Transitions
Transitions are the signposts that tell your reader how your thoughts and ideas are related to each other.
Use transitional words and phrases to help your reader move smoothly from one idea to the next, one sentence to the next, and one paragraph to the next.
Continuative transitions allow you to expand an idea; discontinuative transitions help you reverse course or offer a contrasting idea.
Use continuative transitions to
- add to – and, also, moreover, furthermore, further, too, in addition, what's more,
- compare (similarity) – similarly, likewise, in like manner
- show sequence (show time) – first, second, etc.; then; next
- restate (emphasize) – in other words, that is, in sum, in short
- give examples – for example, for instance, thus
- indicate a premise – because, since, for
- conclude (summarize) – therefore, finally, hence, so, in consequence (consequently), thus, as I have shown, as I have said
Use discontinuative transitions to
- contrast (show difference) – in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, by comparison, compared to, conversely, but, yet, however
- show non-sequential events – earlier, much later, meanwhile, at the same time
- replace – rather, instead, but
- concede – although, given, granted, of course, however, but
- alternate – otherwise, or
- deny an implication – nevertheless, still, but, yet, however
