Transitions

A transition is a word or a phrase that links one thought to the other. This link can be made within a paragraph or between paragraphs. Transitions are used to highlight how sentences or paragraphs share a relation with one another as well as to the paper’s general idea. 

Transition words show how other words and phrases relate to one another. Although transition words are typically taught to be used at the beginning of sentences, this isn’t the only time they’re utilized. 

A transition word is usually the most important part of a phrase. This is the critical point at which the sentence’s main message is conveyed. A transition word does not appear in every phrase, but when it does, the transition word is usually crucial to the question or statement that is being asked. 

Transition words organize the writer’s thoughts, show nuance, clarify ambiguity, establish connections, and demonstrate parallels. Transition words are separated into eight groups because they perform so many varied functions. 

Let us take a look at them. 

Transition words that introduce, agree, and add on: 

Transition words are frequently used to introduce new concepts and expand on issues that have already been discussed in the text. Coupled with, in addition to, further, furthermore, moreover, likewise, equally important, first, second, etc., are some of the transition words and phrases that you will find in this category. 

Examples: 

• It is always important to do what makes you happy, but being empathetic is also equally important. 
• First, boil the water. Second, add coffee and sugar. 
• The extreme heat, coupled with my tight schedule is the reason why I have decided not to go to the party. 

Transition words that oppose and limit: 

Transition words can also convey opposition or barriers between concepts and sentences. The function of these terms is generally the contrary to the function of the category above. Despite, on the contrary, while, unlike, or, but, notwithstanding, etc., are some of the transition words and phrases that come under this category. 

Examples: 

• The movie managed to fetch decent collections despite all the negative reviews it received. 
• I started reading this book without much expectation, but on the contrary, it was really intriguing and well-written. 
• While Alex prefers to stick to the old ways, his brother Adam tries to reinvent himself everyday. 

Cause and conditional transition words: 

These transition words demonstrate how one action resulted in a specific outcome or how one scenario is dependent on another. This category also includes words and transition phrases that show how an intention, and an action are related. As long as, in case, since, due to, because of, unless, whenever, etc., are some of the transition words and phrases that come under this category. 

Examples: 

• As long as there are corrupted politicians, this nation is never gonna change. 
• I brought some extra cheese in case we run out of it. 
• Due to extreme winter, the schools in the city will be closed for the upcoming week. 

Effect and result transition words: 

These transition words, like those in the previous category, show the outcome of a given action. Here’s the difference between the two: You’d use one of the transition words from the “Cause and conditional” group above when your phrase is focused on the cause of the effect. You would use a word from this “Effect and result” category that fits with the rest of your statement when the emphasis is on the effect itself. Hence, consequently, as a result, therefore, in effect, etc., are some of the transition words and phrases that come under the latter category. 

Examples: 

• I am visiting my grandmother, and hence cannot meet you people this weeking. 
• I stayed all night to watch the series and consequently woke up very late for class. 
• I didn’t add enough yeast in the wine and as a result, it doesn’t taste good. 

Transition words that describe examples and support: 

Some transition words indicate that one concept supports the other by offering proof, highlighting it, or just serving as an example. Particularly, especially, markedly, notably, significantly, in fact, in general, etc., are some of the words that come under this category. 

Examples: 

• The characters in this book are markedly different from that of its predecessors. 
• We had to increase the production this month, particularly of cold drinks. 
• I love pizza, especially the thin-crust pizza. 

Transition words for describing time: 

Another type of transition words concerns time, especially when something occurred or will occur in relation to another event. All of a sudden, momentarily, after, presently, now, occasionally, once, after, etc., are some of the words that come under this category. 

Examples: 

• I was shopping when all of a sudden, a gang of thugs broke in to rob the hypermarket. 
• I love to watch a movie after a long day’s work. 
• Don’t hang up- we will get back to you momentarily.