Transitions
What's the Issue
Readers need to understand how parts of sentences, paragraphs, and essays fit together. Without using clear transitions, you may lose your readers.
Examples: Functions and Common words and Phrases
and, again, also, too, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover, besides
therefore, consequently, thus, accordingly, as a result, hence, then, so
similarly, likewise, by comparison
although, admittedly, actually, to be sure, granted, of course, in fact, indeed, it is
true, to tell the truth, certainly, with the exception of, even though, naturally,
really, that is
but, however, at the same time, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand,
yet, nevertheless, after all, in spite of, conversely, still, instead, nevertheless,
otherwise, anyhow
for example, for instance, one case of
- Time (Chronological order)
first, formerly, earlier, previously, before that, then, now, concurrently,
simultaneously, at the same time, immediately, this time, until now, shortly,
currently, in the meantime, subsequently, later, next, afterwards
elsewhere, here, above, below, farther on, there, beyond, nearby, opposite to,
around
that is, in other words, in simpler terms, to put it differently, simply stated, partly
- Sequence (numerical order OR order of importance)
first, second, third [not firstly, secondly, etc.], next, finally, following, then, in
time the chief, main, primary, secondary and so on
in conclusion, to conclude, to summarize, in brief, in short
Let's Practice!
Finish each of the following statements using ideas of your own invention. Answers may vary.
- Writing is difficult; therefore,
- Writing is difficult; however,
- Writing is difficult. For example,
- Although writing is difficult,
Editor's note: This publication is derived from the shared experiences of Seattle University Writing center consultants and from definitions adapted from Thinking on Paper by V.A. Howard and J.H. Barton (William Marrow: New York, 1986).