The Writing Center - Valle Verde
Transitions
When writing an essay, transitions are used to connect one idea to another. The writing
process may inspire many ideas and it is up to transitions to help string those ideas together.
They let a reader know how two paragraphs or two sentences relate to each other.
Additionally, transitions help to strengthen two aspects of an essay: flow and voice.
Flow: Using transitions help make an essay read smoothly and help prevent any sudden breaks.
Voice: Transitions reflect how the writer feels about two ideas and how they want their reader
to react to them.
Transitions between paragraphs:
When creating a new paragraph, it is important that the first sentence does not abruptly begin
explaining a new idea. To prevent this, transitions can be used at the end of the first paragraph,
or at the beginning of the second paragraph to create a bridge between two ideas. Without this
bridge, the reader will not have anything to help them move from one idea to the next.
Consider the following sentences from two consecutive paragraphs:
Topic sentence 1: Clearly, oranges are a healthy snack for children to eat.
Topic sentence 2: On the other hand, oranges can be messy and difficult for children
to peel.
In the first paragraph, the writer will explain why oranges are nutritious snacks for kids. In the
second paragraph, the writer will present an opposing argument that will make the reader see
oranges in a new light. The transition words in bold help the reader understand how the writer
feels about oranges, leading the reader to form an opinion about the topic at hand.
Transitions between sentences:
Like using transitions between paragraphs, using them between sentences will not only
improve the flow of the essay, but will also strengthen the voice of the essay.
Consider the following paragraph that expands topic sentence 2:
On the other hand, oranges can be messy and difficult for children to peel. For example,
children may have a hard time peeling an orange because of its tough skin. Children have
small fingers and nails that make it challenging to peel. Additionally, oranges are a sticky
fruit that can create a mess for both the child and the parent. Although oranges may be a
healthy snack, the process of eating them is inconvenient for children.
The Writing Center - Valle Verde
If transitions are not used:
Imagine the above topic sentences and paragraph without transition words. Without the
transitional word or phrase, it is difficult to tell how two ideas relate to each other and may
create a sudden change that breaks the flow of the essay.
Some common transitional words and phrases:
Type
Transitional word/phrase
Giving an Example
for example, for instance, to illustrate, in
particular
Adding an Idea
in addition, moreover, furthermore, another,
additionally, specifically, by the same token,
evidently
Making a Comparison
similarly, likewise, in comparison
Creating a Contrast
on the other hand, however, nevertheless, in
contrast, on the contrary, although, even
though, despite
Making an Emphasis
In other words, in fact, clearly, certainly, of
course, indeed, ultimately, overall
Showing an Effect
therefore, consequently, as a result, due to
Establishing Time
first, second, third, then, later, afterwards,
next, meanwhile, eventually, before, currently
Some information courtesy of:
“Transitions”. The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 2014. Web. 19
March. 2015.