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, despite the fact that'
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 'nevertheless; in spite of that; still'
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 'above all; principally, more than anything else'
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 'seemingly true on the surface, but perhaps not actually so'
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 'as the visible facts or evidence suggest; so it appears'
evidently
The ruins were evidently part of a much larger settlement that had been abandoned centuries ago.
a linking word meaning 'in a way that cannot be denied or disputed; beyond question'
undeniably
The invention of antibiotics was undeniably one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the twentieth century.

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