Transitions

Transitions lead the reader from one thought to another within a paragraph or between paragraphs. Transitions allow for the smooth flow from one sentence to another and from one paragraph to the next.

Linking words connect what has come before with what is to follow.

Words and Phrases Used for support:
For example
For instance
For one thing
As an example
To illustrate
In particular
Specifically
In addition

Words and Phrases Used to introduce main ideas
All*
Always*
As a rule
Every*
Frequently
In general
In most cases
Never*
Often
On the whole
Seldom
Sometimes
Usually

*Be very careful if you use one of these. There are very few absolutes in this world.

Words and Phrases Used for Transitions of Time
After
After that
Afterward
Before
By that time
Finally
First, second, third
From then on
Later
Meanwhile
Next
Prior to
Simultaneously
Soon after
Subsequently
While

Words and Phrases Used for Transitions
for Cause and Effect

The cause-effect pattern of writing is common in American colleges because it is a method to explain the reasons for particular events, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.

Additionally
After all
As
As a result
As result
Because
Consequently
In addition
In fact
In the same way
Indeed
Instead
Naturally
Since
Still another
Therefore
Thus

printable version

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