“A Smooth Road!?”
The Need for Transitions
All writers want their papers "to flow." This rather vague phrase usually refers to the
idea of continuity and progression to which most writers aspire. Often, a writer will
create a well-argued paper, complete with a strong thesis and substantial evidence, only
to find the paper "dry." Other times, the lack of fluidity in an essay may stem directly
from weakness in the organization of ideas. In both cases, the effective use of transitions
helps immeasurably.
Identifying Connections Between Ideas
Just as linked sentences within a paragraph lead the reader, so too must linked paragraphs
direct the reader from one idea to another. Take the time to prioritize your arguments,
then construct transitions to explain the relationship between your ideas. Let your
organization do the transition work for you. Often, you need only to state the relationship
between successive paragraphs in order to have a successful transition. For example, a
paragraph citing the shortcomings of a state lottery ends:
The state focuses nearly all its publicity effort on merchandising a get-rich-quick
fantasy, one that will come true for only a handful of people, while encouraging
millions of others to think of success as a product of luck, not honest work.
The following paragraph immediately sets up a contrasting view:
While the shortcomings of the state lottery system are numerous, there are sound
arguments for allowing state lotteries to continue and spread....
The reader now sees the relationship between paragraphs and expects to read a defense of
the lottery system.
Transitional Strategies
The end of one paragraph can set up a clear connection to the next paragraph, whether
you aim to reinforce or debunk what has been stated. One way to create a transition is to
repeat a key word or phrase from the preceding paragraph. In addition, since all
paragraphs should help prove the thesis, another strategy could be to remind the reader of
that larger goal.
For example, if my thesis is an attempt to prove Satan to be a sympathetic character in
Paradise Lost, I may move from a paragraph citing Satan's self doubt to another that
explains Satan's monologues:
Because Satan doubts his choices throughout Paradise Lost, he appears human, fallible,
and ultimately sympathetic to reader who identifies with the human rather than the super
human.
Another characteristic which suggests Milton viewed Satan sympathetically emerges in
Satan's melancholy monologues. Like Satan's self-doubt, his monologues display the
manner in which Satan longs for acceptance in Eden...
In the above transition, I repeated the word 'doubt,' employed the transitional 'another,'
and connected both paragraphs to my thesis about Satan's 'sympathetic' nature.
Common Transitional Words and Phrases
To link complementary ideas:
again, in addition, at the same time, in the same way, similarly, likewise, hence,
as a result, furthermore, moreover, secondly, thirdly.
To link conflicting ideas:
in reality, in truth, on the contrary, on the other hand, nonetheless, however, in
contrast.
To demonstrate cause and effect:
therefore, thus, so, it follows, then, as a result, consequently.
Transitions as Bridges
One can think of transitions as bridges between sentences and paragraphs for the reader.
These bridges show relationships between ideas. You should ask yourself: "How are the
paragraphs linked? Do additional connections need to be identified? Do any of the
transitional techniques try to create relationships which are not valid?" The best essay
appears effortless; transitions that cultivate well-constructed progressions of thought will
improve an essay considerably.
DiGennaro, Philip. “Transitions” Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center, Hamilton
College, Clinton, NY 1994.
Barnet and Stubbs's Practical Guide to Writing, Student's Guide for Writing College
Papers, The Random House Handbook, Prentice Hall Reference Guide to Grammar and
Usage, and The St. Martin's Handbook.
Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective
transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of
the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the
right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical
relationship.
LOGICAL RELATIONSHIP
TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION
Similarity
also, in the same way, just as ...
so too, likewise, similarly
Exception/Contrast
but, however, in spite of, on the
one hand ... on the other hand,
nevertheless, nonetheless,
notwithstanding, in contrast, on
the contrary, still, yet
Sequence/Order
first, second, third, ... next, then,
finally
Time
after, afterward, at last, before,
currently, during, earlier,
immediately, later, meanwhile,
now, recently, simultaneously,
subsequently, then
Example
for example, for instance, namely,
specifically, to illustrate
Emphasis
even, indeed, in fact, of course,
truly
Place/Position
above, adjacent, below, beyond,
here, in front, in back, nearby,
there
Cause and Effect
accordingly, consequently, hence,
so, therefore, thus
Additional Support or Evidence
additionally, again, also, and, as
well, besides, equally important,
further, furthermore, in addition,
moreover, then
Conclusion/Summary
finally, in a word, in brief, in
conclusion, in the end, in the final
analysis, on the whole, thus, to
conclude, to summarize, in sum, in
summary
© Copyright 1998, UNC-CH Writing Center | URL: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
Tips for Effective Transitions
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handout is presented as an Adobe Acrobat file.
A transition lets your audience know that you have finished speaking about one
thought, and are about to move onto a related, but different thought or idea.
It is a good idea to use transitions in the following places:
After your introduction and before your first main point
Between each main point
Between sub-points when needed
After your final point and before your conclusion
If you are in doubt about using a transition, you may want to ask yourself the
following questions:
Does my transition summarize the preceding point?
Does my transition establish a logical relationship between my preceding idea
and the one that follows?
Does my transition preview my next point?
Copyright © 1999-2004, Butler University Speakers Lab, www.butler.edu/speakerslab
Now try to connect these ideas:
A: The car drove off of the road.
B: The driver was drinking.
A: Lenny likes mice.
B: George bought a new hat.
Write connecting sentence or two for the following words:
A: NFL
B: Miss America
A: Literature
B: Running
Ask a friend for two ideas:
A:
B: