how to study effectively using transition signals essay

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Change will not be effected, say some others, unless individual actions raise the necessary awareness.

While a reader can see the connection between the sentences above, it’s not immediately clear that the second sentence is providing a counterargument to the first. In the example below, key “old information” is repeated in the second sentence to help readers quickly see the connection. This makes the sequence of ideas easier to follow.

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

You can use this same technique to create clear transitions between paragraphs. Here’s an example:

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change. According to Annie Lowery, individual actions are important to making social change because when individuals take action, they can change values, which can lead to more people becoming invested in fighting climate change. She writes, “Researchers believe that these kinds of household-led trends can help avert climate catastrophe, even if government and corporate actions are far more important” (Lowery).

So, what’s an individual household supposed to do?

The repetition of the word “household” in the new paragraph helps readers see the connection between what has come before (a discussion of whether household actions matter) and what is about to come (a proposal for what types of actions households can take to combat climate change).

Sometimes, transitional words can help readers see how ideas are connected. But it’s not enough to just include a “therefore,” “moreover,” “also,” or “in addition.” You should choose these words carefully to show your readers what kind of connection you are making between your ideas.

To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be

making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal comparison, ask these questions: Do your readers need another example of the same thing? Is there a new nuance in this next point that distinguishes it from the previous example? For those relationships between ideas, you might try this type of transition: While x may appear the same, it actually raises a new question in a slightly different way.
expressing agreement or disagreement When you are making an argument, you need to signal to readers where you stand in relation to other scholars and critics. You may agree with another person’s claim, you may want to concede some part of the argument even if you don’t agree with everything, or you may disagree. Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless .
showing cause and effect Transitional phrases that show cause and effect include therefore, hence, consequently, thus, so. Before you choose one of these words, make sure that what you are about to illustrate is really a causal link. Novice writers tend to add therefore and hence when they aren’t sure how to transition; you should reserve these words for when they accurately signal the progression of your ideas.
explaining or elaborating Transitions can signal to readers that you are going to expand on a point that you have just made or explain something further. 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 conclusions, consider whether you can write a stronger conclusion by creating a transition that shows the relationship between your ideas rather than by flagging the paragraph simply as a conclusion. Transitional words that signal a conclusion include in conclusion , as a result, ultimately, overall— but strong conclusions do not necessarily have to include those phrases.

If you’re not sure which transitional words to use—or whether to use one at all—see if you can explain the connection between your paragraphs or sentence either out loud or in the margins of your draft.

For example, if you write a paragraph in which you summarize physician Atul Gawande’s argument about the value of incremental care, and then you move on to a paragraph that challenges those ideas, you might write down something like this next to the first paragraph: “In this paragraph I summarize Gawande’s main claim.” Then, next to the second paragraph, you might write, “In this paragraph I present a challenge to Gawande’s main claim.” Now that you have identified the relationship between those two paragraphs, you can choose the most effective transition between them. Since the second paragraph in this example challenges the ideas in the first, you might begin with something like “but,” or “however,” to signal that shift for your readers.

picture_as_pdf Transitions

How to Use Transitions in an Essay – Tutorial with Examples

One of your main tasks in writing an essay is to help the reader make connections and understand your writing well. Transitions allow you to do that. They help ensure that the reading process flows smoothly.

I’m Tutor Phil, and in this tutorial I’ll show you how to use transitions effectively in your essays and research papers.

Four Rules of Using Transitions in Academic Writing

Rule 1. structure your essay well.

If your essay has a clear structure, this will minimize the need for transitions. Remember – you shouldn’t really need a lot of transitional words and phrases in your essay.

Use transitions in places where they are most likely to help the reader make the necessary connection and move along. And if your flow of ideas in the essay is clear, that alone is the single most important quality of your writing.

So, if you’re new to essay writing, I highly recommend my tutorial on essay writing for beginners .

Rule 2. Trust the reader

If you trust yourself to write a well-structured essay, then you should trust the reader to understand what you have written.

Don’t use transitions to summarize what you just wrote.

When you pause to remind the reader what you just stated – whether in a section or a paragraph – this makes them feel that you’re wasting their time. Nobody likes stuff repeated to them over and over.

Besides, this signals a lack of trust both in the writer and the reader. Instead, use transitions only to move the reader forward in your essay. I’ll show you exactly how.

Rule 3. Proceed from general to specific

Going from general to specific is a mode in which you should be writing your essay. And transitions should help you accomplish this.

Let’s leave it at that for now because the examples in this tutorial will illustrate this perfectly. But for now just keep in mind that transitions are a great way to help you move from general to specific in your essay.

Rule 4. Use transitions on multiple levels

Transitions can be used to move into a section, a paragraph, or a sentence. When transitioning into a section or a paragraph, use the transition within the lead sentence.

If you’re not familiar with lead sentences or need to brush them up, here is my short and sweet tutorial on lead sentences .

Transitions also come in handy when introducing or leading into a smaller bit of writing, such as a sentence or part of a paragraph.

10 Categories of Transitions with Examples

1. transitions that indicate similarity.

These are transitions that allow you to introduce material that is similar to what came before. You can use these transitions to add material to your essay.

These are such words and phrases as:

By the same token

“Mozart and Haydn wrote music primarily for the emerging upper middle class. Similarly, Beethoven adhered to the musical tastes of this sliver of the society early in his career.”

2. Contrary Transitions

These are important and powerful transitions that tell the reader that something opposite to what they just read is coming. These include such words and phrases as:

Nevertheless
Notwithstanding
Despite (or “In spite of”)
On the other hand

“Mozart and Haydn wrote music primarily for the upper middle class and nobility. Beethoven did the same because his sustenance depended on it. However, his creative spirit yearned to write highly evolved and complex music aimed at the connoisseur.”

Another Version (with a different transition)

“Mozart and Haydn wrote music primarily for the upper middle class and nobility. Conversely, Beethoven yearned to write highly evolved and complex music aimed at the connoisseur.”

The Counterargument

One of the ways transitions in this category can be used is to expand your essay while adding validity to your argument.

Let’s say you’re making an argument that Beethoven was an amazingly innovative composer. And you have provided some evidence to support this claim.

Here is how you can use a counterargument to add content and make your point even stronger. You can suggest that others may disagree with your point. But they miss the mark for one or more important reasons.

For example:

“ Some contemporary critics of Beethoven argued that his music was needlessly complex and failed to please much of the public. However , they were quite shortsighted. Beethoven’s music continues to please audiences hundreds of years later while the names of his critics are lost in the shuffle of history.”

You can use the counterargument technique to add a couple of juicy paragraphs to your essay. Here’s a video I created which will show you how:

3. Transitions of Order and Sequence

These are very useful when enumerating or listing items. These are such words as:

A great place to use these transitions is in the thesis statement.

“Going to college presents great advantages. First, college graduates earn more than those without a degree. Second, higher education enriches a person’s inner world. Finally, college is a great way to start friendships that will last a lifetime.”

4. Time Transitions

These words and phrases specify or change the time in which the reader finds herself. Here are some of them:

In the meantime
Subsequently

“Two of the men were on the lookout. Meanwhile, the third and fourth were busy cleaning out the store.”

5. Place Transitions

These transitions indicate location or change of location:

In front of

“In front of the school stood a hot dog stand, students’ favorite food spot.”

6. Transitions into Examples/Specificity

These very important transitions indicate that a specific piece of information is about to support a more general statement that just came before. These are such words and phrases as:

For example
For instance
To illustrate
Specifically
To be more specific

“Some kids love school. For example, my son is always excited to go to school because he loves to socialize and to learn.”

“Some subjects are crucial to students’ intellectual development. To be more specific, they cultivate such skills and abilities as critical thinking, decision making, and argumentation.”

7. Transitions of Emphasis or Focus

Use these transitions sparingly because they are often unnecessary. These are such words and phrases as:

Importantly

“Indeed, Beethoven was an innovative composer.”

“Naturally, Beethoven’s patrons adored him.”

8. Transitions of Cause and Effect

These are very important transitions that I often call Power Words. ( Here is my article on Power Words where you can learn more about them .)

Consequently

“Mozart wrote some of the most original music with catchy melodies. In effect, he quickly gained the favor of the Viennese.”

9. Transitions Indicating Additional Material

Use these transitions when you want to add a new category or kind of material to support an argument. These words and phrases include:

Furthermore
In addition

“The nobles of Vienna adored Mozart for his musical genius and wit. Besides, he knew how to please them by writing music for soirees and social events that were all the rage at the time.”

10. Concluding Transitions

These transitions allow you to signal the coming of the final section, paragraph, or sentence. Definitely use them in the beginning of a conclusion paragraph. These are such words and phrases as:

To conclude
In conclusion
In the final analysis

“In the final analysis, both Mozart and Beethoven enjoyed great success and formidable challenges as composers in their lifetimes.”

Hope this was helpful ( source ). Now go ahead and make these transitions a working part of your writing skills.

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

Transition Signals in Writing

What are transition signals.

Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Transition signals act like bridges between parts of your writing. They link your sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that they flow and there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

Transition signals also act like signposts making it easier for the reader to follow your ideas. They help carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one paragraph to another, or between separate sentences, paragraphs or topics.

There are several types of transition signals. Some lead your reader forward and imply the building of an idea or thought, while others make your reader compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.

Sample text

The following words and phrases can be used to indicate transitions and to cue your reader about how ideas are logically connected in your writing. This list is also helpful for providing alternative options if you find yourself constantly using the same linking word or phrase.

To indicate sequence or to logically order ideas

first, second, third etc.

followed by

before, after

next, finally

previously, subsequently

initially, followed by

concurrently

at that time

To refer to a specific incident or example

for example

to illustrate

for instance

in the case of case

specifically

in this case

on this occasion

To provide emphasis or indicate importance

particularly

To indicate time

at that/this point

immediately

simultaneously

then, later

at that/ this time

To compare and/ or contrast

To compare:

on the one hand
correspondingly

in the same way

To contrast:

in contrast

on the other hand

a different view is

on the contrary

differing from
balanced against
by/ in comparison

To indicate result or cause and effect

as a result (of this)

consequently

as a consequence

accordingly

for this reason

because (of this)

so much (so) that

To introduce a similar idea

To add another idea or more information.

in addition

furthermore

it could also be said

additionally

To introduce an opposite idea, to show exception or concession

alternatively

it could also be said that

nevertheless

despite/in spite of (this)

even though

nonetheless

notwithstanding (this)

regardless (of this)

To give an example

take the case of

to demonstrate

To identify or clarify

that is (to say)

in other words

To summarise or conclude

on the whole

in conclusion

as a result

to summarise

Transition signals in writing
Quotations and paraphrases
Punctuation
Paraphrasing, summarising, quoting
^ More support

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Writing Center

Loyola university chicago, transitions & signal words.

We use transitions in writing to connect ideas and signal to readers that we are moving through our discussion. Transitions help writers organize their papers and help readers understand how ideas and parts of the paper fit together. These transitions can occur Between Paragraphs and Between Sentences .

Between Paragraphs

Each of your paragraphs should refer to a previous idea. In order to make sure the ideas flow logically, we use transitions between paragraphs to link ideas and show readers how the paragraphs are connected. Example phrases include:

While A suggests B, C suggests D.
After looking at A, we move to B.
In addition, C also argues D.

Between Sentences

We use transitions between sentences to link ideas and help the sentences flow coherently.

Use transition words such as first , next , however , and in addition to show the relationships among sentences and ideas. Repeat key words or phrases to tie related sentences together:

The new black middle class came of age in the 1960s during an unprecedented American economic boom and in the hub of a thriving mass culture . The economic boom made luxury goods and convenient services available to large numbers of hard-working Americans for the first time. American mass culture presented models of the good life principally in terms of conspicuous consumption and hedonistic indulgence.

—Cornel West, Race Matters*

Use parallel phrases—phrases that begin with the same word or that share the same grammatical structure—to emphasize connections among similar examples or related pieces of information:

I spent my two days at Disneyland taking rides . I took a bobsled through the Matterhorn and a submarine under the Polar Ice Cap and a rocket jet to the Cosmic Vapor Curtain. I took Peter Pan’s Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Alice’s Scary Adventures, and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. I took a steamboat and a jungle boat. I took the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Coyote Country and the Splash Mountain roller coaster to Critter Country. […] More precisely, those rides took me : up and down and around sudden corners and over rooftops, and all I had to do was sit back and let whatever conveyance I was sitting in do the driving.

—William Zinsser, American Places*

Common Transition Words and Phrases:

To Add: and, again, and then, besides, finally, further, too, in addition, moreover, as equally important, as well, also, furthermore, likewise, moreover, similarly, still, next

To Compare/Contrast: but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, nonetheless, rather, instead

To Prove: because, for, since, for the same reason, furthermore, moreover, indeed, in fact, as a result, consequently, accordingly, thus

To Show Exception: yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, aside from, barring, except, excluding, other than, save

To Show Time/Sequence: immediately, thereafter, soon, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, third, fourth, etc.), next, first of all, to begin with, in turn, meanwhile, afterward, in conclusion, following, subsequently, previously, simultaneously, concurrently, after, before, consequently, previously, hence

To Repeat/Summarize: as I have said, as I have noted, as I have shown, as a result, in brief, in short, finally, to summarize, therefore, after all, in any case, in other words, once again, consequently

To Emphasize: definitely, extremely, surprisingly, without a doubt, certainly, above all, chiefly, especially, particularly

To Give an Example: for example, for instance, to illustrate, in this situation, to demonstrate, in this case, in particular, namely, specifically, such as, including

To Generalize: as a rule, for the most part, generally speaking, usually

Undergraduate
Graduate/ Professional
Adult Education

Writing Studio

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

In order to access certain content on this page, you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader or an equivalent PDF viewer software.

10.6 Editing Focus: Paragraphs and Transitions

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Implement transitional words and phrases in a position argument.
Apply genre conventions in paragraphs and transitions for general and specific situations.

In the initial drafts of your paper, you may have concentrated on single ideas for your body paragraphs and single thoughts within those paragraphs. Your argument will read more smoothly, however, if you use transitional words and phrases to show readers how your ideas are connected or opposed to each other.

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

To organize your paper most effectively, use transitional words or phrases , which show readers the relationship between different ideas—that is, how ideas connect with or are separate from each other. In the paragraph below, transitional words and phrases are underlined.

student sample text To get a copy of your transcript from Abbott Community College, underline first end underline log on to the college web site. underline Next end underline , click the “Transcript” link underline to the left of end underline the college logo. underline When end underline the link opens, fill out the information requested in the boxes. underline Then end underline upload a copy of your student ID underline and end underline pay $10 electronically. underline Finally end underline , submit your form. Your transcript will be emailed to you, underline but end underline you may have to wait up to three days underline before end underline you receive it. end student sample text

The transitional words and phrases show readers the sequence of steps they need to follow to get a transcript. If you remove the transitional words and phrases, the paragraph would be choppy, and readers might not follow the steps as easily.

Transitions also help guide readers between paragraphs. Below are the body paragraphs a student wrote about the need for a traffic light at a street that leads into his college. The first version has no transitions.

student sample text Many vehicles speed through the intersection without regard to the posted speed limit. A traffic signal would make vehicles slow down. They would not be able to speed through the signal. end student sample text

student sample text Pedestrian safety is a problem. Many students and others cross this intersection when coming to or leaving campus, and they must dodge traffic to get across. A traffic signal would allow them to cross at appropriate times. end student sample text

student sample text The amount of traffic has increased dramatically. A manufacturing plant opened four blocks from the intersection. The number of businesses in the strip mall at the intersection has grown by 50 percent. The college has changed its traffic routing for football games. Fans must enter via this intersection. end student sample text

student sample text The most compelling reason to install a traffic signal is that the number of accidents has risen far past an acceptable limit. According to recent police reports, a traffic accident occurs at least three times a month. One accident resulted in a loss of life. end student sample text

The student then added transitions and changed the wording accordingly to help readers follow his ideas. The underlined transitions at the beginning of each paragraph alert readers to the four reasons he presents and to where he changes from one to another. The underlined transitions within the paragraphs help readers understand the relationship of ideas.

student sample text underline First end underline , many vehicles speed through the intersection without regard to the posted speed limit. A traffic signal would make vehicles slow down, underline for end underline they would not be able to speed through the signal. end student sample text

student sample text underline Second end underline , pedestrian safety is a problem. Many students and others cross this intersection when coming to or leaving campus, and underline now end underline they must dodge traffic to get across. A traffic signal, underline therefore end underline , would allow them to cross at appropriate times. end student sample text

student sample text underline Another reason to install the traffic signal has to do with end underline the amount of traffic, which has increased dramatically underline in recent years end underline . underline Two years ago end underline , a manufacturing plant opened four blocks from the intersection. underline In the past 16 months end underline , the number of businesses in the strip mall underline at the intersection end underline grew by 50 percent. underline Furthermore end underline , the college has changed its traffic routing for football games, underline and now end underline fans must enter via this intersection. end student sample text

student sample text underline Finally end underline , the most compelling reason to install a traffic signal is that the number of accidents has risen far past an acceptable limit. According to recent police reports, a traffic accident occurs at that intersection at least three times a month. underline In fact end underline , one of those accidents resulted in a loss of life. end student sample text

Frequently Used Transitional Words and Phrases

Addition: again, and, further, in addition, next, then, also, as well as

Cause-and-effect : accordingly, consequently, for this reason, hence, therefore, thus, as a result

Amplification : again, also, apparently, first (second, third), moreover, indeed, more, most, in fact

Chronological order : after, before, during, earlier, finally, first (second, third), immediately, last, next, then, later

Concession or agreement : although, at least, at any rate, certainly, (even) though, in spite of, of course, still, nevertheless, nonetheless

Compare and contrast : at the same time, comparatively, conversely, however, instead, likewise, moreover, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, rather, similarly, still, yet, despite

Detail : including, in particular, namely, specifically, to list

Emphasis or clarification : above all, again, certainly, especially, furthermore, in fact, particularly, indeed

Example : chiefly, for example (instance), in other words, in particular, mainly, specifically

Intention : for this purpose, in order to do this, to this end, with this in mind

Location : above, along, behind, below, here, near, next to, opposite, to the left (right) of, under

Summary : finally, in conclusion, in short, in other words, thus

For more information about paragraphs and transitions, see Paragraphs and Transitions .

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15 Transitions

how to study effectively using transition signals essay

Developing Relationships between Ideas

You have a main idea (topic sentence) and supporting ideas. Now, how can you be sure that your readers will understand the relationships between them? How are the ideas connected to each other? One way to emphasize these relationships is through the use of clear transitions between ideas. Good transitions build a bridge between your ideas. They form logical connections between the ideas presented in an essay or paragraph, and they give readers clues that reveal how you want them to think about the topics presented.

Why are Transitions Important?

Transitions, which are often called signal words or phrases, help to give your writing coherence and cohesion. Useful transitions signal the order of ideas, highlight relationships, unify concepts, and let readers know what’s coming next or remind them about what’s already been written. Good writers use transitions both within paragraphs (sentence-level transitions) and between paragraphs to help their readers understand how their ideas are connected. In the next sections, we will consider the importance of transitions at the sentence level and transitions between paragraphs.

Sentence-Level Transitions

Writers often use signal words or phrases to emphasize relationships between one sentence and another. Think of this as a “something old, something new” approach, meaning that the idea behind a transition is to introduce something new while connecting it to something old from an earlier point in the essay or paragraph. Here are some examples of ways that writers use connecting words (underlined below) to show connections between ideas in adjacent sentences:

To Show Similarity

When he was growing up, Aaron’s mother taught him to say “please” and “thank you” to show appreciation and respect for others. In the same way , Aaron has tried to teach the importance of manners to his own children.

Other connecting words that show similarity include also , similarly , and likewise .

To Show Contrast

Some scientists take the existence of black holes for granted; however , in 2014, a physicist at the University of North Carolina claimed to have mathematically proven that they do not exist.

Other connecting words that show contrast include in spite of , on the other hand , in contrast , and yet .

To Exemplify

The cost of college tuition is higher than ever, so students are becoming increasingly motivated to keep costs as low as possible. For example , a rising number of students are signing up to spend their first two years at a less costly community college before transferring to a more expensive four-year school to finish their degrees.

Other connecting words that show example include for instance , specifically , and to illustrate .

To Show Cause and Effect

Where previously painters had to grind and mix their own dry pigments with linseed oil inside their studios, in the 1840s, new innovations in pigments allowed paints to be premixed in tubes. Consequently , this new technology facilitated the practice of painting outdoors and was a crucial tool for impressionist painters, such as Monet, Cezanne, Renoir, and Cassatt.

Other connecting words that show cause and effect include therefore , so , and thus .

To Show Additional Support

When choosing a good trail bike, experts recommend 120–140 millimeters of suspension travel; that’s the amount that the frame or fork is able to flex or compress. Additionally , they recommend a 67–69 degree head-tube angle, as a steeper head-tube angle allows for faster turning and climbing.

Other connecting words that show additional support include also , besides, equally important , and in addition .

For more signal words and phrases, consult Transition Words & Phrases ~ Useful Lists .

A Word of Caution

Signal words and phrases can be helpful to signal a shift in ideas within a paragraph. But it’s also important to understand that these types of transitions shouldn’t be too frequent within a paragraph. Here are some examples to help you see the difference between transitions that feel like they occur naturally and transitions that seem forced and make the paragraph awkward to read:

Too Many Transitions (Awkward): The Impressionist painters of the late 19th century are well known for their visible brush strokes, for their ability to convey a realistic sense of light, and for their everyday subjects portrayed in outdoor settings. In spite of this fact , many casual admirers of their work are unaware of the scientific innovations that made it possible this movement in art to take place. Then , In 1841, an American painter named John Rand invented the collapsible paint tube. To illustrate the importance of this invention , pigments previously had to be ground and mixed in a fairly complex process that made it difficult for artists to travel with them. For example , the mixtures were commonly stored in pieces of pig bladder to keep the paint from drying out. In addition , when working with their palettes, painters had to puncture the bladder, squeeze out some paint, and then mend the bladder again to keep the rest of the paint mixture from drying out. Thus , Rand’s collapsible tube freed the painters from these cumbersome and messy processes, allowing artists to be more mobile and to paint in the open air. Subtle Transitions that Aid Readers’ Understanding (More Natural): The Impressionist painters of the late 19th century are well known for their visible brush strokes, for their ability to convey a realistic sense of light, and for their everyday subjects portrayed in outdoor settings. However , many casual admirers of their work are unaware of the scientific innovations that made it possible for this movement in art to take place. In 1841, an American painter named John Rand invented the collapsible paint tube. Before this invention , pigments had to be ground and mixed in a fairly complex process that made it difficult for artists to travel with them. The mixtures were commonly stored in pieces of pig bladder to keep the paint from drying out. When working with their palettes, painters had to puncture the bladder, squeeze out some paint, and then mend the bladder again to keep the rest of the paint mixture from drying out. Rand’s collapsible tube freed the painters from these cumbersome and messy processes, allowing artists to be more mobile and to paint in the open air.

Transitions between Paragraphs and Sections

It’s important to consider how to emphasize the relationships not just between sentences but also between paragraphs in your essay. Here are a few strategies to help you show your readers how the main ideas of your paragraphs relate to each other and also to your thesis.

Use Signposts

Signposts are signal words or phrases that indicate where you are in the process of organizing an idea; for example, signposts might indicate that you are introducing a new concept, that you are summarizing an idea, or that you are concluding your thoughts. Some of the most common signposts include words and phrases like first, then, next, finally, in sum , and in conclusion . Be careful not to overuse these types of transitions in your writing. Your readers will quickly find them boring, repetitive, or too obvious. Instead, think of more creative ways to let your readers know where they are situated within the ideas presented in your essay. You might say, “The first problem with this practice is…” Or you might say, “The next thing to consider is…” Or you might say, “A final point to take into account is….”

Use Forward-Looking Sentences at the End of Paragraphs

Sometimes, as you conclude a paragraph, you might want to give your readers a hint about what’s coming next. For example, imagine that you’re writing an essay about the benefits of trees to the environment and you’ve just wrapped up a paragraph about how trees absorb pollutants and provide oxygen. You might conclude with a forward-looking sentence like this: “Trees benefits to local air quality are important, but surely they have more to offer our communities than clean air.” This might conclude a paragraph (or series of paragraphs) and then prepare your readers for additional paragraphs to come that cover the topics of trees’ shade value and ability to slow water evaporation on hot summer days. This transitional strategy can be tricky to employ smoothly. Make sure that the conclusion of your paragraph doesn’t sound like you’re leaving your readers hanging with the introduction of a completely new or unrelated topic.

Use Backward-Looking Sentences at the Beginning of Paragraphs

Rather than concluding a paragraph by looking forward, you might instead begin a paragraph by looking back. Continuing with the example above of an essay about the value of trees, let’s think about how we might begin a new paragraph or section by first taking a moment to look back. Maybe you just concluded a paragraph on the topic of trees’ ability to decrease soil erosion and you’re getting ready to talk about how they provide habitats for urban wildlife. Beginning the opening of a new paragraph or section of the essay with a backward-looking transition might look something like this: “While their benefits to soil and water conservation are great, the value that trees provide to our urban wildlife also cannot be overlooked.”

Evaluate Your Transitions

As you revise your draft, make sure you include transitions where you need them, and omit them where they are unnecessary. Try reading your draft aloud. Listen for areas that sound choppy or abrupt . This can help you make note of areas where transitions need to be added. Repetition is another problem that can be easier to find if you read your essay aloud. If you notice yourself using the same transitions over and over again, take time to find some alternatives.

Activity ~ Transition Strategies

Choose an essay or piece of writing, either that you’re currently working on, or that you’ve written in the past. Identify your major topics or main ideas. Then, using the suggestions in this chapter, develop at least three examples of sentence-level transitions and at least two examples of paragraph-level transitions.

Share and discuss with your classmates in small groups, and choose one example of each type from your group to share with the whole class. If you like the results, you might use them to revise your writing. If not, try some other strategies.

Is this chapter:

…too easy? –> Read “ Transitioning: Beware of Velcro ” from the Harvard College Writing Center.

…about right, but you would like more lists of words? –> See “ Transitional Devices ” from Purdue OWL.

…about right, but you would prefer to watch and learn? –> Listen to a student discuss her transitions in her paragraph in this “ See It in Practice: Paragraphing ” videocast from Excelsior Online Writing Lab.

This chapter was modified from “ Developing Relationships between Ideas ” from The Word on College Reading and Writing by Carol Burnell, Jaime Wood, Monique Babin, Susan Pesznecker, and Nicole Rosevear, which is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Note: links open in new tabs.

to give an example of something

in animals, an internal bag that collects urine

understated; not obvious

rough, not flowing smoothly, not connected

ENGLISH 087: Academic Advanced Writing Copyright © 2020 by Nancy Hutchison is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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As we’ve discussed, the major purpose of writing is to communicate with an audience. Keeping that in mind means everything we do when writing a paper must be done for the benefit of whomever is reading. That’s hard; it means that sometimes, things that look perfectly fine to us or sound OK out loud will need to be changed because other people bring different ideas and demands to our writing.

It also means that we need to go out of our way to be helpful to anyone who’s sitting down to read our work. Every step of the writing process is built to help the reader, from the title — which tells him what he’s getting in to — to the conclusion, which reminds him what he’s read. Along the way, we use other organizational signs to let the reader know what’s going on.

Whenever we pause to signal the reader about what’s about to happen, we use a transitional word or phrase. Transitions are simply brief, common signals that are put in place for the reader. They are often one of the final things that a writer will edit and add in a paper.

The most common place to find transitions is at the beginning or end of a paragraph. In an essay, transitions signal that one piece of a paper is coming to a close or that a new section is about to start. Common transition lines include:

First, we have to consider…
A second point in favor of this proposal is…
The next day, I started…
Finally, I want to make clear…

Transitions often help provide a logical order to a piece. Logical order means that the writer has made decisions about how to organize the essay that they’re writing. If, for instance, I decided to write a paper about the ways to be a good student, I could likely think of dozens, maybe even hundreds, of pieces of advice. However, to write an essay, I would need to narrow that down, and then I’d probably want to list my top 3 (or 5, or 10) reasons in an order that would make sense to my reader. That’s what it means to put a paper in logical order. Every time you see a Top Ten list online, that writer has used logical order to organize her paper.

Transitions signal that logical order by reminding the reader where we are in the list. First, Second, Third, Fifth, Last, etc. all tell my reader what kind of progress she’s making. These words are small but important.

We also use transitions to show changes in time or location. For instance, in a narrative essay, you might want to let the reader know that you’re going to jump ahead from your first swimming lesson as a four-year-old to your gold-medal-winning competition at the 2025 Olympics. When you write, “Fifteen years later, I put on my Speedos and started to climb the pool ladder,” that date at the beginning of your sentence is a clear transition. Without it, the reader will be lost (and wondering what a four-year-old is doing in a Speedo swimsuit).

When a piece is written in time order, we say it uses chronological order to organize itself. Transitions are vital to chronological order; without them, your hopeless reader won’t know whether an hour or a day has passed.

Transitions also can signal to the reader that we’re about to encounter a different kind of information. For example, if I’m in the middle of providing facts about why everyone should wear a seatbelt, and I decide that a story is necessary to keep the reader’s attention, I might say, “Let’s consider an example.” This tells my reader that I’m moving from the lecture to the story.

Signals like this are important because readers tackle different parts of our writing with different levels of attention. They also help a reader figure out where a main idea, a supporting idea, or a minor detail might be happening in a piece. If you’ve ever had to read and analyze a text, looking for a main idea, you know that words like “First,” and “Finally” often signal that a major point is being made, while a tag like “For example” means that something smaller, an illustration or a detail, is about to be shared.

Use these signposts in your own writing to keep readers interested and focused.

Special Cases

Some kinds of writing require special transitions. For example, as we’ve already discussed, narrative writing will require the use of time transitions in nearly every case. You’ve got to name a time and give hints about the duration of an event when telling a story.

Example Writing also requires the use of transitions. Because Example (also called Exemplification or Illustration) writing uses logical organization, you’ll find that ordinal numbers are key to providing clear transitions. (Ordinal Numbers are numbers that demonstrate an order, or a position: First, Second, Third, Fourth, and etc.).

Comparison or Contrast writing requires a writer to provide transitions not just at the start of paragraphs but also within the text. In fact, in Comparisons, transitions carry the meaning of the paper. They are more than just organization: they actually tell your reader what you mean.

For example, if I’m comparing Tuesday and Wednesday, then I’ll need to use comparison transition words when talking about them. I might write:

Tuesday is the second day of the week, and Wednesday is the third day.

Without a comparison word, that’s a boring sentence that tells my reader almost nothing. So, instead, I could add a transition phrase:

Tuesday is the second day of the week, unlike Wednesday, which is the third day.

Yeah, still boring, but that’s because my topic is bad. At least now my reader knows that I’m saying this is a big difference between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Transitions are critical to good comparison writing.

Transition Word Resources:

You can find great lists of comparison words in nearly every substantial grammar book and resource. I’ve listed a few below.

This is an excellent resource with dozens of common transition words listed. The words are divided into different types/uses of transitional words and phrases.
This is a brief listing of the most common college-level transition words. There is also a short explanation reading about using transitions available at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/574/01/

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Transition signals

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What are transition signals?

Transition signals are linking words or phrases that connect your ideas and add cohesion to your writing. They signpost or indicate to the reader the relationships between sentences and between paragraphs, making it easier for the reader to understand your ideas. We use a variety of transition signals to fulfil a number of functions. Some of these functions include: to show the order or sequence of events; to indicate that a new idea or an example will follow; to show that a contrasting idea will be presented, or to signal a summary or a conclusion.

How are transition signals useful?

Transition signals will:

• make it easier for the reader to follow your ideas.

• create powerful links between sentences and paragraphs to improve the flow of information across the whole text. The result is that the writing is smoother.

• help to carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another or from one paragraph to another.

How are transition signals used?

• Transition signals are usually placed at the start of sentences; however, they may also appear in the middle or end of sentences.

• A transition signal, or the clause introduced by a transition signal, is usually separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.

• You DO NOT need to use transition signals in every sentence in a paragraph; however, good use of transition words will help to make the relationship between the ideas in your writing clear and logical.

Which transition signals can I use?

Before choosing a particular transition signal to use, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure that it's the right match for the logic in your paper. Transition signals all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations.

• To introduce an example:

• To introduce an opposite idea or show exception:

• To show agreement:

• To introduce an additional idea:

• To indicate sequence or order, or logically divide an idea:

• To indicate time:

• To compare:

• To contrast:

• To show cause and effect:

• To summarise or conclude:

The example below illustrates how transition signals can be used to improve the quality of a piece of writing. Note how the ideas flow more smoothly and the logical relationships between the ideas are expressed clearly.

At HELPS, we endeavour to support UTS students in a number of ways. First , we offer 15-minute ‘drop in’ sessions with a HELPS Advisor. Making an appointment for these sessions is not necessary. Here , students can gain assistance with their academic writing and presentation skills. Specifically , students may ask for assistance with: understanding an assignment question; understanding assessment criteria; clarifying an assignment type (e.g. what’s a literature review?); planning for an assignment; strategies for effective reading/note-taking skills; and obtaining information from self-study resources. During this time , the HELPS Advisor may refer students for a longer, 40-minute consultation. Students cannot, however , book one-to-one advice sessions online; only a HELPS Advisor can do that.

Getting one-to-one advice is an opportunity for an in-depth discussion with a HELPS Advisor in relation to your specific needs on an assessment. For example , you may require assistance preparing for an oral presentation. Alternatively , you may ask a HELPS Advisor to discuss a draft of an assignment to ensure that you have addressed the assessment criteria. While HELPS Advisors cannot edit your work, they can point out persistent errors in your text and show you how to correct these. In other words , they can help you to edit your own work.

In brief , there are many ways that HELPS can support UTS students. Students are encouraged to drop by the HELPS office which is situated in Building 1, level 5, room 25.

The Learning Centre 2013, Transition signals in writing , UNSW, viewed 20 September 2013, < https://student.unsw.edu.au/transition-signals-writing >.

Unilearning 2000, Transition signals , UOW, viewed 20 September 2013, <The UniLearning website is no longer available>.

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ENGL000: Pre-College English

Transitions.

Throughout this course, you learned techniques for writing effective sentences and combining ideas into well-organized paragraphs. First, you mastered the basic elements of complete sentences in unit 1. Next, you practiced combining ideas in unit 2. After that, you learned to connect ideas through the effective use of punctuation in unit 3. Now that you've mastered these techniques, you will learn how to use transitional words and phrases to signal relationships between ideas to your readers. Then you will practice the art of summary, which is also part of creating effective transitions in your writing.

The previous paragraph used transitional words and a summary to introduce the material covered in this unit. Read this article about organizing your writing with transitions, then complete the practice activities at the bottom of the page. You will use transitional phrases, which you can find answers to on the answer key . When you finish, test yourself by re-reading the paragraph above and identifying the transitional words.

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 for readers that tell them how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you wrote.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas 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 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 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 you chose 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' 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.

Practice 1 :

Sometimes time or sequence are critical elements in explaining how something happened. If you have ever read a recipe, you are familiar with transitions such as, "before you add the egg, cream the butter and the sugar". There is nothing worse than adding an egg to butter and sugar without creaming…because they wonʼt blend correctly and your cake will come out dry.

For those of you who donʼt cook, think about some other task, like jump-starting a car.

Instructions such as, "connect the cables, but first make sure the engine is off", are not helpful. What works better is, "first, shut off your engine, and then connect the cables".

Think of some simple task that you could easily explain how to do to someone else.

This can be anything from how to make a sandwich, to how to catch a bus, to how to use file-sharing in a course. Write a short paragraph explaining these instructions, using transitions that express TIME or SEQUENCE of ORDER. You should have at least four sentences using four different transitions.

Practice 2:

Fill in each blank with an appropriate transition word.

NOTE: more than one correct choice is possible, but the word must reflect the relationship between the ideas (cause-effect, example, time).

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle starts out as a non-criminal investigation where Holmes is trying to return a Christmas goose to its rightful owner; _________, the focus quickly changes when a valuable gem is discovered inside of the goose. ________

Holmes eliminates the thief as the owner of the goose by offering the crop to him along with a replacement goose, ______ he is not interested. _________ Holmes must track down where the goose came from. This leads him to another man who is on a similar hunt – and now Holmes has him criminal! _________, Holmes solves the mystery, returns the gem, and gets a man back on track towards an honest life.

How it works

How to Use Transitions in an Essay

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 18th, 2021 , Revised On August 22, 2023

Not sure how to use transition words for essays? Unable to figure out where you can place transition words within an essay? Here is all you need to know about transitions in an essay .

We overlook the importance of transitions in an essay. While the essayists themselves can see all the connections between the topic , paragraphs , topic sentences , introduction , main body, and conclusion , it’s usually not the case for the readers who generally struggle to figure out how it all fits together, particularly if no transition words or sentences are used.

So if you are worried about your readers being unable to see the relationships and connections that may seem obvious to you, then you might want to learn to use transitions in academic writing.

Remember that it is vitally important to see your writing from the readers’ perspective to achieve the grade you have worked so hard for .

A clear understanding of the connection in an essay is of utmost importance, but to do so, you will need to relate what you are saying to what you have already said previously.

Here are some techniques to enable you to get your readers to follow your design of writing.

The Known-new Contract Technique

One common way to help your readers establish connections is to make use of the known-new contract technique. This method takes into consideration both cohesion between sentences and agreement of topic matter.

With the known-new contract, you will need to think through the sequence of information in a sentence, which you can achieve by following the below three rules;

Start each new sentence by mentioning the information that the preceding sentence ended with.
Each sentence should end by reflecting on a new piece of information.
Avoid starting sentences with new information.

If you can expertly incorporate this technique in your writing, your readers will undoubtedly understand any new piece of information with familiarity with the context.

With this writing style, you will link new information with old information without additional effort.

Can you see the use of a known-new contract in the below paragraph?

Each sentence in your essay should begin with information that the previous sentence ended by reflecting on a new piece of information.

If you can expertly and consistently integrate new information with old information, your readers will undoubtedly understand any new information with familiarity with the context.

As you can see in the above example, the second sentence starts concerning the first sentence’s information. So the readers can easily understand the relationship between the two sentences.

However, if the two sentences do not have the same topic matter, the cohesion between them will break, which will result in the two sentences appearing detached and unrelated.

Use of Transition Words and Phrases

The known-new contract ensures the most natural and effective transitions in an essay. However, if the known-new contract doesn’t seem to work for you, there are other ways to achieve an effective transition between sentences and paragraphs , such as the use of transition words and phrases.

There are four significant types of transitions words and phrases;

Signposting phrases such as first of all, for instance, in this example, etc.
Conjunctive adverbs such as moreover, instead, thus, however, furthermore, etc.
Relative pronouns such as that, who, who, whomever, whoever, when, what, etc.
Subordinating conjunctions such as since, unless, when, until, so that, and so, how, if, because, therefore, after, although, etc.

All transition words and phrases indicate the connection between what you are saying and what’s already been said previously.

As a writer, you will need to make appropriate use of these words and phrases to establish the relationship between sentences, particularly when the relationship between sentences doesn’t seem to be clear in the first place.

Combine Similar Information

Another way to ensure the readers find your writing easy to understand is to combine similar information within the essay. By now, you might have noticed that the use of transition words and the known-new contract technique adds to the document’s word count (because both these methods repeat known information at the beginning of sentences).

So a natural way to limit the use of new words is to eliminate the need for transition words, which you can typically achieve by combining similar information into one segment in the essay.

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Paragraph Transitions

Transitioning between paragraphs will require you to place the transitions at the beginnings of the new paragraph.

Avoid using transitions at the end of the preceding paragraphs because, in ideal circumstances, you want each paragraph of your essay to focus on one aspect of your essay topic . This will also allow you to combine similar information together (as we just learned above).

Transitions are forward-looking in nature, which means they give an insight into what is to follow or the topic matter that new paragraphs and sentences will incorporate. Using a transition at the start of new paragraph signals focus on the content matter of the new paragraph.

Unlike transitions between sentences that establish a connection between sentences, transitions in paragraphs focus on developing the relationship between the old and the new paragraph.

For this very reason, transitioning between paragraphs will require you to shed light on the central argument in the previous paragraph and relate it to the information provided in the present paragraph.

Here are a few things for you to consider when writing a paragraph transition;

Is the new paragraph continuation of a related point discussed in the previous paragraph?
Does the new paragraph extract or deduce some information from the preceding paragraph?
Does it second the argument presented in the previous paragraph or offer a counter perspective?

Also Read: How Long is an Essay in Academic Writing?

Final Thoughts!

We have learned to use transition words and phrases in this article, but occasionally you may need to write full transition sentences. This is especially true for longer academic writing pieces, such as a dissertation where you might not express the transitions clearly with the help of transition words and phrases.

While you want to be as concise as possible, you cannot compromise the clarity of transitions.

So if you are unable to transition using words and phrases with clarity, it will make sense to write a full transition sentence. Similarly, if a transition sentence doesn’t do the job, you can consider writing a transition paragraph.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are transition words and examples.

Transition words are phrases that link ideas, enhancing the flow of writing. Examples:

Addition : Furthermore, in addition, moreover.
Contrast : However, on the other hand, yet.
Cause-Effect : Therefore, as a result, consequently.
Comparison : Similarly, likewise, in the same way.
Conclusion : In conclusion, to sum up, ultimately.
Time : Meanwhile, subsequently, eventually. These words guide readers through your text, making it coherent and organised.

How to effectively write and use transitions in an essay

The key to an effective argumentative essay —and to any successful piece of writing—is the ability to transition between paragraphs and ideas smoothly. Bouncing between various ideas can confuse the reader. Learn how you can link your arguments together through effective paragraph transitions.

The importance of outlining your essay

Don’t go blind into your argument. Just like a building, a strong essay begins with a strong foundation and structure. A typical five-paragraph essay will have the following:

Introduction: The introduction paragraph is where you should show the reader what you aim to write about. This is where you set the tone of your argument: are you writing formally or informally, taking a positive or negative stance, or refuting a specific issue or person? Your thesis statement will go at the end of your introduction paragraph.
Argument 1: The next three paragraphs are where you expand on your argument. Begin with a topic sentence that serves as an overview of your intended position, before you introduce statistics, quotes, and other forms of research.
Argument 2: A general rule is that you should introduce broader points to your argument before going into detail. Linking these paragraphs together will be vital to forming a cohesive argument.
Argument 3: Bring your readers to your viewpoint with persuasion, based on your research: whether it’s through quotes from experts, or logical reasoning, this is where your passion in your argument can shine.
Conclusion: Here, you summarize the points that you’ve just made. Remind the reader of your thesis statement from your introduction, and concisely sum up the arguments you’ve made in previous paragraphs. If you are asking the reader to act, here is where you bring up a call to action.

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The five-paragraph essay is a time-tested form of rhetoric. However, the way you link these paragraphs can make or break the effectiveness of your argument.

How to use paragraph transitions

Creating a transition between the paragraphs of your essay will bring out the relation between the points you’re making. Transitions can also provide your readers with a direction on where your argument is headed, so that they might better understand the rhetorical path that you are leading them on.

After you identify the subject and angle of your paragraphs, consider the relationships between these points: do they tell a narrative, or are they linked by chronological or another order? Both can be used to format your argument, as long as the path toward your thesis statement is clear.

What is the link between the points of research that you have found? Are the statistics connected, or do they contrast? Both can be effective points and counterpoints to form a transition. What are the central ideas of your points of argument?

Effective transition words to use

No matter if you’re comparing or contrasting your argumentative paragraphs, you can always begin a sentence with words or phrases that flow into each other.

These words can link arguments together:

Consequently, these words draw contrasts between ideas:

Microsoft’s thesaurus and grammar tools can help you expand your vocabulary with synonyms and grammatical checks that will lend credence to your writing. For more tips on forming an ideal essay, check out these tips from Microsoft 365 on how to improve your writing skills.

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Mastering Transition Sentences – Uses, Examples, and Tips

Effective writing is not just about putting words on paper; it’s about creating a seamless flow of ideas that captivates the reader from the very first sentence to the last. One indispensable tool in achieving this is the transition sentence. A transition sentence serves as a bridge that connects different thoughts, paragraphs, or sections, making your writing cohesive and easy to follow. In this article, we will delve into the concept of transition sentences, explore their importance, and learn how to use them effectively to enhance our writing. In case you find yourself with your essay or any other type of assignment, feel free to seek our help by saying ‘ write my essay for me ’.

What is a Transition Sentence?

In its essence, a transition sentence is like a directional signpost that guides the reader from one idea to the next. It acts as a smooth link, creating coherence and logical progression in your writing. Without these sentence connectors, your work may appear disjointed, making it difficult for readers to comprehend your message. Its primary purpose is to create a smooth and logical flow between the various parts of a text, guiding the reader through the progression of thoughts and arguments.

Transition sentences can take various forms, including single words, phrases, or complete sentences. They may indicate addition, contrast, cause and effect, comparison, summary, or simply mark a shift to a new topic or point. The choice of transition words or phrases depends on the context and the relationship between the ideas being connected.

Putting it simply, transition sentence is a literary tool that aids in maintaining coherence, clarity, and organization in writing. By using transition sentences effectively, writers ensure that their readers can effortlessly comprehend their message and stay engaged throughout the entire text.

What is the Importance of Transition Sentences?

Transition sentences play a vital role in writing, and their importance cannot be overstated. Let’s explore the key reasons why transition sentences are crucial for creating effective and engaging content:

Reader Comprehension: One of the primary functions of transition sentences is to enhance reader comprehension. By smoothly connecting ideas and concepts, these sentences help readers follow the logical progression of your thoughts. Without transitions, readers may struggle to understand how different parts of your writing relate to one another, leading to confusion and disinterest.
Reader Engagement: Transition sentences keep the reader engaged by providing a smooth flow and preventing abrupt shifts in ideas. This engagement enhances the reading experience and encourages the audience to stay connected with your writing.
Clarity and Comprehension: Transition sentences contribute to the overall coherence and flow of your writing. By using transition sentences, you help the reader understand how different ideas are related, making complex concepts easier to grasp. This clarity strengthens your overall argument or narrative.
Logical Organization: Effective writing requires a logical organization of ideas. Transition sentences help achieve this by providing a smooth transition between paragraphs and sections. They establish relationships between concepts, making it easier for readers to see how each idea contributes to the overall theme or argument.
Emphasizing Key Points: Transitions can be used strategically to highlight essential points or arguments. By using transition words or phrases that signify importance or emphasis, you draw the reader’s attention to critical aspects of your writing.
Avoiding Abrupt Shifts: Abrupt shifts in writing can be jarring and disconcerting for readers. Transition sentences help bridge the gap between different ideas, preventing sudden jumps or tangents that might confuse or alienate your audience.
Professionalism and Clarity: Utilizing transition sentences showcases your writing skills and attention to detail. It demonstrates a level of professionalism, making your work appear polished and well thought out. Clear and smooth transitions contribute to the overall clarity of your writing.
Enhancing Persuasion: In persuasive writing, transition sentences can be particularly powerful. They facilitate the logical flow of arguments, making it easier for readers to follow your reasoning and be persuaded by your viewpoint.
Engaging the Reader: Writing with effective transitions makes the reading experience more enjoyable and less arduous for the audience. Engaged readers are more likely to be receptive to your message and take away the intended meaning from your writing.
Academic and Professional Recognition: In academic and professional settings, the use of transition sentences is highly regarded. It demonstrates your ability to structure and present ideas coherently, which can positively impact your grades or professional reputation.

Read our article: Research paper outline example .

How to Use Transition Sentences?

Using transition sentences effectively requires a good understanding of their purpose and the various types of transitions available. Here are some practical tips on how to use transition sentences in your writing:

Introducing New Ideas: When you introduce a new topic or idea, using a transition sentence can help prepare the reader for what’s to come. It sets the stage for the upcoming discussion and creates a seamless transition between different sections.

Example: Now that we have explored the benefits of regular exercise, let’s delve into the importance of a balanced diet.

Adding Supporting Evidence: Transition sentences are perfect for presenting evidence, examples, or data to back up your claims. They ensure a smooth flow between your arguments and the supporting information.

Example: Furthermore, statistical data from reputable sources consistently highlights the correlation between climate change and extreme weather events.

Contrasting Ideas: When discussing different perspectives or opposing viewpoints, a transition sentence can help clarify the shift in thought and prevent confusion.

Example: While some argue for stricter gun control measures, others firmly advocate for upholding the right to bear arms.

Summarizing Previous Points: To reinforce your main points and create a sense of cohesion, employ transition sentences to summarize the key takeaways from the preceding paragraphs.

Example: In conclusion, effective time management not only boosts productivity but also improves overall work-life balance.

Signaling Cause and Effect: When exploring relationships in a cause-and-effect essay , transition sentences can effectively connect the dots and maintain a logical progression of ideas.

Example: As a result of continuous deforestation, biodiversity loss has become a pressing concern for environmentalists worldwide.

What Makes a Good Transition Sentence?

A great transition sentence is vital in writing since it clarifies the connection between different ideas, serving as a crucial tool for writers across various genres, such as blog posts, short stories, academic papers, or news articles. The primary objective is to present concepts in a clear and understandable manner for the reader.

To choose the most appropriate transition sentence for a particular context, it is essential to comprehend the message that needs to be conveyed. For instance, when expressing a viewpoint that contrasts with a previous statement, one can effectively create a transition sentence by incorporating words or phrases like “in contrast,” “despite this/that,” “nonetheless,” or “however.”

Let’s examine the following examples:

Despite prioritizing waking up an hour before leaving home each morning, I still manage to be late to the university at least once weekly.
While the majority of our team named Friday as their favorite weekday, a small group of employees stated Wednesday was their preferred day.

Transition sentences have the power to connect contradictory statements and establish sequences, similarities, and cause-and-effect relationships between ideas, examples, positions, and emphasis. We will explore them further in detail.

Examples of Transition Sentences

Transitions play a crucial role in writing as they help create a smooth flow of ideas, allowing readers to follow your thoughts easily. Whether transitioning between paragraphs, moving to a new section, or within a paragraph, using appropriate transitions enhances the overall clarity and coherence of your writing.

Transitioning between paragraphs:

When transitioning between paragraphs, you want to establish a logical connection between the ideas presented in the current paragraph and the upcoming one. Here are some common transitional words and phrases used for this purpose:

a. Furthermore: Adds more information or evidence to support the previous point.

Example: The new software not only enhances productivity but also improves data security. Furthermore, it is user-friendly.

b. However: Introduces a contrasting idea or a different perspective.

Example: The initial test results were promising; however, further analysis revealed some unexpected issues.

c. Similarly: Indicates a similarity or parallel between two ideas.

Example: The study found that regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health. Similarly, a balanced diet also contributes to overall well-being.

d. In addition: Introduces an extra point or supporting detail.

Example: The company aims to expand its market presence in Europe. In addition, it plans to launch a new advertising campaign.

Transitioning to a new section:

When starting a new section or introducing a different topic within your writing, transitions help prepare readers for the shift and maintain the overall coherence of the text. Here are some examples of transition phrases for this purpose:

a. Moving on to: Indicates the shift from the current topic to a new one.

Example: After discussing the causes of climate change, we will now move on to explore potential solutions.

b. Now let’s consider: Signals a change in focus or a new perspective on the subject.

Example: Having analyzed the economic impact, now let’s consider the social implications of this policy.

c. Turning our attention to: Redirects readers’ focus to a different aspect or issue.

Example: In the next section, we will turn our attention to the environmental consequences of deforestation.

d. Another important aspect is: Introduces a new significant point within the broader context.

Example: We have discussed the historical background, economic factors, and political implications. Another important aspect is the cultural impact.

Transitions within a paragraph:

Transitions within a paragraph are essential to ensure coherence and maintain a clear flow of ideas. Here are some transition techniques within a paragraph:

a. Pronouns: Using pronouns like “it,” “they,” “this,” and “those” can link back to previous ideas or concepts within the same paragraph.

Example: The research findings suggest a positive correlation between exercise and mental health. Regular physical activities can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also improve cognitive functions and boost overall mood.

b. Repetition of key terms: Repeating important words or phrases within a paragraph can reinforce the central theme and show the relationship between different ideas.

Example: Renewable energy sources are crucial for sustainability. Solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectric power are forms of renewable energy. Integrating these sources into our energy grid can reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.

c. Transitional phrases within sentences: Using transitional words or phrases within sentences can connect ideas seamlessly.

Example: The new marketing strategy resulted in increased website traffic. As a result, sales have also seen a notable rise in the past quarter.

Types of Transition Phrases and Words

Using a variety of transition words and phrases in your writing can greatly improve its flow and coherence, making it easier for readers to follow your ideas and arguments. Remember that the appropriate choice of transition depends on the context and the intended purpose of your writing.

Here are some common types:

Addition transitions: These transitions show the addition of information or ideas. They help to build on the existing context and expand the discussion. For instance, “Additionally, the study included a control group to ensure accurate results.”

Transition words: additionally, furthermore, moreover, also, besides, in addition, furthermore, likewise, similarly.

Contrast transitions: Contrast transitions: Contrast transitions highlight the differences or opposing viewpoints between two ideas. They create a balance in your writing by acknowledging alternative perspectives. For example, “However, the research findings contradict previous studies on the same topic.”

Transition words: however, on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, but, yet, in contrast, although, while, conversely.

Cause and effect transitions: These transitions explain the cause-and-effect relationship between different events or situations. They are used to demonstrate the reason behind a specific outcome. For instance, “Consequently, the team’s consistent efforts led to their success in the competition.”

Transition words: consequently, as a result, therefore, thus, hence, for this reason, accordingly, because, since, due to.

Time transitions: Time transitions help in organizing events chronologically. They are particularly useful in narratives or when describing a series of steps. For example, “Firstly, gather all the necessary materials. Next, follow the instructions carefully.”

Transition words: secondly, meanwhile, subsequently, next, later, afterward, finally, in the meantime, before, after.

Conclusion transitions: These transitions signal the closing of a discussion or the summarization of key points. They give the reader a sense of finality to the writing. For instance, “In conclusion, the research provides valuable insights into the topic’s implications.”

Transition words: in conclusion, to summarize, ultimately, all in all, in summary, to conclude.

Example transitions: Example transitions are used to illustrate or provide specific instances of the ideas discussed. They make your writing more concrete and easier to understand. For example, “For instance, many countries have implemented strict environmental regulations to combat pollution.”

Transition words: for example, for instance, specifically, namely, in particular.

Emphasis transitions: Emphasis transitions help in strengthening a point or expressing certainty. They add weight to a statement or argument. For instance, “Indeed, the new technology has revolutionized the way we communicate.”

Transition words: indeed, certainly, undoubtedly, clearly, absolutely, surely, of course, indeed.

Comparison transitions: Comparison transitions draw parallels between different ideas, concepts, or situations. They highlight similarities to enhance understanding. For example, “Similarly, both books explore themes of identity and self-discovery.”

Transition words: similarly, likewise, in the same way, just as, in comparison, in a similar fashion.

Enumeration transitions: Enumeration transitions are used to list or enumerate various points or aspects of a topic. They make your writing more organized and easier to follow. For instance, “First, analyze the data. Second, identify patterns. Lastly, draw conclusions.”

Transition words: first, second, third, lastly, in addition to, not to mention.

Clarification transitions: Clarification transitions aid in providing further explanation or elaboration of a previous statement. They prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity. For example, “In other words, the results indicate a positive correlation between exercise and mental health.”

Transition words: that is, in other words, specifically, to clarify.

Mistakes To Avoid When Using Transition Sentences

When using transition sentences, it’s essential to be mindful of potential mistakes to maintain the consistency and effectiveness of your writing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Overusing transitions: Using too many transitions can make your writing sound repetitive and forced. Aim for a balance and use transitions only when necessary to link ideas logically.
Using inappropriate transitions: Choosing transitions that do not fit the context or intended meaning can lead to confusion for the reader. Make sure the transition word or phrase is relevant to the relationship between the ideas being connected.
Using transitions incorrectly: Placing transitions in the wrong position within a sentence or paragraph can disrupt the flow and create awkward writing. Ensure that transitions connect the right elements in your text.
Not providing context: Transition sentences should not stand alone; they should provide context and continuity between sentences or paragraphs. Make sure the reader can understand the link between ideas without feeling lost.
Ignoring the overall structure: Transitions are crucial for the overall structure of your writing. Neglecting them can result in a disorganized and confusing piece of work.
Using transitions excessively in speech: In spoken language, using too many transition words or phrases can sound unnatural and stilted. In conversations, keep it more
natural and use transitions sparingly.
Not revising for transitions: During the revision process, pay attention to the transitions in your writing. Ensure they connect ideas smoothly and effectively, and make adjustments if necessary.
Using the same transitions repeatedly: Repeating the same transition words throughout your writing can become monotonous. Vary your transitions to add interest and clarity.
Using transitions as filler: Avoid using transitions as filler or padding to make your writing seem more formal or sophisticated. They should serve a clear purpose in connecting ideas and improving readability.
Using vague transitions: Some transitions, like “stuff,” “things,” or “it,” can be vague and lack clarity. Be specific and precise when using transitions to convey your ideas effectively.

Mastering the art of transition sentences is a valuable skill that can significantly improve your writing. By using these sentence connectors effectively, you can create a more compelling and cohesive piece of work. Whether you’re writing an academic essay, a captivating novel, or a persuasive speech, transition sentences will guide your readers smoothly from one idea to the next. Consider buying essay online from PenMyPaper for any kind of assignment help.

How to Use Transition Phrases Effectively For Better Writing

Writing is a critical skill for any researcher or academic. In order to write well in English, it is essential to be able to connect ideas so that they flow well and your thoughts are clear. However, too many transition phrases, or poorly placed transition phrases, can have the opposite effect of making writing difficult to understand. Learning to effectively use transition phrases will ensure that your writing is smooth and can be readily understood by your reader. In this article, we look at some common transition phrases, discuss how and when to use them, and also discuss how you can avoid making mistakes when using transition phrases in English writing.

Table of Content:

What are Transition Words and Phrases?

How Do I Use Transition Words and Phrases?

Common Transition Word Mistakes

Get Your Transitions Right Every Time

Transition words and phrases are just what they sound like: phrases or words that are used to communicate a move from one sentence, paragraph, section, or idea to another. They clarify the relationship between two sentences or ideas , linking them together. Transition words or phrases can introduce or add on, oppose or limit, express causality or conditionality, indicate an example, or conclude a thought. Some common transition words and phrases, and what they are used for, are shown in the table below.

These are not the only transition words, although you will see them frequently in academic and scientific writing. Other types of transitions include time transitions (earlier, before, later, as soon as, suddenly, when) and location transitions (beside, behind, in front of, next to, beyond, below, above). Transition words frequently are placed at the beginning or end of a sentence. Longer transition phrases likewise tend to be placed at the beginning or end of a paragraph or section, but they can be placed wherever two ideas need to be connected .

Let’s look at a couple of examples of how to use transition words effectively. Take the following paragraph.

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Students who study more hours don’t necessarily do better than their peers. A recent study showed that there was no benefit to studying six hours to prepare for a test compared to four hours. Students who studied four hours a day did better on a test than students who did not study. Students who studied two hours did the same as students who studied four hours for the same test.

While it is clear that the paragraph above is discussing how time spent studying relates to test results for students, it is a little bit difficult to follow the author’s argument. Let’s rewrite this paragraph with transition words.

Students who study more hours don’t necessarily do better than their peers. In fact , a recent study showed that there was no benefit to studying six hours to prepare for a test compared to four hours. Admittedly , students who studied four hours a day did better on a test than students who did not study. However , students who studied for two hours did the same as students who studied four hours for the same test.

The transition phrases clarify the author’s opinion and what they want to tell us about the study. Transition words and phrases should also be used to connect paragraphs when writing . These phrases can be written at the end of the preceding paragraph or the beginning of the subsequent paragraph.

For example:

Next , I will discuss the impacts of sleep habits on studying.

Contrary to the previous argument , some scientists believe vaccines should not be patented.

As a result of this meeting, it was decided to levy sanctions.

The most common mistakes that writers make when using transition phrases are due to not knowing the exact meaning of the transition words they are using. One example of frequently confused transitions are the phrases “even if” and “even though.”

Correct : Even if they give us funding, there won’t be enough money to pay an intern. Incorrect : Even though they give us funding, there won’t be enough money to pay an intern.

Even if refers to a future conditional, while even though should be used to explain a present or past conditional. “Therefore” is another commonly misused transition word, as many writers struggle to use it for cause and effect.

Correct : I ate all of the apples, and therefore no apples remain. Incorrect : I ate all of the apples, and therefore it is raining outside.

“Therefore” should only be used to mean “A happened, and (therefore) as a result, B happened.” Since I am not a witch who can eat apples to cause rain, the second example sentence is incorrect.

Another common problem with transition words is using them in the wrong place in a sentence . For example, the words “and,” “but,” “also,” and “so” are common transition words, but should not be used at the beginning of a sentence in formal academic writing. When they are in the beginning of a sentence, they should be replaced with “in addition,” “however,” “therefore,” and so on.

Learning to use transition words correctly takes practice, but even the most seasoned academic writers can still have trouble. If you are unsure when, where, why, or how to use transition words or sentences in your academic writing, using an AI grammar checker like Trinka can help you. Trinka can not only help you by suggesting improvements to your writing. Trinka’s Academic Phrasebank can provide you with phrases or sentences while you are writing if you just can’t think of the right way to say something. If you need to figure out how to introduce a new topic, contrast two ideas, and so on, Trinka’s academic phrasebank can give you suggestions with just one click. There is no need to struggle with transitions in your writing anymore!

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The Use of Transitional Signal in Writing

Writing transitional signals are nonverbal communication in which writers use words to convey sounds or visual cues. Writing signals result from how an author uses punctuation, word choice, and sentence structure to help readers better understand what is being written.

Writing signals can be used with all types of text to add emphasis, clarity, effect, and mood. Writing signals can also include intentional omissions (such as ellipses) that contribute to the tone or surprise factor of a piece of writing.

What are Transitional Signals?

Transitional signals, also known as transition words or phrases, play a crucial role in writing by helping to create coherence and clarity in your text. They guide readers through your ideas, showing the relationships between sentences and paragraphs. These signals make your writing more organized, easy to follow, and logically connected.

Transitions serve many purposes within writing; they may signal time or indicate causation between two ideas. Transitions within writing help to convey tone and mood. Sentences can begin with “Suddenly” or “Reluctantly,” which create a particular manner.

These words may also be used in conjunction with punctuation, such as starting a sentence with an exclamation point or question mark to add emphasis further.

As transitions indicate the relationships between parts of a written work, they either keep readers’ attention by providing suspense or surprise or help guide readers through a piece of text that would otherwise be confusing or unclear.

How are Transitional Signals Used?

Here are some common types of transitional signals and how they can be used:

1. Addition: These transitions show that you’re adding information or ideas to what you’ve already said.

Additionally, …
Furthermore, …
Moreover, …
In addition, …
Not only …, but also …

Example: “Climate change is a pressing global issue. Additionally, deforestation exacerbates the problem by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.”

2. Contrast: Contrast transitions highlight differences or opposing ideas.

On the other hand, …
Although, …
Even though, …
Nevertheless, …

Example: “The experiment yielded unexpected results. However, further analysis revealed a flaw in the data collection process.”

3. Comparison: These transitions help to draw parallels between ideas or concepts.

Similarly, …
Likewise, …
In comparison, …
Just as …, so too …

Example: “The benefits of exercise are widely acknowledged. Similarly, a balanced diet contributes significantly to overall health.”

4. Cause and Effect: These transitions indicate causal relationships between events or ideas.

Therefore, …
As a result, …
Because of this, …
Consequently, …

Example: “The factory’s emissions have led to severe air pollution. Consequently, local residents are experiencing respiratory health issues.”

5. Time Sequence: These transitions organize ideas chronologically or in a specific order.

Meanwhile, …

Example: “To bake a cake, first gather the ingredients. Next, mix the batter and then bake it in the oven.”

6. Emphasis: Emphasis transitions help you highlight a particular point.

Undoubtedly, …
Of course, …
Importantly, …

Example: “The importance of proper citation cannot be overstated. Indeed, accurate referencing adds credibility to your research .”

7. Example and Illustration: These transitions provide examples to support your ideas.

For instance, …
For example, …
In particular, …
To illustrate, …

Example: “Several renewable energy sources are available. For instance, solar panels and wind turbines are becoming increasingly popular.”

8. Summary and Conclusion: These transitions signal the end of an idea or the closing of a discussion.

In conclusion, …
To sum up, …
In summary, …

Example: “In conclusion, technology has revolutionized communication, making global connections more accessible than ever before.”

Remember, the effective use of transitional signals enhances the flow and coherence of your writing. However, avoid overusing them, as excessive transitions can make your writing appear forced or choppy. Choose transitions that fit naturally within the context of your text, and make sure they accurately reflect the relationships between your ideas.

Types and Examples of Transitional Signals

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In the realm of persuasive discourse, arguments fortified with well-constructed conditionals wield a powerful influence. Conditionals, with their “if-then” structure, allow us to explore the intricacies of cause-and-effect relationships, hypothetical scenarios, and predictive statements. Mastering the art of integrating conditionals into arguments not only adds depth and sophistication but also enhances the clarity and persuasiveness…

What is Renaissance?

The Beginning of the Renaissance By the end of the Middle Ages, the authority of European kings within their countries began to strengthen while the power of the Church began to waver, the people began to doubt the church’s authority. At the same time, the prolonged period of epidemics, war and poverty in Europe ended….

What is a Research

Research is the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to answer a question or solve a problem. It is a systematic and rigorous process that involves collecting data, evaluating its quality, and drawing conclusions. Research can be conducted in a variety of fields, including the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts. The goal…

How to Differentiate Biases from Prejudices?

What differentiates biases from prejudices? It is important to understand that prejudice is the tendency to form an opinion or a prejudgment before acquiring awareness on a relevant fact regarding a case. On the other hand, a bias is being included or having an outlook that supports holding or presenting a partial perspective. What is…

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Transition Sentences
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. 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.
Transition Words & Phrases
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.
How to use Transition Words and Sentences in Essays
Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: they connect different parts of your essay and structure your text. This video will walk you through the use ...
How to Use Transitions in an Essay
Rule 1. Structure your essay well. If your essay has a clear structure, this will minimize the need for transitions. Remember - you shouldn't really need a lot of transitional words and phrases in your essay. Use transitions in places where they are most likely to help the reader make the necessary connection and move along.
PDF Page Using Transitions Effectively
In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or two what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order 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 ...
Guide to Transition Signals in Writing
Transition signals act like bridges between parts of your writing. They link your sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that they flow and there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. Transition signals also act like signposts making it easier for the reader to follow your ideas. They help carry over a thought from one sentence to ...
Transitions & Signal Words
Each of your paragraphs should refer to a previous idea. In order to make sure the ideas flow logically, we use transitions between paragraphs to link ideas and show readers how the paragraphs are connected. Example phrases include: While A suggests B, C suggests D. After looking at A, we move to B. In addition, C also argues D.
Common Transition Words and Phrases
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 ...
10.6 Editing Focus: Paragraphs and Transitions
The transitional words and phrases show readers the sequence of steps they need to follow to get a transcript. If you remove the transitional words and phrases, the paragraph would be choppy, and readers might not follow the steps as easily. Transitions also help guide readers between paragraphs. Below are the body paragraphs a student wrote ...
Transitions
Transitions, which are often called signal words or phrases, help to give your writing coherence and cohesion. Useful transitions signal the order of ideas, highlight relationships, unify concepts, and let readers know what's coming next or remind them about what's already been written. Good writers use transitions both within paragraphs ...
Transitions and Organization
Transitions are simply brief, common signals that are put in place for the reader. They are often one of the final things that a writer will edit and add in a paper. The most common place to find transitions is at the beginning or end of a paragraph. In an essay, transitions signal that one piece of a paper is coming to a close or that a new ...
Transition signals
Transition signals will: • make it easier for the reader to follow your ideas. • create powerful links between sentences and paragraphs to improve the flow of information across the whole text. The result is that the writing is smoother. • help to carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another or from one ...
ENGL000: 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 ...
How to Use Transitions in an Essay
Use of Transition Words and Phrases The known-new contract ensures the most natural and effective transitions in an essay. However, if the known-new contract doesn't seem to work for you, there are other ways to achieve an effective transition between sentences and paragraphs, such as the use of transition words and phrases. There are four significant types of transitions words and phrases;
Transitions in Writing
Some examples of transitions is writing are in the form of a word or phrase that connects two ideas. Words like: thus, since, hence, because, furthermore and while are good single word transitions ...
How to effectively write and use transitions in an essay
Argument 1: The next three paragraphs are where you expand on your argument. Begin with a topic sentence that serves as an overview of your intended position, before you introduce statistics, quotes, and other forms of research. Argument 2: A general rule is that you should introduce broader points to your argument before going into detail.
Mastering Transition Sentences
Here are some transition techniques within a paragraph: a. Pronouns: Using pronouns like "it," "they," "this," and "those" can link back to previous ideas or concepts within the same paragraph. Example: The research findings suggest a positive correlation between exercise and mental health.
How to Use Transition Phrases Effectively For Better Writing
Transition words or phrases can introduce or add on, oppose or limit, express causality or conditionality, indicate an example, or conclude a thought. Some common transition words and phrases, and what they are used for, are shown in the table below. Introduce/Agree/Add on. Example/Support. Oppose/Limit. Cause and Effect. Conditionality. Conclude.
The Use Of Transitional Signal In Writing
Writing transitional signals are nonverbal communication in which writers use words to convey sounds or visual cues. Writing signals result from how an author uses punctuation, word choice, and sentence structure to help readers better understand what is being written. Writing signals can be used with all types of text to add emphasis, clarity ...
EFL Students' Use of Transition Signals in Essay Writing
Abstract. This study is aimed to explore the use transition signals used by EFL students in essay writing in higher education level. Particularly, this essay will be conducted to English Language ...
[PDF] The Use of Transition Signals in Efl Academic Writing Context: a
This study aims to identify students' problems and tendency in using transition signals in academic writing and its implication on English Language Teaching (ELT) concerning the teaching of transition signals will also be addressed. For foreign language learners, especially in university, academic writing is essential. Students are required to analyse, compare, and inform through academic ...

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

How to Use Transitions in an Essay – Tutorial with Examples

Four Rules of Using Transitions in Academic Writing

Rule 2. Trust the reader

Rule 3. Proceed from general to specific

Rule 4. Use transitions on multiple levels

10 Categories of Transitions with Examples

2. Contrary Transitions

3. Transitions of Order and Sequence

4. Time Transitions

5. Place Transitions

6. Transitions into Examples/Specificity

7. Transitions of Emphasis or Focus

8. Transitions of Cause and Effect

9. Transitions Indicating Additional Material

10. Concluding Transitions

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Transition Signals in Writing

Sample text

To indicate sequence or to logically order ideas

To refer to a specific incident or example

To provide emphasis or indicate importance

To indicate time

To compare and/ or contrast

To indicate result or cause and effect

To introduce a similar idea

To introduce an opposite idea, to show exception or concession

To give an example

To identify or clarify

To summarise or conclude

Writing Center

Between Paragraphs

Between Sentences

Common Transition Words and Phrases:

Writing Studio

Transitions by Category

2. Sequence/ Order

3. Contrast

4. Exception

5. Comparison

6. Illustration

7. Location

8. Cause and Effect

9. Emphasis

10. Summary or Conclusion

Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

Transition Signals

Review Words

Preview words

Transition Sentences

10.6 Editing Focus: Paragraphs and Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

Frequently Used Transitional Words and Phrases

15 Transitions

Developing Relationships between Ideas

Why are Transitions Important?

Sentence-Level Transitions

To Show Contrast

To Exemplify

To Show Cause and Effect

To Show Additional Support

A Word of Caution

Transitions between Paragraphs and Sections

Use Signposts

Use Forward-Looking Sentences at the End of Paragraphs

Use Backward-Looking Sentences at the Beginning of Paragraphs

Evaluate Your Transitions

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Special Cases

Transition Word Resources:

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Communication

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Engineering

Health (GEM)

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Transdisciplinary Innovation

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