Transitions: signals for your reader
Transitions are signals or cues in writing that show the reader the relationship between one idea and the next. Transitions help the reader see that a certain line of reasoning is being continued, developed, challenged, changed, or summarized. They make writing flow and make it easier for the reader to understand ideas. Use a transition to link paragraphs by putting a transition word or phrase in the first sentence of the new paragraph. Transitions are also used to link sentences within a paragraph.
Cues that lead the reader forward: "here's more on this idea."
| Again | Equally important |
| In addition | First, second, finally |
| Above all | Furthermore |
| Likewise | Similarly |
| In other words | Moreover |
| Next | Besides |
Cues that show the reader contrast: "here's a different idea."
| However | Although this is true |
| On the contrary | Nevertheless |
| Yet | Conversely |
| In contrast | Similarly |
| But | Instead |
Cues that show cause and effect: "here's the result of that."
- Thus
- Therefore
- As a result
- Consequently
- For that reason
Cues that introduce a summary or conclusion:
- In brief
- In conclusion
- To sum up
- Therefore
- In general
- In short
- Finally
