Using Transitions

Writing an effective paper involves many elements, but possibly the most important is to connect ideas in a logical and fluid manner. Transitions are words and phrases that help lead our readers from one concept to the next, both between paragraphs and within paragraphs themselves. This power point will briefly cover the basics of using transitions.

Types of Transitions1. Transitions between sections: You will use repetition or anticipation to

indicate a shift from one section to the next. 2. Example 1: the closing sentence of this introductory paragraph leads

naturally into the background information section of this paper:

“Despite the debate, world governments are pulling together to create ways to reduce global warming. Companies are taking it upon themselves to make changes and there are things that can be done on an individual level as well. To understand why the changes must be made, one must understand what global warming is and what it’s causing.”

*Clearly the writer will shift from her general introduction into background information about global warming.

3. Example 2: the closing sentence of this internal paragraph suggests a list of issues that will be addressed, which naturally leads the reader from a “variety” of causes to “one of the causes” in the following paragraph:

“Research has shown that Global Warming can occur from a variety of causes both natural and human.

One of the major causes of global warming is greenhouse gases."

• Example 3: History shows that in order to be effective in defeating terrorism it will

take a combination of war, diplomacy and understanding the things that continue to fuel the spread of terrorism.

Since the war on terror began in 2001 there have been 3496 US soldiers killed and over 25,000 soldiers wounded.

*In the previous paragraph the words “history shows” indicate that a historical overview should naturally follow in the proceeding paragraph.

Example 4: A phrase is repeated to show the parallel between paragraphs. “The working class works to live from paycheck to paycheck all the while the checks continue to shrink. As the cost of living increases the quality of life decreases.

Statistics show that as the standard cost of living skyrockets and the minimum pay wage stays stagnant, these conditions places both middle/low income individuals and their families in financial danger.”

Specific Words

Certain words and phrases will help your reader see the logical relationship between your ideas, whether from sentence to sentence, or from one paragraph to the next. Here is a list of some commonly used “connecting” words:

Connectors that show

similarity between ideas:

Also

Similarly

In the same way

Just as

So too

Likewise

Connectors that show a contrast or opposition between ideas:

However

In spite of

On one hand/ on the other hand

Nevertheless

In contrast

On the contrary

Nonetheless

But

Connectors that indicate a sequence is going to follow:

Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly

First, Second, Third

Next

Then

Finally

One says…another agrees that

Connectors that indicate an order based on time:

Currently

Meanwhile

Recently

Subsequently

During

Before

After

Now

Connectors that indicate an

Example will follow:

For example

For instance

Namely

Specifically

To illustrate

Connectors to emphasize an idea: IndeedIn fact

Of courseTrulyEven

Connectors that indicate cause/effect:Accordingly

ConsequentlyHence

ThereforeThusSo

Connectors for additional support

Or examples:

Incidentally

Additionally

Again

Also

As well

Besides

Equally important

Furthermore

Moreover

Connectors indicating a conclusion:

FinallyIn brief

In a wordIn conclusion

ThusOn the whole

To sum upTo conclude