 Transitions link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so there are no breaks between ideas.

 A transition can be  A single word  A phrase  A sentence

 These words signify that you’re explaining an idea in your writing:  And, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what’s more, in addition, first (second, etc.)  Example: Twilight is a movie about vampires. It shows how relationships can sometimes be complicated.  Twilight is a movie about vampires. Furthermore, it shows how relationships can sometimes be complicated.

 These words signify you’re comparing a previous idea to a new one in your paper, or describing two different things:  But, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, although, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true…  Example: Brownies and cupcakes are delicious. I like all kinds of desserts.  Brownies and cupcakes are delicious. However, I like all kinds of desserts.

 Use these words to indicate support for your argument:  Because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is…  Example: Mr. Samford respects the military. He served time in the navy when he was younger.  Mr. Samford respects the military. In fact, he served time in the navy when he was younger

 When telling events in a time sequence, these words help make the order clear:  Immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then…  Example: Mr. Swint gets to work early. He gets ready for the day.  Mr. Swint gets to work early. Then, he gets ready for the day.

 Emphasis words do just that – serve to emphasize points that you want the reader to really be aware of and understand:  Definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, never, without a doubt, certainly…  Example: Ms. Oerter likes to jog. She jogs every morning. Ms. Oerter enjoys a healthy lifestyle.  Ms. Oerter likes to jog. She jogs every morning. Obviously, Ms. Oerter enjoys a healthy lifestyle.

 When trying to summarize your points, using these words clearly signals the end of your paragraph or topic:  Summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, therefore, accordingly, as a result…  Example: The 6 th grade teachers are all really good friends. They all get along great with one another.  The 6 th grade teachers are all really good friends. Consequently, they all get along great with one another.