Transitional expressions are words and phrases that point out the exact relationship between one idea and another, one sentence and another. As you write, use a variety of transitional expressions to connect one sentence or paragraph to the next.
Below is a partial list of purposes for transitions (for example, “addition”), followed by examples of transitional words or phrases for each purpose:
Addition:
- also
- and
- and then
- as well
- besides
- beyond that
- first (second, third, last, etc)
- for one thing
- furthermore
- in addition
- next
- moreover
- what is more
Emphasis:
- above all
- especially
- in fact
- in particular
- indeed
- most important
- surely
Example:
- as a case in point
- as an illustration
- one such
- for example
- for instance
- yet another
- in particular
Result:
- and so
- because of this
- as a consequence
- as a result
- consequently
- for this reason
- so
- hence
- therefore
- thus
Summary
- all in all
- finally
- in brief
- in other words
- lastly
- on the whole
- to sum up
The following are examples of sentences that use transitions:
- The instructor assigned two chapters to read by the end of the week; furthermore, he expects a three-paragraph summary for each chapter by week’s end.
- Danielle finds the class very challenging; in particular, she has difficulty understanding the technical writing in the textbook.
- Her classmate fell asleep during class. Eventually, he awoke but had missed half of the instructor’s lecture.
- All in all, succeeding in a class requires persistence. Perhaps students should consider responsibilities or challenges that might impede their success in a given semester.