Transitional Expressions Check that you understand the meaning of the linking words in the box below. Which of them are conjunctions (= spojky)? Which are prepositions (= předložky)? despite although in spite of even though however while Practice1: Choose the correct option. 1 We managed to get to the office _____ the heavy snow. A in spite of B however C while 2 _____ needing a rest, the team continued to work. A In spite B Despite C Although 3 I like peaches. I don’t like bananas, ………………. . A whereas B on the other hand C though 4 The film was good, _____it was also very frightening. A despite B but C in spite 5 Paul can drive a car, _____ Charles can ride a motorbike. A whereas B even though C despite 6 _____ she isn’t fond of classical music, she went to the concert. A However B Even though C Despite Practice 2: Read the whole text and then underline the correct word/phrase. The party was a disaster. Although/To begin with, there were hardly any people there. All in all/As a result, there wasn’t a very exciting atmosphere. After that/In addition, the stereo had broken, because/so there was no music to dance to. On the whole/In the end, we all watched a film on television. I left before/as soon as I could. In short/Next, it was a terrible evening. Practice 3: Join the sentences using the word(s) in brackets. 1 He was hungry. He bought a sandwich. (so) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 Claire is very tall. She is very thin. (what is more) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 I was tired. I watched the late film. (despite) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 John did his homework. His brother tidied the kitchen.(while) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 Tom likes football. Stuart likes basketball.(whereas) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 Jason doesn’t like tomatoes. Paul doesn’t like tomatoes. (neither, nor) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. PRACTICE 4: Read the text and choose the most suitable option. There are many reasons for visiting the city of Rome. 1) _____, it is a city with an interesting history. 2) _____, it was the capital of the Roman Empire. 3) _____, Rome is very beautiful, 4) _____ its many places, churches and squares. 5) _____ , many of the city’s classical monuments have been preserved, 6)_____ it is possible to see how the city used to be. 7) _____, many people travel to Rome every year. 8) _____ , I believe that 9) _____ a trip to Rome may be expensive, it is well worth visiting such a wonderful city. 1) A Since B On the whole C Firstly 2) A Secondly B Finally C Therefore 3) A In order to B Moreover C All in all 4) A thanks to B because C so 5) A Apart from B However C In addition 6) A because B so C and 7) A Because B But C For this reason 8) A To sum up B Although C For example 9) A moreover B although C due to 5 Study the list of transitional expressions and add their Czech equivalents. (Note when a comma is typically used and when it’s not common.) Expressions improving text cohesion and coherence Comparing, contrasting * In the same way, … * On the one hand, … * On the other hand, … * Both ...and ... * In contrast, ... * On the contrary, … * Nevertheless, * However, * , whereas… Indicating reason or result * , so … * so that … * because … * since … * as … * + subject + verb * because of + noun clause * To + infinitive * In order to + infinitive * As a result, … * Consequently, … * Therefore, ... Adding information * Besides, … * In addition, … * What is more, … * Furthermore, … * Moreover, … * , as well as * also