Public Policy Writing That Matters by David Chrisinger

Author:David Chrisinger [Chrisinger, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-12-14T16:00:00+00:00

LINK SENTENCES BY USING TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES

Transitional words and phrases lead the reader from one idea to another. They enhance the coherence of your writing by signaling to the reader how a particular idea logically connects to the preceding one.

Notice how the simple addition of a few transitional phrases (shown below in italics) makes clear the connection between sentences.

We employed a number of methodologies to check for compliance among the four military services with the DOD’s new requirements regarding separating service members. First, to analyze the extent to which the DOD and the different military services are able to identify the number of enlisted service members who were administratively separated because of a nondisability mental condition, we reviewed various documents, including the DOD’s policy on the use of codes to track specific types of separations. Second, we interviewed DOD and military service officials to understand the type of tracking conducted and whether they maintained data on separations for nondisability mental conditions, as well as any requirements related to tracking such separations. In addition, we reviewed the DOD’s and the military services’ separation policies to identify requirements for separating service members for nondisability mental conditions, how these requirements have evolved, and whether the requirements have been consistently applied.

A list of frequently used transitional words and phrases is given in table 3.1. Be careful with transitions, though. Some writers, unfortunately, try to fake coherence by lacing their prose with conjunctions like thus, therefore, however, and so on, regardless of whether they signal logical connections. Experienced writers, on the other hand, may use transitional words and phrases, but they depend more on the logical flow of ideas. They are especially careful not to overuse words like in addition, and, also, moreover, another, and so on—words that say, simply, Here’s one more thing. Overuse of in addition and the like may mean that you are simply stringing together data.

Table 3.1. FREQUENTLY USED TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES

Addition

further, also, in addition, next, furthermore, moreover, additionally

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