Transition & Argument Words

QuestionAnswer
a linking word meaning 'in spite of that; all the same'
nevertheless
The evidence was inconclusive; nevertheless, the committee decided to proceed with the investigation.
a linking word meaning 'in spite of what has just been said'
nonetheless
The project faced significant setbacks; the team was, nonetheless, able to meet the deadline.
a linking word meaning 'in spite of; despite the fact that'
notwithstanding
Notwithstanding the harsh weather conditions, the expedition continued as planned.
a linking word meaning 'although; even though'
albeit
The study produced results, albeit limited ones, that supported the original hypothesis.
a linking word meaning 'in an opposite way; by contrast'
conversely
Warm air rises; conversely, cold air sinks toward the ground.
a linking word meaning 'in comparison or contrast with the fact that'
whereas
The first experiment used a large sample, whereas the second relied on only a handful of participants.
a linking word meaning 'but; on the other hand'
however
The initial data looked promising; however, further analysis revealed several flaws.
a linking word meaning 'but at the same time; despite that'
yet
The conditions were ideal for growth, yet the plants failed to thrive.
a linking phrase meaning 'the opposite is true'
on the contrary
The reforms did not weaken the economy; on the contrary, they spurred unprecedented growth.
a linking phrase meaning 'when compared with something else'
in contrast
The urban population grew rapidly. In contrast, rural communities experienced a steady decline.
a linking phrase meaning 'from another point of view; alternatively'
on the other hand
Standardized testing provides measurable data; on the other hand, it may not capture a student's full potential.
a linking word meaning 'in addition; besides'
furthermore
The policy reduced emissions. Furthermore, it created thousands of new jobs in the renewable energy sector.
a linking word meaning 'in addition; what is more'
moreover
The new treatment was effective. Moreover, it had fewer side effects than existing alternatives.
a linking word meaning 'in the same way; also'
likewise
The northern regions experienced flooding; likewise, the southern coast reported severe storm damage.
a linking word meaning 'in a like manner; in the same way'
similarly
Deforestation disrupts local wildlife. Similarly, urbanization reduces the habitats available to native species.
a linking word meaning 'in a way that matches or agrees with something'
correspondingly
As demand for the product increased, the company correspondingly expanded its manufacturing capacity.
a linking word meaning 'in truth; in fact (used for emphasis)'
indeed
The results were surprising. Indeed, no prior study had recorded such a dramatic shift.
a linking phrase meaning 'also; as an extra item or point'
in addition
The scholarship covers tuition. In addition, it provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
a linking word meaning 'to the same degree or extent'
equally
Both economic growth and environmental protection are equally important when crafting new legislation.
a linking word meaning 'as a result; because of that'
consequently
The factory released untreated waste into the river; consequently, the local fish population declined sharply.
a linking word meaning 'in a way that is fitting; suitably; as a result'
accordingly
The budget was reduced by 20 percent, and the team adjusted its plans accordingly.
a linking word meaning 'for this reason; from this point forward'
hence
The soil lacked essential nutrients; hence, the crop yield was far below average.
a linking word meaning 'by that means; as a result of that'
thereby
The new policy reduced paperwork, thereby freeing up time for more productive tasks.
a linking word meaning 'as a consequence; for that reason'
thus
The experiment lacked a control group and was thus considered unreliable by reviewers.
a linking word meaning 'for that reason; because of that'
therefore
The bridge was structurally unsound; therefore, it was closed to all traffic immediately.
a linking phrase meaning 'because of something; due to that cause'
as a result
Rainfall was well below average this season. As a result, many farmers reported significant crop losses.
a linking word meaning 'it must be acknowledged that (used to concede a point)'
admittedly
Admittedly, the sample size was small, but the patterns observed were consistent across all groups.
a linking word meaning 'it is true that (used before making a counterpoint)'
granted
Granted, the older method is cheaper, but the newer approach produces far more accurate measurements.
a linking phrase meaning 'certainly; as expected (used to concede before countering)'
of course
Of course, not every student learns at the same pace, which is why differentiated instruction matters.
a linking phrase meaning 'certainly; it must be accepted (concession before a counterpoint)'
to be sure
To be sure, the economy has improved, but the gains have not been shared evenly across all communities.
a linking phrase meaning 'even accepting that (introduces a conceded fact)'
while it is true that
While it is true that technology has improved productivity, it has also created new forms of inequality.
a linking word meaning 'in a way that is worthy of attention; especially'
notably
Several species have been affected by the drought, notably the monarch butterfly.
a linking word meaning 'in an exact and detailed manner; precisely'
specifically
The report criticized several departments, specifically those responsible for quality control.
a linking phrase meaning 'especially; as a specific example'
in particular
Many factors contributed to the decline, in particular the loss of federal funding.
a linking word meaning 'in a way that is important or noteworthy'
significantly
The new treatment significantly reduced recovery times compared to the standard protocol.
a linking word meaning 'with decisive importance; vitally'
crucially
Crucially, the researchers controlled for income level, which previous studies had overlooked.
a linking word meaning 'mainly; for the most part'
chiefly
The region's economy depends chiefly on agriculture and seasonal tourism.
a linking word meaning 'after that; afterward in time or order'
subsequently
The initial survey was completed in March; the follow-up interviews were subsequently conducted in June.
a linking word meaning 'at an earlier time; before now'
previously
The species was previously thought to be extinct until a small population was discovered in 2019.
a linking word meaning 'at first; at the beginning'
initially
The volunteers were initially hesitant, but they grew more confident as the training progressed.
a linking word meaning 'in the end; finally; at the most basic level'
ultimately
The debate continued for months, but the council ultimately voted in favor of the proposal.
a linking word meaning 'during the same time; in the intervening period'
meanwhile
The scientists analyzed the data. Meanwhile, the field team continued collecting additional samples.
a linking word meaning 'at the same time; happening together'
simultaneously
The heart rate monitor tracked two variables simultaneously: pulse and blood oxygen levels.
a linking phrase meaning 'on the condition that; only if'
provided that
The grant will be renewed, provided that the researchers publish their findings by year's end.
a linking phrase meaning 'supposing that; if we accept that'
assuming that
Assuming that current trends continue, sea levels could rise by three feet before the century ends.
a linking phrase meaning 'to the extent that; to the degree that'
insofar as
The law applies to private companies insofar as they receive public funding.
a linking word meaning 'in different circumstances; if not'
otherwise
Participants must sign the consent form; otherwise, they will not be included in the study.
a linking word meaning 'without being affected by; no matter what'
regardless
The policy applies to all employees, regardless of seniority or department.
a linking word meaning 'as one may suppose; probably (though not certainly)'
presumably
The artifact dates to the third century and was presumably used in religious ceremonies.
a linking word meaning 'as can be reasonably claimed; it could be maintained that'
arguably
The printing press was arguably the most transformative invention of the fifteenth century.
a linking word meaning 'apparently; seemingly (but perhaps not actually)'
ostensibly
The program was ostensibly designed to help small businesses, though critics argued it mainly benefited large corporations.
a linking word meaning 'in a way that seems contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth'
paradoxically
Paradoxically, the more choices consumers are given, the less satisfied they tend to be with their decisions.
a linking word meaning 'in a manner expressing the opposite of what is expected'
ironically
Ironically, the fire station itself burned down due to faulty wiring.
a linking word meaning 'as expected; in a way that can be foreseen'
predictably
Predictably, the announcement of higher prices led to a wave of customer complaints.
a linking word meaning 'as is certain to happen; unavoidably'
inevitably
As populations grow, cities inevitably face greater demands on their infrastructure.
a linking word meaning 'at the most basic level; in the most important way'
essentially
The two proposals differ in detail but are essentially pursuing the same goal.
a linking word meaning 'at the deepest or most basic level; serving as a foundation'
fundamentally
The two systems may look alike, but they operate on fundamentally different principles.
a linking word meaning 'in a way that is worthy of attention; to a noteworthy degree'
remarkably
The patient recovered remarkably quickly, defying the expectations of her medical team.
a linking word meaning 'in a way that can be seen or noticed clearly'
evidently
The ruins were evidently part of a much larger settlement that had been abandoned centuries ago.
a linking word meaning 'without doubt; certainly; unquestionably'
undeniably
The invention of antibiotics was undeniably one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the twentieth century.