Transition Activity DIrections: Read through the following information to understand what
transitions are and how they work in writing. Afterward, you’ll use this information for some
identification practice.
WHAT IS A TRANSITION? In writing, a transition is a word or phrase that connects one idea
to another. This connection can occur within a paragraph or between paragraphs. Transitions
are used to show how sentences or paragraphs are related to each other and how they relate
to the overall theme of the paper
Relationship
Commonly Used Word
Addition
again, also, and, another, as a result, as well as,
besides, both, consequently, equally important,
finally, first-second-etc., for example, for instance,
further, furthermore, however, in addition to, in
fact, in the same way, in the second place, last,
likewise, moreover, next, not only-but also,
otherwise, similarly, than, therefore, thus, too
Consequence or Result
accordingly, as a result, because, consequently,
due to, for this reason, hence, in other words,
since, so, so that, then, therefore, thus, with the
result that
Contrast
at the same time, but, contrarily, conversely,
however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, nor,
notwithstanding, on one hand- on the other hand,
on the contrary, or, rather, while this may be true,
yet, even though, though
Sequence/order
first, second, (etc.), finally, hence, next, then, from
here on, to begin with, last of all, after, before, as
soon as, in the end, gradually
Comparisons
analogous to, in a like fashion, in a like manner,
likewise, similarly
Summary
accordingly, as a result, consequently ,finally, in
brief, in conclusion, in short, therefore, thus
Time
after, afterward, another, at first, at last, at length,
at the same time, before, concurrently, during,
eventually, finally, first-second-etc., formerly,
generally, immediately, in order to, in the
meantime, last, later, meanwhile, most important,
next, once, ordinarily, previously, rarely,
simultaneously, soon, subsequently, then, to
begin with, usually
Transition Practice, Part I: For each of the following sentences, write what kind of transition
is being and at least one other word you could use in its place. The transitions are
highlighted.
1. A water tower in main downtown broke this morning, so several businesses had no water for
hours.
Type of transition
Consequence/Result
Another word I could use
therefore
2. Residents complain bitterly about potholes in the streets and sloppy trash pick-up, yet these
same people resist paying higher taxes for the improvement of these services.
Type of transition
Contrast
Another word I could use
however
3. Science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke correctly predicted that satellites would be used for
communication. Moreover, in 1947 he correctly predicted that 1959 would be the year the first
rocket to the moon was launched.
Type of transition
Addition
Another word I could use
thus