TRANSITIONS

Some Common English Transition Words and Phrases

Transitions are words, phrases, sentences or even paragraphs that relate ideas and help guide the reader from one idea to another. In moving from one topic to the next, a writer has to bring the reader along by showing how the ideas are developing. Transition words and phrases help make clear connections between ideas and see that sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly, making them easier to read.

Purpose of Transition Words

Transition words help a written piece to flow more smoothly. Within these types of words, your writing will become choppy. However, sometimes, when a writer is advised to use a new type of device in his or her writing, that person will tend to start sprinkling it in everywhere. Transition words should really fall very naturally throughout a composition.

Just because you can put a transition word somewhere in your sentence or paragraph does not mean you have to. Use these devices when it is necessary to make the relationship between your ideas clearer for your readers, but do not overload your texts with them. Too many transition words will make your writing heavy and difficult to read.

Let’s look at some common transition words and phrases to see what they do:

• as a result: shows the consequence of what was said before
• because: introduces the reason for something
• finally: introduces a conclusion or the last step in a list
• for example: illustrates what was said before
• in addition: shows the addition of one point to another
• in fact: emphasizes the point you are making
• on the other hand: shows a complete change in point of view
• next: introduces another step in a list
• so that: shows the result of what was said before

Don’t let readers muddle through what you’ve written—use transition words to make your writing clear!

  

Adding Information and  not only . . . but also  also  moreover (more formal)  furthermore (more formal)  in addition (more formal)	Examples We have seen the movie twice, and now we want to see it again.  Not only did my brother break his leg, but he also bruised his rib.  My friend speaks Korean and English. She also speaks Chinese.  Cheating is dishonest. Moreover, it hinders students from learning.  Students should be on time. Furthermore, they must be prepared.  You must complete this essay by 5 p.m. In addition, you must do the exercises on page 47.
Giving Examples for example  for instance  specifically  in particular  The first (second, another, etc.) example/reason is . . .	Examples I have been to many countries. For example, I have been to Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Spain.  He often eats strange foods. For instance, he once ate cow brains.  I like to travel. Specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.  I love fruit. In particular, I like bananas, pineapple, and berries.  My friend hates skiing for several reasons. The first reason is that she dislikes being cold. Another reason is that she often falls.
Showing a Contrast but  however  on the other hand  otherwise  instead  in contrast (more formal)	Examples Bill earned an A on his essay, but Susan got a B.  We wanted to leave at 8:00. However, Mike arrived too late.  She hates housecleaning. On the other hand, she doesn't mind cooking.  Students should attend class. Otherwise, they may lose their status.  I am not going out tonight. Instead, I will stay home and watch a video.  Women usually enjoy shopping. In contrast, men often dislike it.
Showing a Concession yet  nevertheless (more formal)  even so  however  although  even though  despite the fact that . . .  despite	Examples He knows that he should do his homework, yet he never does it.  I need to wear reading glasses. Nevertheless, I hate how I look in them.  I know you don't like to study. Even so, you must pass your exam.  There are many benefits to exercising. However, you must take some precautions to avoid injury.  Even though the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.  Although the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.  Despite the fact that Kate is good at tennis, she lost the match.  Despite Kate's skill at tennis, she lost the match.
Showing a Similarity likewise (more formal)  similarly (more formal)  in the same way	Examples Math was hard for me in high school. Likewise, it is hard in college.  Houseplants require much care and attention. Similarly, outdoor plants must be cared for properly.  Rock climbing takes much practice and skill. In the same way, learning to write well requires a great deal of practice.
Showing a Result so  as a result  therefore  thus (more formal)  as a consequence  consequently (more formal)	Examples Janet passed her exam, so she is very happy.  Tim was late. As a result, we could not go to the concert.  James is not feeling well. Therefore, he will not be here today.  The committee voted against the proposal. Thus, we must consider another idea.  I forgot that the cake was in the oven. As a consequence, it burned.  Tina lost her keys. Consequently, she could not drive home.
Establishing Time Relation or Sequence first  second  finally  in conclusion  in summary  meanwhile	Examples First, I think that she is studying hard.  Second, I believe that she is a bright student.  Finally, I know that she has great potential.  In conclusion, I feel that she deserves to win the scholarship.  In summary, we should offer her some financial help.  Jeff was working hard to clean the house. Meanwhile, his brother was watching television.
Showing a Condition or  whether . . . or  if . . . (then)	Examples I must study hard, or I will fail my exam.  Whether you are coming or not, I am still going to Amy's party.  If you want to get good grades, then you must do your homework.
Explaining or Emphasizing in fact  actually  in other words  namely (more formal)	Examples The bookstore sells cards. In fact, they have the best cards around.  James is actually the first person I have known who has been to Africa.  He was late to class again. In other words, he didn't wake up on time.  The plan needed only two things to succeed—namely, time and money.
Giving an Alternative or  either . . . or  neither . . . nor (more formal)	Examples We can go to the beach, or we can go to the mountains.  You can either ride the bus or walk to my apartment.  I like neither that person nor his brother.

Punctuation Rules

1. Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, yet, so): 
   Put a comma before these conjunctions. (Don't use them at the beginning of a sentence in more formal writing.) 
   example: The movie has already started, but my friend has not arrived yet.

2. Correlative Conjunctions (These have two parts: either . . . or):
• Put a comma before the second part if it connects 2 clauses (complete sentences). 
  example: Eric is not only an outstanding teacher, but he is also a gourmet cook. 

• You don't need a comma if it only connects words or phrases. 
  example: Eric is not only an outstanding teacher but also a gourmet cook.

3. Transitional Words and Phrases:
• Put a comma after these if they are at the beginning of a sentence. 
  example: I like to travel. Specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals. 

• Use a semicolon to connect the two sentences. 
  example: I like to travel; specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals. 

• Use a comma before and after the transitional word/phrase in the middle of a clause. 
  example: I like to travel, and, specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.