The Overused Transition? - Grammar and usage help requested

vanity

[EveningStar]

This transition seems to be overused, at least to me: having said that and its variations that said, that being said, that having been said, etc.

Now my problem is this. I'm not a particularly good writer and I've always had problems with transitions. Can anyone offer help to me and others on the use of transitions without falling back on the previous examples? Also, do you think I was right in referring to the aforementioned transition as being overused. And while we're at it, is transition the proper term?

[secretagent]

check back for lessons...

[Larry Lucido]

Having read that, I'm sure many Freeper grammarians will rush to assist.

[Uri’el-2012]

segue

[E. V. Republitarian MD]

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking here... Yes, there are MANY examples of bad writing today, the use of "fluffy" transitions is only one, albeit good, example. Are you asking for advice on what words to use instead of those terms?

Now, having said that, my BA is in English, so I can help, but I need to you clarify your question.

[grin]

[So Cal Rocket]

however
therefore
accordingly
as such

[Larry Lucido]

Here's another phrase that is not only overused but used incorrectly:

"Hopefully, somone will answer your question."

I know that's wrong, yet I often use the expression for want of an alternative.

[Redcloak]

Be that as it may, transitions like this are often just superfluous verbiage intended to make the writer look smarter than he really is. The same is true when a writer uses a passive voice or employs phrases such as "not unlike" when "like" will do. Doing so requires more words to get the point across and provides more of a chance to show off one's vocabulary.

[ConservativeMind]

Well there is "subsequently," "as a result," and the like.

However, sometimes just launching into the next topic can be your start:

"One way to deal with the problem of liberals in higher education is by ignoring them. While I alluded to engagement of faculty in a previous example, one can..."

Or you could simply segue into the topic by shifting focus in more subtle ways:

"While it is true liberal faculty can be engaged in class, sometimes it is best to ignore them."

[Wolfstar]

Do you speak well? If yes, write like you speak. The harder you have to think about HOW to do something, the harder it becomes to actually do it.

[Petronski]

Try using none at all.

[Yardstick]

"Hopefully, somone will answer your question."

Grammar threads generate forcefields that cause typos and other errors to occur. It's just a law of nature. On a grammar thread it doesn't matter how many times you proofread your post, your eyes won't see the mistake.

I think you meant to say "Hopefully, salmon will answer your question" ;)

[MSM Hater]

Love the way you make your examples entertaining and true!

[EveningStar]

Well, I find myself overusing "however", "nonetheless", and "nevertheless." :)

[mikrofon]

I prefer to keep a separate pair of sunglasses.

That being the case and in any event, good luck...

[sodpoodle]

If it feels good - do it;)

[SampleMan]

My opinion.

All transitions are over used.

English is best when it is short and to the point. Simply illiminate transitions, you will only put a few back in during proof reading.

[Yardstick]

See? It's forcefields I tell ya.

On any other thread you would have typed "illiminate" and your eyes instantly would've told you that you had blown it. But not on a grammar thread.

You have no excuse for the run-on sentence, though.

[LongElegantLegs]

Try "However, as any idiot knows..."

[MHGinTN]

The semi-colon is useful in some instances, the word 'rather' with a comma is useful in others. [HINT: when the word 'because' or the phrase 'that said' or the word 'therefore' can be used, a semi-colon followed by a complete clause (at least) is acceptable in formal and even novel writing.