Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express
agreement with preceding material.
Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out
alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).
Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are time words that
are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect.
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the
consequences or effects.
These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to indicate importance
or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.
These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general
statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to
summarize.
These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They can be
used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.
Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth;
since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.
Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions,
qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples. Further is also used
to indicate added space as well as added time.
These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or
qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial
order or spatial reference.
Informal letter
Im writing to ask for your help/you (if you could do me) a favour.
I wonder if/I was wondering if you could help me/do me a favour.
I hope you dont mind me asking but could you (possibly) ?
Id be very/really/terribly grateful if you could
Thank you / Congratulations / Good Luck
Im writing to thank you for your hospitality/the wonderful present.
It was so kind of you to invite me to stay with you.
I really appreciated all your help/advice.
Congratulations on passing your exams/your excellent exam results!
I wish you good luck/Good luck in/with your exams/your driving test/your interview.
Dont worry, Im sure youll do well/pass.
Making suggestions and recommend
Why dont you ? Maybe you could ? How about ?
You cant leave New York without doing sth
Im sure you will enjoy doing sth If you like, we can
Do visit (somewhere). Dont forget to (do sth) (Imperative -> Strong Recommendation)
Im told that People say that (If you heard sth is good)
Endings
Give my love/regards to Say hello to Hope to hear from you soon.
See you soon! Write soon. Once again, thank you for all your help.
Signing off
Love,
Lots of love,
All the best,
Best wishes,
+First name
Remember that in informal letters we use:
go on instead of continue
Contractions
Formal letter
Knowing what a good reputation the restaurant has, I was disappointed with the service.
The library offers no facilities for borrowing videos; this is because of the high cost involved.
Letter of application
Report
Introduction
The aim/purpose of this report is to consider/suggest/...
This report is intended to...
I summarise below / Below is a summary of the most important relevant points as well as some
recommendations.
Reporting results