Transitions

Transitional can be simple — the little conjunctions: and, but, nor, for, yet, or, (and sometimes) so — to more complex signals that ideas are somehow connected —however, moreover, nevertheless, on the other hand.

Here is a chart of some transition words and a definition of how/when they can be used.

Word to show more information / again, also, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, still, in fact, indeed
Words to show comparison / also, in the same way, likewise, similarly
Words to show contrast / although, yet, despite that, even so, even though, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise
Words to show emphasis / certainly, indeed, in fact, of course
Words to use to show an example or
illustration / after all, as an illustration, even, for example, for instance, in particular, particularly, indeed, in fact, in other words, it is true, of course, specifically, to illustrate, truly
Words to summarize / all in all, altogether, as has been said, finally, in conclusion, in other words, in summary, on the whole, therefore, to put it differently, to summarize, in briefly, briefly, to sum up, overall, summing up
Words to show time sequence / after a while, afterward, again, then, at last, at that time, before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, in addition, in the first place, in the past, last, lately, meanwhile, next, now, presently, second, shortly, since, so far, soon, still, until, until now, when
Words to indicate cause or reason / As, for, because, since, because of, due to, for the reason that
Words to conclude or end / Hence, this, in conclusion, so, given these facts, therefore, to conclude

Transitions in Action

Look at the following paragraph:

The ancient Egyptians were masters of preserving dead people's bodies by making mummies of them. Mummies several thousand years old have been discovered nearly intact. The skin, hair, teeth, fingernails and toenails, and facial features of the mummies were evident. It is possible to diagnose the disease they suffered in life, such as smallpox, arthritis, and nutritional deficiencies. The process was remarkably effective. Sometimes apparent were the fatal afflictions of the dead people: a middle-aged king died from a blow on the head, and polio killed a child king. Mummification consisted of removing the internal organs, applying natural preservatives inside and out, and then wrapping the body in layers of bandages.

Though weak, this paragraph is not a total washout. It starts with a topic sentence, and the sentences that follow are clearly related to the topic sentence. In the language of writing, the paragraph is unified (i.e., it contains all related details). However, the paragraph does not flow. The sentences are disconnected from each other, making it difficult for the reader to follow the writer's train of thought.

Below is the same paragraph revised for coherence. Italics indicates pronouns and repeated/restated key words, bold indicates transitional tag-words, and underlining indicates parallel structures.

The ancient Egyptians were masters of preserving dead people's bodies by making mummies of them. In short, mummification consisted of removing the internal organs, applying natural preservatives inside and out, and then wrapping the body in layers of bandages. Clearly, the process was remarkably effective. Indeed, mummies several thousand years old have been discovered nearly intact. Their skin, hair, teeth, fingernails and toenails, and facial features are still evident. Their diseases in life, such as smallpox, arthritis, and nutritional deficiencies, are still diagnosable. Even their fatal afflictions are still apparent: a middle-aged king died from a blow on the head; a child king died from polio.

The paragraph is now much more coherent. The organization of the information and the links between sentences help readers move easily from one sentence to the next.

Directions: Read the 1st paragraph. As you read, think about the way the sentences flow together. Do the ideas seem connected? Does one idea build on another?

While some students would like to choose their own clothes, there are many reasons why students in public school should wear a school uniform. Uniforms save time in the morning. Choosing an outfit can take time, but putting on a uniform is easy and fast. Uniforms are also less expensive than regular clothing. An outfit for a student can cost more than sixty dollars, and shoes or accessories can add cost. The uniforms sold at area stores cost thirty dollars or less. Uniforms would reduce the competition in dress among students. Some students might not be able to afford popular clothes, and wearing uniforms would save these students from being embarrassed. It is clear that students enrolled in public school should be required to wear a school uniform.

Step 2: Now read the same paragraph again. Great writers use transition words to connect sentences and idea. This helps your writing flow together. As you read, circle any transition words that you find.

While some students would like to choose their own clothes, there are many reasons why students in public school should wear a school uniform. First, uniforms save time in the morning. Choosing an outfit can take time, but putting on a uniform is easy and fast. In addition, uniforms are also less expensive than regular clothing. An outfit for a student can cost more than sixty dollars, and shoes or accessories can add cost. On the other hand, the uniforms sold at area stores cost thirty dollars or less. Furthermore, uniforms would reduce the competition in dress among students. Lastly, some students might not be able to afford popular clothes, and wearing uniforms would save these students from being embarrassed. Given all of these facts, it is clear that students enrolled in public school should be required to wear a school uniform.

Transition exercise to be turned in for a classwork grade

Please write your name, class period and date on a piece of lined paper. Using the table of transition words, rewrite the following paragraph below on a piece of lined paper and add at least 5 transition words to connect ideas through the paragraph. When you finish, circle the transitions you added.

While some people believe homework is helpful, there are many reasons that teachers should not assign it. Homework causes you to spend less quality time with your family. There is much less time for families hang out, talk, and build strong relationships. Homework can lead to students not getting enough sleep. A student may not be able to focus the next day when they stay up late working on homework. Homework may be unhealthy for students. We all know the importance of daily exercise, but students with homework may spend hours sitting inside instead of exercising. Homework has a negative, even unhealthy, effect on a child’s growth.