Signaling Words are words or phrases that guide the reader through a text by indicating the relationship between ideas or sentences. They help create coherence and organization within a passage.
Here are ten common signaling words and their functions:
1. Addition/Continuation: Also, furthermore, moreover, in addition
- These words add additional information or continue a previous idea.
2. Contrast/Opposition: However, but, conversely, on the other hand
- These words signal a change in direction or introduce an opposing view.
3. Comparison/Similarity: Likewise, similarly, in the same way, just as
- These words indicate a relationship of comparison or similarity between two ideas.
4. Cause and Effect: Therefore, hence, as a result, consequently
- These words show a causal relationship between events or ideas.
5. Emphasis: Indeed, truly, in fact, notably
- These words emphasize or highlight important information.
6. Exemplification: For example, for instance, such as
- These words introduce specific examples or illustrations to support a point.
7. Listing: First, second, next, finally
- These words organize information into a sequence or list.
8. Restatement/Paraphrasing: In other words, to put it another way
- These words restate or paraphrase a previous idea to provide clarification.
9. Summary/Conclusion: In conclusion, in summary, overall
- These words signal the end of a discussion or provide a summary of the main points.
10. Transition: Next, then, after that, meanwhile
- These words help move the reader smoothly from one idea to another within a passage.