Transitions

Key Idea

Transitions are words or phrases that make things clearer and link ideas and concepts in sentences and paragraphs. Sometimes transitions are seamless and invisible, while others are bulky and easy to trip over.

Writing

Transitions

Key Idea

The best transitions are the ones that are seamless and nearly invisible. They effortlessly show relationships between ideas and concepts. Transitions are usually single words or phrases indicating a connection or relationship. Some common examples are:

• First

• Furthermore

• As important as

• Along with

• In the event of

Writing

Transitions

How to Write a Transition Sentence

Transitions are the key to making the connections between parts of writing flow and connect together. There are different types of transitions and different circumstances where they are used. Typically, there are three key types of transitions and transitional structures.

• A transition between paragraphs - generally a phrase starting a sentence

• A transition within a paragraph - generally a single word followed by a comma

• A transition to a new part of the writing - often this includes a small paragraph but is at minimum a sentence.

The first step to writing an effective transition is to determine what is being transitioned. The transitional situation will determine what word or phrases will be appropriate.

Writing