Transitions are words or phrases that help your reader understand the flow of your ideas. Transitions can be used within a sentence or paragraph, or as a way of connecting ideas between paragraphs. To learn more about how transitions can be used within a single sentence, see 4-1 Transitions – Types of Conjunctions in the Language Use section.
The ability to use a range of transitional devices within and between paragraphs is an important essay writing skill. These words act as signposts, indicating a shift in topic, direction, sequence, or progression within the essay. Transitions can indicate a variety of ideas, including (but not limited to) the following:
Addition: furthermore, in addition, moreover, also, and
Cause and Effect: therefore, thus, hence, as a result, consequently, accordingly, as a result
Comparison: likewise, similarly, in the same way
Conclusion: in conclusion, to sum up, in summary, finally, in brief
Contrast: whereas, but, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, by comparison, conversely, in contrast
Emphasis: furthermore, moreover, indeed, in fact, naturally
Example: for example, for instance, in this case, to demonstrate, to illustrate, specifically
Sequence of Events: first, second, third, next, then, subsequently, finally
Time Progression: immediately, thereafter, soon, finally, later, previously, formerly, next, then, while, subsequently, meanwhile, concurrently
Transitions within a Paragraph
Transitions within a paragraph are essential for clarifying the development and progression of your ideas. As each body paragraph in an essay commonly expresses a single topic, the transitions must function logically within these restraints.
It is important not to over- or mis-use transitions. For instance, the following example uses “therefore” too many times in the same paragraph, sometimes incorrectly, diluting its effect.
- People cannot avoid being influenced by acid rain; therefore, acid rain has influenced human health. A number of potential health effects of acid rain have therefore been found. For example, scientists conducted a number of experiments associated with lung function. The test subjects consisted of 1,400 Canadian children, aged seven to twelve, from two different regions—Ontario and Manitoba. Therefore, the children from Ontario, a province which has been affected by higher acid rain levels, have more severe lung troubles than the children from Manitoba, a province which has little air pollution.
Some repeated transitions can be replaced with different words, while others can simply be removed with no loss of meaning. The following is a revised version of the paragraph, with “therefore” used correctly and more conservatively.
- People cannot avoid being influenced by acid rain; therefore, acid rain has influenced human health. Indeed, a number of potential health effects of acid rain have been found. For example, scientists conducted a number of experiments associated with lung function. The test subjects consisted of 1,400 Canadian children, aged seven to twelve, from two different regions—Ontario and Manitoba. The children from Ontario, a province which has been affected by higher acid rain levels, have more severe lung troubles than the children from Manitoba, a province which has little air pollution.
Unlock full access by logging in. Registered users can explore the entire lesson and more.