Transitions

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Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences used to connect ideas. Adding transitions between sentences or paragraphs improves the clarity and flow of the writing. This resource provides general information about transitions, but writers should always tailor their work to their audience and assignment.

Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional words or phrases are used to connect two consecutive sentences containing two different ideas.

  • No Transition: Henry did not understand his homework. He failed his test.
  • Clear Transition: Henry did not understand his homework. As a result, he failed his test.

Transitions can convey addition, contrast, concession, cause and effect, examples, conclusion, or chronology of different ideas. Be sure to use transitions that accurately describe the relationship between topics.

  • Confusing Transition: The news said it would rain today. Thus, it did not rain today.
  • Clear Transition: The news said it would rain today. However, it did not rain today.

Transition Sentences

In some cases, a complete sentence might be required between paragraphs to help readers follow along as the writer introduces new ideas. Effective transition sentences remind readers of important information and demonstrate how that information is connected to the next main idea. In the following example, the sentence at the beginning of the second paragraph transitions from an old idea to a new idea by linking exercise and diet as essential factors in maintaining good health.

. . Doctors have demonstrated that people who exercise regularly experience less pain and live longer lives. Therefore, establishing a daily exercise routine is a necessary part of maintaining good health.

In addition to exercise, a well-balanced diet is essential to a healthy life. Any well-balanced diet should include plenty of vegetables and other vitamin-rich foods. . .

Common Transitions

Comprehensive lists of different ideas for transitions can be found in many different places online or in a thesaurus. The following charts list some common transitions used to indicate relationships between ideas:

Addition Contrast Concession Cause & Effect
Additionally Although Admittedly As a result
Also But Certainly Because
Furthermore Despite Clearly Consequently
In addition However Granted Since
Likewise In contrast Naturally So
Moreover Instead Of course Therefore
Not only On the contrary Undeniably Due to
Similarly On the other hand Understandably Thus
Examples Conclusions Time & Order Time & Order
Like Finally After Shortly
For example Generally At once Soon after
For instance In brief Before Still
In particular To conclude During Until
Specifically In summary First, next . . . When
Such as In short If . . . then . . . Simultaneously
To illustrate Last but not least Meanwhile Subsequently