2. Transition Words – Bridges (Pickles)
Bridges, or transitional words and phrases, help to guide readers through a text. Bridges should be used as just that—a bridge connecting sentences and/or paragraphs.

3. Using Transitions
Transition
Idea
Idea

4. Transitions Look at the two groups of sentences below.
Which sentences read more smoothly? Click on
an answer below.
My friend, Marcos, loves to play sports and is very athletic. He has won a scholarship to play football at a university next year.
My friend, Marcos, loves to play sports and is very athletic. In fact, he has won a scholarship to play football at a university next year.

5. What are transition words?
Transitions
What are transition words?

6. Transitions A transition word directly tells the reader the
logical relationship between one idea and
another idea.
Transition
Idea
Idea

7. Example
;however,
Marcos loves to go swimming in the ocean.
his parents won’t allow him to do that.
The transition, however, tells the reader that the logical relationship between the two ideas is contrast.

8. Transitions - one clause and another clause
Transitions are words that help make
your writing clear. They create
connections between:
- one clause and another clause
- one sentence and another sentence
- one group of sentences and the next group of sentences

9. Joining Two Independent Clauses
One way of joining two independent clauses is with a semicolon, a transition, and a comma.
; furthermore,
Marcos is a great swimmer
he’s very good at scuba diving.
Marcos is a great swimmer ;furthermore, he’s very good at scuba diving.

10. Connecting Two Sentences
You can use a transition and comma to tell the reader the logical relationship between two sentences.
In fact,
he plays three sports at school.
Marcos is very athletic.
Marcos is very athletic. In fact, he plays three sports at school.

11. Types of Transitions Relationship Transition Marcos loves to ski
Addition
Moreover
Furthermore
In addition
besides
Marcos loves to ski
he likes to fish.
;moreover,
;furthermore,
;in addition,
;besides,

12. Marcos plays basketball he plays every Saturday.
Types of Transitions
Relationship
Transition
To emphasize
Indeed
In fact
Marcos plays basketball
The transition and second clause reemphasize the first clause.
;in fact,
;indeed,
he plays every Saturday.

13. Marcos enjoys outdoor sports he likes hiking, skiing, and fishing.
Types of Transitions
Relationship
Transition
Explaining
For example
For instance
In particular
Marcos enjoys outdoor sports
;for example,
;for instance,
;in particular,
The second clause is more specific than the first.
he likes hiking, skiing, and fishing.

14. Marcos enjoys scuba diving
Types of Transitions
Relationship
Transition
Contrast/Comparing
However On the contrary
In contrast On the other hand
Marcos enjoys scuba diving
;on the other hand,
;however,
;on the contrary,
;in contrast,
$$$
I think it is an expensive sport.

15. Types of Transitions Relationship Transition ;thus, ;consequently,
Result or Effect
Consequently Accordingly
Thus Hence
Therefore As a result
;thus,
;consequently,
;therefore,
;hence,
;as a result,
;accordingly,
Marcos broke his leg
he can’t play basketball.

16. Types of Transitions Relationship Transition ;subsequently,
Time
Meanwhile (at the same time)
Subsequently (after)
Thereafter (after)
;subsequently,
;thereafter,
Marcos scored a goal
his team won the game.
after