C1: Transitional Words and Phrases for College Writing
In previous English classes, you may have learned the basic transitional words or phrases in Table C1.1. These can be effective when writing simple information in a structure where you simply add one idea after another, or want to show the order of events.
| first
second third last moreover |
firstly
secondly thirdly last but not least, furthermore |
first of all
next then finally besides |
However, more complex college-level and technical writing requires more sophisticated transitions. It requires you to connect ideas in ways that show the logic of why one idea comes after another in a complex argument or analysis. For example, you might be comparing/contrasting ideas, or showing a cause and effect relationship, providing detailed examples to illustrate an idea, or presenting a conclusion to an argument. When expressing these complex ideas, the simple transitions you’ve learned earlier will not always be effective – indeed, they may even confuse the reader.
Consider the transitions in Table C1.2, and how they are categorized. While this is not an exhaustive list, it will give you a sense of the many transitional words and phrases that you can choose from and demonstrate the need to choose the one that most effectively conveys your meaning.
| Addition | Comparison | Contrast | Cause and Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| also
and in addition in fact indeed so too as well as furthermore moreover |
along the same lines
in the same way similarly likewise like |
although
but in contrast conversely despite even though however nevertheless whereas yet while on the other hand |
accordingly
as a result consequently hence it follows, then since so then therefore thus |
| Conclusion | Example | Concession | Elaboration |
| as a result
consequently hence in conclusion in short in sum it follows, then so therefore thus |
as an illustration
consider for example for instance specifically a case in point |
admittedly
granted of course naturally to be sure conceding that although it is true that… |
by extension
in short that is to say in other words to put it another way to put it bluntly to put it succinctly ultimately |
Transitional words and phrases show the connection between ideas and how one idea relates to and builds upon another. They help create coherence. When transitions are missing or inappropriate, the reader has a hard time following the logic and development of ideas. The most effective transitions are sometimes invisible; they rely on the vocabulary and logic of your sentence to allow the reader to “connect the dots” and see the logical flow of your discussion.
For a discussion on the use of transitions in technical writing, see Marcia Riefer Johnston’s Word Wise: Our Transitions, Ourselves
- Repeat a word or phrase from the previous sentence (or use a synonym, related word, or antonym) to show that the same idea is still being discussed, but is being developed further.
- Use the pronoun “this + noun” to show continued discussion of the idea.
- Use one of the above transitional words or phrases to show HOW you are developing your idea (are you showing contrast? Are you using an example to develop your idea? Are you showing a cause and effect relationship? Are you concluding? Are you conceding a point?).
EXERCISE C1.1 Transitions: Place the transitional words below the paragraph into the blanks where they work most logically in the paragraphs.
Exercise 1
A vegan can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal products, such as eggs or cheese; ________, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds. __________ this diet consists of non-meat food sources, a vegan typically consumes less fat and cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat. __________, raising animals for food uses valuable land, water, and energy. __________, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the valuable resources that our future depends on.
- Consequently
- Because
- Furthermore
- Instead
- For example
Exercise 2
__________ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter series, some Christian parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries. Some churches have even gone as far as burning the books, citing biblical injunctions against witchcraft, __________ those in Exodus and Leviticus. __________, some Christians believe the books are compatible with Christianity, __________, that they embody basic Christian beliefs.
- However
- Although
- In addition
- Such as
- Indeed
References
Johnston, M.R. (n.d.). Word wise: Our transitions, ourselves. TechWhirl. https://techwhirl.com/word-wise-transitions/
