transition words for essays paragraphs

To improve your writing you need to make sure that your ideas, both in sentences and paragraphs, stick together or have coherence and that the gap between ideas is bridged smoothly. One way to do this is by using transitions - words or phrases or techniques that help bring two ideas together. Transitional words and phrases represent one way of gaining coherence. Certain words help continue an idea, indicate a shift of though or contrast, or sum up a conclusion. Check the following list of words to find those that will pull your sentences and paragraphs together. For continuing a common line of reasoning: consequently clearly, then furthermore additionally and in addition moreover because besides that in the same way following this further also pursuing this further in the light of the. it is easy to see that To change the line of reasoning (contrast): however on the other hand but yet nevertheless on the contrary For opening a paragraph initially or for general use: admittedly assuredly certainly granted no doubt nobody denies obviously of course to be sure true undoubtedly unquestionably generally speaking in general at this level in this situation For the final points of a paragraph or essay: finally lastly Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged chronologically: first. second. third. generally. furthermore. finally in the first place. also. lastly in the first place. pursuing this further. finally to be sure. additionally. lastly in the first place. just in the same way. finally basically. similarly. as well To signal conclusion: therefore this hence in final analysis in conclusion in final consideration indeed To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way: in other words point in fact specifically Sequence or time after afterwards as soon as at first at last before before long finally.
Transition Words and Phrases 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 preposition and postposition, but for the purpose of clarity and completeness of this concise guide, I did not differentiate. Agreement / Addition / SimilarityThe transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material. in the first place not only. but also as a matter of fact in like manner in addition coupled with in the same fashion / way first, second, third in the light of not to mention to say nothing of equally important by the same token again and also then equally identically uniquely like too moreover as well as together with of course likewise comparatively correspondingly similarly furthermore additionally Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast). although this may be true in contrast different from of course., but on the other hand on the contrary at the same time in spite of even so / though be that as it may then again above all in reality after all but (and) still unlike (and) yet while albeit besides as much as even though although instead whereas despite conversely.
What this handout is about In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively. 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 that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written. Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships 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.
Good transitions can connect paragraphs and turn disconnected writing into a unified whole. Instead of treating paragraphs as separate ideas, transitions can help readers understand how paragraphs work together, reference one another, and build to a larger point. The key to producing good transitions is highlighting connections between corresponding paragraphs. By referencing in one paragraph the relevant material from previous paragraphs, writers can develop important points for their readers. It is a good idea to continue one paragraph where another leaves off. (Instances where this is especially challenging may suggest that the paragraphs don't belong together at all.) Picking up key phrases from the previous paragraph and highlighting them in the next can create an obvious progression for readers. Many times, it only takes a few words to draw these connections. Instead of writing transitions that could connect any paragraph to any other paragraph, write a transition that could only connect one specific paragraph to another specific paragraph. Example: Overall, Management Systems International has logged increased sales in every sector, leading to a significant rise in third-quarter profits. Another important thing to note is that the corporation had expanded its international influence. Revision: Overall, Management Systems International has logged increased sales in every sector, leading to a significant rise in third-quarter profits. These impressive profits are largely due to the corporation's expanded international influence. Example: Fearing for the loss of Danish lands, Christian IV signed the Treaty of Lubeck, effectively ending the Danish phase of the 30 Years War. But then something else significant happened. The Swedish intervention began. Revision: Fearing for the loss of more Danish lands, Christian IV signed the Treaty of Lubeck, effectively ending.
Using transitional words and phraseshelps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next. Transitions enhance logical organization and understandabilityand improve the connections between thoughts. They indicate relations,whether within a sentence, paragraph, or paper. This list illustrates categories of relationships between ideas,followed by words and phrases that can make the connections: Addition: also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly When there is a trusting relationship coupled with positive reinforcement, the partners will be able to overcome difficult situations. Consequence:accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning. Contrast and Comparison:contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise,on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather,similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast The children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care. Direction:here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above,to the left, to the right, in the distance She scanned the horizon for any sign though in the distance she could not see the surprise coming her way. Diversion:by the way, incidentally He stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found only on this hill. Emphasis above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly The Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting. Exception: aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside.
transitions are phrases or words used to connect one idea to the next transitions are used by the author to help the reader progress from one significant idea to the next transitions also show the relationship within a paragraph (or within a sentence) between the main idea and the support the author gives for those ideas different transitions do different things.