Using transition words in your essay makes your argument to be more convincing because it allows the reader to clearly understand the flow between paragraphs.
Transition words are words or phrases that create connections between clauses and ideas to enable the reader to understand and follow an argument. It improves the writing flow and can show the relationship between two ideas in a sentence.
Transition words are commonly used by writers at the beginning of a new sentence or clause, and then with a comma.
We will be looking at examples of transition words in the article.
What Are Transition Words?
Transition words are words or phrases that create connections between clauses and ideas to enable the reader to understand and follow an argument.
Transition words exist to connect sentences, paragraphs, and thoughts.
When transition words are introduced in writing, the common transition words include conjunctions, phrases or clauses together. Transition words do not only improve the flow of writing, they show the relationship between two ideas expressed in sentences.
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A few examples of transition words include;
- The game ended at 6 PM. After that, we took the bus to go back home.
- I ran to the basketball practice, and I got there just before it started.
- I can’t purchase that dress for you. However, I can buy that blue shirt for you.
- I love watching movies, but not horror ones.
- I could choose to travel to the Bahamas for vacation, or I could just stay in New York.
In the second sentence, the “and” is a transition word connecting the two occurrences equally, while in the last sentence, the “or” presents two different options.
Paragraph Examples with Transition Words
Transition words both work on a singular sentence level and can work to connect an entire paragraph and also help your thoughts move from one idea to the next, connecting sentences for succinctness.
Below is a paragraph without transition words and a paragraph with transition words. You will notice how the paragraph without transition words is abrupt.
| Paragraph without transition words | Paragraph with transition words |
| Drawing involves taking the time to master and perfect every single step. Mastering the art of drawing can’t be learned in just a day. You need to show commitment and dedication to master your craft. | Drawing involves taking the time to master and perfect every single steps. In other words, mastering the art of drawing is not learned in just a day. Furthermore, mastering the art of drawing is a skill that takes daily practice and dedication to perfect your craft. |
Types of Transition Words for Starting a Paragraph
Generally, transition words can fall into more than just one category.
Let’s explore a few transition words and the category they fall under.
Addition: This is a transition that combines two or more ideas and shows the relationship between them The examples include furthermore, besides, also, what’s more, and again.
Clarification: This is to rephrase what was initially said in an effort to understand and clarify a statement and offer emphasis. The examples include, that is to say, to clarify, and in other words.
Cause and Effects: In a piece of writing where one idea triggers another, this will enable the reader to understand that they are directly connected. The examples include next, as a result, therefore, and hence.
Compare and Contrast: This allows the reader to understand the relationship between two ideas that are compared in terms of their differences and similarities. The examples include although this may be true, after all, whereas, yet, in contrast, on the contrary, likewise, and similarly.
Providing Examples: The examples include, for instance, take the following case in point.
Emphasis: Here, a level of certainty is shown. The examples include in fact, in any case, undeniably, emphatically, surprisingly, without a doubt, indeed, and never.
Summarize or Conclude: This notifies the reader that he/she is at the end of the paragraph. The examples include as a result, in conclusion, hence, therefore, in short, in brief, thus, and as this essay has shown.
Sequential: This shows a numerical sequence, resumption, summation, or continuation. The examples include to conclude with, afterwards, by the way, initially, or incidentally.
Exception or Contradiction: Here, the examples include of course, nevertheless, once in a while, however, in spite of, and despite.
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Types of Transition in Writing
Creating an essay or any kind of paper requires using transitions. Using transition words is important for writers as it enables readers to understand the connection between paragraphs.
When writing an essay, it’s important you use transitions within and between sentences, not just to connect paragraphs but also to connect the entire section of the essay.
Transitions within Sentences
Here are a few examples of how transition words and phrases work to connect sentences, paragraphs, and sections.
| Andrew spoke up after thinking of the right answer. | With transition |
| Andrew spoke up, thinking of the answers. | While it may be true that learning to sing takes talent and dedication, everyone can try. |
| James wanted cake. He wanted ice cream. | James wanted cake, but he also wanted to have an ice cream. |
| Singing takes talent. Singing takes dedication. Everyone can learn how to sing. | While it may be true that learning how to sing takes talent and dedication, everyone can give a try. |
Why Use Transition Words
Using transition words and phrases will allow the reader to read your essay or paper with a thorough understanding of each point and idea within the piece.
Without transition words, readers will find it difficult to read your piece. It will also be stressful for readers to understand the idea you are trying to convey without transition words and phrases.
Transitional phrases are important when writing both an essay or thesis statement because it does connect each paragraph to the ideas conveyed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the best transition words for paragraphs.
What is a cause and effect transition?
Because and therefore are cause and effect transition words. They describe the cause and effect relationship between two ideas. For example, James quit his job because he was tired of not getting promoted.
What are transition words and examples?
Transition words are words or phrases that create connections between clauses and ideas to enable the reader to understand and follow an argument. It improves the writing flow and can show the relationship between two ideas in a sentence.
An example is because, which is a cause and effect transition that notifies the reason for something else that was initially stated. Although is a contradictory transition word, while ‘similarly’ is a reinforcement transition word.
Conclusion
Transition words are words or phrases that create connections between clauses and ideas to enable the reader to understand and follow an argument. It improves the writing flow and can show the relationship between two ideas in a sentence. Transition words are commonly used by writers at the beginning of a new sentence or clause, and then with a comma.
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References
- UWaterloo.ca: Transition words
- Study.com: Transition Words: Definition, Cause & Effect
- HelpfulProfessor: 54 Best Transition Words For Paragraphs
- YourDictionary.com: Transition Words: Examples In Sentences, Paragraphs & Essays
- Writing.wisc.edu: Transitional Words and Phrases
