Transitions
Transitions are important because they help show the relationship between ideas. Transitions are used in topic sentences to show the relationship between paragraphs and in points to show the relationship between examples. They help to develop your line of reasoning by showing how each idea builds on the previous.
Transition Words for Analytical Writing
To Build
additionally,
also,
another _____ ...
besides _____
further,
furthermore,
in addition,
likewise,
moreover,
similarly,
To Contrast
although _____,
despite _____,
however,
in contrast,
nevertheless,
on the contrary,
on the other hand,
unlike _____,
To Show Cause and Effect
accordingly
as a result,
because of _____,
consequently,
due to
for that reason,
therefore,
this is how
thus,
To Conclude
accordingly,
in short,
therefore,
ultimately,
Transition Words for Narrative Writing
Early
at first,
before _____,
earlier,
early on,
first,
since _____,
to start,
until _____,
Now
at this point,
during _____,
from this point on,
meanwhile,
now,
while _____,
Later
after,
afterward,
after that,
eventually,
later,
next,
soon,
then,
At The End
in the end,
finally,
last,
lastly,
Transition Words for Argument Writing
To Provide an Example or Illustrate a Point
for example,
for instance,
... such as _____
to illustrate,
that is,
To Repeat an Idea or Stress a Point
above all,
in fact,
in other words,
most important,
once again,
to repeat,
To State the Obvious
certainly,
granted that _____,
in fact,
naturally,
obviously,
of course,
surely,
undoubtedly,
without a doubt,
Using Transition Words
Using Transition Words
In some cases, a simple transition word is all you need to connect ideas.
Examples
Similarly, Rosaura feels powerful when she serves the hot dogs.
Later, Rosaura feels special when she serves the hot dogs.
However, Rosaura does realize she is working when she gets paid.
Using More Specific Transitions
In many cases, it's helpful to be more specific about the connections between your ideas. You could state what is "similar" instead of just using the word "similarly," for example. Better transitions become increasingly important as your analysis becomes more complex.
Example #1
Basic: Next, Rosaura misunderstands her role when she is asked to serve the hot dogs.
"Next" works as a transition word," but it isn't very specific. It doesn't tell me anything about how this point logically builds on the previous.
Better: Rosaura’s misunderstanding of her role next arises when she is asked to serve the hot dogs.
The word "next" still appears here, but I've also made a logical connection: the previous example showed Rosaura misunderstanding her role and the next one does, too.
Example #2
Basic: Similarly, Rosaura is asked to serve the hot dogs.
"Similarly" works as a transition word," but it isn't very specific. I don't know how the two examples are similar.
Better: A similar interaction with Sra Ines occurs when Rosaura is asked to serve the hot dogs.
The word "similar" still appears here, but now it's clear what is similar: Rosaura's interactions with Sra Ines.
Transitioning with Introductory Phrases and Dependent Clauses
A great way to transition is to name the previous idea in a dependent clause or introductory phrase and then introduce the new idea. Many transition words can be used to start a dependent clause or introductory phrase. (See this page for a review of phrases and this page for a review of clauses.)
Examples
Just as Rosaura feels proud about successfully carrying the orange juice, she feels special about knowing the house well enough to serve the hot dogs.
Still feeling proud of her orange juice accomplishment, Rosaura feels flattered again when Sra Ines asks her to pass out the hot dogs.
Although Rosaura's mother warns her about the party, Rosaura is oblivious to how Sra Ines treats her.
Transitioning with Logic, not Plot
Transition with logic, not plot. Your transitions should make it clear how your ideas build on each other in support of your assertion.
Examples
Weak transition using plot: Later on at the party, Rosaura serves hot dogs.
Strong transition using logic: Again acting as a maid, Rosaura serves hot dogs.