Transition words and phrases are used to relate ideas. Writers may use transitions within paragraphs or between paragraphs so that ideas flow smoothly between sentences and between paragraphs. The following table provides some common transitions and how they are used.
|Use||Transition Word or Phrase|
|To add||and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)|
|To compare||whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, although, conversely, meanwhile, in contrast, although this may be true|
|To prove||because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is|
|To show time or sequence||immediately, thereafter, soon, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then|
|To give an example||for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration|
|To summarize or conclude||in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently, on the whole|
|To emphasize||definitely, obviously, in fact, indeed, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably|
|To repeat||in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted|
For more information about organization, please visit these OWL resources:
- Developing an Outline
- Paragraphs and Paragraphing
- Reverse Outlining
- Transitions and Transitional Devices
Consider how transitions could be used in the example paragraphs in the Relevance of Ideas and the Order of Ideas exercises above. Insert transitions where you think they could be helpful.
Click here for exercise answers.