Transitions

Definition

                Transitions words are certain words, expressions, or other devices that give text or speech greater cohesion by making it more explicit, or signaling, how ideas are meant by the writer or speaker to relate to one another. These are words and phrases that serve as bridges from one idea to the next, one sentence to the next, or one paragraph to the next. They keep the reader from having to find his or her own way and possibly getting lost in the reading.

Transitions Can be Placed:

• At the beginning of a clause and thus create a compound sentence, as in I really thought I would win the family basketball pool; however, I made some poor choices.

• At the beginning of a sentence
  However, it would seem that my son will win all the prizes.
• At the end of the sentence
  Chris could keep all the prizes for himself, of course.

Within the sentence
He told me, however, that he would share his prize with me.

  Transitions Position
1) Transition word + subject + verb
2) Subject + transition word + verb
3) Subject + verb + transition word

Types of Transitions

• Illustration  : specifically, such as.
• Contrast: however, nevertheless, conversely, contrarily.
• Addition: in addition, beside, moreover, further.
• Time : after, then, finally, next, last.
• Space: above, below, beneath.
• Concession: although, even though, of course, at least.
• Similarity or comparison: similarly, likewise.
• Emphasis: above all, indeed, truly, furthermore.
• Details : in particular, specifically, especially, namely.
• Examples : for instance, for example, thus.
• Consequence or result : consequently, hence, therefore, accordingly.
• Summary : in conclusion, consequently, therefore, finally.
• Suggestion  : to the end, therefore, for this purpose.

Transitions in Text

Descriptive: above, under, near by, among, further, below.

Narrative : after, afterward, later, finally, one day, once.

Expository: in addition, furthermore, moreover, therefore, however, although, consequently.

Examples:

1. He is sick. Therefore, he can’t come. 

2. It is raining hard. Furthermore, Ryan’s house is a long way from school.

3. The test was difficult. In addition, the time was also limited.

4. Marry can read Spanish. However, she can’t speak it.