What role do transitional words play in a document?

Transitional words are crucial in a document because they serve to connect ideas and improve the overall flow of the text. By using transitional words, a writer can guide the reader from one idea to another, creating a seamless reading experience. This connection helps maintain coherence and clarity, allowing the audience to easily follow the logic or progression of the argument being presented.

For instance, transitional words such as "however," "therefore," or "in addition" indicate relationships between ideas, whether they are contrasting, expanding upon, or concluding previous thoughts. This not only enhances the readability of the document but also reinforces the logical structure of the information being conveyed. By employing these connecting words effectively, a technical writer ensures that readers can understand the relationships between various sections of the text, leading to improved comprehension and retention of information.