled  

to end at 11 and it went until 11:17. So let's  expand on this even more. What was the effect  

of the meeting running over by 17 minutes? As a  result, I was late for a meeting with a client.  

Were there any other effects? If there were, I  could use an addition of a similar idea transition  

word. Additionally, I had to work through lunch to  catch up. As you can see, transition words are an  

excellent way to expand on your ideas. So  now it's your turn. In the comments below,  

why don't you take three or more transition  words and start with one idea and then just  

pick any other category and expand on that idea  with three or more transition words. So you can  

do that in the comments below. And if you found  this lesson helpful, please hit the like button,  

share it with your friends and of course  subscribe. And before you go, make sure you  

head on over to my website JForrestEnglish.com  and download your free speaking guide. In this  

guide I share six tips on how to speak English  fluently and confidently. And until next time,  

which is my conclusion transition word,  and until next time, happy studying!