TRANSITIONS
Transitions are words used between sentences or paragraphs. Transitions indicate to the reader that you (the writer) are preparing to present new information. The new information may be related or unrelated to the past information and transitions can help us know the relationship between the two pieces of information. Here are some commonly used transitions:
ADDITION – to make an addition to the previous information / giving more examples / continuing the same thoughts: too (comes at end of sentence), moreover, in addition, also, as well
Ex.: Video games are popular with teenagers. They are popular with adults too.
Ex.: Video games are popular with teenagers. Moreover, they are popular with adults.
CONTINUING OR COUNTING – Listing a certain number of points: next, first, second, third, besides, further, finally
Ex.: To make a cake, first pour flour into a bowl. Second, break two eggs into the bowl.
CONTRAST OR COUNTERPOINT - pointing out differences or opposites: but, still, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, conversely, notwithstanding, yet, on the contrary, by contrast
Ex.: Rats are pests. Still, some people keep them as pets.
CONCESSION - admitting that the argument on the other side is true: granted, admittedly, it is true that
Ex.: I think there should be more bus routes in Spokane. Granted, this would cost more tax money, but I think it would be worth it.
SIMILARITY – demonstrating two things are comparable: too, similarly, in the same way, likewise, also
Ex.: Some people keep rats as pets. Similarly, some people keep snakes as pets.
EMPHASIS - reinforcing a point already made: again namely, in other words, especially, without doubt, indeed, in short, in brief, primarily, chiefly, as a matter of fact, no doubt, in fact, most important, above all
Ex.: Football is a dangerous sport. As a matter of fact, hundreds of players suffer from concussions.
CAUSE AND EFFECT/LOGICAL RESULT – show that one thing leads to another thing: therefore, consequently, as a result, accordingly, thus, so, hence
Ex.: Many companies will not hire unionized workers. Therefore, many companies no longer pay their employees benefits or a due salary.
ILLUSTRATION - providing an example to back up or clarify a point: for example, for instance, to illustrate, as an illustration, such as, that is
Ex.: Legalizing marijuana in Washington State is not something that benefits criminals. For example, many cancer patients need access to marijuana as a pain medication.
RESTATEMENT, CONCLUSION, OR SUMMARY – prepare for the last thought or to present a summary of the ideas before: that is, in other words, in short, to sum up, finally, in conclusion, to summarize, in summary
Ex.: Many police systems are corrupt around the world. The police will accept bribes. In short, police need to be better funded by governments so they are not susceptible to bribes.