Transitions

What are transitions?

Transitions are words or phrases that help you as a writer change from one idea to the next. It helps suggest a plan for development for your reader and helps with the flow of your writing.

How do I write a transition?

First, you should figure out why you're transitioning.

1. Are you adding more information?

2. Are you providing information that disagrees or contrasts with you've already written?

3. Are you showing that something you've already written caused something else? (This is also called cause-and-effect.)

4. Are you trying to clarify a sequence?

NOTE: Below you will find examples of transitions based on a general need in writing. These examples are context-based which means that it is your responsibility to see if the words or phrases fit with your style and what you've already written in your work. Define the terms if you're not sure of their meaning.

1. I'm trying to add more information to something I've already written.

Purpose

Common Words

Common Phrases

Examples

I'm trying to add more.

Additionally;Also;Furthermore;Moreover;

In addition to; In fact; Not only ... but ... ;

Mr. Adams is one of the vice-principals. In addition to this role, he is also a football coach.

I'm trying to introduce a more specific detail/example or highlighting something important.

Notably;Specifically;

For example; For instance; One/An example of this is ... ;Of particular note;

There are three Catholic independent schools in the Lower Mainland area. Of particular note is St. Thomas More Collegiate which is the only co-educational Catholic school.

I'm trying to show similarities.

Similarly; Equally;

In a similar way;

Brother Cassidy and Brother Bassett are Christian Brothers who live and work at STMC. Similarly, there are other Christian Brothers that work in schools across the world as part of our Edmund Rice Network.

I'm trying to clarify something or be more specific.

Specifically;

What this means is; This means (that); In other words;

Our alumni network is quite expansive. This means that maintaining our connections to past graduates is important to our success as a school.

2. I'm trying to provide information that might conflict and disagree with or be different from something I've already written.

Purpose

Common Words

Common Phrases

Examples

I'm trying to contrast or show disagreement.

However;Conversely; While;

On the other hand;In contrast;

School is starting soon and I'm excited for it to begin! However, I'm not sure if others feel the same way.

I'm trying to emphasize a different point.

Significantly; Besides;

More/Most importantly; Above all;

We have many staff members that work hard to emphasize our culture at our school. Most importantly, our Christian Brothers: Brother Cassidy and Brother Bassett live their faith as an example for all.

I'm trying to argue or admit a point even though I may have made a claim that disagreed with it earlier.

Regardless; Nevertheless;However;Admittedly;Although;While

In spite of (this); Even though; Even so;

We have a population of approximately 675 students. In spite of our small population, we excel in many of our athletic and artistic endeavours.

I'm trying to dismiss a claim or prove it isn't as important.

Regardless;

In any case;In any event;All the same;

Bubbles, Mr. Adams' dog, has become a mainstay in our community but is quite tame and unassuming. In any case, his personality has made him popular amongst our students.

3. I'm trying to show that an event, person, or something else caused a result.

Purpose

Common Words

Common Phrases

Examples

I'm trying to show reason for why something happened.

Since; As; Because;

Due to (...);

The summer seemed to go by very quickly. Since I went on so many trips and planned many activities, I felt like I didn't have enough downtime.

I'm trying to explain the conditions for why or how something happened.

If... then; Granting/Granted (that);

In the event that; As/So long as;

In the event that it is sunny outside, the PE classes like to venture onto the track and field.

I'm trying to show the results or effects.

Therefore; Consequently, Accordingly; Because (of); Thus;

As a result; For this reason;

The teacher set a due date weeks in advance. Consequently, the students were given a lot of time to ask for feedback on their progress from peers and their teachers.

4. I'm trying to clarify my sequence or the order of my work.

Purpose

Common Words

Common Phrases

Examples

I'm trying to organize by number.

Firstly; Secondly; Initially
*NOTE: too many sequential transitions by number detracts from flow.*

To begin/start with;

Initially, the Grade 8's were to write their names on nametags. Secondly, they had to introduce each other to their classmates.

I'm trying to show continuation in my thinking.

Next; Then; After (this); Subsequently; Afterwards

To begin/start with;

Initially, the Grade 8's were to write their names on nametags. Secondly, they had to introduce each other to their classmates.

I'm trying to conclude or summarize information.

Finally; Overall; Thus; Ultimately; Therefore;

In conclusion; In summary; To conclude;

Ultimately, it is the writer's responsibility to find a transition that is effective for their work's style and fluency.

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