Writing Transitions — Types and Examples
What is a transition?
A transition is a word or phrase used to help connect a writer's thoughts and ideas. Transitions allow readers to easily follow the progression of the writing. To enhance the flow, writers use transition words within paragraphs, between paragraphs, and between sections.
Writers use short phrases (2-3 words) or single linking words to connect ideas within a paragraph. These transitions are subtle and highlight the relationship of the elements within the paragraph.
To connect ideas between paragraphs, writers typically utilize transition phrases that identify the logical connection between the two. These phrases can either be at the end of the paragraph with the concluding remark or at the beginning of the new paragraph with the topic sentence.
Longer works that have multiple sections incorporate transition paragraphs to connect large portions of the text. These paragraphs often summarize the information that preceded it while connecting it to what follows.
Transition words and phrases
When transitioning within and between paragraphs, writers incorporate certain connecting words and phrases that help organize their thoughts and ideas. These words and phrases can also indicate shifts, comparisons, results, examples, and importance. Regardless of the purpose of the transition word or phrase, they can be at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Sentence transitions
By using common transition words in sentences, writers can accomplish the following:
Detail the logical relationship that exists between the previous argument or sentence and what follows.
Provide readers with a blueprint for how to combine the ideas to understand the purpose of the essay.
Avoid choppy and abrupt writing by creating a smooth organizational flow.
Types of transitions
The main types of transitions include addition, contrast, emphasis, and summary:
| Type | Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | to add an idea | also, furthermore, in addition to, in other words, besides |
| Causal | to show cause and effect | as a result, for this reason, consequently, therefore |
| Comparison | to highlight similarities | similarly, likewise, in the same way, in a similar fashion |
| Concession | to show an unexpected result | although, even though, despite the fact |
| Contrast | to identify differences | alternatively, conversely, nonetheless, however, but, yet |
| Emphasis | to stress an idea | especially, indeed, as a matter of fact, without a doubt, so much so |
| Example | to illustrate or explain | for example, such as, including, to illustrate |
| Sequence | to indicate time | next, eventually, finally, earlier, after, in the first place, in due time |
| Space | to stress place/position | above, beyond, nearby, in the distance, off to one side, adjacent |
| Summary | to summarize an idea | in conclusion, therefore, to sum up, in the end, in other words |
How to transition to another paragraph
To transition from one paragraph to another, consider the connection, transition, focus, and sentence:
Determine how each paragraph connects to the writer's purpose.
Identify the type of transition needed.
Briefly highlight the focus or key topic of each paragraph.
Compose a sentence utilizing a transition word/phrase while detailing the purpose of the paragraph before and after the transition.
Transition examples
The following sentences utilize the various types of transitional words and phrases:
Addition
The weather report predicted low temperatures all week. Furthermore, there will be snow showers for the next two days.
In addition to birthday cake, there was ice cream at the party.
He had no problem driving everyone to school that morning. Besides, he wanted to show off his new car.
Causal
The new study will not earn any additional funding. As a result, the lab will close.
She had no idea that the storm knocked out the power last night. Consequently, there was no alarm to wake her up in the morning.
The contractor was three hours late to an appointment. For this reason, the homeowner decided to hire someone else.
Comparison
When the book was originally released, it was a best seller. Likewise, the sequel was just as successful.
In comparison to her other artwork, this piece was similarly abstract.
The drink should be made with ice cream in the same way as a milkshake.
Concession
They were all able to buy tickets to the new movie even though they were late.
Although the temperature was below freezing, they were still able to go sledding.
We luckily caught our flight despite the fact that we were stuck in traffic for an hour.
Contrast
Their dog barks constantly throughout the day; however, their cat just lays in the sun.
The farmer desperately needed it to rain, yet the drought continued.
He was so quiet when he was young, but since he left for school, he has become quite social.
Emphasis
The class always went outside for recess, even when it was raining.
The promotion increased her salary more than she thought. In fact, she was able to buy a new car thanks to the raise.
The weather here is always dry, so much so that most yards have little to no grass.
Example
Had had many other options he could have chosen for vacation. For example, he could have gone to Hawaii.
The gardener seemed to have missed trimming some of the trees. For instance, both maple trees look unchanged.
The art teacher used the Mona Lisa to illustrate da Vinci's work.
Sequence
The CEO referenced the report the employee had mentioned earlier.
The coach expected to see some improvement eventually.
After dinner, they were finally able to move on to dessert.
Space
In the distance, he could see they were approaching the beach.
Off to one side were the instructions for the table, while the ones for the chair were nearby.
Their new house is adjacent to the park.
Summation
In conclusion, the author used the story as a metaphor for growing up.
In the end, no one was able to solve the equation.
In other words, the experiment was a complete success.
The following examples include transition sentences used to connect paragraphs:
While Golding uses the character of Simon to show man's instinctual nature, he incorporates Piggy to showcase man's rational side.
The transition indicates that the writer is moving from a paragraph that analyzes Simon's role in The Lord of the Flies while introducing the purpose of the following paragraph -- an analysis of Piggy.
Even though early experiments suggested the medication had little impact on treating the disease, more recent tests have proven otherwise.
The transition identifies that the following paragraph will contrast with the previous paragraph concerning the effectiveness of the medication.
While it is important for students to have a solid foundation in the sciences, the arts also play an essential role in their academic development.
The transition highlights that the focus of the next paragraph will be the benefits of the arts, while the previous paragraph detailed the advantages of the sciences.