Transitional Words and Phrases
One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.
While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.
In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.
Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.
Categories of Transition Words and Phrases
Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example
Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession
Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary
Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships
Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).
accordingly as a result and so because
consequently for that reason hence on account of
since therefore thus
Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.
after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime
later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes
soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while
Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.
additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more
finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place
last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too
Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.
after all although and yet at the same time but
despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding
on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet
Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.
as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)
for example for instance specifically that is
to demonstrate to illustrate
Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.
chiefly critically
foundationally most importantly
of less importance primarily
Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.
above adjacent to below beyond
centrally here nearby neighboring on
opposite to peripherally there wherever
Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.
by the same token in like manner
in similar fashion here in the same way
likewise wherever
Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification
i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words
that is that is to say to clarify to explain
to put it another way to rephrase it
granted it is true
naturally of course
finally lastly
in conclusion in the end
to conclude
Intensification
in fact indeed no
of course surely to repeat
undoubtedly without doubt yes
for this purpose in order that
so that to that end
to this end
in brief in sum
in summary in short
to sum up to summarize
Improving Your Writing Style
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Clear, Concise Sentences
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Connecting Ideas Through Transitions
Using Transitional Words and Phrases
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Effective Transition Words for Research Papers
What are transition words in academic writing?
A transition is a change from one idea to another idea in writing or speaking and can be achieved using transition terms or phrases. These transitions are usually placed at the beginning of sentences, independent clauses, and paragraphs and thus establish a specific relationship between ideas or groups of ideas. Transitions are used to enhance cohesion in your paper and make its logical development clearer to readers.
Types of Transition Words
Transitions accomplish many different objectives. We can divide all transitions into four basic categories:
- Additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding or referencing information
- Adversative transitions indicate conflict or disagreement between pieces of information
- Causal transitions point to consequences and show cause-and-effect relationships
- Sequential transitions clarify the order and sequence of information and the overall structure of the paper
Additive Transitions
These terms signal that new information is being added (between both sentences and paragraphs), introduce or highlight information, refer to something that was just mentioned, add a similar situation, or identify certain information as important.
Adversative Transitions
These terms and phrases distinguish facts, arguments, and other information, whether by contrasting and showing differences; by conceding points or making counterarguments; by dismissing the importance of a fact or argument; or replacing and suggesting alternatives.
Causal Transitions
These terms and phrases signal the reasons, conditions, purposes, circumstances, and cause-and-effect relationships. These transitions often come after an important point in the research paper has been established or to explore hypothetical relationships or circumstances.
Sequential Transitions
These transition terms and phrases organize your paper by numerical sequence; by showing continuation in thought or action; by referring to previously-mentioned information; by indicating digressions; and, finally, by concluding and summing up your paper. Sequential transitions are essential to creating structure and helping the reader understand the logical development through your paper’s methods, results, and analysis.
How to Choose Transitions in Academic Writing
Transitions are commonplace elements in writing, but they are also powerful tools that can be abused or misapplied if one isn’t careful. Here are some ways to ensure you are using transitions effectively.
- Check for overused, awkward, or absent transitions during the paper editing process. Don’t spend too much time trying to find the “perfect” transition while writing the paper.
- When you find a suitable place where a transition could connect ideas, establish relationships, and make it easier for the reader to understand your point, use the list to find a suitable transition term or phrase.
- Similarly, if you have repeated some terms again and again, find a substitute transition from the list and use that instead. This will help vary your writing and enhance the communication of ideas.
- Read the beginning of each paragraph. Did you include a transition? If not, look at the information in that paragraph and the preceding paragraph and ask yourself: “How does this information connect?” Then locate the best transition from the list.
- Check the structure of your paper—are your ideas clearly laid out in order? You should be able to locate sequence terms such as “first,” “second,” “following this,” “another,” “in addition,” “finally,” “in conclusion,” etc. These terms will help outline your paper for the reader.
For more helpful information on academic writing and the journal publication process, visit Wordvice’s Academic Resources Page. And be sure to check out Wordvice’s professional English editing services if you are looking for paper editing and proofreading after composing your academic document.
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Other Resources Around the Web
- MSU Writing Center. Transition Words.
- UW-Madison Writing Center. Transition Words and Phrases.
Transitions
What this handout is about.
In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively.
The function and importance of transitions
In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.
Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.
Signs that you might need to work on your transitions
How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues:
- Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers.
- Your readers (instructors, friends, or classmates) tell you that they had trouble following your organization or train of thought.
- You tend to write the way you think—and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly.
- You wrote your paper in several discrete “chunks” and then pasted them together.
- You are working on a group paper; the draft you are working on was created by pasting pieces of several people’s writing together.
Organization
Since the clarity and effectiveness of your transitions will depend greatly on how well you have organized your paper, you may want to evaluate your paper’s organization before you work on transitions. In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or short phrase what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order of and connection between your ideas more clearly.
If after doing this exercise you find that you still have difficulty linking your ideas together in a coherent fashion, your problem may not be with transitions but with organization. For help in this area (and a more thorough explanation of the “reverse outlining” technique described in the previous paragraph), please see the Writing Center’s handout on organization .
How transitions work
The organization of your written work includes two elements: (1) the order in which you have chosen to present the different parts of your discussion or argument, and (2) the relationships you construct between these parts. Transitions cannot substitute for good organization, but they can make your organization clearer and easier to follow. Take a look at the following example:
El Pais , a Latin American country, has a new democratic government after having been a dictatorship for many years. Assume that you want to argue that El Pais is not as democratic as the conventional view would have us believe.
One way to effectively organize your argument would be to present the conventional view and then to provide the reader with your critical response to this view. So, in Paragraph A you would enumerate all the reasons that someone might consider El Pais highly democratic, while in Paragraph B you would refute these points. The transition that would establish the logical connection between these two key elements of your argument would indicate to the reader that the information in paragraph B contradicts the information in paragraph A. As a result, you might organize your argument, including the transition that links paragraph A with paragraph B, in the following manner:
Paragraph A: points that support the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.
Transition: Despite the previous arguments, there are many reasons to think that El Pais’s new government is not as democratic as typically believed.
Paragraph B: points that contradict the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.
In this case, the transition words “Despite the previous arguments,” suggest that the reader should not believe paragraph A and instead should consider the writer’s reasons for viewing El Pais’s democracy as suspect.
As the example suggests, transitions can help reinforce the underlying logic of your paper’s organization by providing the reader with essential information regarding the relationship between your ideas. In this way, transitions act as the glue that binds the components of your argument or discussion into a unified, coherent, and persuasive whole.
Types of transitions
Now that you have a general idea of how to go about developing effective transitions in your writing, let us briefly discuss the types of transitions your writing will use.
The types of transitions available to you are as diverse as the circumstances in which you need to use them. A transition can be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire paragraph. In each case, it functions the same way: First, the transition either directly summarizes the content of a preceding sentence, paragraph, or section or implies such a summary (by reminding the reader of what has come before). Then, it helps the reader anticipate or comprehend the new information that you wish to present.
- Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.
- Transitions between paragraphs: If you have done a good job of arranging paragraphs so that the content of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.
- Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.
Transitional expressions
Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. 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.
Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Common transition words and phrases.
In an effort to make our handouts more accessible, we have begun converting our PDF handouts to web pages. Download this page as a PDF: Transitions Return to Writing Studio Handouts
Transitions clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. These tools should alert readers to shifts in your argument while and also maintain the smoothness and clarity of your prose. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly used transition categories and examples of each. Depending on the example, these suggestions may be within sentences or at the beginning of sentences.
Transitions by Category
1. addition.
Use when presenting multiple ideas that flow in the same direction, under the same heading/ idea also, another, finally, first, first of all, for one thing, furthermore, in addition, last of all, likewise, moreover, next, and, second, the third reason
2. Sequence/ Order
Use to suggest a temporal relationship between ideas; places evidence in sequence first, second (etc.), next, last, finally, first of all, concurrently, immediately, prior to, then, at that time, at this point, previously, subsequently, and then, at this time, thereafter, previously, soon, before, after, followed by, after that, next, before, after, meanwhile, formerly, finally, during
3. Contrast
Use to demonstrate differences between ideas or change in argument direction but, however, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, yet, differ, difference, balanced against, differing from, variation, still, on the contrary, unlike, conversely, otherwise, on the other hand, however
4. Exception
Use to introduce an opposing idea however, whereas, on the other hand, while, instead, in spite of, yet, despite, still, nevertheless, even though, in contrast, but, but one could also say…
5. Comparison
Use to demonstrate similarities between ideas that may not be under the same subject heading or within the same paragraph like, likewise, just, in a different way / sense, whereas, like, equally, in like manner, by comparison, similar to, in the same way, alike, similarity, similarly, just as, as in a similar fashion, conversely
6. Illustration
Use to develop or clarify an idea, to introduce examples, or to show that the second idea is subordinate to the first for example, to illustrate, on this occasion, this can be seen, in this case, specifically, once, to illustrate, when/where, for instance, such as, to demonstrate, take the case of, in this case
7. Location
Use to show spatial relations next to, above, below, beneath, left, right, behind, in front, on top, within
8. Cause and Effect
Use to show that one idea causes, or results from, the idea that follows or precedes it because, therefore, so that, cause, reason, effect, thus, consequently, since, as a result, if…then, result in
9. Emphasis
Use to suggest that an idea is particularly important to your argument important to note, most of all, a significant factor, a primary concern, a key feature, remember that, pay particular attention to, a central issue, the most substantial issue, the main value, a major event, the chief factor, a distinctive quality, especially valuable, the chief outcome, a vital force, especially relevant, most noteworthy, the principal item, above all, should be noted
10. Summary or Conclusion
Use to signal that what follows is summarizing or concluding the previous ideas; in humanities papers, use these phrases sparingly. to summarize, in short, in brief, in sum, in summary, to sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, finally
Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .”
Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)
Transitions are the rhetorical tools that clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. The ability to integrate sentence transitions into your prose, rather than simply throwing in overt transition signals like “in addition,” indicates your mastery of the material. (Note: The visibility of transitions may vary by discipline; consult with your professor to get a better sense of discipline or assignment specific expectations.)
Transition Signals
Transition signals are words or phrases that indicate the logic connecting sets of information or ideas. Signals like therefore, on the other hand, for example, because, then, and afterwards can be good transition tools at the sentence and paragraph level. When using these signals, be conscious of the real meaning of these terms; they should reflect the actual relationship between ideas.
Review Words
Review words are transition tools that link groups of sentences or whole paragraphs. They condense preceding discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just completed a detailed discussion about the greenhouse effect. To transition to the next topic, you could use review words like “this heat-trapping process” to refer back to the green house effect discussion. The relative ability to determine a cogent set of review words might signal your own understanding of your work; think of review words as super-short summaries of key ideas.
Preview words
Preview words condense an upcoming discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just explained how heat is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. Transitioning to the theory that humans are adding to that effect, you could use preview words like “sources of additional CO2 in the atmosphere include” to point forward to that discussion.
Transition Sentences
The strongest and most sophisticated tools, transition sentences indicate the connection between the preceding and upcoming pieces of your argument. They often contain one or more of the above transition tools. For example: You’ve just discussed how much CO2 humans have added to the atmosphere. You need to transition to a discussion of the effects. A strong set of transition sentences between the two sections might sound like this:
“These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere may lead to a number of disastrous consequences for residents of planet earth. The rise in global temperature that accompanies the extra CO2 can yield effects as varied as glacial melting and species extinction.”
In the first sentence, the review words are “These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere”; the preview words are “number of disastrous consequences”; the transition signals are “may lead to.” The topic sentence of the next paragraph indicates the specific “disastrous consequences” you will discuss.
If you don’t see a way to write a logical, effective transition between sentences, ideas or paragraphs, this might indicate organizational problems in your essay; you might consider revising your work.
Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .”
Last revised: 07/2008 | Adapted for web delivery: 05/2021
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Writing Your Paper: Transitions
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Transitions
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Transitions are words and/or phrases used to indicate movement or show change throughout a piece of writing. Transitions generally come at the beginning or end of a paragraph and can do the following:
- Alert readers of connections to, or further evidence for, the thesis
- Function as the topic sentence of paragraphs
- Guide readers through an argument
- Help writers stay on task
Transitions sentences often indicate or signal:
- Change to new topic
- Connection/flow from previous topic
- Continuity of overall argument/thesis
Transitions show connections between ideas. You must create these connections for the reader to move them along with your argument. Without transitions, you are building a house without nails. Things do not hold together.
Transition Words and Phrases
Transitions can signal change or relationship in these ways:
Time - order of events
Examples: while, immediately, never, after, later, earlier, always, soon, meanwhile, during, until now, next, following, once, then, simultaneously, so far
Contrast - show difference
Examples: yet, nevertheless, after all, but, however, though, otherwise, on the contrary, in contrast, on the other hand, at the same time
Compare - show similarity
Examples: in the same way, in like manner, similarly, likewise
Position - show spatial relationships
Examples: here, there, nearby, beyond, wherever, opposite to, above, below
Cause and effect
Examples: because, since, for that reason, therefore, consequently, accordingly, thus, as a result
Conclusion - wrap up/summarize the argument
Writing strong transitions often takes more than simply plugging in a transition word or phrase here and there. In a piece of academic writing, writers often need to use signposts, or transition sentences that signal the reader of connections to the thesis. To form a signpost, combine transition words, key terms from the thesis, and a mention of the previous topic and new topic.
Transition/signpost sentence structure:
[Transition word/phrase] + [previous topic] + [brief restatement of or reference to thesis/argument] + [new topic] = Signpost
- Do not think of this as a hard and fast template, but a general guide to what is included in a good transition.
- Transitions link the topic of the previous paragraph(s) to the topic of the present paragraph(s) and connect both to the overall goal/argument. You'll most often find signposts at the beginning of a paragraph, where they function as topic sentences .
Sample signpost using complimentary transition phrase:
According to [transition phrase] the same overall plan for first defeating Confederate forces in the field and then capturing major cities and rail hubs [overall thesis restated] that Grant followed by marching the Army of the Potomac into Virginia [previous topic] , Sherman likewise [transition word] advanced into Georgia to drive a dagger into the heart of the Confederacy [new topic] .
Contrasting ideas have the same essential format as complimentary but may use different transition words and phrases:
In contrast to [transition phrase] F.D.R., who maintained an ever-vigilant watchfulness over the Manhattan project [previous topic + reference to overall thesis] , Truman took over the presidency without any knowledge of the atomic bomb or its potential power [new topic] .
The overall structure of an essay with transitions may look something like this:
*Note how transitions may come at beginning or end of paragraphs, but either way they signal movement and change.
You can learn more about essay structure HERE .
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Transition Resources
Here are a couple of good sites with extensive lists of transition words and phrases:
https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Transitions.html
Academic Phrasebank http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk
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All the Transition Words You'll Ever Need for Academic Writing
In academic writing, transitions are the glue that holds your ideas together. Without them, your writing would be illogical and lack flow, making it difficult for your audience to understand or replicate your research.
In this article, we will discuss the types of transitions based on their purpose. Familiarizing yourself with these most-used and best transition terms for academic writing will help bring clarity to your essays and make the writing process much easier on you.
Types of transitions
There are four types of transitions: Causal, Sequential, Adversative and Additive. Below, we've listed the most commonly used transitions in each of these categories, as well as examples of how they might be used to begin a paragraph or sentence.
When you use causal transitions, you are letting your reader know that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between ideas or paragraphs or consequences.
- Accordingly ("Accordingly, the author states…")
- All else being equal ("All else being equal, these ideas correlate…")
- As a consequence ("As a consequence, all data were aggregated…")
- As a result (of this) ("As a result of this finding, scholars now agree…")
- Because (of the fact that) ("Because of the fact that these numbers show signs of declining,…")
- Because (of this) ("Because of this, scholars determined…")
- Consequently ("Consequently, the research was stalled…")
- Due to (the fact that) ("Due to the fact that all prior studies showed similar results,…")
- For the purpose(s) of ("For the purposes of our argument, we will…")
- For this reason ("For this reason, the researchers…")
- Granted (that) ("Granted that the numbers were significantly higher, the study…")
- Granting (that) ("Granting that the data was collected incorrectly, the researchers felt…")
- If…then ("If this data is significant, then it is obvious that…")
- If so ("If so, the data is not useable…")
- In the event ("In the event that it is not significant, we should consider that…")
- Inasmuch as ("Insomuch as the authors attempt to refute these findings, research suggests that…")
- In the hope that ("In the hope that new data will encourage more in-depth research, the author found that….")
- In that case ("In that case, we've found that…")
- Only if ("Only if data is insubstantial should findings be ignored, thus…")
- Otherwise ("Otherwise, the research would continue…")
- Owing to (the fact) ("Owing to the fact that the gathered data is incorrect, …")
- Provided (that) ("Provided that the same results occur, we can assume that…")
- Since ("Since it would seem futile to continue to study this topic, we posit that…")
- So as to ("So as to clarify past remarks, we initiated further research…")
- So long as ("So long as there is established credibility, this journal seeks….")
- So much (so) that ("The data is manipulated so much so that it can't be used to clarify…")
- Therefore ("Therefore, this result compromises the exploration into…")
- That being the case ("That being the case, we should look into alternatives…")
- Thus ("Thus, it would see that further research…")
- Unless ("Unless this calls to question the original hypothesis, the exploration of this topic would be…")
- With (this fact) in mind ("With this fact in mind, let's consider another alternative…")
- Under those circumstances ("Under those circumstances, fewer participants…")
Sequential transitions show a numerical sequence or the continuation of a thought or action. They are used to establish an order to your main points in an academic essay, and help create a logical outline for your writing.
- (Once) again ("Once again, this is not a reason for lack of rigor…")
- After (this) ("After this, it would seem most prudent to…")
- Afterwards ("Afterwards, it seemed a moot point to determine…")
- Altogether ("Altogether, these data suggest that…")
- Anyway ("Anyway, such loss would prove to be damaging..")
- As (was) mentioned earlier/above ("As was mentioned above, the lack of attention given to…")
- As (was) stated before ("As was stated before, there is little evidence show…")
- As a final point ("As a final point, consider the connection between…")
- At any rate ("At any rate, loss of significance was vital to…")
- By the way ("By the way, one can't assume that…")
- Coincidentally ("Coincidentally, this affected the nature of…")
- Consequently ("Consequently, Smith found that…")
- Eventually ("Eventually, more was needed to sustain…")
- Finally ("Finally, we now know that…"
- First ("First, it seems that even with the additional data…")
- First of all ("First of all, none of the respondents felt that…")
- Given these points ("Given these points, it's easy to see that…")
- Hence ("Hence, we see that the above details…")
- In conclusion ("In conclusion, since the data shows significant growth...")
- In summary ("In summary, there are not enough studies to show the correlation…")
- In the (first/second/third) place ("In the first place, we found that…")
- Incidentally ("Incidentally, no findings showed a positive outlook…")
- Initially ("Initially, we noticed that the authors….")
- Last ("Last, the most significant growth appeared to happen when…")
- Next ("Next, it's important to note that…")
- Overall ("Overall, we found that….")
- Previously ("Previously, it was shown that…")
- Returning to the subject ("Returning to the subject, careful observation of trends…")
- Second ("Second, it was impossible to know the…")
- Secondly ("Secondly, in looking at variable related to…")
- Subsequently ("Subsequently, we found that…")
- Summarizing (this) ("Summarizing this, the authors noted that…")
- Therefore ("Therefore, the connection is unknown between…")
- Third ("Third, when data were collected…")
- Thirdly ("Thirdly, we noticed that…")
- Thus ("Thus, there was no evidence that…)
- To conclude ("To conclude, the findings suggest that…")
- To repeat ("To repeat, no studies found evidence that…")
- To resume ("To resume the conversation, we began discussing…")
- To start with ("To start with, there is no evidence that…")
- To sum up ("To sum up, significant correlation was found…")
- Ultimately ("Ultimately, no studies found evidence of…")
Adversative Transitions
Adversative transitions show contrast, counter arguments or an alternative suggestion.
- Above all ("Above all, we found that…"
- Admittedly ("Admittedly, the findings suggest that…")
- All the same ("All the same, without knowing which direction the study would take…")
- Although ("Although much is to be learned from…")
- At any rate ("At any rate, we concluded that...")
- At least ("At least, with these results, we can…")
- Be that as it may ("Be that as it may, there was no significant correlation between…")
- Besides ("Besides, it is obvious that…")
- But ("But, the causal relationship between…")
- By way of contrast ("By the way of contrast, we note that…")
- Conversely ("Conversely, there was no correlation between…")
- Despite (this) ("Despite this, the findings are clear in that…")
- Either way ("Either way, studies fail to approach the topic from…")
- Even more ("Even more, we can conclude that…")
- Even so ("Even so, there is a lack of evidence showing…")
- Even though ("Even though the participants were unaware of which ….")
- However (However, it becomes clear that…")
- In any case ("In any case, there were enough reponses…")
- In any event ("In any event, we noted that…")
- In contrast ("In contrast, the new data suggests that…")
- In fact ("In fact, there is a loss of…")
- In spite of (this) ("In spite of this, we note that…")
- Indeed ("Indeed, it becomes clear that…")
- Instead (of) ("Instead of publishing our findings early, we chose to")
- More/Most importantly ("More importantly, there have not been any…")
- Nevertheless ("Nevertheless, it becomes clear that…")
- Nonetheless ("Nonetheless, we failed to note how…")
- Notwithstanding (this) ("Notwithstanding this, there was little evidence…")
- On the contrary ("On the contrary, no active users were…")
- On the other hand ("On the other hand, we cannot avoid…")
- Primarily ("Primarily, it becomes significant as…")
- Rather ("Rather, none of this is relevant…")
- Regardless (of) ("Regardless of previous results, the authors…")
- Significantly ("Significantly, there was little correlation between…")
- Still ("Still, nothing was noted in the diary…")
- Whereas ("Whereas little evidence has been given to…")
- While ("While causality is lacking…")
- Yet ("Yet, it becomes clear that…")
Additive Transitions
You'll use an additive transition to relate when new information is being added or highlighted to something that was just mentioned.
- Additionally ("Additionally, it can be noted that…")
- Also ("Also, there was no evidence that….")
- As a matter of fact ("As a matter of fact, the evidence fails to show…")
- As for (this) ("As for this, we can posit that…")
- By the same token ("By the same token, no studies have concluded…")
- Concerning (this) ("Concerning this, there is little evidence to…")
- Considering (this) ("Considering this, we must then return to…")
- Equally ("Equally, there was no correlation…")
- Especially ("Especially, the study reveals that…")
- For example ("For example, a loss of one's….")
- For instance ("For instance, there was little evidence showing…")
- Furthermore ("Furthermore, a lack of knowledge on…")
- In a similar way ("In a similar way, new findings show that…")
- In addition to ("In addition to this new evidence, we note that…")
- In fact ("In fact, none of the prior studies showed…")
- In other words ("In other words, there was a lack of…")
- In particular ("In particular, no relationship was revealed…")
- In the same way ("In the same way, new studies suggest that…")
- Likewise ("Likewise, we noted that…)
- Looking at (this information) ("Looking at this information, it's clear to see how…)
- Moreover ("Moreover, the loss of reputation of…")
- Namely ("Namely, the authors noted that…")
- Not only…but also ("Not only did the study reveal new findings, but also it demonstrated how….")
- Notably ("Notably, no other studies have been done…")
- On the subject of (this) ("On the subject of awareness, participants agreed that….")
- One example (of this is) ("One example of this is how the new data…")
- Particularly ("Particularly, there is little evidence showing…")
- Regarding (this) ("Regarding this, there were concerns that…")
- Similarly ("Similarly, we note that…")
- Specifically ("Specifically, there were responses that…")
- That is ("That is, little attention is given to…")
- The fact that ("The fact that the participants felt misinformed…")
- This means (that) ("This means that conclusive findings are…")
- To illustrate ("To illustrate, one participant wrote that….")
- To put it another way ("To put it another way, there is little reason to…")
- What this means is ("What this means is the authors failed to…")
- With regards to (this) ("With regards to this, we cannot assume that…")
Making the choice
When deciding which transition would best fit in each instance, keep in mind a few of these tips:
- Avoid using the same transition too much, as it could make your writing repetitive.
- Check at the beginning of each paragraph to ensure that a) you've included a transition, if one was needed, and b) it's the correct transition to accurately relate the type of logical connection you're forming between ideas.
- Be sure that if you are using sequential transitions, they match. For example, if you use "first" to highlight your first point, "second" should come next, then "third," etc. You wouldn't want to use "first", followed by "secondly."
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Transition Words and Phrases
Transitions are connecting words or phrases that strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Transition words tell the reader how one idea relates to another. Using them appropriately makes your argument more convincing because the reader is able to understand the flow between and within paragraphs, including the relationship between different ideas, evidence, and analysis.
Types of Transition Words and Phrases
- additionally
- coupled with
- furthermore
- equally important
- in addition
Cause and Effect
- accordingly
- as consequence
- as a result
- at that time
- concurrently
- consequently
- followed by
- for this purpose
- for this reason
- subsequently
- comparatively
- correspondingly
- in the same way
- on the one han
- together with
Contrast/Exception/Concession
- a different view is
- alternatively
- despite/in spite of (+ noun)
- differing from
- even though
- in contrast
- it could also be said that
- nevertheless
- notwithstanding (+ noun)
- nonetheless
- on the contrary
- on (the) one hand
- on the other hand
- regardless of (+ noun)
- in particular
- particularly
Example/Illustration
- as an example
- as an illustration
- for example
- for instance
- illustrated by
- in the/this case
- on this occasion
- specifically
- to demonstrate
- to illustrate
- all things considered
- at the same time
- in other words
- on the whole
- that is to say
- to put it differently
- first, second, third, etc.
Summary/Conclusion
- by and large
- in any case
- in any event
- in conclusion
- to conclude
- to summarize
- at that/this point
- at that/this time
- immediately
- in the future
- in the meantime
- in the past
- simultaneously
Sample Transition Words
While (1) qualitative data is helpful in gauging graduate student responses to Boot Camp, it is also crucial that we undertake data-driven analysis to support the value of the four-day writing event. Currently (2), quantitative measures of satisfaction of Dissertation Boot Camp participants are tracked in two ways: through a formal survey posted through SurveyMonkey and an informal survey that is handwritten at the end of the Camp. In fact (3), to ensure reliable data for analysis, the SurveyMonkey questionnaire is filled out by students at three different times: before Camp, on the first day of Camp, and 30 days after Camp. The decision to send the survey at three different times was made in order to ensure that attitudes prior to Camp matched attitudes on the first day, and to then compare that to results after Camp. However (4) the current survey questions are somewhat informal, and none have been psychometrically tested. In order to improve the reliability and usefulness of the collected data, we will need to revise some of our Likert-scale based questions using currently-available test questions from other indices. Ultimately (5) , this combination of quantitative and qualitative data will help us to make decisions about the program as it is offered in subsequent semesters.
(1) Comparison
(3) Emphasis
(4) Contrast/Exception/Concession
(5) Summary/Conclusion
33 Transition Words and Phrases
Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.
Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .
as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY
The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.
in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE
The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.
at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER
Afterward, she got a promotion.
even though : ALTHOUGH
She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.
in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made
They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.
in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE
I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.
as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY
The words are often confused and are consequently misused.
in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility
Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.
used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said
These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.
used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"
I'm planning to go even though it may rain.
in addition : MOREOVER
I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.
in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement
These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.
because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE
He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.
from this point on : starting now
She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.
in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement
I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.
as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement
The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.
all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement
He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.
for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension
He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.
in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement
She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.
at or during the same time : in the meantime
You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.
BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement
It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.
in spite of that : HOWEVER
It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.
in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS
The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.
without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true
Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.
if not : or else
Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.
more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said
We can take the car, or rather, the van.
in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true
I tried again and still I failed.
by that : by that means
He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.
for that reason : because of that
This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.
immediately after that
The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.
because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY
This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.
while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different
Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.
NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way
It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.
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Effective Transitions in Research Manuscripts
- Peer Review
- A transition is a word or phrase that connects consecutive sentences or paragraphs
- Transitions can strengthen your argument by joining ideas and clarifying parts of your manuscript
Updated on June 25, 2013
A transition is a word or phrase that connects consecutive sentences or paragraphs. Effective transitions can clarify the logical flow of your ideas and thus strengthen your argument or explanation. Here, two main transitional tools are discussed: demonstrative pronouns and introductory terms.
Demonstrative pronouns
The demonstrative pronouns this , that , these , and those can be used to emphasize the relationship between adjacent sentences. For example, “Western blotting is a widely used method. This [technique] is favored by protein biochemists.” The use of This or This technique rather than The technique helps to connect the two sentences, indicating that Western blotting is still being discussed in the second sentence. Note that the inclusion of a noun ( technique ) after the pronoun ( this ) decreases ambiguity .
Introductory words or phrases
These transitions are placed at the beginning of the second sentence and are often followed by a comma to improve readability. Introductory words and phrases are distinct from coordinating conjunctions ( and , but , for , nor , or , so , yet ), which are used to bridge two independent clauses within a single sentence rather than two separate sentences. These conjunctions should not be placed at the beginning of a sentence in formal writing. Below are several examples of transitional words and phrases that are frequently used in academic writing, including potential replacements for common informal terms:
To learn more about the special usage of the italicized terms in the table, please see our post on introductory phrases .
Keep in mind that transitions that are similar in meaning are not necessarily interchangeable (such as in conclusion and thus ). A few other transitional words may be particularly helpful when writing lists or describing sequential processes, such as in the methods section of a research paper: next , then , meanwhile , first , second , third , and finally .
In sum, transitions are small additions that can substantially improve the flow of your ideas. However, if your manuscript is not well organized, transitions will not be sufficient to ensure your reader's understanding, so be sure to outline the progression of your ideas before writing.
We hope that this editing tip will help you to integrate effective transitions into your writing. Keep in mind - AJE's English Editing Service specializes in word choice and grammar. Utilize our service for professional help. As always, please email us at [email protected] with any questions.
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Transitional Devices
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Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help the reader to interpret ideas a paper develops. Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another. And finally, transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.
There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to make certain connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the building of an idea or thought, while others make readers compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.
Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue readers in a given way.
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)
To Compare:
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true
because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is
To Show Exception:
yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes
To Show Time:
immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then
in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted
To Emphasize:
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation
To Show Sequence:
first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon
To Give an Example:
for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate
To Summarize or Conclude:
in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently
Table of Contents
Ai, ethics & human agency, collaboration, information literacy, writing process, transitions – transition words – transitional phases.
- © 2023 by Joseph M. Moxley - University of South Florida , Barbara McLain - The Out-of-Door Academy
Transitions are a lifeline for readers, listeners, users —a kind of conceptual superglue . Transition words and traditional phrases are crucial to helping audiences keep track of the author's reasoning and purposes for writing. Learn to identify when transitions are warranted in your work and the work of others. Distinguish between effective and ineffective transitions.
What are Transitions? Transition Words? Transition Phrases?
Transitions, Transition Words , Transitional Phases—these terms concern authors’ efforts to design the flow of information in a text in ways that promote clarity , brevity , simplicity , flow , unity for readers, listeners, users .
Accomplished writers understand interpretation is challenging. They understand readers can lose track of the big picture—the writer’s purpose , thesis , research question . Thus, when revising and editing , writers are careful to check the flow of information across words , sentences , paragraphs . They seek to identify and rewrite choppy spots in their writing when readers ask, “Why am I being given this information? So What? How does this relate to what’s been said thus far?”
Transitions refers to
- the act of shifting the focus in discourse from one idea, process, state, experience to something new
- the convention that writers address information literacy practices and perspectives when they cite textual evidence or empirical evidence
- efforts to clarify a text’s organizational schema,
Transition Words & Phrases are words and phrases (aka signs or signposts) that writers and speakers use to help their readers, listeners, or users understand the flow of information across a text .
Transitional Words refers to elements of spoken and written language (e.g., words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and sections) that authors use to help audiences understand the flow of information across a text .
- Transitions may be referred to as sticky points, wounds, seques, gaps
- Transition Words may also be referred to as transitional language , linking language, explanatory language, metalanguage, pivoting, signposting
Related Concepts: Communication ; Information Architecture ; Organization ; Organizational Schema; Rhetorical Analysis ; Rhetorical Reasoning ; Unity
Why Do Transitions Matter?
For readers, listeners, users , transitions are a lifeline —a kind of conceptual superglue . Transition words are crucial to helping audiences keep track of the author’s reasoning and purpose for writing.
At any given moment, people experience a tsunami of information coming at them at warp speed. When reading or listening, people may be distracted by any number of other things—an email, a plane flying overhead, a social media post, a poignant memory, a stock market crash. Their own personal concerns or a nudge from social media may get them off task in a jiffy.
Writers and speakers use transitions to keep the audience’s focus on their narrative , thesis , research question , hypothesis.
Function of Transition Words & Transitional Phrases
Transition words and transition phrases may be categorized by their rhetorical function —aim of discourse, as illustrated in Table 1 below.
Best Transition Words for Essays
The best transition words are the ones that best match your rhetorical situation .
In order to identify the best transition words for an essay you are writing, you should first engage in rhetorical analysis and rhetorical reasoning . Subsequently, you can then make rhetorically informed decisions regarding the appropriate persona , tone , and voice you should adopt when you begin your composition .
Sample Questions for Rhetorical Analysis of Transitions
In order to select appropriate transitions and transitional words for your texts , engage in rhetorical analysis . Ask yourself,
- What is my purpose (aka aim) ? What am I attempting to accomplish?
- If so, you may not even need transitions.
- Then you’ll need extensive transitional language to help your readers follow your reasoning.
- Are there any genre considerations or media considerations that inform your readers’ expectations regarding effective or ineffective uses of transitional language ?
Academic Writing Prose Conventions
Transition words in academic essays and academic writing in general tend
- to use formal diction .
- Academic essays often express transitions in paragraph form at the beginning of texts and interspersed between major sections
- to reflect the information literacy perspectives & practices of their intended audiences.
Template for Transitions in Academic Writing
Below are examples of common transitions in academic writing genres.
Professional Writing Prose Conventions
Transition words in professional writing (aka workplace writing ) are similar to those in academic writing . However, there are a few distinctions: workplace writing tends to rely more on headings and visual language than rely on paragraph-style transitions like those used in academic writing.
Transitions & Invention
For writers, transitions across topics can spark invention . Sometimes when revising, when looking in between sentences and paragraphs to check them for clarity , writers identify breakdowns in their reasoning or gaps in scholarly conversations or discover entirely new things to say.
How to Edit Transitions & Transition Words
Teachers and critic s write Transition? on texts when they
- They don’t understand why they are being told what they are being told.
- believe a t ransitional word or a transitional phrase is superfluous or used incorrectly (see Brevity )
You will find it helpful to examine your use of transition words if you have been told your organization needs work or that your writing is awkward or choppy .
Step 1: Rhetorical Analysis
First, make sure your transitions are appropriate for the rhetorical situation you are addressing. For example, if you are addressing a loved one in a personal note, you would want to use “also” instead of “moreover.”
Check, in particular, the tone and diction level of your transition words.
Step 2: Textual Analysis
When you revise , edit , or proofread your documents, you should consider whether or not you have provided sufficient transition s and transition words .
- between and within sentences : Transitional words or phrases are used to create connections between sentences, as well as within sentences; both uses enhance the progression of ideas at the sentence level .
- between paragraphs : Transitional sentences are used to create a bridge between paragraphs. These sentences should provide a summary of the main idea of one paragraph and give the reader a clue as to what is coming in the next paragraph (Internal link to: relate paragraphs logically to previous paragraph(s).
- between sections : Transitional paragraphs are used in longer works to summarize the discussion of one section and introduce the reader to the concept(s) presented in the next section.
Also, be sure to double check that you have avoided tedious repetition. Remember, when it comes to transition words, less is more. When possible, you want to vary your transition words.
Example of Unvaried transitional language that creates a primer-like style:
We went to the national mall. Then we visited the Air and Space Museum. Then we stopped for lunch at Jaleo.
Varied transitional language : To start the day, we went to the national mall. After a stroll around the reflecting pool, we visited the Air and Space Museum. When we couldn’t walk another step, we stopped at Jaleo for lunch.
Related Concepts
Transitions, Transition Words, Transitional Language — these concepts are intertwined with information architecture , organizational schema (aka organizational scaffolding), and recent research on cognitive development and learning science theory.
Transitions & Transition Words are a major textual attribute of a reader-based prose style , an academic prose style , and a professional writing prose style (aka workplace writing style).
In contrast, writer-based prose lacks needed transitions and transition words .
Brevity - Say More with Less
Clarity (in Speech and Writing)
Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing
Flow - How to Create Flow in Writing
Inclusivity - Inclusive Language
The Elements of Style - The DNA of Powerful Writing
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Once you have completed the first draft of your paper, you will need to rewrite some of the introductory sentences at the beginning and the transition statements at the end of every paragraph . Transitions, which connect one idea to the next, may seem challenging at first, but they get easier once you consider the many possible methods for linking paragraphs together—even if they seem to be unrelated.
Transition words and phrases can help your paper move along, smoothly gliding from one topic to the next. If you have trouble thinking of a way to connect your paragraphs, consider a few of these 100 top transitions as inspiration. The type of transition words or phrases you use depends on the category of transition you need, as explained below.
Additive Transitions
Probably the most common type, additive transitions are those you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous one, notes Edusson , a website that provides students with essay-writing tips and advice . Put another way, additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding to an idea and/or your ideas are similar, says Quizlet , an online teacher and student learning community. Some examples of additive transition words and phrases were compiled by Michigan State University writing lab. Follow each transition word or phrase with a comma:
- In the first place
- Furthermore
- Alternatively
- As well (as this)
- What is more
- In addition (to this)
- On the other hand
- Either (neither)
- As a matter of fact
- Besides (this)
- To say nothing of
- Additionally
- Not to mention (this)
- Not only (this) but also (that) as well
- In all honesty
- To tell the truth
An example of additive transitions used in a sentence would be:
" In the first place , no 'burning' in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover , volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore , the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks..." – Fred Bullard, "Volcanoes in History, in Theory, in Eruption"
In this and the examples of transitions in subsequent sections, the transition words or phrases are printed in italics to make them easier to find as you peruse the passages.
Adversative Transitions
Adversative transitions are used to signal conflict, contradiction, concession, and dismissal, says Michigan State University. Examples include:
- In contrast
- But even so
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- (And) still
- In either case
- (Or) at least
- Whichever happens
- Whatever happens
- In either event
An example of an adversative transition phrase used in a sentence would be:
" On the other hand, professor Smith completely disagreed with the author's argument."
Causal Transitions
Causal transitions—also called cause-and-effect transitions—show how certain circumstances or events were caused by other factors, says Academic Help . The website that offers assistance with academic writing adds: "They [causal transitions] make it easier for the reader to follow the logic of the arguments and clauses represented in paper." Examples include:
- Accordingly
- As a result
- Consequently
- For this reason
- Granting (that)
- On the condition (that)
- In the event that
- As a result (of this)
- Because (of this)
- As a consequence
- In consequence
- So much (so) that
- For the purpose of
- With this intention
- With this in mind
- Under those circumstances
- That being the case
An example of a causal transition used in a sentence would be:
"The study of human chromosomes is in its infancy, and so it has only recently become possible to study the effect of environmental factors upon them." –Rachel Carson, "Silent Spring"
Sequential Transitions
Sequential transitions express a numerical sequence, continuation, conclusion , digression , resumption, or summation, says Michigan State, which gives these examples:
- In the (first, second, third, etc.) place
- To begin with
- To start with
- Subsequently
- To conclude with
- As a final point
- Last but not least
- To change the topic
- Incidentally
- To get back to the point
- As was previously stated
An example of a sequential transition would be:
"We should teach that words are not the things to which they refer. We should teach that words are best understood as convenient tools for handling reality... Finally , we should teach widely that new words can and should be invented if the need arises." –Karol Janicki, "Language Misconceived"
In sum , use transition words and phrases judiciously to keep your paper moving, hold your readers' attention, and retain your audience until the final word.
- Cohesion Strategies: A List of Transitional Words and Phrases
- Definition and Examples of a Transition in Composition
- How to Teach Topic Sentences Using Models
- Transitional Expressions
- Cohesion Exercise: Combining and Connecting Sentences
- Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
- A Guide to Lexical Verbs
- Cohesion Exercise: Building and Connecting Sentences
- What You Need to Know About Conjunctive Adverbs
- Linking Your Ideas in English With Discourse Markers
- Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Spanish
- Conjugating the Verb 'To Be'
- Coherence in Composition
- Paragraph Transition: Definition and Examples
- Cue Word (or Phrase) in English
- Beef Up Critical Thinking and Writing Skills: Comparison Essays
Transition Words
As a "part of speech" transition words are used to link words, phrases or sentences. They help the reader to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text.
Transitional Words
This structured list of commonly used English transition words — approximately 200, can be considered as quasi complete. It can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression. English transition words are essential, since they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion, etc. in the line of argument. The transition words and phrases have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although some words belong to more than one category.
There is some overlapping with prepositions and postpositions, but for the purpose of usage and completeness of this concise guide, I did not differentiate.
Linking & Connecting Words — Part 1/2
Agreement / Addition / Similarity
Opposition / limitation / contradiction, examples / support / emphasis, cause / condition / purpose, effect / consequence / result, conclusion / summary / restatement, time / chronology / sequence, space / location / place.
The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise , add information , reinforce ideas , and express agreement with preceding material.
in the first place
not only ... but also
as a matter of fact
in like manner
in addition
coupled with
in the same fashion / way
first, second, third
in the light of
not to mention
to say nothing of
equally important
by the same token
identically
together with
comparatively
correspondingly
furthermore
additionally
Transition phrases like but , rather and or , express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives , and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning ( contrast ).
although this may be true
in contrast
different from
of course ..., but
on the other hand
on the contrary
at the same time
in spite of
even so / though
be that as it may
(and) still
even though
nevertheless
nonetheless
notwithstanding
These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions .
in the event that
granted (that)
as / so long as
on (the) condition (that)
for the purpose of
with this intention
with this in mind
in the hope that
to the end that
for fear that
in order to
seeing / being that
provided that
only / even if
inasmuch as
These transitional devices (like especially ) are used to introduce examples as support , to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.
in other words
to put it differently
for one thing
as an illustration
in this case
for this reason
to put it another way
that is to say
with attention to
by all means
important to realize
another key point
first thing to remember
most compelling evidence
must be remembered
point often overlooked
to point out
on the positive side
on the negative side
specifically
surprisingly
significantly
particularly
in particular
for example
for instance
to demonstrate
to emphasize
to enumerate
Some of these transition words ( thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth ) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect .
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects.
as a result
under those circumstances
in that case
because the
consequently
accordingly
These transition words and phrases conclude , summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general statement . Also some words (like therefore ) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.
as can be seen
generally speaking
in the final analysis
all things considered
as shown above
in the long run
given these points
as has been noted
for the most part
in conclusion
to summarize
by and large
on the whole
in any event
in either case
These transitional words (like finally ) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time . They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions .
at the present time
from time to time
sooner or later
up to the present time
to begin with
in due time
in the meantime
in a moment
without delay
all of a sudden
at this instant
first, second
immediately
straightaway
by the time
occasionally
Many transition words in the time category ( consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever ) have other uses.
Except for the numbers ( first, second, third ) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples . Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.
These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or qualify space . Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.
in the middle
to the left/right
in front of
on this side
in the distance
here and there
in the foreground
in the background
in the center of
adjacent to
opposite to
List of Transition Words
Transition Words are also sometimes called (or put in the category of) Connecting Words. Please feel free to download them via this link to the category page: Linking Words & Connecting Words as a PDF. It contains all the transition words listed on this site. The image to the left gives you an impression how it looks like.
Usage of Transition Words in Essays
Transition words and phrases are vital devices for essays , papers or other literary compositions. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. They thus give the text a logical organization and structure (see also: a List of Synonyms ).
All English transition words and phrases (sometimes also called 'conjunctive adverbs') do the same work as coordinating conjunctions : they connect two words, phrases or clauses together and thus the text is easier to read and the coherence is improved.
Usage: transition words are used with a special rule for punctuation : a semicolon or a period is used after the first 'sentence', and a comma is almost always used to set off the transition word from the second 'sentence'.
Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile.
Example 2: however, transition words can also be placed at the beginning of a new paragraph or sentence - not only to indicate a step forward in the reasoning, but also to relate the new material to the preceding thoughts..
Use a semicolon to connect sentences, only if the group of words on either side of the semicolon is a complete sentence each (both must have a subject and a verb, and could thus stand alone as a complete thought).
Further helpful readings about expressions, writing and grammar: Compilation of Writing Tips How to write good ¦ Correct Spelling Study by an English University
Are you using WORD for writing professional texts and essays? There are many easy Windows Shortcuts available which work (almost) system-wide (e.g. in every programm you use).
Essay Writing Guide
Transition Words For Essays
Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023
220 Best Transition Words for Essays
By: Nova A.
15 min read
Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.
Published on: Jul 9, 2019
Writing essays can be hard, and making sure your transitions are smooth is even harder.
You've probably heard that good essays need good transitions, but what are they? How do you use them in your writing? Also, your essays are assessed according to particular criteria and it is your responsibility to ensure that it is being met.
But don't worry, we are here to help. This blog will give you transition words for essays, including how to choose the right ones and where to place them for maximum impact. Essay writing is a technical process that requires much more effort than simply pouring your thoughts on paper.
If you are new to the concept of transition words and phrases, deep dive into this article in order to find out the secret to improving your essays.
On this Page
What Are Transition Words
Transition words are essential elements in essay writing that create smooth transitions between ideas.
Think of a transition as a conjunction or a joining word. It helps create strong relationships between ideas, paragraphs, or sentences and assists the readers to understand the word phrases and sentences easily.
As writers, our goal is to communicate our thoughts and ideas in the most clear and logical manner. Especially when presenting complex ideas, we must ensure that they are being conveyed in the most understandable way.
To ensure that your paper is easy to understand, you can work on the sequencing of ideas. Break down your ideas into different sentences and paragraphs then use a transition word or phrase to guide them through these ideas.
Why Should You Use Transitions
The purpose of transition words goes beyond just connectivity. They create a cohesive narrative , allowing your ideas to flow seamlessly from one point to another. These words and phrases act as signposts and indicate relationships.
These relations could include:
- Cause and Effect
- Comparison and Contrast
- Addition and Emphasis
- Sequence and Order
- Illustration and Example
- Concession and Contradiction
- Summary and Conclusion
They form a bridge and tie sentences together, creating a logical connection. In addition to tying the entire paper together, they help demonstrate the writer’s agreement, disagreement, conclusion, or contrast.
However, keep in mind that just using or including transitional words isn’t enough to highlight relationships between ideas. The content of your paragraphs must support the relationship as well. So, you should avoid overusing them in a paper.
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Types of Transitions
Transitions in essays can be classified into different types based on the relationships they indicate between ideas. Each type serves a specific purpose in guiding readers through your arguments.
Let's explore some common types of transitions and their examples:
Additive Transitions
These transitions are used to add information or ideas. They help you expand on your points or provide additional supporting evidence. Examples:
- In addition
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- Not only... but also
- Coupled with
Adversative Transitions
Adversative transitions show contrast or contradiction between ideas. They are used to present opposing viewpoints or highlight differences. Examples:
- Nevertheless
- On the other hand
- In contrast
Causal Transitions
Causal transitions explain cause-and-effect relationships. They help you establish the reasons behind certain outcomes or actions. Examples:
- As a result
- Consequently
- Resulting in
- For this reason
Sequential Transitions
Sequential transitions indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas. They help you present your thoughts in a logical and organized manner. Examples:
- Subsequently
- In the meantime
- Simultaneously
Comparative Transitions
Comparative transitions highlight similarities or comparisons between ideas. They help you draw connections and illustrate relationships. Here are some transition words for essays examples:
- In the same way
- Compared to
- In comparison
- Correspondingly
- By the same token
- Equally important
- Analogous to
Getting started on your essay? Check out this insightful read on essay writing to make sure you ace it!
List of Good Transition Words for Essays
As mentioned above, there are different categories of transitions that serve a unique purpose. Understanding these different types will help you pick the most suitable word or phrase to communicate your message.
Here we have categorized the best transition words for essays so you can use them appropriately!
Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
In argumentative essays , the effective use of transition words is essential for presenting a well-structured and coherent argument.
Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays
In compare and contrast essays , transition words play a crucial role in highlighting the similarities and differences between the subjects being compared.
Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in compare and contrast essays:
Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays
In cause and effect essays , transition words help illustrate the relationships between causes and their corresponding effects.
Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in cause-and-effect essays:
Transition Words for Different Parts of Essays
Transition words are valuable tools that can be used throughout different parts of an essay to create a smooth and coherent flow. By understanding the appropriate transition words for each section, you can logically connect your ideas.
Introduction Transition Words for Essays
Introductions are one of the most impactful parts of the essay. It's important that it connects logically with the rest of the essay. To do this, you can utilize different transition words for essays to start. Here are some starting transition words for essays:
Transition Words for Essays Body Paragraph
In an essay, body paragraphs play a crucial role in presenting and developing your ideas. To ensure a logical flow within each body paragraph, the strategic use of transition words is essential.
Here are lists of transitions for essays for different body paragraphs:
Transition Words for Essays for First Body Paragraph
Here is a list of transition words that you can use for the first body paragraph of an essay:
Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph
Here is a list of transition words for the second body paragraph of an essay:
Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph
Transition words for essays last body paragraph, transition words for essays conclusion .
Here is a list of ending transition words for essays:
Do’s and Don’ts of Using Essay Transitions
When it comes to using transitions in your essay, there are certain do's and don'ts that can help you effectively enhance the flow of your writing. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:
- Add transitions only when introducing new ideas.
- Go through the paper to make sure they make sense.
- Start by creating an outline, so you know what ideas to share and how.
- Use different transitions for each idea.
- Don’t overuse them.
- Don’t keep adding transitions in the same paragraph.
- Don’t completely rely on transitions to signal relationships.
- Don’t incorporate it into your content without understanding its usage.
By now, you have probably understood how transition words can save you from disjointed and directionless paragraphs. They are the missing piece that indicates how ideas are related to one another. You can also generate more essays with our AI powered essay writer to learn the art of transitioning smoothly from one paragraph to another.
If you are still unable to distinguish transitions to open or conclude your essays, don’t be upset - these things require time and practice.
If you are looking for the perfect essay-writing service, get in touch with the expert writers at 5StarEssays.com. We will include the right transitions according to the type of paper, ensuring a coherent flow of ideas.
Just say ‘ write my essay ’ now and let our essay writer create quality content at the most pocket-friendly rates available.
As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.
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Transition Words & Phrases – Definition, Use & Examples
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Effective communication is crucial in academic writing . To guide a reader effortlessly through a text, a writer should employ transition words . They act as the glue that binds together different sections of your essay, ensuring a seamless flow from one idea to the next. Therefore, in this article, we’ll talk about how to use them, why they’re important, and answer common questions about them.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- 1 Transition words in a nutshell
- 2 Definition: Transition words
- 3 Transition words for paragraphs
- 5 Common mistakes with transition words
- 6 Transition words for essays
Transition words in a nutshell
Transition words are like bridges in writing. They link thoughts, making reading smooth and clear. These words guide readers, connecting one idea to the next, ensuring clarity and a natural flow throughout the text.
Definition: Transition words
Transition words, also known as linking or transitional words , are words or phrases used to link ideas together and create a smooth flow in writing or speech. They help to guide readers or listeners through a text by connecting one idea to the next, indicating relationships (such as cause and effect, contrast, or addition) between different sections or complete sentences. These words improve the coherence of the writing when used appropriately. However, different transitions serve different purposes.
Transition words for paragraphs
Transition words in English are crucial as they bridge ideas and can indicate shifts, contrasts, emphases, agreements, intentions, outcomes, and more within an argument. Smooth transitions between sentences are essential for maintaining coherence in a written piece, as common transitions help establish a clear and logical relationship between sentences . They’re essential for clarity and understanding, making them indispensable in any paper. Transition words are essential for clear and concise writing. Overuse slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive, so you should be careful not to overuse them. While these transition terms have been placed into specific categories for clarity, it’s worth noting that some types of transition words can fit into multiple categories . Below, you’ll find a list of transition words used across different fields.
Further readings about expressions for linking different paragraphs can be found in our respective paragraph transitions article.
Transition words like “especially” or “such as” are used to present examples to support, illustrate, or indicate the importance of an idea or previous arguments. Here are some examples.
- As an illustration
- By all means
- For example
- For instance
- For one thing
- For this reason
- In other words
- In particular
- In this case
- Particularly
- Specifically
- To demonstrate
- To emphasize
- To enumerate
- To put it differently
- With attention to
As you can see, you can use a plethora of words to transition to examples in your text. For better understanding, we will provide a few sentences below.
- Many foods are rich in vitamins; for instance , oranges and carrots.
- There are many strategies to reduce stress, such as practicing yoga.
- To illustrate the importance of exercise, consider the benefits for mental health.
Some transition words, like “thus,” “then,” “accordingly,” “consequently,” “therefore,” and “henceforth,” are used to tell us what happened after a certain time and what resulted from it.
- Accordingly
- As a result
- Because the
- Consequently
- In that case
Note : Linking words such as “for” and “because” come before the reason something happened, while the other words come before what happened as a result.
Transition words and phrases are essential in writing to connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs smoothly, helping to improve the flow and coherence of your writing. Here are some examples of how they can be used.
- He didn’t study for the exam; therefore , the low score did not surprise him.
- The company failed to invest. As a result , it fell behind its competitors.
- The road was icy, and consequently , the school closed for the day.
These transition words are frequently employed within adverbial expressions and serve to restrict, confine, or qualify spatial relationships and aspects. Many of them can also be located in the Time category and are adaptable for describing spatial arrangement or references.
- Here and there
- In front of
- In the background
- In the center of
- In the distance
- In the foreground
- In the middle
- On this side
- To the left/right
Learn how to use these words correctly by studying the following sentences.
- Hang the painting above the sofa to create a focal point in the living room.
- The small alley between the buildings leads to a quaint courtyard.
- There’s a lovely park near the apartment complex where residents can relax.
Transition words serve as bridges between ideas in your writing, guiding readers through your thought process and enhancing the flow of your text. These words can be categorized based on the function they perform in a sentence. Here are the main types of transition words.
Adversative
These additive transition words can help you to add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement.
- Additionally
- As a matter of fact
- As, likewise
- By the same token
- Correspondingly
- Coupled with
- Equally important
- First, second, third,..
- Furthermore
- Identically
- In addition
- In the first place
- In the light of
- Not only … but also
- Not to mention
- To say nothing of
- Together with
- She bought apples and oranges from the market.
- He is a talented artist; furthermore , he plays several musical instruments.
- In addition to the salad, they ordered a soup.
Adversative transition words, such as “but,” “rather,” and “or,” signify the presence of contrasting evidence or present alternative viewpoints, thereby signaling a shift in the logical flow of a text (contrast). They usually refer to the previous statement.
- (And) still
- (Even) though
- At the same time
- Different from
- In contrast
- In spite of
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Of course …, but
- On the contrary
- On the other hand
- She studied hard; however , she didn’t pass the exam.
- The job pays well, but it’s very stressful.
- He’s very outgoing; on the other hand , his sister is quite shy.
Causal transition words like “due to” or “because of” represent specific intentions or conditions .
- As/so long as
- Because (of)
- In order to
- Inasmuch as
- Only/even if
- Provided that
- Seeing/being that
- With this in mind
- With this intention
- They won because they worked hard.
- She was the top candidate; given that , she got the job.
- Due to system failure, the data was lost.
Sequential transition words such as “finally” serve to specify and define the meaning of time, either independently or as part of adverbial expressions , by setting limits and constraints.
- All of a sudden
- At the present time
- By the time
- First, second, …
- From time to time
- Immediately
- In a moment
- In the meantime
- Occasionally
- Simultaneously
- Sooner or later
- First , we will discuss the budget.
- We met at the café; meanwhile , my friend went to the bathroom.
- Then , after hours of discussion, they reached a decision.
Comparative
Contrastive, clarification.
These are used for highlighting similarities or comparisons between two ideas or pieces of information.
- He is passionate about painting; similarly, his sister loves drawing.
- She enjoys classical music; likewise, her brother often attends opera performances.
- The course covers basic as well as advanced topics.
These are used to highlight differences between two ideas or pieces of information.
- Even though
- Despite the rain, the event was well-attended.
- He loves to travel; however, he can’t afford it right now.
- She’s very outgoing in social situations; in contrast , he prefers quiet evenings at home.
These transitions help clarify or explain an idea more clearly.
- That is to say
- To explain further
- To illustrate
- To put it another way
- The event is exclusive, that is to say , not everyone can attend.
- To clarify , only members of the committee need to attend the briefing.
- She’s a vegan; in other words , she doesn’t eat any animal products.
They indicate a conclusion or summary of the points made, these transitions help to wrap up a discussion or argument. Furthermore, they help to reiterate ideas or make a final general statement.
- All things considered
- As can be seen
- As has been noted
- As shown above
- Generally speaking
- Given these points
- In any event
- In conclusion
- In either case
- In the final analysis
- In the long run
- On the whole
- To summarize
- In summary , the report outlines three key strategies for improving team productivity.
- Overall , the project was a success, meeting most of our initial objectives.
- To conclude , the evidence overwhelmingly supports the theory.
Common mistakes with transition words
Even the most experienced writers can occasionally trip when using transition words and phrases due to not knowing the exact meaning of the word they’re using, especially, when English is not the primary language. It’s crucial to put them appropriately. “Even if” and “even though” are examples of transitions that are commonly misused. The former explains a present or past conditional , whereas the latter pertains to a future conditional .
Another common problem arises from the improper use of transitional phrases within sentences. For instance, although certain words like “and,” “but,” “also,” and “so” are commonly used as transitions, they should not be used at the beginning of a sentence in formal academic writing. Instead, consider using alternatives such as “in addition,” “although,” “therefore,” and so forth to initiate your sentences.
Below, you’ll find a list of common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Transition words for essays
In academic writing, your primary objective is to convey information concisely. Transitional devices help you achieve your objective by establishing sensible connectives between words, sentences, and entire paragraphs. Apart from improving the flow of your writing, and making it sound better, transition words guide readers through complex ideas and information.
These words carry specific meanings that cue the reader to think or react a certain way. Whether words or phrases, transitions act as a guide. They convert the reader’s thoughts to your way of thinking, enabling smooth delivery of information. Using transition phrases and words can affect your grades, so you must be careful not to misuse them. Students who use transition words correctly earn higher grades compared to those who misuse or do not use these words, as incorrect usage gives an impression of disorganization and lack of flow of ideas.
Transition words are:
- Commonly at the start of a new sentence or clause
- Used to express how this clause relates to the previous
- Followed by a comma
What are some good transition words?
Words such as “and,” “as a result,” “in fact,” “however,” and “although” are good examples of common transition words in academic writing. They help to improve the coherence and cohesion of your writing work. Without transition words, it would be difficult to recognize the different ideas and thought processes in your work.
What are the 3 types of transitions?
Transitions can be divided into transition words, transitions between sentences, and transitions between paragraphs. These all help with the flow of sentences and paragraphs in academic writing. Without them, your writing will be difficult to read and your essay or thesis formatting will confuse the reader.
How do you choose your transition words?
When deciding which transition words to use, test which ones will lay out your ideas most clearly and concisely. Be sure that you haven’t recently used the transition word to avoid awkward repetition and redundancy . You need to make an explicit connection between the ideas in your academic writing.
How do you transition to the next paragraph?
By using a reverse hook, you can tie the first sentence of the paragraph with the last sentence of the previous paragraph. This works especially well for the first body paragraph following the introduction . Ideally, the end of a paragraph should always connect with the next paragraph in some manner. Using transition words, or starting a paragraph with a topic sentence, are examples of connectors used to transition to the next paragraph.
How do you begin a paragraph?
Using linking words or phrases is a great way to introduce a new paragraph. These words relate the ideas of the previous paragraph to that of the new paragraph. This also means they typically do not begin abstracts , which are usually at the very beginning of your academic work.
What is the importance of transition words?
Transition words are important for connecting ideas in a sentence. They ensure a smooth flow when reading and also help prevent jarring mental leaps between sentences and paragraphs. In essence, they help give a flow to the numerous paragraphs in your thesis, essay, or research paper .
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What are effective conclusion transition words to use in a paper?
Effective conclusion transition words can help you wrap up your paper and leave a lasting impression on your readers. These words and phrases can signal the end of your argument or summarize your main points. Here are some examples of effective conclusion transition words to use in a paper:
- In conclusion [2]
- To sum up [2]
- Ultimately [1]
- In summary [1]
- To conclude [1]
- Overall [1]
- In a nutshell [1]
- All in all [1]
- In the final analysis [2]
- Taking everything into account [2]
- In essence [2]
- In short [2]
- To summarize [2]
- In the end [2]
These transition words can help you effectively wrap up your paper and provide a clear and concise conclusion. Remember to choose the transition word or phrase that best fits the tone and style of your writing.
Learn more:
- Transitions - The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 35 Transition Words for Conclusions (2024)
- Transition signals | University of Technology Sydney
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Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure…
Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.
These transitions are usually placed at the beginning of sentences, independent clauses, and paragraphs and thus establish a specific relationship between ideas or groups of ideas. Transitions are used to enhance cohesion in your paper and make its logical development clearer to readers. Types of Transition Words. Transitions accomplish many ...
Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: They show the reader how different parts of your essay, paper, or thesis are connected. Transition sentences can be used to structure your text and link together paragraphs or sections. Example of a transition sentence for a new paragraph. In this case, the researchers concluded that the method ...
Transitions. Transitions help your readers move between ideas within a paragraph, between paragraphs, or between sections of your argument. When you are deciding how to transition from one idea to the next, your goal should be to help readers see how your ideas are connected—and how those ideas connect to the big picture.
A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places. Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act ...
Transitional words and phrases serve two purposes: 1. They clarify the relationship between sentences (e.g., whether a sentence elaborates on or gives an example of an idea discussed in the previous sentence, whether a sentence is starting a new idea). 2. They help sentences in a paper flow more smoothly so the text does not sound abrupt or choppy.
Common Transition Words and Phrases. ... 9. Emphasis. Use to suggest that an idea is particularly important to your argument important to note, most of all, a significant factor, a primary concern, a key feature, remember that, pay particular attention to, a central issue, the most substantial issue, the main value, a major event, the chief factor, a distinctive quality, especially valuable ...
These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions. at the present time. from time to time. sooner or later. at the same time. up to the present time. to begin with.
Writing strong transitions often takes more than simply plugging in a transition word or phrase here and there. In a piece of academic writing, writers often need to use signposts, or transition sentences that signal the reader of connections to the thesis. To form a signpost, combine transition words, key terms from the thesis, and a mention of the previous topic and new topic.
Familiarizing yourself with these most-used and best transition terms for academic writing will help bring clarity to your essays and make the writing process much easier on you. Like the links on a chain, transition words hold an academic paper together and make ideas flow logically. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash. Types of transitions
Transition Words and Phrases. Transitions are connecting words or phrases that strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Transition words tell the reader how one idea relates to another. Using them appropriately makes your argument more convincing because the reader is able to understand the flow between and within paragraphs, including ...
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
Updated on June 24, 2013. A transition is a word or phrase that connects consecutive sentences or paragraphs. Effective transitions can clarify the logical flow of your ideas and thus strengthen your argument or explanation. Here, two main transitional tools are discussed: demonstrative pronouns and introductory terms.
Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help the reader to interpret ideas a paper develops. Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another. And finally, transitional devices link sentences ...
Transitions are a lifeline for readers, listeners, users—a kind of conceptual superglue. Transition words and traditional phrases are crucial to helping audiences keep track of the author's reasoning and purposes for writing. Learn to identify when transitions are warranted in your work and the work of others. Distinguish between effective and ineffective transitions.
Transition words and phrases can help your paper move along, smoothly gliding from one topic to the next. If you have trouble thinking of a way to connect your paragraphs, consider a few of these 100 top transitions as inspiration. The type of transition words or phrases you use depends on the category of transition you need, as explained below.
Usage: transition words are used with a special rule for punctuation: a semicolon or a period is used after the first 'sentence', and a comma is almost always used to set off the transition word from the second 'sentence'. Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile.
Transition Words for Essays for First Body Paragraph. Here is a list of transition words that you can use for the first body paragraph of an essay: Firstly. To start off. Primarily. Another important factor is. To begin with. In the beginning. Above all.
Words such as "and," "as a result," "in fact," "however," and "although" are good examples of common transition words in academic writing. They help to improve the coherence and cohesion of your writing work. Without transition words, it would be difficult to recognize the different ideas and thought processes in your work.
Transitional words that signal explanation or elaboration include in other words, for example, for instance, in particular, that is, to illustrate, moreover. • drawing conclusions You can use transitions to signal to readers that you are moving from the body of your argument to your conclusions. Before you use transitional words to signal
Effective conclusion transition words can help you wrap up your paper and leave a lasting impression on your readers. These words and phrases can signal the end of your argument or summarize your main points. Here are some examples of effective conclusion transition words to use in a paper: In conclusion ; To sum up ; Ultimately ; In summary
The last thing you want is your transition words to feel trite and uninspired. Discover what these words are and a variety of examples for your writing here.