Transition Words and Phrases Sixth Grade ELA

Coherence in writing occurs through sentence-to-sentence connections, when transitions are used to link ideas. Texts that are coherent progress logically and hold the reader's attention throughout the piece. Coherent writing is better writing!

Transitions and flow Transition words and phrases are used by writers to move from one subject to the next. They provide coherence to a story or text. They signal the reader about what is coming next in the writing.

They can help writers bridge the gap between ideas so that writing sounds smooth, not choppy. They organize our writing and make it easier to read. Transitions give our writing flow.

For example: Take these two sentences: Mr. Duncan likes to eat sushi. (Also a transition, btw…) Take these two sentences: Mr. Duncan likes to eat sushi. He does not want sushi today. Using transition words, you can put these two together to make one smooth sentence instead of two choppy ones.

Mr. Duncan likes to eat sushi. He does not want sushi today. Mr. Duncan likes to eat sushi; however, he does not want sushi today. This sentence sounds better and is much easier to read!

Some transitions have specific jobs in a sentence Some transitions have specific jobs in a sentence. They may help show sequencing or time, show location, continue an idea, clarify or add information, compare and contrast two or more things, or sum up information to lead to a conclusion.

in the background in the middle to the left/right in front of Location transitions show where things are. You may recognize some of these as prepositions and prepositional phrases. above below under here there where from near down in the background in the middle to the left/right in front of in the distance opposite to 

finally in the meantime before before long Time transitions show order or when something happens. Some examples: first meanwhile finally in the meantime before before long after that at last afterwards as soon as at first later then next

Time and location transitions After so much time waiting in the long line, the boys finally got their hamburgers. The Van Gogh art exhibit was shown earlier this month in Dallas. Wait until tonight, then you will be able to see the full moon over the city hall. The show is not over until the actors take their final bows. While Missy was driving to work, she saw a deer by the roadside. She stopped to watch the deer for a short time, then continued on her way to work.

Insert transitions to combine these sentences: Sarah saw the new student. She recognized her. They had gone to the same summer camp. Sarah gave her new classmate a hug. Sarah introduced the new student to her fellow classmates.

Thought Transitions may reinforce ideas, assert truth, show cause, and repeat or clarify information for the reader. also furthermore because for example suddenly without warning mainly even though in other words certainly in fact of course to put it another way which, if I must say so myself

Transitions that clarify, repeat, show cause, assert truth, or reinforce ideas: Naturally Simone is going to love the idea of selling cupcakes at school. In fact, she wants to be a baker when she grows up. Midnight was not able to move around well because his hind legs are in casts from when he suddenly fell off the bookshelf. Not all birds eat berries. For example, hawks eat mice and other small mammals. Sally has lost one of the oars on her boat. To put it another way, she is up the creek without a paddle!

Conversely On the other hand Otherwise (means the same as “or”) Compare/Contrast transitions tell a reader that the writer is comparing ideas or shifting from one idea to another. Instead of the word BUT to connect ideas, try using one of these examples: However Rather Yet Nevertheless Conversely On the other hand Otherwise (means the same as “or”)

Compare and contrast transitions Although Marcos was extremely tired after school, he ran two miles. Willow prefers to read the book rather than seeing the movie. I am not able to go the beach with you; nevertheless, thank you so much for asking me. The cat acts as if he is the boss of the house. Like her grandmother, Sally loves the Texas Longhorns.

Insert transitions to combine these sentences: Ms. Cox likes to ride rollercoasters. Mr. Duncan prefers spinning rides. He is afraid of heights. Mr. Duncan rides the Titan. He screams like a little girl.

additionally in addition furthermore also as well as besides Some transitions can help when adding information. Instead of using AND, try using one of these: additionally in addition furthermore also as well as besides likewise similarly accordingly another reason

Transitions that add information: Jackson baked a cake to celebrate his mom's graduation from college. In addition, he helped his sister decorate for the party. I admire Martin Luther King because he stood up for civil rights. Besides that, he was an amazing public speaker. Furthermore, he was a dedicated family man. We will be here for one more week so we can attend the party. Another reason we are staying longer is because we don't want to miss Edgefest. Crystal likes camping in the mountains. Also, she is an experienced camper.

as a result for this reason to sum up in conclusion Transitions may sum up information to show a concluding idea. Instead of using SO to conclude information, try using: finally therefore thus for example consequently hence  as a result for this reason to sum up in conclusion

Transitions that sum up or conclude information: The smoke machine malfunctioned, and curtains wouldn't open properly, and the lead actor was sick. In conclusion, the play was a total disaster. The committee discussed many problems at the meeting. Finally, we were able to prioritize the issues that most needed to be solved. To conclude, I want to wish you all a very happy holiday!

Chris plays soccer in a select league. He plays forward for his team. Insert transitions to combine these sentences: Chris plays soccer in a select league. He plays forward for his team. He has a dream of going pro one day. Chris practices four days a week. He is on the debate team at school. His afternoons are very busy.

Transitions words and phrases Use this word bank to combine sentences and connect ideas. finally therefore thus above below under here also furthermore because thus for example suddenly in fact without warning hence as a result besides of course even though certainly mainly for this reason in addition similarly naturally likewise in conclusion additionally as well accordingly where first, second… near consequently from meanwhile in other words at last in the middle before before long After that afterwards as soon as at first another reason Later at last next conversely to put it another way However nevertheless then which, if I must say so myself rather than yet to sum up in the background to the left/right in the meantime in front of on the other hand in conclusion otherwise (means the same as “or”) opposite to opposite from nonetheless logically for this reason moreover although primarily in so far as