{"id":522,"date":"2017-07-20T19:59:26","date_gmt":"2017-07-20T19:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=522"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:05:34","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:05:34","slug":"paragraph-transitions","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/chapter\/paragraph-transitions\/","title":{"raw":"Paragraph Transitions","rendered":"Paragraph Transitions"},"content":{"raw":"<h2>When to Paragraph<\/h2>\r\nHow do you know when a paragraph is done or when it\u2019s time to start a new one? There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer because it depends on what you\u2019re writing and the style you're using. For example, digital writing often uses shorter paragraphs to make it easier to read.\r\n\r\nWhen you\u2019re revising, look for spots where the focus shifts, and add paragraph breaks there. You can try to break paragraphs as you draft, but it\u2019s okay to fine-tune them during revision.\r\n<h2>Overall Paragraph Structure of an Essay<\/h2>\r\nEssays are often structured like the outline shown below, though the format can vary depending on the purpose and rhetorical style of the assignment. You\u2019re probably familiar with the basic five-paragraph essay format. While some may dismiss it, this structure is helpful for organizing ideas without being too rigid. As you write longer essays in college <span class=\"s1\">and possibly for your job<\/span>, five paragraphs might not be enough, but the same principles still apply: use paragraphs to separate topics and support each topic sentence with evidence.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Introduction<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Background information on topic<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Overall point of view of the topic (thesis)<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Overview of components to be discussed (structure)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Body paragraphs\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">paragraph 1\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Topic sentence outlining first component<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to support topic sentence<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">paragraph 2\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Topic sentence outlining second component<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>paragraph 3\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Topic sentence outlining third component<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Conclusion\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Summary of the main points of the body<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Restatement of the main point of view<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\">Justification\/evaluation (if required by task)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2559\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2559 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4975\/2019\/12\/27185220\/architect-3979490_1920-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"Three architects looking at a blueprint. \" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" \/> <strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Just as architects carefully construct buildings, a well-structured essay will help readers to clearly follow and understand your ideas.[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Linking Paragraphs: Transitions<\/h2>\r\nIn writing traditional five-paragraph essays, you may have been taught very basic transition sentences: \"My first point is,\" \"In conclusion,\" etc.\r\n\r\nIn college, your professors will expect less formulaic writing. Strong transition words or phrases that indicate linkages in ideas are the key to taking your writing to the next level and moving from the formulaic to the organic.\r\n\r\nWhen writing your argument, you need to lead your readers from one idea to the next, showing how those ideas are logically linked. Transition words and phrases help you keep your paragraphs and groups of paragraphs logically connected for a reader.\r\n\r\nBelow are some examples of transition words to help as you transition both within paragraphs and from one paragraph to the next.\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"alt su-even\">\r\n<td><strong>Transition Word \/ Phrase<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>and, also, again<\/td>\r\n<td>expands on the same general idea<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"alt su-even\">\r\n<td>but, or, however, in contrast<\/td>\r\n<td>counteracts what was just said<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>as a result, consequently, therefore<\/td>\r\n<td>indicates a conclusion or summary of ideas<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"alt su-even\">\r\n<td>for example, to illustrate<\/td>\r\n<td>presents a concrete example of an idea<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>particularly important, note that<\/td>\r\n<td>emphasizes the importance of an idea<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"alt su-even\">\r\n<td>in conclusion, hence<\/td>\r\n<td>signals an ending<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3>Transition Words and Phrases<\/h3>\r\nWe divide these transition words and phrases into four categories.\r\n\r\nClick on the arrows below to learn more about additive, adversative, causal, and sequential transition.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/content\/1292200744277871228\/embed\" width=\"1088\" height=\"637\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" aria-label=\"Paragraph Transitions\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><script src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/js\/h5p-resizer.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script>","rendered":"<h2>When to Paragraph<\/h2>\n<p>How do you know when a paragraph is done or when it\u2019s time to start a new one? There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer because it depends on what you\u2019re writing and the style you&#8217;re using. For example, digital writing often uses shorter paragraphs to make it easier to read.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re revising, look for spots where the focus shifts, and add paragraph breaks there. You can try to break paragraphs as you draft, but it\u2019s okay to fine-tune them during revision.<\/p>\n<h2>Overall Paragraph Structure of an Essay<\/h2>\n<p>Essays are often structured like the outline shown below, though the format can vary depending on the purpose and rhetorical style of the assignment. You\u2019re probably familiar with the basic five-paragraph essay format. While some may dismiss it, this structure is helpful for organizing ideas without being too rigid. As you write longer essays in college <span class=\"s1\">and possibly for your job<\/span>, five paragraphs might not be enough, but the same principles still apply: use paragraphs to separate topics and support each topic sentence with evidence.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Introduction<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\">Background information on topic<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Overall point of view of the topic (thesis)<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Overview of components to be discussed (structure)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Body paragraphs\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\">paragraph 1\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\">Topic sentence outlining first component<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to support topic sentence<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">paragraph 2\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\">Topic sentence outlining second component<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>paragraph 3\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\">Topic sentence outlining third component<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Conclusion\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\">Summary of the main points of the body<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Restatement of the main point of view<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Justification\/evaluation (if required by task)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_2559\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2559\" class=\"wp-image-2559 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4975\/2019\/12\/27185220\/architect-3979490_1920-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"Three architects looking at a blueprint.\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-2559\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Just as architects carefully construct buildings, a well-structured essay will help readers to clearly follow and understand your ideas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Linking Paragraphs: Transitions<\/h2>\n<p>In writing traditional five-paragraph essays, you may have been taught very basic transition sentences: &#8220;My first point is,&#8221; &#8220;In conclusion,&#8221; etc.<\/p>\n<p>In college, your professors will expect less formulaic writing. Strong transition words or phrases that indicate linkages in ideas are the key to taking your writing to the next level and moving from the formulaic to the organic.<\/p>\n<p>When writing your argument, you need to lead your readers from one idea to the next, showing how those ideas are logically linked. Transition words and phrases help you keep your paragraphs and groups of paragraphs logically connected for a reader.<\/p>\n<p>Below are some examples of transition words to help as you transition both within paragraphs and from one paragraph to the next.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"alt su-even\">\n<td><strong>Transition Word \/ Phrase<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>and, also, again<\/td>\n<td>expands on the same general idea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"alt su-even\">\n<td>but, or, however, in contrast<\/td>\n<td>counteracts what was just said<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>as a result, consequently, therefore<\/td>\n<td>indicates a conclusion or summary of ideas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"alt su-even\">\n<td>for example, to illustrate<\/td>\n<td>presents a concrete example of an idea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>particularly important, note that<\/td>\n<td>emphasizes the importance of an idea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"alt su-even\">\n<td>in conclusion, hence<\/td>\n<td>signals an ending<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Transition Words and Phrases<\/h3>\n<p>We divide these transition words and phrases into four categories.<\/p>\n<p>Click on the arrows below to learn more about additive, adversative, causal, and sequential transition.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/content\/1292200744277871228\/embed\" width=\"1088\" height=\"637\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" aria-label=\"Paragraph Transitions\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><script src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/js\/h5p-resizer.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-522\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Original<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Revision and adaptation. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Lumen Learning. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Paragraphing and Transitioning. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Excelsior College. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/writing-process\/paragraphing\/paragraphing-and-transitioning\/\">http:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/writing-process\/paragraphing\/paragraphing-and-transitioning\/<\/a>. <strong>Project<\/strong>: Excelsior OWL. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>TRANSITION WORDS. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>:  Gregory M. Campbell. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/msu.edu\/~jdowell\/135\/transw.html\">https:\/\/msu.edu\/~jdowell\/135\/transw.html<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":15005,"menu_order":16,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Paragraphing and Transitioning\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Excelsior College\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/writing-process\/paragraphing\/paragraphing-and-transitioning\/\",\"project\":\"Excelsior OWL\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"TRANSITION WORDS\",\"author\":\" Gregory M. 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