Transitions

To provide coherence and logical relationship between two ideas, sentences should contain a transition phrase or word, one that connects the ideas. These are especially helpful in topic sentences of paragraphs. Transitions help the writer guide the reader through her thought process.

To Show Addition:

And, also, besides, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, next, too, first, second

Example: In addition to staying up all night, Jenny skipped her classes and did not study for her test.

To Give Examples:

For example, for instance, to illustrate, in fact, specifically

Example: Jenny plans to take all of her courses, specifically calculus and philosophy, more seriously from now on.

To Compare:

Also, in the same manner, similarly, likewise

Example: Similarly, Laure believes she ought to attend psychology seminar more often.

To Contrast:

But, however, on the other hand, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, still, even though, on the contrary, yet, although

Example: Even though they resolved to change their ways, they went to the Grandin to see a movie instead of studying.

To Summarize or Conclude:

In other words, in short, summary, in conclusion, to sum up, that is, therefore

Example: In short, Jenny and Laura do not like their classes this semester.

To Show Time:

After, as, before, next, during, later, finally, meanwhile, then when, while, immediately

Example: Immediately after she received her first semester grades, Jenny locked herself in her room to read the textbook.

To Show Place or Direction:

Above, below, beyond, farther on, nearby, opposite, close, to the left

Example: Nearby, Laura sat in the social room, watching Jerry Springer

To Indicate Logical Relationship:

If, so, therefore, accordingly, consequently, hence, thus, as a result, for this reason, since, subsequently

Example: As a result, Jenny’s second semester grades were much better than Laura’s.