Transitional Words

Transition

Transition Definition
Transitions are words and phrases that provide a connection between ideas, sentences and
paragraphs. Transitions help to make a piece of writing flow better. They can turn disconnected
pieces of ideas into a unified whole and prevent a reader from getting lost in the reading.

Since the goal of a writer is to convey information clearly and concisely, transitions help achieve
that aim by providing a logical connection between one or more sections of a piece of writing.
Transitions usually work best when used to link one paragraph to the next, and are usually found
at the beginning of the paragraph, although they can be used anywhere when needed.
Some examples of transition words or phrases: another key point, indeed, in fact, first thing to
remember, on the negative side, on the positive side.

A piece of writing usually contains two elements: the order in which different parts of a
discussion or argument are provided to the readers, and the relationship the writer has used to
link these parts together. Transitions cannot be used as a substitute for good organization but
they do aid in making the writing easier and clearer to follow by keeping a constant, consistent
flow from one paragraph to the next. Some clues which show that a writer needs to use
transitions:

The written work is choppy, abrupt and jumpy.

The writer has moved from one point to the next abruptly and quickly without a visible
connection between the two ideas.
The readers have trouble following the writers train of thought or organization of ideas.

Disjointed Sentence: We will be here for a few more days so we can finish up some leftover
work. We are staying longer because we do not want to miss the Tech Info conference taking
place next week.

Revised with Transition: We will be here for a few more days so we can finish up some
leftover work. Another reason why we are staying longer is because we do not want to miss the
Tech Info conference taking place next week.

In the first sentence, the two ideas are abruptly linked without a transition present to connect the
two together. In the revised version, the sentences are linked by a transition to connect the two
ideas for smoother flow, giving the reader a better understanding of what the writer wanted them
to know.
Transition examples are found:

1. Between Sections: In longer pieces of writing, transitional paragraphs summarize the

information for readers, and specify the relevance of the information in the sections to come.

2. Between Paragraphs: Transitions form a relationship between paragraphs by connecting

them with phrases, words or sentences that can be placed at the end of the first paragraph, the
start of the second paragraph or in both places.

3. Within Paragraphs: These help the reader anticipate what is to come by acting as cues.
Within paragraphs, transitions are usually short phrases or single words.

Transition Examples
Example #1

To show contrast between ideas: on the contrary, however, notwithstanding

Example #2

To denote time: after, at last, before

Example #3

To add to the previous point in the essay: furthermore, besides, moreover

Example #4

To show similarity or comparison between ideas: likewise, similarly, in like fashion

Example #5

To concede a point in the essay: although, at least, at any rate

Example #6

To emphasize a point: indeed, above all, truly

Example #7

To bring attention to details: especially, specifically, in particular

Example #8

To show consequence or a result: with the result that, so that, consequently

Example #9

To illustrate a point or provide examples: for instance, for example, to illustrate

Example #10

To make a suggestion in the essay: to this end, for this purpose, with this in mind

Example #11

To sum up the points: finally, therefore, consequently

Functions of Transitions
Transitions can be used in diverse circumstances. A transition can be a word, a phrase or even an
entire paragraph. The function of a transition is the same in each case: it summarizes the content
of the preceding paragraph or section and it helps the reader anticipate whats to come in the next
paragraph. However, the major function is not just to embellish ones writing by making it read
or sound better; these are words which serve the function of presenting the ideas in such a way
that help the readers react in particular ways to the ideas presented. They play a very important
part in helping the readers see the logical sequence of the idea.

Transitional Words and Phrases

The prefix "trans" indicates movement from one place to another. When we translate, for
instance, we take words from one language to another. When we apply the word "transition" to
our lives, such as the transition from being a high school student to being a college student, we
are referring to our movement from one situation to another. Transitions in writing do the same
thing: they take the writer and the reader from one place to another. They also indicate the
logical relationship between where we have been and where we are going. Transitional words
and phrases are like sign posts that help lead readers through an essay.

The simplest transitions are coordinating conjunctions, also known as the "FAN BOYS" words:
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. These common words help us connect not only our words but our
ideas. For example, when you use the word "so," you are saying, "here's something that we can
conclude from what I just said." When you use "or," you are saying, "here's another possibility."
The most commonly used coordinating conjunction, "and," is also the weakest in terms of the
meaning it conveys, indicating only that "here's something else." Coordinating conjunction do
act as transitions, but they are not enough to give an essay a strong sense of cohesion.
Because transitional words and phrases show logical relationships between sentences and ideas,
they are often organized according to the kinds of relationships that they convey, as they are
below. Below are some common transitional words and phrases that can help you demonstrate
logical relationships between sentences and ideas in your writing.

Common Transitional Words and Phrases

1. To give examples: for example, for instance, such as, specifically

2. To show cause and effect: therefore, hence, thus, as a result, resulting in, so,
consequently

3. To contrast: nevertheless, however, but, on the other hand, in contrast, on the contrary,
conversely, at the same time, still, although, even though,

despite, in spite of

4. To show similarity: likewise, similarly, just as, equally

5. To concede: although, even though, of course, granted, while

6. To elaborate: in addition, additionally, moreover, also, furthermore

7. To emphasize: more importantly, most importantly, chiefly, indeed, in fact, primarily, no

doubt

8. To restate: again, in other words, in effect, that is, in short

9. To indicate time: last, at last, eventually, before, after, afterwards, finally, during, then,
when, as
 10. To indicate place: to the right, to the left, in the background, in the foreground, in the
distance

11. To conclude: thus, finally, in the end

The Difference Transitions Can Make

You might be surprised by how much the effective use of transitional words and phrases can
strengthen your writing. Transitions can act as "glue" that helps holds your ideas and your
sentences together, and they can help take you and your readers smoothly and logically from one
part of your essay to the next.

Example

Original Sentence: Succeeding in college often is a challenge for students. Most colleges
provide services designed to help students. They include peer tutoring and personal
counseling. Colleges need to provide more services to help students succeed.

Revised with transitions: Succeeding in college often is a challenge for students.

Therefore, most colleges provide services designed to help students, such as peer tutoring
and personal counseling. However, colleges need to do more to help students succeed.

The addition of just a few transitional words in the passage above helps the writer indicate how
the different parts of the passage are logically related and strengthens the "flow" of the
sentences.

Three Problems to Avoid

Transitional words and phrases help strengthen writing, but they can be misused. Below are three
things to be wary of as you bring transitional words and phrases into your essays.

Make sure the logical connections are clear as you use transitions.
Because transitions indicate relationships between words and ideas, they can be misused
if the relationship indicated by the transitional words is unclear or does not exist.

Example: George's wife stands at the window and looks out at the rain falling on
the empty streets. For example, she sees a cat huddled under a table in the rain.
("For example" does not make sense here because the woman seeing the cat is not
a clear "example" of anything in the first sentence.)

Example: George's wife decides to go out into the rain to get the cat.
Consequently, George sits in bed reading his book. ("Consequently" does not
make sense here because it is unclear how George sitting in bed reading is a
consequence of the woman deciding to get the cat.)
 Avoid the overuse of transitions.
Transitions are supposed to guide readers through your writing, but overuse of
transitional words and phrases can have the opposite effect and can make your writing
confusing.

Example: Writing an essay can be challenging. However, there are techniques that
can make the process a little easier. For example, taking plenty of notes on the
subject can help the writer generate ideas. Therefore, note-taking is an important
"pre-writing" strategy. In addition, some people "free-write," writing quickly for
ten or twenty minutes to see what ideas arise. However, taking notes and free-
writing are only the beginning. Ideas must eventually be organized in a logical
way. Consequently, an outline can help the writer make sense of the rough
material generated through the note-taking and free-writing process. Therefore,
writing an outline is another important step in the writing process. However, some
writers are able to conceptualize a sense of logical order for their ideas without
actually writing an outline. Nevertheless, these writers seem to have some kind of
outline in their minds. In addition, an outline should help the writer formulate a
thesis for the essay. Consequently, an outline can help give focus to the essay.
(This passage could be stronger with fewer transitional words and phrases.
Especially when the transitions are used at the beginnings of sentences, they can
become annoying or even confusing to readers if they are overused.)

Avoid errors that can occur with the use of transitions.

Just like any other words, transitional words and phrases must be used carefully so that
they do not cause errors. Both sentence fragments and comma splices sometimes occur
when transitional words are added to an essay. These two errors are illustrated below.

Sentence Fragment: Resulting in the woman's search for companionship

elsewhere.
Corrected Sentence: George seems to ignore his wife, resulting in the woman's
search for companionship elsewhere.

Comma splice: The woman sees the cat out in the rain, however the cat is gone by
the time the woman goes outside.
Corrected Sentence: The woman sees the cat out in the rain; however, the cat is
gone by the time the woman goes outside.
Corrected Sentence: The woman sees the cat out in the rain. However, the cat is
gone by the time the woman goes outside.

You can avoid these problems if you are particularly aware of the possibility of sentence
fragments and comma splices occurring with the use of transitions.

Guide to Transition Words and Sentence Samples

Two sentences become a sentence, using transitions words or phrases that link sentences and
paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. Here is
a list of some common transition word that can be helpful for writer to use the word to link two
sentences.

Click on the links below to take you to sample transition words and sample sentences

Words that Add information

Words that show Conclusion
Words that Repeat information
Words that show Comparison
Words that show Contrasts or Differences
Words that show a Time relationship
Words that Limit or Prepare for an example
Words that show Cause (explain why)
Words that show Effect/Result
Words that Assert obvious truth or Grant opposition

NOTE: the words that show transition are bold.

Words that ADD information:

Words that ADD information

also and

another beside

first, second, third,... furthermore

in addition moreover

The little girl put on her yellow shirt and brown overalls.

Chris is on the basketball team this semester at Indiana School for the Deaf. In addition, he is on
the soccer team.

We will be here for one more week so we can finish up our work. Another reason we are staying
longer is because we do not want to miss the Deaf Way conference.

First of all, pour a half-cup of milk in the bowl; second, add two eggs; and third, stir the mixture.

I admire I. King Jordan because he is the first deaf president of Gallaudet. Besides that, I admire
him because he is a great long distance runner. Furthermore, he is a dedicated family man. All in
all, there is not much to dislike about the man, except he is too perfect!

Crystal likes camping in the mountains. Also, Crystal is an experienced hiker.

 Texas School for the Deaf is perfectly located. Moreover, it has a strong academic program. For
example, the school has a preschool program where both deaf and hearing children learn
together.

Words that show CONCLUSION:

Words that show CONCLUSION

finally in conclusion

to conclude to sum up

There were a lot of problems discussed at the meeting. Finally, after a few hours, we were able
to prioritize the problems in the order we wanted to solve the problems.

Many parents and students have been complaining about the program. For example, scores on
the end-of-grade tests have gone down from last year; teachers are not very motivated; and
everyone is frustrated. To sum up, some improvements in the middle school program need to
be made.

To conclude, I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season.

There was a malfunction in the smoke machines and lights, the curtains would not open and
close properly, and one of the actors was sick with no stand-in. In conclusion, the play was a
disaster.

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Words that REPEAT information

Words that REPEAT
information

in fact in other words

once again to put it another way

to repeat

That area is very dangerous for you to bike in. To repeat, I warn you not to go there.

Lisa decided not to go to King Islands. In fact she told me, "No, way."
 I feel that our last Student Council meeting did not go well. In other words, it was a fine mess.

Sally has lost an oar on her boat and she is in big trouble. To put it another way, Sally has to find
a different method of rowing or she will sink!

Words that show COMPARISON:

Words that show COMPARISON

as ... as in like manner

as if like

by comparison likewise

in comparison similarly

At St. Rita School for the Deaf, a private school, there is a dress code that mandates how the
students are to dress. The boys must wear a pair of pants and dress shirts. Similarly, the strict
dress code requires plaid skirts and blouses for the girls.

Like her grandmother, Sally loves the Gallaudet Homecoming football game.

The news reported that Montana would be very cold this week. I said, "Likewise, Rochester will
be, too."

Ronda bought a new Saturn car; so in like manner the rest of her friends did the same thing.

By comparison, Greensboro, N.C. is much smaller than Washington, D.C. is.

The cat acts as if he is the boss of the house.

The cat is as proud as a king.

Bob loves to go to parties. In comparison, Sue loves to stay at home with her family.

Compared to seven years ago when the printer worked well, it has been "ill" a great deal of the
time in recent weeks.

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Words that show CONTRASTS or DIFFERENCES:

Words that show CONTRASTS or DIFFERENCES

although but

however in contrast

in spite of nevertheless

nonetheless rather than

though unlike

yet

I am not able to go to the beach with you. Nevertheless, thanks for asking me.

Karen's cat, Salem is so unlike Midnight. Midnight likes to nap a lot and Salem likes to play a lot.

The idea of attending the play at Gallaudet is nice. However, the Theoretical Issues in Sign
Language Research conference is scheduled at the same time.

He prefers to attend the play rather than attending the conference.

Though I eat green beans because they are healthy, I hate them.

Although Steven was extremely tired, he washed the dishes.

The play was great, nonetheless, I was sick of seeing it after the fourth time.

Amber, Sharon, and Megan went to Busch Gardens for the day. In spite of the cold weather,
they enjoyed themselves.

Sharon and Megan enjoyed the Loch Ness Monster ride, but Amber thought that Alpengist was
faster and had more twists.

Sharon has not visited the Land of the Dragons, yet if she had had a kid, she would have gone by
now.

Alexander Graham Bell believed in oral education for deaf children. This is in contrast to Edward
Miner Gallaudet who believed in using American Sign Language to educate deaf children.

Words that show a TIME relationship:

Words that show a TIME relationship

after so much time after that at first

before beginning, ending eventually

earlier even when ever since

following from then on from, to

in time last later

meanwhile near, far next

now over soon

still the next day, night then

while

Stephen went to pick up Irene before he stopped by McDonald's for lunch.

Karen was out with her friend last night.

We need to wash our clothes, after that we can go to the Taste of D.C. festival.

I can't wait to watch "NYPD," it is coming on soon. You can watch the rerun later this week.

Finally, I will get to see Rick Schroder. He has not been acting much since he was a teenager.

The beginning of the movie was sadder than the ending.

After so much time waiting in the long line, the boys finally got their hamburgers.

The Van Gogh art exhibit was shown earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

Wait until tonight, then you will be able to see the full moon over Gallaudet's Chapel Hall.

The show is not over until the actors take their final bows at the end.

While Missy was driving to work, she saw a deer by the roadside. She slowed down to watch the
deer for a short time, then continued on her way to work.

Even when Sally was able to, she did not bother to finish her ASL project.

Clerc met with Gallaudet to prepare for the Congressional meeting scheduled for the next day.

The next night was very dark and stormy. Of course, it was Halloween night!

"Next, please," the lady called when it was my turn to go up to the booth to have my paycheck
cashed.

Bobby's broken ankle will heal in time for the Maryland Deaf Festival.
 That house felt very creepy inside; meanwhile, it was sunny outside.

Eventually, Sally got tired of John calling her on the TTY all the time since she was not interested
in him.

She was still asleep when I got back home from work.

Now, please get this truck fixed because I need it to get to school on time!

Schools for the deaf used Sign Language until the dreadful conference in Milan; from then on,
most schools for the deaf employed the oral method.

Super Kmart is near Landmark Mall, but Ames is far away from the mall. So it would be easier to
shop at Super Kmart.

It will take two hours to go from Point A to Point B. Can you figure out how many hours it is
from Point A to Point C?

At first, I thought it was a dead animal. As I walked closer, I saw it was only a worn-out coat on
the ground.

Looking beyond this month, I predict that funding will be much better for this program.

Everyone hid out in the hall during the hurricane, hoping they would be safe.

Rebecca has not eaten at Lone Star ever since she became sick from eating the food.

Following "Friends" and "Mad about You," "ER" will be shown. "ER" is supposed to have two
Deaf actresses on the show tonight.

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Words that LIMIT or PREPARE for an example:

Words that LIMIT or PREPARE for an example

for example for instance

to illustrate such as

Not all birds eat berries. For example, vultures eat dead animals.

Jeff is an interesting person to know. To illustrate, he knows a lot about the history of the Deaf
community in Ireland.
 There are things that need to be done to improve the company. For instance, we can begin by
organizing the files.

I have a few things to take care of such as paying bills, cleaning the house, and going to the post
office.

Words that show CAUSE (explain why):

Words that show CAUSE (explain why)

because because of

caused by

Midnight was not able to move around well because his hind legs were in casts. He broke them
when he fell off the bookshelf.

Did you see the tragic accident on I-85 south? It was caused by a drunk driver.

Because it is raining today, the homecoming game and the food booths will be cancelled.

I was late to work because of the heavy traffic.

Words that show EFFECT/RESULT:

Words that show EFFECT/RESULTS

as a result consequently

for this/that reason that is why

therefore thus

It is raining today thus we are not going to the beach.

The weather is supposed to be drizzly and chilly today; as a result, the Deaf Festival will be
cancelled.

I was too tired; therefore I decided not to go to the state fair last night.

In 1903, William E. Hoy, a deaf baseball player, caught a fly ball in the ninth inning in spite of
heavy fog. Consequently, Los Angles won the pennant for that year.
 Ricky worked all day, from 8am until 11pm. That is why he stayed home instead of going
camping with us.

The school bus broke down last week and has not been repaired yet. So for that reason, our
dance group is unable to go to Washington, D.C. to perform at Kennedy Center.

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Words that ASSERT OBVIOUS TRUTH or GRANT

OPPOSITION:
Words that ASSERT OBVIOUS TRUTH or GRANT OPPOSITION

certainly conceding that granted that

in fact naturally no doubt

of course undoubtedly without a doubt

There is no doubt that the dog buried the bone in the garden.

Jeff told us an undoubtedly true story that was very scary.

The judge, without a doubt, thinks capital punishment is wrong.

Of course, Sarah is going to the beach this weekend with her parents. She needs a break from
Gallaudet.

Naturally Steven is not going to agree with that plan. In fact, he thinks that the idea of setting
up a business selling scarves on K Street would surely fail.

Certainly, you may borrow my book on the history of the American Deaf Community. But, be
sure to return it to me next week.

Granted that Bob promised to send some money to help with the bills, yet this doesn't mean
that he will.

Conceding that Sally is a strong skater, Rachel still believes she will be able to beat her in the
Olympics. Rachel wants to become the first deaf ice skater to receive a gold medal.

Transitional Devices
Summary:
 A discussion of transition strategies and specific transitional devices.
Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help
the reader to interpret ideas a paper develops. Transitional devices are words or phrases
that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from
one paragraph to another. And finally, transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs
together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.
There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to make
certain connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the building of
an idea or thought, while others make readers compare ideas or draw conclusions from
the preceding thoughts.
Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue readers in a
given way.
To Add:
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too,
next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)
To Compare:
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by
comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although,
conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true
To Prove:
because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover,
besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is
To Show Exception:
yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes
To Show Time:
immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly,
first (second, etc.), next, and then
To Repeat:
in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted
To Emphasize:
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively,
naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically,
unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation
To Show Sequence:
first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this
time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously,
before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon
To Give an Example:
for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation,
take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate
To Summarize or Conclude:
in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I
have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently