Transition Words and Phrases/Verb Tense

Transition Words and Phrases

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Transition words are used to...

• link words, phrases, or sentences

• help the reader to progress from one idea to the next idea

• help to build up coherent relationships within the text

Reasons you should work on your transiton words and phrases

• You see comments like "choppy," "jumpy," "lacks flow" on your essay

• Your audience has trouble following your organization or your train of thought

• You tend to write the way you think - and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly

Multiple Choice

Karen is rich; ____, her cousin Kate is poor.

• therefore

• in addition

• however

Multiple Choice

We found that the mixture is effective. __________, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted.

• Therefore

• In conclusion

• Furthermore

Multiple Choice

We're in the process of writing an essay. _________, we need to brush up on the uses of transitional language.

• For example

• Equally important

• Therefore

Multiple Choice

The kids didn't study. ______, they failed the class.

• Consequently

• For instance

• Furthermore

Multiple Choice

Which punctuation mark follows every transition word or phrase?

• period (.)

• comma (,)

• semi colon (;)

• apostrophe (')

Group 2: Show example or transition into evidence

• For example,

• For instance,

• To illustrate,

• Indeed,

• In other words,

Multiple Choice

"For instance" indicates that an example is about to come.

My older brother is the funniest person I know. For instance,

• he’s often crying and unhappy.

• he can make our mother laugh just by rolling his eyes

• he recently became afraid of his own shadow.

• I often feel myself longing for sleep when he speaks.

Multiple Choice

"Nonetheless" is a transition that shows an exception or contrast.

________. Nonetheless, Greg and Deborah found themselves paddling around the fountain’s shallow pool.

• Greg and Deborah desperately wished to swim in the public garden’s fountain

• Greg and Deborah wore their swimsuits to the public gardens

• The public garden’s rules clearly stated that visitors were not allowed to swim in the fountain

• Greg and Deborah were always rebellious

Multiple Choice

You can use "consequently" to show that the sentence that follows describes an effect of the previous sentence.

________. Consequently, I was late to the surprise party.

• I love surprise parties

• I missed the bus

• I am always on time

• I left an hour early

Multiple Select

Which of the following transition words is best used to start a conclusion or concluding sentence? (Check all 4 that apply!)

• However,

• Thus,

• All things considered,

• Finally,

• In summary,

Multiple Choice

I was just getting over the flu. ________, I went in to school to take the SAT.

• Then,

• First,

• Nevertheless,

• Immediately,

Multiple Choice

Jesse is an animal lover. ________, he adores penguins and pandas.

• Simultaneously,

• Specifically,

• Equally important,

• Despite,

Multiple Choice

At 1 p.m. Charlotte was eating lunch. ________, Joseph was just waking up after sleeping in.

• Simultaneously,

• So,

• Then,

• Consequently,

Multiple Choice

Peter won the scholarship to his dream school. ________, he was able to attend for free.

• Meanwhile,

• Second,

• Nonetheless

• Consequently,

Multiple Choice

________ his intense stage fright, Brian's act in the talent show was by far the most popular.

• Beyond

• Despite

• Indeed

• For instance

Multiple Choice

________ fencing, Teddy had many other skills as well, like computer programming.

• First

• Beyond

• Finally

• Moreover

Multiple Choice

________, Jean painted her room. Then, she bought a new dresser.

• Truly,

• First,

• So,

• Specifically,

Poll

How comfortable do you feel about using transitions?

• I got this!

• I am still unsure!

• I think I am good!

• I still need some practice!

Verb Tense Consistency

By Alejandra Rodriguez

The verb tense you use should remain consistent, or the same, unless you have a good reason to change it. ​

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The verb tense should remain consistent throughout sentences, throughout paragraphs, and throughout the entire body of whatever you are writing—again, unless you have a good reason to change it.

English | ACT Skill

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence correct?

When my mom goes to the store, she bought a treat for everyone.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Incorrect:

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When my mom goes to the store, she bought a treat for everyone.

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(Goes is in the present tense, and bought is in the past tense—and you don’t have a good reason to change the tense you are using.)

​Time Shifts

​So what IS a good reason to change the verb tense you are using? When you are describing events that happen at different times.

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Lindsey plays field hockey now, but last year she was on the soccer team.

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(You are describing something that is happening now, and you are also describing something that happened in the past.)

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence correct?

We took first place in the state competition; next week we will compete in the national competition.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence correct?

When I was comfortable, I begin my homework.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence correct?

Suddenly, the lights flicker and an uninvited guest enters the room.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence correct?

My sister Julie and her friend Carli are going to bake a batch of Grandma’s oatmeal butterscotch cookies on Saturday night. Julie has never made cookies before. I hope they turned out all right!

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

During the movie, Sam stood up and then drops his popcorn.

• Correct

• Incorrect