Transitions

Transitions are words and phrases that bring coherence to a paper by signaling relationships between and among sentences and paragraphs. By acting as signposts, transition words help readers follow the progression of one idea to the next.

Transitions can only clarify connections between thoughts; they cannot create connections or provide meaning, so choose the transition that best fits your meaning and best connects your thoughts. But be careful; transitions can sometimes lead to fragments. If you introduce an example or explanation, be certain you write a sentence, not a fragment.

Transitional expressions are usually set off with commas as demonstrated in the following examples:

  • Ceiling fans are, moreover, less expensive than air conditioners.
  • Some studies,incidentally, have shown that chocolate, of all things, helps prevent tooth decay.
  • However, students must share in the responsibility for their success.

A semicolon can also be used to link independent clauses joined by transitional expressions such as in fact, however, in addition, or for example.

My dog is very smart; in fact, she learned to sit in only five minutes.

Below are some common transitions and the relationship they are intended to clarify.

Relationship / Transitional Expression
Time / After, afterward, initially, at the same time, again, at last, before, during, earlier, currently, meanwhile, immediately, next, soon after, previously, subsequently, then, until
Cause and Effect / Accordingly, consequently, hence, therefore, so, thus, as a result, because
Comparison/Similarity / Also, in the same way, likewise, similarly, just as, so to
Contrast / But, however, in contrast, on the contrary, yet, still, despite, instead, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the one hand, on the other hand, in spite of
Example / For example, for instance, particularly, specifically, namely, to illustrate, such as, to demonstrate
Emphasis / Even, indeed, in fact, of course, obviously, undoubtedly, furthermore, moreover, besides
Reservation / Admittedly, even so, nevertheless, regardless, despite this, even though
Conclusion / Accordingly, in conclusion, to conclude, as a result, on the whole, finally, to summarize, in summary, in other words, put simply, in brief, hence, consequently, thus, clearly then, so
Sequence/Order / Again, also, and then, finally, first, second, third, next
Place / Above, adjacent, below, beyond, further on, nearby, elsewhere
Summary / In summary, overall, summing up, to summarize, on the whole, finally, given these facts
To Show Addition / And, also, besides, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, next

Look at the following paragraph taken from the book, Bonobo: the Forgotten Ape by Frans De Waal, where all transitional devices have been removed.

Most people have never heard of the bonobo, an intriguing member of the great ape family. Bonobos are as closely to us as their much better known relatives, the chimpanzee. Chimpanzees are known for male power politics, cooperative hunting, and intergroup warfare. Bonobo society is egalitarian and peaceful. Bonobos seem to have more sensitivity to others.

While we can work out the meaning of the above paragraph, it sounds choppy and disconnected. Look at the following paragraph and see how much easier the paragraph is to read and to understand with the added transitions.

Most people have never heard of the bonobo, an intriguing member of the great ape family, despite the fact that bonobos are as close to us as their much better known relatives, the chimpanzees. Scientists are only beginning to explore the social life of the bonobo. Whereas chimpanzees are known for male power politics, cooperative hunting, and intergroup warfare, bonobo society is egalitarian and peaceful. One major distinction of the bonobo seems to be sensitivity to others.

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