Transitions Connecting Ideas

What are transitions? Transitions are words or phrases that writers use to connect ideas together. Transitions help your writing flow. There are many types of transitions.

Transitions signal: Time or sequence Time or sequence Additional information Additional information Examples or illustrations Examples or illustrations Comparison Comparison Contrast Contrast Cause and effect Cause and effect Endings and closings Endings and closings

Time and Sequence First, second, third, fourth… First, second, third, fourth… Now Now Next, afterward, after, then Next, afterward, after, then Earlier, before, previously Earlier, before, previously During, while, until During, while, until Finally, last Finally, last Earlier, my mother was at work. Now she is at home. Earlier, my mother was at work. Now she is at home.

Additional Information In addition, additionally In addition, additionally Furthermore Furthermore Moreover Moreover Plus Plus As well As well Also Also Another Another Last summer my family visited New York City. In addition, we drove to New Jersey to visit Aunt Martha. Last summer my family visited New York City. In addition, we drove to New Jersey to visit Aunt Martha.

Examples or Illustrations For example For example For instance For instance To illustrate To illustrate Such as Such as Including Including I like many types of music. For example, I like rock, classical, and the blues. I like many types of music. For example, I like rock, classical, and the blues.

Comparison (how things are alike) Likewise Likewise Similarly Similarly In the same manner In the same manner Just as Just as As well As well My dad likes to paint with watercolors. Likewise, I like to draw pictures. My dad likes to paint with watercolors. Likewise, I like to draw pictures.

Contrast (How things are different) However However Although Although But But Yet Yet Nevertheless Nevertheless Whereas Whereas In contrast In contrast On the contrary On the contrary On the other hand On the other hand Instead Instead My sister wanted to buy a new dress. Instead, she borrowed one from a friend. My sister wanted to buy a new dress. Instead, she borrowed one from a friend.

Cause & Effect (Why & What Happened) Consequently Consequently As a result As a result Thus Thus Therefore Therefore Because Because Accordingly Accordingly Since Since So So I ate a lot of candy after lunch. Therefore, my stomach hurts. I ate a lot of candy after lunch. Therefore, my stomach hurts.

Endings and Closings In conclusion In conclusion All in all All in all In summary In summary As indicated above As indicated above In summary, it is important for children to spend holidays with their families. In summary, it is important for children to spend holidays with their families.