The word transition literally means movement from one piece of information to another. In writing, transition means moving from one sentence to another or one paragraph to another smoothly without abrupt shifts in logic or subject. To accomplish this smooth movement of thoughts, a writer will sometimes use certain words or phrases that act as bridges to carry readers into a new sentence or paragraph. Without these transitional elements, an essay can read like a list, or at best a group of loosely connected statements. Transitional elements prepare readers for each new idea and relate each new statement to the preceding ones.
Transitions can be
- Single words, phrases, clauses, or even whole sentences
- Repetitions of key words, ideas, or phrases
- Using pronouns such as this, these, and them
- Combining short sentences into compound and complex ones
Examples of Transitions
Use the list below as a guide only. Be creative and use words, phrases, clauses and even whole sentences to bridge the gaps between ideas. Don’t use the same transitional device over and over. Vary the devices to avoid monotony and redundancy.
Transitions that Signal Chronological Order
First, second, third . . . next, then, after, before, during, meanwhile, at first, when, as soon as
Transitions that Signal Spatial Order
Nearby, near to, beside, over, far from, next to, under, around, through, in front of, behind, surrounding, alongside, away from, on top of, around, toward, at
Transitions that Signal Adding a Point Order (Random Order)
In addition, moreover, furthermore, too, finally, lastly
Transitions that Signal Contrast
However, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, even though, despite, in spite of
Transitions that Signal General Example
Sometimes, on certain occasions, often, many times, frequently, in some cases, in a few instances (Always follow general examples with specific ones.)
Transitions that Signal Specific Example
To illustrate, for example, for instance, as an illustration, in particular, especially in fact
Transitions that Signal Order of Importance
More important, most important, of least importance, of less importance, most of all, best of all, of greatest significance, least of all, even better, foremost, especially
Transitions that Signal Clarification of Point
That is, in other words, in effect, put simply, stated briefly
Transitions that Signal Summing up or Restating Central Point
In sum, to sum up, in summary, to conclude, as you can see, in short, in conclusion
Transitions that Signal Stages in a Process
First, second, third . . ., initially, at the outset, to begin with, first of all, up to now, so far, thus far, next after, finally, last of all
Transitions that Signal Cause/Effect Relationship
As a result, consequently, because, in consequence
Transitions that Signal Attitude
Fortunately, unfortunately, naturally, in a sense, luckily
Transitions that Signal Reference
The former, the latter, the following