Transitions
Essential Information
Transition words or phrases help readers move from one idea to the next.
What’s the issue?
Readers need to understand how parts of sentences, paragraphs, and essays fit together. Without
using clear transitions, you may lose your readers.
Examples: Functions and Common Words and Phrases
Addition
and, again, also, too, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover, besides
Cause and Effect
therefore, consequently, thus, accordingly, as a result, hence, then, so
Comparison
similarly, likewise, by comparison
Concession
although, admittedly, actually, to be sure, granted, of course, in fact,
indeed, it is true, to tell the truth, certainly, with the exception of, even
though, naturally, really, that is
Contrast
but, however, at the same time, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other
hand, yet, nevertheless, after all, in spite of, conversely, still, instead,
nevertheless, otherwise, anyhow
Example
for example, for instance, one case of
Time (Chronological first, formerly, earlier, previously, before that, then, now, concurrently,
order)
simultaneously, at the same time, immediately, this time, until now,
shortly, currently, in the meantime, subsequently, later, next, afterwards
Place (Spatial order) elsewhere, here, above, below, farther on, there, beyond, nearby,
opposite to, around
Clarification
that is, in other words, in simpler terms, to put it differently, simply
stated, partly
Sequence (numerical first, second, third [not firstly, secondly, etc.], next, finally, following,
order OR order of
then, in time, the chief, main, primary, secondary and so on
importance)
Summary
in conclusion, to conclude, to summarize, in brief, in short
Let's Practice Transitions!
Finish each of the following statements using ideas of your own invention. Answers may vary.
1. Writing is difficult; therefore, __________________________________________
2. Writing is difficult; however, ___________________________________________
3. Writing is difficult. For example, ________________________________________
4. Although writing is difficult, ____________________________________________
5. Writing is difficult. Similarly, writing ____________________________________