Transitions

English 217

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Transitions/Connections

To write effectively and clearly means to write with organization where sentences and paragraphs flow naturally. Transitions or connectors are words or phrases that tie words together in sentences, sentences together in paragraphs, and paragraphs together in essays. Transitions/connectors help the reader follow your writing easily and understand the point you are trying to make. The type of transition/connector you use in your writing will depend on the reason why you are using it or your purpose. The following transitions/connectors are grouped by purpose and will help to make your writing more coherent.

ADDITION

furthermore
in addition
moreover
also
besides
too
additionally

TIME

then
first, second,
next
later
finally
meanwhile
soon
afterward
earlier
now
presently
previously
when
whenever
while
as
before
since
after
as long as
until
once
as soon as

PURPOSE

so that
in order that

CAUSE

because
since
so that
in order that
if

RESULT/EFFECT

consequently
as a result
thus
therefore
then
accordingly

CONDITION

if
provided that
unless
as if
as though

SIMILARITY

in comparison
likewise
too/also
similarly
as
as . . . as
not only . . . but also

CONTRAST

on the other hand
on one hand
on the contrary
instead nevertheless
however
admittedly
to be sure
even so
in contrast
still
otherwise
than
although
whereas
though
even though
while
where
unlike
notwithstanding

EMPHASIS

indeed
in fact
certainly
to be sure
actually
admittedly
obviously
unfortunately

ILLUSTRATION

for example
for instance
to illustrate
specifically
that is

SUMMATION

finally
in summary
in conclusion
therefore
to summarize
briefly
altogether

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