Transition Words & Phrases

Transitions

Writing

Transitions

Key Idea

Transitions are words or phrases that make things clearer and link ideas and concepts in sentences and paragraphs. Sometimes transitions are seamless and invisible, while others are bulky and easy to trip over.

The best transitions are the ones that are seamless and nearly invisible. They effortlessly show relationships between ideas and concepts. These words or phrases indicate a connection or relationship.

Writing

Transitions

Key Idea

Some common examples are:

• First

• Furthermore

• As important as

• Along with

• In the event of

Writing

Transitions

How to Write a Transition Sentence

Transitions are the key to making the connections between parts of writing flow and connect together. There are different types of transitions and different circumstances where they are used. Typically, there are three key types of transitions and transitional structures.

• A transition between paragraphs - generally a phrase starting a sentence

• A transition within a paragraph - generally a single word followed by a comma

• A transition to a new part of the writing - often this includes a small paragraph but is at minimum a sentence.

The first step to writing an effective transition is to determine what is being transitioned. The transitional situation will determine what word or phrases will be appropriate.

Writing

​Step	​Action	​Explanation
​Step 1	​Determine the transition type	​Determine if the transition is between paragraphs, within paragraphs, or between sections.
Step 2	Determine the relationship	​Determine how the two parts requiring a transition relate to each other.
​Step 3	​Choose the appropriate relationship words.	​If the parts are contrasting, complementing, adding, or expanding, then the transition will need to indicate this purpose.
​Step 4	​Start the sentence with the transition.	​Write the transition word or phrase at the beginning of the sentence.
​Step 5	​Write the rest of the sentence. Reread both parts to hear the flow.	​The rest of the sentence usually indicates what the upcoming ideas and concepts the following paragraph or section will discuss. Remember to read the transition out loud to make sure it doesn't sound jumpy or awkward. An effective transition flows smoothly and easily connects ideas and concepts.

Reorder

Reorder the following

• Determine the transition type

• Determine the relationship

• Choose the appropriate relationship words.

• Start the sentence with the transition.

• Write the rest of the sentence. Re-read both parts to hear the flow.

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Multiple Choice

Assume that you wanted to indicate a shift in time in your writing. Which of the following words or phrases would you want to AVOID using?

• Meanwhile

• For example

• Next

• Finally

Multiple Choice

Which transition would signal to your readers that an opposing viewpoint is about to be explored?

• Meanwhile

• In particular

• In contrast

• In summary

Multiple Choice

Which transition should be used for the following sentence: The man's attire and demeanor seemed intimidating at first. _____, as we began to speak I realized he was actually very kind.

• However

• Otherwise

• In conclusion

• Also

Multiple Choice

What transition would you incorporate to indicate to readers they are nearing the end of a written piece?

• Likewise

• To summarize

• Furthermore

• On the other hand

Multiple Choice

What transition would you incorporate to indicate to readers they are nearing the end of a written piece?

• Likewise

• To summarize

• Furthermore

• On the other hand

Multiple Choice

Suppose that you wanted to expand on an idea in your writing to further clarify the meaning for your readers. Which of following transition words or phrases would you NOT want to use?

• Furthermore

• Similarly

• Meanwhile

• Likewise

Transitions Continued

This structured list of commonly used English transition words — approximately 200, can be considered as quasi complete. It can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression. English transition words are essential, since they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion, etc. in the line of argument.

The transition words and phrases have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although some words belong to more than one category.

There is some overlapping with prepositions and postpositions, but for the purpose of usage and completeness of this concise guide, I did not differentiate.