What They Do and How to Use Them Transitions What They Do and How to Use Them

What are transitions and how are they used? transitions are phrases or words used to connect one idea to the next transitions are used by the author to help the reader progress from one significant idea to the next transitions also show the relationship within a paragraph (or within a sentence) between the main idea and the support the author gives for those ideas different transitions do different things

“On the contrary” Use this transition after you have just said something that you’re about to refute. This is useful in a counterargument. Use it to show that the opposite is in fact true. It’s like saying “quite the opposite.” Example: Many people believe X, but on the contrary, Y. Many people believe dogs are ‘man’s best friend’; on the contrary, cats are far superior in every way.

“Furthermore” This transition should be used INSIDE a paragraph to ADD ON to information you just said. It’s similar to “In addition” and should RARELY, if EVER, be used to START a paragraph. It should NEVER be used to start the first paragraph of your body. Often, the second part of a sentence that uses “furthermore” contains more pertinent information than the first part. Ex: Reading is a good way to improve your vocabulary. Furthermore, it can expand your mind and enrich your spirit.

“Also” “Also” is colloquial and should be used SPARINGLY, if at all. It should NEVER be used to start a new paragraph. Use “In addition” instead, since it is more formal. INFORMAL: Also, you can’t build a connection through a screen. FORMAL: In addition, it is difficult to build a true connection through a screen.

Transitions to Show Addition Use these words INSIDE your body paragraphs to ADD to a point you’ve just made. These are RARELY, if EVER, used to START a new paragraph, since a new paragraph usually means you’re starting a new point. additionally, again, also, and, as well as, further, furthermore, moreover, in addition, besides, equally important Example: Knowledge of religious writings can give additional insight into world literature, as well as every day pop culture.

Transitions to Show Similarity Use these words INSIDE your body paragraphs to show how your points or examples are the same. also, in the same way, similarly, likewise Example: Despite numerous reports to the police from his neighbors, Nicholas Cruz was able to legally purchase a firearm. Similarly, the Pulse nightclub shooter had a long police record but could also buy a gun.

Transitions to Show Exception Use these transitions when you’re introducing a conflicting or opposite point or view, or when you’re showing that there is an exception to your point. but, however, in spite of, on the other hand, nevertheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet Example: There is ample evidence that fast food is unhealthy, yet the majority of Americans continue to line up in the drive thru.

Transitions to Show Cause and Effect Use these transitions to show how one event or point acts on another. accordingly, so, therefore, thus, consequently Example: Science has proven that it is human error that has caused climate change, therefore it is up to mankind to work toward improving the environment so that future generations will have a planet to call home and not have to move to Mars.

Transitions to Introduce an Example When introducing your examples, don’t use the same method over and over as it sounds repetitive. Change up your word order or strategy to avoid this. In addition, be careful that you are not including incomplete sentences! for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate, to demonstrate Non-example: For example, Sandy Hook. (INCOMPLETE SENTENCE!!!) Example: Sandy Hook is just one example of a school shooting that has devastated the nation in recent years.