Where should you place a transitional word or phrase?

Transitional words or phrases are used to link different parts of a text by showing the relationship between sentences or paragraphs. They help to guide the reader through the text, making the writer's thoughts more coherent and the overall structure of the text more cohesive. Transitional words or phrases should be placed at specific points in your text to signal the relationship between ideas. Here are some common places to use them:

1. **At the beginning of a sentence or clause:** Transitional words can be used to introduce a new idea that follows logically from the previous sentence or to contrast with what has been said before.
- Example: "However, the results of the study were inconclusive."

2. **Between two independent clauses:** When you have two separate sentences that are related, you can use a transitional phrase followed by a semicolon to link them.
- Example: "The experiment was a success; consequently, the researchers decided to move on to the next phase."

3. **Within a sentence:** Transitional phrases can also be used within a sentence to connect ideas or to introduce an example or explanation.
- Example: "The technology, for instance, can be applied in various industries."

4. **At the beginning of a paragraph:** To signal a shift in focus or to introduce a new line of reasoning, a transitional phrase can be placed at the start of a paragraph.
- Example: "In addition to the aforementioned points, it is important to consider the environmental impact."

5. **Before a concluding sentence:** To sum up or conclude a section of text, transitional phrases can be used to lead into the final thoughts.
- Example: "In conclusion, the evidence clearly supports the hypothesis."

When using transitional words or phrases, it's important to choose one that accurately conveys the relationship between the ideas, whether it's to show cause and effect, contrast, sequence, or another type of connection. Additionally, avoid overusing transitions as this can make the text seem repetitive or overly mechanical. Use them judiciously to enhance the flow and clarity of your writing.