Transition words are an important part of the English language as they help us structure what we say, show our thought process, and draw attention to particular points.
In this case, we are looking at transition words for emphasis. These are useful for highlighting an important point, accentuating meaning, or helping people focus on what you are saying.
Transition words for emphasis
Adverbial transition words for emphasis
One easy way to emphasize a point or draw greater attention to it is with the use of adverbs.
There is no set list of adverbial discourse markers for emphasis, as the majority of adjectives can be converted to adverbs and used in this way.
However, to begin with, here are some adverbs that can be used to emphasize or highlight the importance of something:
- Clearly
- Even
- Importantly
- Markedly
- Notably
- Obviously
- Particularly
- Significantly
- Surely
These can also be called focusing adverbs, as they help focus attention on a particular part of a sentence.
Here are some example sentences using these adverbs as transition words to emphasize:
- The company’s profits have increased notably since the new CEO took over.
- She was laughing so hard, she even cried a little.
- Obviously, the children’s safety is our priority.
- We clearly need to refresh our advertising strategy this quarter.
- Due to a cold front moving through the area, the temperature will drop markedly.
In the sentences above, the adverb does not alter the meaning significantly; it just emphasizes a particular point.
More adverbial transition words to show emphasis
Now, here are some more adventurous adverbs that you could use to accentuate a point. Note that not all of these will be appropriate to use in every situation, so take note of what they actually mean.
- Compellingly
- Curiously
- Explicitly
- Expressly
- Incredibly
- Interestingly
- Intriguingly
- Remarkably
- Shockingly
- Specifically
- Strikingly
- Surprisingly
This list is practically endless. You can use this type of adverb, also called adverbs of manner, to add nuance to a statement and even change its meaning.
For example, take the simple sentence “She looked beautiful.” Let’s see how adding one of these emphasizing words can alter the meaning slightly:
- She looked surprisingly beautiful.
- She looked strikingly beautiful.
- She looked incredibly beautiful.
- She looked remarkably beautiful.
- She looked curiously beautiful.
This resource has some more powerful adverb ideas and guidance on how to use them effectively.
Discourse markers to emphasize one point above others
Sometimes we use transition words for emphasis to highlight one point or one thing over others. In this case, the following words and phrases are suitable:
- Above all
- Chiefly
- Especially
- Even
- In particular
- Namely
- Predominantly
For example:
- We want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to speak in class, especially the less confident students.
- I know we are here to have fun, but above all, we are raising money for the orphanage.
- The new company policy is chiefly focused on improving employee productivity.
- Our revenue comes predominantly from online sales.
Emphasizing the indisputability of a point
These emphasis transition words and phrases are used to stress the factual accuracy or indisputability of something (at least, in the opinion of the speaker):
- Absolutely
- Certainly
- Definitely
- Indeed
- Indisputably
- Irrefutably
- Positively
- To say the least
- Truly
- Undeniably
- Undoubtedly
- Unarguably
- Unquestionably
- Without a doubt
- Without a second thought
- Without doubt
- Without question
- Without reservation
Here are some example sentences using these emphasis transition words:
- I have been truly overwhelmed by all your kind words.
- He would, without reservation, quit his job to be a stay-at-home Dad.
- Chocolate mint chip is unarguably the best ice cream flavor.
- The video footage confirmed that she had indeed set a new record.
- I have absolutely no problem with letting Mark lead this meeting.
- Mozart is indisputably one of the most influential composers of all time.
Drawing attention back to a previous point
If you wish to emphasize a point that has already been mentioned, to make sure that it has not been forgotten, here are some transition words and phrases to use.
You can also use these to politely bring to mind a piece of general information that your audience should already be aware of.
- It must be remembered that…
- Let’s not forget that…
- Not forgetting that…
- Remembering that…
- Keeping in mind that…
- You may recall…
- We must keep in mind that…
- It’s important to realize that…
- A point often overlooked is…
- May I point out that…
Here are some example sentences using these transition words for emphasis:
- You may recall that last year our profit margin was minus six percent.
- Let’s not forget that independent user trials returned a positive opinion of the new layout.
- Remembering that our budget has been cut this year, let’s focus on cost savings.
- We must keep in mind that most students are relying on public transport to reach the event.
- It’s important to realize that “compostable” plastics only decompose under certain conditions.
- May I point out that our water dispenser has been broken for over three weeks?
Discourse markers for emphasis and order
Finally, some phrases for emphasizing are also used as transition words for order and sequencing. Examples include:
- The first thing to remember is…
- First of all, …
- Let’s turn our attention to…
- In fact, …
- Let’s move on to…
- As a matter of fact, …
- May I draw your attention to…
These not only guide the listener or reader on to the next point, but draw attention to it as well. Some of these also merge into the realm of counterclaim transition words. Here are a few examples of how you can use them:
- The first thing to remember is that we all have different opinions about this matter.
- Now, let’s turn our attention to the question of the new building fund.
- I don’t think we have enough coffee left to last us this week. In fact, we have almost run out.
To conclude
Transition words for emphasis can’t be as clearly defined as some other types of signal words, especially when it comes to adverbs, since there is quite some freedom in how you use them.
Still, we hope you have found this article useful and it has given you some fresh inspiration for whatever you are working on.
If you’d like to continue learning about discourse markers, here are some additional resources for you to browse:
Addition transition words
Compare and contrast transition words
Transition words for similarity
Transition words and phrases for concluding
