Using Transitional Words and Phrases
Learning Objectives: - Use transitional words and phrases within a multi-paragraph essay.
- Identify pattern transitions within a multi-paragraph essay.
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LESSON
Writers use transitionsTying two events, passages, or pieces of information together in a smooth way. In writing, transitions are sometimes called links. to show connections between information. These connections help the reader understand the contentThe text in a writing that includes facts, thoughts, and ideas. The information that forms the body of the work. and the writer's purposeThe reason the writer is writing about a topic. It is what the writer wants the reader to know, feel, or do after reading the work.. Transitions help create cohesiveIn writing, ideas and evidence that work together to create a unified statement. writing by linkingTo connect ideas together within a paragraph or to create a transition from one paragraph to the next, as well as back to the thesis. sentencesA group of words, phrases, or clauses that expresses a complete thought. A complete sentence has these characteristics: a capitalized first word, a subject and a predicate, and end punctuation, such as a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!). together, as well as linking paragraphsA selection of a writing that is made up of sentences formed around one main point. Paragraphs are set apart by a new line and sometimes indentation. together, all with the goal of connecting to the writer's thesisAn overall argument, idea, or belief that a writer uses as the basis for a work.. Writers can use transitions in different ways, but two of the most common are to use transitional wordsWords within a sentence that help tie one thought to another. Examples: however, similarly, also. and transitional phrasesPhrases within a sentence that help tie one thought to another. Examples: on the other hand, in contrast, for example. and to repeat key ideas, creating pattern transitionsWords and phrases that help organize a text and make it easier for the reader to follow an argument and help keep the focus on a particular idea. For example, writers may refer back to the thesis statement or main idea throughout the essay. Or they may start paragraphs with words like first, second, meanwhile, or after to show the time sequence of events..
Transitional Words and Phrases
Writers use transitional words and phrases to show connections between information.
Common Transitional Words and Phrases |
Additionally | For example | Otherwise |
After | Hence | Similarly |
Also | However | Therefore |
Consequently | In the end | Thus |
First/Second | On the other hand | Then |
A writer can select from several other transitions when trying to achieve a certain effect in his or her essayA short piece of writing that focuses on at least one main idea. Some essays are also focused on the author's unique point of view, making them personal or autobiographical, while others are focused on a particular literary, scientific, or political subject. . This can include using transitions to show exemplificationA style of writing that uses personal experience to support an opinion., comparisonA discussion of two or more things based on the categories of characteristics they share. Written comparisons must include both the subjects being compared and the similarities and/or differences between the subjects. and contrastTo identify what is different between people, objects, or concepts., definitions, processes, or cause and effectAn examination of the relationship between why and/or how something happened. Causes, which are usually events or actions, lead to effects, or the consequences of those causes.. The tables below show examples of transitions that work well with each style of writing.
Transitions Showing Exemplification |
Another example | For example | Specifically |
As an example | For instance | Such as |
As evidenced by | Including | To illustrate |
Especially | In particular | To show this |
Transitions Showing Comparison & Contrast |
Also | However | In the same way |
As opposed to | In addition | Likewise |
But | In comparison | On the other hand |
Conversely | In contrast | Similarly |
Transitions Showing Definition |
Another definition | As defined by | As supported with |
Another meaning | As evidenced by | As these examples show |
As compared with | As explained by | Is complicated by |
As contrasted with | As illustrated by | To define |
Transitions Showing Process |
Afterwards | Concurrently | Then |
Another step | Finally | First |
At this point | Next | Second |
Before | Subsequently | Third |
Transitions Showing Cause and Effect |
Accordingly | Consequently | On account of |
As a result | Hence | Since |
Based on | In the end | Therefore |
Because | In view of | Thus |
Pattern Transitions
Another way to connect information is to use pattern transitions. In this technique, writers repeat key ideas to keep paragraphs cohesive and keep the focus on a particular idea. Writers will often refer back to the thesis statementA brief statement that identifies a writer's thoughts, opinions, or conclusions about a topic. Thesis statements bring unity to a piece of writing, giving it a focus and a purpose. You can use three questions to help form a thesis statement: What is my topic? What am I trying to say about that topic? Why is this important to me or my reader? or main ideaThe most important or central thought of a reading selection. It also includes what the author wants the reader to understand about the topic he or she has chosen to write about. throughout the essay. For example, if the topicThe subject of a reading. of the essay is how to apply for admission to college, then the writer will often refer to that by writing such phrasesA set of words that express an idea. A phrase may or may not form a complete sentence. as "Another step in the admission process…" or "Gaining admission to your college of choice is…"
+ PRACTICAL APPLICATIONHave you ever driven or ridden in a car with manual transmission? When the car is driven properly, it moves between gears almost as smoothly as an automatic transmission. However, that is not always the case. You do not want to attempt to eat or apply lipstick when the transition between gears is choppy because you'll get food or makeup all over yourself! If the driver is extremely unsuccessful, the car could simply go nowhere, or even roll backwards down a hill.
When you write without transitions, it is the same as poorly driving a manual transmission. At best, you make it difficult for your reader to transition between each major detail; at worst, your readers might not even be able to understand your writing and could leave more confused than they were before they began reading.
In college, professors appreciate students' use of transitions because they help connect the students' ideas together in a logical fashion, showing the students' understanding of the content. In the workplace, co-workers and bosses will appreciate those who can present ideas in a clear and organized fashion. Overall, writers who can make obvious connections between information will find they are better communicators because readers will understand their purpose and know what to do with the information.
+ EXAMPLEReview the following passage and notice how the writer uses transitional words and phrases and pattern transitions to connect the information.
Can You Be a Gardener?
One of the most common misconceptions about gardening is that you must have a "green thumb," meaning that you have the ability to grow anything and that you know everything there is to know about plants, soil, fertilizer, and so forth. However, this is not true. Many people enjoy gardening and can grow their own flowers, fruits, and vegetables in almost any setting. To get started, new gardeners should consider three elements that are essential to beginning a successful garden.
First, novice gardeners need to think about what space they have to grow items. Is yard space available? If so, how much? If no yard is available, what kind of structures or pots could be used? Different types of flowers and foods grow best in certain soil conditions, so identifying what space is available is key. For example, flowers can work well in traditional gardens or in pots, so they are pretty versatile. However, pumpkins and zucchini need space to grow and spread, so they rely on a larger piece of land.
Second, inexperienced gardeners should think about how much time they have to devote to their produce or flowers. Some items require a lot of attention, especially when they start producing fruits or vegetables. Growing potatoes doesn't require a lot of time or attention because they grow underground and do not need to be harvested until later in the season. Green beans, on the other hand, need to be picked often once they start producing. Likewise, flowers usually require less effort, so these can be a good option for the busy gardener.
Finally, another essential element to consider is what the gardeners want to get out of the gardening experience. If they want to eat what they grow, then produce such as radishes, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, and many others are great options. However, if beauty is what the gardener has in mind, then choosing colorful flowers is probably the better option.
In the end, almost anyone can be a gardener, and planning ahead is one of the best ways to ensure a successful garden. Who knows? In time, we all may get the chance to show off our success!
First, notice the transitional words and phrases:
- However
- To get started
- First
- For example
- Second
- On the other hand
- Likewise
- Finally
- Another
- In the end
Now, notice the pattern transitions:
- Gardening
- New gardeners
- Successful garden
- Novice gardeners
- Inexperienced gardeners
- Ensure a successful garden
- Success
+ YOUR TURNReview the following reading and insert transitional words or phrases in the blanks in a logical way. You may change the wording of the sentence if it helps. Then, go through the example and identify the pattern transitions.
A Roommate Showdown
"Are you going to clean this?" "Can you turn the television down?" "What happened to all my groceries?" These are some of the questions I found myself asking, or more appropriately, yelling, during my first year as a college freshman when I lived in a one-room college dormitory. The "dorm" was a room with two beds, two desks, myself, and my new roommate. I must say that it was one of the most challenging years of my life. I learned just how difficult it can be to live with a stranger.
(1) ____, I learned about the challenges of maintaining a clean living area. My roommate was pretty much a slob. He would leave his clothes all over the place. It didn't matter if they were clean or dirty; somehow they found their way to the floor. Many times I would find myself walking around them or even on them just to get to the door so I could leave and go to class. (2) ____, he wasn't good at making his bed. I even began to wonder if he even knew how. (3) ____, he would eat in our room—pizza, fast food, chips—and would leave all the garbage laying around. I would find pizza boxes, old french fries, and empty bags of chips in the corners, under the beds, and under those clothes on the floor!
(4) ___, there was the noise. He always had something turned on whether it was the stereo, his computer, the television, or his gaming system. (5) ___, I often asked my roommate to turn down the television, but it was so loud he didn't even hear me. I walked up to him and yelled, and he had no choice but to turn it down.
The one thing that really got to me—that really made me scream—was when he would eat all of my food. (6) ____, one time he got into my mini-refrigerator and ate all of my leftover macaroni and cheese! I worked late at the college library and was very hungry when I finally got home, so finding that gone was definitely not a happy moment for me.
(7) ___ of the semester, I knew our time together was just about done, so I did my best to ignore the clothes on the floor, refrain from yelling, and just get through it one day at a time. (8) ____, I've decided never to have a roommate again!
Insert transitional words or phrases to the numbered blanks.
- First / To begin
- Second / In addition
- Third / Another example
- Then / Also / In addition
- During the last month (Time transition)
- For example
- At the end / Near the end / By the end
- However / Ultimately / As a result / Thus
Identify the pattern transitions.
- Roommate
- Clothes on the floor
- Yelling
+ METACOGNITIVE QUESTIONSHow do you see transitions helping you when writing?
Transitions will help me make connections between my ideas. Using them will show that I have planned the organization for my essay because when I use transitions like first or finally, it shows I want the reader to know the order of my ideas.
How can repetition be beneficial to a piece of writing?
Repetition can help writers show the importance of their topic and keep them focused. In addition, repetition can also help the readers find the main idea and purpose of a piece of writing.
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