English Transitional Words Database ETWD

English Transitional Words Database-ETWD |Keep learning for goodness!

Welcome to the English Transitional Words Database (ETWD)! You will be able to find classified transitional words by categories. Each category was created based on the functionality that takes during the process of constructing arguments. Transitional words provide coherence and unity to the composition by linking ideas in sentences and paragraphs. Transitional words can be either verbs, conjunctions, adverbs or prepositional phrases that intend to change the direction of the rhetorical objective by providing a logical flow to the composition that makes it sound coherent. Transitional words can establish different relationships among ideas and objects of study. These rhetorical devices can be placed in many places in the composition, for example: between paragraphs, between sentences, within and between the parts of a sentence, see categories! The quality of the composition is improved tremendously when transition words are used appropriately.

Transitional words as rhetorical devices can enhance one's writing. As we know, the main goal of writing is to communicate a message. Thus, the message is written in such a way that the reader can understand it by applying a set of rules for interpretation. As a result, the writer takes many steps for facilitating such interpretation, in this way, reaching greater understanding of their message. The mentioned steps can be described as a flow of sequences of different pieces of information that change the directions of the accumulated meanings of the composition until the final goal of communicating the desired message is achieved. By using transitional words, writers can produce cohesive compositions that keep the changes in directions on balance. In conclusion, a thought that the writer wants to communicate can take many routes for reaching the desired destination through a balanced use of transitional words which provide rhetorical directions. That it is exactly what the picture below represents.

"The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created -- created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination." -- John Schaar, Futurist

As such, proficiency in reading and writing depend on how well transitional words are interpreted; such interpretation determines message conveyance and comprehension, thereby the English Transitional Words Database (ETWD) has been created with the objective of organizing transitional words based on usage patterns rather than purely grammatical rules. The available transitional patterns can be found here. Please do remember, transitional words and phrases are not the panacea for lack of grammar and structured argumentation. The next step for the English Transitional Words Database is to provide examples for each transitional word with the aim of enhancing learning. You can help me by adding examples in each transitional word and/or adding transitional words to the categories, see categories!

The English Transitional Words Database is in the process of development and is helping people to learn the English language around the world. ETWD provides choices to the writer when confronted with he need of changing the direction of the rhetorical objective. This is an important step since the proper choice of transitional words increase coherence and unity in the composition for ensuring proper interpretation by the readers. ETWD is work in progress, encompassing the classification and description of transitional words as well as the formulation of examples.

Since 2007, ETWD has being visited from 148 countries (see map). On average, ETWD records 3,500 page views per month. In 2010, 9,000 visits were recorded from 120 countries, 41,815 page views were seen in the website. Heavy usage came from United States, Canada and Mexico, they were trailed by European, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries. The lowest use was originated from Africa. For a description of the data in the years 2007-2009, see the seminar presentation in the Department. of Experimental Statistics at Louisiana State University A&M. The presentation is titled "Forecasting Usability of the English Transitional Words Database" Download PDF File. From the start of 2011, heavy internet traffic has originated from Colombia and Greece.