Transitions

Transitional words are used in order to achieve unity and coherence in a paper. They make a paper flow by helping to avoid choppiness and by signaling what is coming next.  Below are several transitional patterns a writer can use to signal different relationships between sentences and paragraphs. Some are series, time, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and conclusion. 

When transitions are needed to signal a series, the writer uses words such as

        and, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover
        first, second, third, equally important

Some transitions used to signal an example:

        for example, for instance, as an illustration

Some transitions used to signal time order:

        then, next, after, in the beginning, while, during, meanwhile, immediately, soon, yesterday, concurrently, subsequently

Some transitions used to signal a comparison:

        like, similar to, similarly, just as, likewise

Some transitions used to signal a contrast:

        but, yet, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, conversely

Some transitions used to introduce reasons:

        in the first place, moreover, for instance, just as important

Some transitions used to indicate cause and effect:

        therefore, as a result, consequently, so, because, thus

Transitional words that signal a conclusion:

        in conclusion, in summary, finally, therefore, in short, in the last analysis, consequently


Unity and coherence can also be achieved by several other ways:
 

• Repeating a key word or words from your thesis statement the topic sentence of each paragraph (or, within body paragraphs, repeating a key word from the previous sentence).

• Using a synonym for a key word.

• Using one sentence which concludes one thought and introduces a new thought.
   

Transitions are essential to the coherence and readability of a good paper.  Make sure to appropriately use transitional words and phrases in your writing.