PRACTICING TRANSITIONS: LINKING WORDS AND PHRASES


1) Rewrite the following text so that the transitions between sentences are smoother and the
argument of the text is easier to follow.

 Medical science has succeeded in identifying the hundreds of viruses that can cause the common
cold. It has discovered the most effective means of prevention. One person transmits the cold
viruses to another most often by hand. An infected person covers his mouth to cough. He picks up
the telephone. His daughter picks up the telephone. She rubs her eyes. She has a cold. It spreads.
To avoid colds, people should wash their hands often and keep their hands away from their faces.


2) Join together the following sentences.

1.        She wasn’t very rich.  She gave money to the beggar. (although)

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2.        He left early.  He wanted to arrive on time. (so that)

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3.        You can go out tonight.  You must tell us where you are going. (provided)

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4.        I don’t earn a big salary.  But if I did, I wouldn’t buy a car.  (even if)

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5.        Take a sandwich.  There might be no restaurant. (in case)

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6.        There was a lot of noise.  He managed to sleep. (despite)

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7.        Sue likes Opera.  Joe prefers jazz. (They have different tastes.)  (whereas)

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8.        The weather was bad.  They enjoyed the trip. (even though)

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9.        He had the ‘flu.  He went to work. (in spite of)

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10.      You have to put the alarm on.  If not, it won’t work. (unless)

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3) Decide which type of linking expressions the following sentences belong to.

in particular, nevertheless, in general, namely, whereas, but, moreover, and, hence, both,
consequently, subsequently, unless

1. __________, travel information is very important for route planning.

2. We suspect they are trying to hide something, ___________ the need for an independent inquiry.

3. He ___________ became the chairman of the party.

4. Estimates suggest that the effects will continue, __________ at a more moderate rate.

5. There is a serious problem in the district, __________ unemployment.

6. This poses a threat to agriculture and the food chain, and __________ to human health.

7. __________ the husband __________ the wife were similarly successful in their chosen careers.

8. Some of the studies show positive results, __________ others do not.

9. The results are important for scientific research __________ and geography __________.

10. There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. __________, it is important
that we try.

11. __________ I’m mistaken, she was back at work yesterday.