在这里,我们将考虑过渡词和短语如何帮助我们的写作清晰和连贯。
一个有效段落的关键品质是统一性。一个统一的段落从头到尾都坚持一个主题,每个句子都有助于该段落的中心目的和主要思想。
但是一个强有力的段落不仅仅是一组松散的句子。这些句子需要清楚地连接起来,以便读者能够跟上,认识到一个细节是如何引导下一个细节的。一个句子连接清晰的段落被认为是连贯的。
以下段落统一连贯。注意斜体字和短语(称为过渡)如何引导我们前进,帮助我们看到一个细节如何引导下一个细节。
为什么我不整理我的床
Ever since I moved into my own apartment last fall, I have gotten out of the habit of making my bed--except on Fridays, of course, when I change the sheets. Although some people may think that I am a slob, I have some sound reasons for breaking the bed-making habit. In the first place, I am not concerned about maintaining a tidy bedroom because no one except me ever ventures in there. If there is ever a fire inspection or a surprise date, I suppose I can dash in there to fluff up the pillow and slap on a spread. Otherwise, I am not bothered. In addition, I find nothing uncomfortable about crawling into a rumpled mass of sheets and blankets. On the contrary, I enjoy poking out a cozy space for myself before drifting off to sleep. Also, I think that a tightly made bed is downright uncomfortable: entering one makes me feel like a loaf of bread being wrapped and sealed. Finally, and most importantly, I think bed-making is an awful way to waste time in the morning. I would rather spend those precious minutes checking my email or feeding the cat than tucking in corners or snapping the spread.
过渡词和短语引导读者从一个句子到下一个句子。虽然它们通常出现在句首,但也可能出现在主语之后。
下面是一些英语中最常见的过渡表达,根据每个表达的关系类型进行分组。
1.加法转换
and also besides first, second, third in addition in the first place, in the second place, in the third place furthermore moreover to begin with, next, finally
Example "In the first place, no 'burning' in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover, volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore, the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks; and finally, the 'smoke' is not smoke but condensed steam." (Fred Bullard, Volcanoes in History, in Theory, in Eruption)
2.因果转换
accordingly and so as a result consequently for this reason hence so then therefore thus
Example "The study of human chromosomes is in its infancy, and so it has only recently become possible to study the effect of environmental factors upon them." (Rachel Carson, Silent Spring)
3.比较转换
by the same token in like manner in the same way in similar fashion likewise similarly
Example "The heaping together of paintings by Old Masters in museums is a catastrophe; likewise, a collection of a hundred Great Brains makes one big fathead." (Carl Jung, "Civilization in Transition")
4.对比度转换
but however in contrast instead nevertheless on the contrary on the other hand still yet
Example "Every American, to the last man, lays claim to a 'sense' of humor and guards it as his most significant spiritual trait, yet rejects humor as a contaminating element wherever found. America is a nation of comics and comedians; nevertheless, humor has no stature and is accepted only after the death of the perpetrator." (E. B. White, "The Humor Paradox")
总结 - 5.结论(5. conclusion) vs. 过渡(transitions)
and so after all at last finally in brief in closing in conclusion on the whole to conclude to summarize
Example "We should teach that words are not the things to which they refer. We should teach that words are best understood as convenient tools for handling reality. . . Finally, we should teach widely that new words can and should be invented if the need arises." (Karol Janicki, Language Misconceived)
6.示例转换
as an example for example for instance specifically thus to illustrate
Example "With all the ingenuity involved in hiding delicacies on the body, this process automatically excludes certain foods. For example, a turkey sandwich is welcome, but the cumbersome cantaloupe is not." (Steve Martin, "How to Fold Soup")
7.坚持转变
in fact indeed no yes
Example "The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed the world is ruled by little else." (John Maynard Keynes, The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money)
8.放置转换
above alongside beneath beyond farther along in back in front nearby on top of to the left to the right under upon
Example "Where the wall turns up to the right you can continue by the beck but a better path is to be found by turning with the wall and then going to the left through the bracken." (Jim Grindle, One Hundred Hill Walks in the Lake District)
9重述过渡
in other words in short in simpler terms that is to put it differently to repeat
Example "Anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer studied the few peaceful human tribes and discovered one common characteristic: sex roles were not polarized. Differences of dress and occupation were at a minimum. Society, in other words, was not using sexual blackmail as a way of getting women to do cheap labor, or men to be aggressive." (Gloria Steinem, "What It Would Be Like If Women Win")
10时间转换
afterward at the same time currently earlier formerly immediately in the future in the meantime in the past later meanwhile previously simultaneously subsequently then until now
Example At first a toy, then a mode of transportation for the rich, the automobile was designed as man's mechanical servant. Later it became part of the pattern of living.