Transitions enhance the flow of thought between sentences. When placed at the start of a sentence, they set the context for the information described in the sentence. Transitional devices can be in the form of a word (e.g., “nevertheless”) or a phrase (e.g., “in addition”).
Example: Along with the approved budget, a few proposals for ensuring the viability of the project were presented.
Transitional devices show how the idea in a sentence or phrase relates to that in the preceding statement.
Example (without transitional device): One of the controversies in the use of monosodium glutamate is its safety as a food additive. Tests have shown that it is relatively safe.
Greater coherence can be achieved here by showing that despite the controversy, tests have proven the safety of the additive. This can be done by using a transitional device at the start of the second sentence, such as “however”:
Improved coherence:One of the controversies in the, use of monosodium glutamate is its safety as a food additive. However, tests have shown that it is relatively safe.