Transition Words and Phrases

Transition Words & Phrases

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 transition words and phrases:

• You see comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “lacks flow” on you essay

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

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

Transitions

Key Idea

Transitions are words or phrases that make things clearer and link ideas and concepts in sentences and paragraphs. Sometimes transitions are seamless and invisible, while others are bulky and easy to trip over.

The best transitions are the ones that are seamless and nearly invisible. They effortlessly show relationships between ideas and concepts. These words or phrases indicate a connection or relationship.

Writing

Transitions

How to Write a Transition Sentence

Transitions are the key to making the connections between parts of writing flow and connect together. There are different types of transitions and different circumstances where they are used. Typically, there are three key types of transitions and transitional structures.

• A transition between paragraphs - generally a phrase starting a sentence

• A transition within a paragraph - generally a single word followed by a comma

• A transition to a new part of the writing - often this includes a small paragraph but is at minimum a sentence.

The first step to writing an effective transition is to determine what is being transitioned. The transitional situation will determine what word or phrases will be appropriate.

Writing

Multiple Choice

Karen is rich; ________ her cousin Kate is poor.

• Therefore,

• However,

• In addition,

Multiple Choice

Karen is rich; ________ her cousin Kate is poor.

• Therefore,

• However,

• In addition,

Multiple Choice

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

• Therefore,

• Furthermore,

• In conclusion,

Multiple Choice

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

• Consequently,

• Furthermore,

• For instance,

Multiple Choice

Which punctuation mark follows every transition word or phrase?

• period ( . )

• semicolon ( ; )

• comma ( , )

• apostrophe ( ' )

Multiple Choice

The Pandemic continues. ___, we're teaching and learning remotely.

• Still,

• However,

• As a result,

Multiple Choice

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

• For example,

• Therefore,

• Equally important,

Multiple Choice

Which punctuation mark follows every transition word or phrase?

• period ( . )

• semicolon ( ; )

• comma ( , )

• apostrophe ( ' )

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 recently became afraid of his own shadow.

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

• 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

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

• Greg and Deborah wore their swimsuits to the public gardens

• 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 am always on time

• I missed the bus

• 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,

• Consequently,

• Thus,

• Therefore,

• All things considered,

Open Ended

List as many transition words as you know...the person with the largest list gets +5 points extra credit on today's team points...

GO!