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Using transitional terms and sentences is part and parcel of writing, be it essays, research papers, theses/dissertations, or other types of writing. Today, we present a detailed account of how to use them when compiling essays or academic assignments from scratch.
Transition sentences denote the transitioning between one idea and another and linking them together. Experts define a ‘transition sentence’ as the segues of the When, How, Why, Where, and other connections exhibited in your writing as you shift from one paragraph to the subsequent one.
In essay writing (or for any professional writing), using transition phrases in the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion is paramount! Such words present a sequence of connected information with relevant supporting evidence throughout the paper.
Simply put, you can consider transitions as a bridge that connects two things in paragraphs.
How to Use a Transition Sentence?
With the right placement of transitional words, you can smoothly outline and illustrate the rational relationship between one argument and the next. Some common examples of transition words include ‘As mentioned earlier,’ ‘similarly,’ ‘generally, ‘finally,’ ‘likewise,’ and so on.
Once you learn to use transitions correctly, maintain a proper flow throughout your compositions and make it an engaging read for your target audience.
Below, we will explore the various types of transitions and crucial phrases to use in assignment write-ups.
So, continue reading to learn more!
Transitional sentences play a crucial role in making your work coherent and logically flowing. That makes your writing clear and easy to comprehend for all types of readers.
Let’s Look at Various Types of Transitional Sentences with the following Examples
Additive Transition
Additive transition sentences alert or inform the reader about any new detail you introduce or include in the earlier paragraph or sentence.
Some common additive transition words and phrases are as follows – And, Again, And Then, Besides, Equally Important, Finally, Further, Furthermore, Nor, Too, Next, Lastly, What’s more, Moreover, In Addition, First (Second, Etc.)
Example in Sentence: The clothing design was soothing to the eye. Furthermore, its material was soft but tough and uncomfortable to wear.
Adversative Transition
Adversative transition sentences explain the disagreement or conflict between bits and pieces of information. Simply put, such transitions work by denoting the repercussions and revealing the cause-and-effect link. They further clarify the essay’s structure and sequence of information.
Some common adversative transition words or phrases are: However, Although, Nevertheless, Regardless, Above All, (Or) At Least.
Example in Sentence – We discovered the formula was effective. However, it did show some side effects!
Causal Transition
Causal transition sentences explore a cause-and-effect relationship between two sentences, ideas, or stanzas. In fact, they are built upon one another.
Some common causal transition words or phrases are: For the Purpose Of, Under Those Circumstances, On That Condition, In View Of, In As Much As, and so on.
Example in Sentence – In view of Hitler’s response to the Brit’s ultimatum, both the UK and France launched an all-out attack on the Nazis.
Sequential Transition
Sequential transition sentences help clarify the order of information and the overall paper structure.
Some common sequential transition words or phrases are as follows – First, Second, Third, In Conclusion, Initially, Subsequently, Finally, Lastly, As Previously Mentioned, To Return/Returning to X.
Example in Sentence – Firstly, I wanted to consider the role played by the women section in that era. Subsequently, I want to explain how the nation’s ethnic minorities were influenced by increasing turf wars and conflicts. Finally, I want to consider the relationship between the ideas mentioned above.
If you wish to learn more about using effective transitions, whether in a single word in a new paragraph or in the first sentence, connect with our assignment writing specialists today!
Now that you have a fair idea about transitions, let’s focus on the keys to transitioning between paragraphs.
If you have worked hard to arrange paragraphs where one piece of content logically leads to the next, using an effective transition word will help highlight the connection that already exists. For a new paragraph, a transition word also reveals the gist of the content that will follow in the following stanza.
Typically, transitioning between stanzas can be of one or two words. For instance – however, similarly, moreover, furthermore, etc. It can appear at the beginning of the first paragraph, the start of the second paragraph, or in both stanzas.
For good transitions, you can include a 1-2 line sentence at the stanza’s end or the beginning of the subsequent paragraph with emphasis on how the ideas of each paragraph connect to the other and collectively relate to one topic.
In longer essays or write-ups, you may also be required to use a transitional stanza summarizing the information in the previous paragraph and specifying the context of that information for the discussion in the following stanza. Of course, you must be careful in choosing the transition phrase. Plus, you must limit each stanza to one aspect of the central theme.
Here is a table that indicates effective transitions between stanzas.
To Begin | To Continue | To Surmise |
At the onset, first of all, in the course of, from the beginning, initially, originally, primarily, to begin with, on the other hand, generally, from the inception, firstly, etc. | Accordingly, another, also, besides, in addition, in succession, next, in the second place, in turn, to continue, consistent with this, etc. | As a result, at last, finally, to surmise, to sum up, in conclusion, ultimately, in brief, in other words, it is apparent, it is evident, in summation, therefore, thus, to conclude, to review, to recapitulate, etc. |
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Ideally, the correct approach for transitioning to a new section is to recap the previous stanza’s context at the start of a new stanza and then introduce the new information with its relevance. The fundamentals of transitioning must be applied here, too—Ideas, Wordings, and Placement!
Here are a few tips from the experts.
Whatever term or writing style you adopt to suit your paper’s needs, always aim to highlight the connection between the corresponding stanzas. Doing so will help readers identify the new section as an extension of the main topic.
Refer to the table above for relevant transition terms to use when moving to a new section. You can also contact our experts for customized writing guidance and mentoring.
Good transitions within paragraphs act as cues or hints to prepare readers for what to expect before even reading the stanza. When used within paragraphs, transitioning terms can be a single or short phrase.
Good supporting sentences give the reader direction on how to link each piece together logically and coherently. The target reader doesn’t know everything. Hence, you must provide them with a map that guides them through your work. Such transitions act as their stepping stones and help them grasp the context. Plus, quality transitions also make your writing less abrupt and jumpy and maintain its organizational flow.
Whenever you transition within a stanza, try to do it with an example or sub-ideas. Use these concise connecting sentences as cues to assist the reader in identifying and anticipating what they will read as they move forward. Moreover, they help the reader determine how the shared ideas relate to each other and point toward one major theme.
Refer to the following example below.
Choosing a college to pursue advanced education abroad is always challenging for students. Therefore, most counselors aim to present candidates with vivid resources like assessments and institution brochures. However, it is the counselor’s responsibility to present pupils with more such resources to make them more informed about which institution to enroll in.
Follow the table to learn more connecting phrases within a stanza.
Relation | Terms to Use Within a Paragraph |
Contrast | Contrarily, yet, still, nonetheless, nevertheless, in spite of, however. |
Similarly | In the same way, just so too, likewise, also. |
Sequence | First, second, third, finally, then, next. |
Example | For instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate, such as, this implies. |
Time | Finally, currently, before, earlier, a few hours ago, simultaneously, subsequently, meanwhile, now. |
Position | Above, below, adjacent, beyond, in front, in back, nearby. |
Cause and effect | Consequently, accordingly, hence, therefore, thus, so. |
Additional support | Additionally, again, also, equally important, further. |
Conclusion | Finally, briefly, in the end, to conclude, to surmise, to summarize. |
Whatever assignment you write, it is imperative to use correct connecting terms within a sentence to improve clarity and readability. If you still learning how to use such terms, connect with our experts offering research paper help and research proposal writing services.
They will explain with more examples and tips on using such transitioning terms for the assigned tasks.
Often, it takes a few phrases to draw connections. Rather than using transitions to help connect one specific stanza to another, use connecting phrases that link one particular paragraph to another stanza. For example, picking up phrases from the above stanza and emphasizing them in the following paragraph creates an obvious progression for the reader.
So, when you ask what makes a good transitioning sentence, it connects ideas and transforms disconnected writing into a unified and free-flowing composition. Quality transitioning helps the reader follow how one idea leads to the next and collectively builds toward the bigger picture.
As you sit down to work on your assignment, remember to continue one stanza from the context where the other leaves off.
The 3 crucial rules that make a good transition sentence are:
Refer to the Following Examples.
Reading books to kids is crucial as it develops their language skills, allows them to bond with their parents, and even helps them learn to read.
See how the sentence introduces the primary theme and educates the audience on what will follow in the following paragraphs.
Developing language skills is crucial as it allows kids to learn how to read. Plus, such reading habits present kids with a wealth of real-world knowledge.
The sentence clarifies how developing language skills is crucial to helping kids learn how to read and accumulate knowledge about the world around them.
Transitional Words Important for Writing Essays –
What Else?
The above information gives you a detailed idea of how to use transitions properly throughout your paper. As you have learned, including transitions is crucial to making your work up to standards and understandable for the target audience.
It makes your writing clearer and allows each presented idea to connect and complement another. If you are aiming to improve on this key writing component, then repeated writing practice is the ideal way to succeed.
Of course, you can always ask for help from our competent writing specialists, who have helped students compile thousands of various assignments according to their respective professors’ and quality expectations. Whether it’s custom dissertation writing or crafting academic essays on various topics, our specialists have ample knowledge and experience to help you compile and deliver quality work on time.
Our chosen specialist will work closely with you and help you smoothly shift from one idea to the next. Don’t overthink and delay things any further.
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