HUNTER COLLEGE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
WRITING CENTER
GRAMMAR AND MECHANICS
Sentence Structure: Transitions
Transitions function to connect one idea to another either between sentences or
between paragraphs. They are signals that help readers follow the direction of the
writer's thoughts. The lists below categorizes transitional words and phrases according to
what they signify. Note that certain transitions appear on more than one list.
SOME TRANSITION WORDS AND PHRASES ACCORDING TO MEANING
ADDING
CONTRASTING
CONCLUDING
additionally
also
besides
further
furthermore
in addition
in the same way
likewise
moreover
similarly
at any rate
even so
however
in contrast
in spite of that
instead
nevertheless
on the contrary
on the other hand
otherwise
still
accordingly
as a result
as a/in consequence
consequently
in conclusion
for this reason
hence
therefore
thus
to conclude
COMPARING
ADDING ADDITIONAL
DETAIL
SUMMARIZING
by comparison
equally
in the same way
likewise
similarly
as an illustration
for example
for instance
indeed
in fact
in other words
in particular
specifically
that is
briefly
in a word
in brief
in short
in summary
to summarize
INDICATING SEQUENCE
(LOGICAL)
EXPRESSING OPINION
first(ly), second(ly), third(ly)...
next
finally
last(ly)
then
above all
in conclusion
to illustrate
that is
actually
apparently
certainly
(un)fortunately
of course
undoubtedly
SAME TIME
at the same time
concurrently
simultaneously
INDICATING SEQUENCE IN TIME
EARLIER TIME
NOW
before that
earlier
first
formerly
previously
at this time
at present
currently
now
nowadays
these days
LATER TIME
after that
afterwards
in the future
later
next
soon
subsequently
then
When using transitions, keep in mind that there are subtle differences between
transitional words and phrases on the same list. If you are unsure about the precise
meaning of a particular word or phrase, consult your dictionary or ask your teacher.
Also, while transitions do help to connect ideas in an essay, too many transitions can
make writing seen overly formal or stilted. Certain transitions such as hence, moreover,
thus, and subsequently may make your writing sound too formal or artificial, which can
be distracting to a reader. Formal transitions should be avoided in personal writing and
used judiciously even in formal writing.
TRANSITION PRACTICE
Underline any transitional words or phrases in the following passages. Fill in the spaces
below each passage with the transitions you find and identify what kind of signal they give.
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I.
A Chinese Housewife
In Chinese society a housewife should be thrifty in order to help her husband to support
the family. First of all, she does her housework by herself and doesn't hire a maid to work with
her. Secondly, when she goes shopping, she only spends money on daily necessities and not on
junk food. The food which she buys should be healthy food and should not cost too much
money. Finally, she can't buy clothes often except when she has to go to a banquet. Mostly she
makes her clothes herself and wears them at home. In this way, she saves money.
Transition
Signal
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II.
A Homeless Man
One day, I saw a homeless man in the subway. He was a little bit different from other
homeless people. When he came into our car, he started making a speech: how hard he had tried
to find a job, how difficult it was to do so, how hungry he was, and so on. Then he sang a song
with a sad low voice. It sounded pitifully throughout the car. Moreover, his speech was so
persuasive that people could not help feeling sympathy. As a result, most people there gave him
some change, or even a dollar. His paper cup was filled with money in a minute.
Transition
Signal
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III.
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The Educational Systems
During my father's generation, the education system was very different. Back in those
days, most schools were provided by the British. In those days, people had a better education
than nowadays because teachers had different ways of teaching. Most of the students were
taught by British native teachers. Therefore, they spoke better English and had high standards in
English. Also, they began learning English in primary school. Furthermore, all of the subjects
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were taught in English. The schools' rules were strictly followed, and they had punishment for
every little thing.
In my generation, the educational system was far different from my father's. For
example, all the subjects were taught in Burmese except for English. I myself and other students
from my generation started to learn English in the fifth grade. In the fourth and eighth grades,
the final exams are given by the state board of education, and in the tenth grade, the exam is a
nation-wide exam. In each grade, we must pass every subject. Otherwise, we must repeat that
particular grade. Therefore, it is really hard to graduate from high school. After tenth grade, we
can enter college. In the old days, there was no limit in choosing any major or professional field
that we wanted. Things are not easy in my generation. The students have fewer opportunities to
learn.
Transition
Signal
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Material adapted from Tapestry Grammar by Deakins, Parry and Viscount. Heinle & Heinle. 1994.
Writing passages are from student essays which appeared in Tapestry Grammar.
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