Different Usages of Transition Words

What is a Transition Word? A transition word is a word or a group of words that bring together two different ideas in a sentence or paragraph. E.g. furthermore, as a result, nonetheless, besides that, of course, on the contrary, at this level, in this situation Transition words help by adding coherence to the sentence or paragraph by contrasting, continuing an idea, or summing up a conclusion.

Contrasting Words Many transition words use a contrast to smoothly flow from one idea to the next. (e.g. but, on the other hand, yet, however, on the contrary) Lisa teaches high school English. Martin, on the other hand, teaches English to middle school students. These two ideas are connected by the phrase “on the other hand.” Without that phrase, it would be difficult to comprehend whether or not Lisa and Martin were being contrasted to one another.

Words That Show Addition Other transition words are used to show addition. (e.g. also, in addition to, additionally, furthermore, besides that) Mrs. Abbas bought cookies, ice cream, and chips. Mrs. Abbas bought cola. In addition to cola, Mrs. Abbas bought cookies, ice cream, and chips. By inserting “in addition to” at the beginning of the sentence, we are able to determine that Mrs. Abbas bought those three items in addition to cola. It would be confusing if it read like this:

Words that Show Illustration Some transition words are used to illustrate the connection between two different ideas. (e.g. thus, for example, for instance, in this case) Many Americans are living in poverty. For example, many in the Appalachian Mountains are on welfare. If the sentences read: “Many Americans are living in poverty. Many people in the Appalachian Mountains are on welfare,” it would look confusing and like two unconnected ideas. Adding “for example” makes a big difference.

Words that Show Cause and Effect And other words are used to show cause and effect (e.g. because, as a result, for this reason) Jon broke his leg. As a result, he was unable to come into work today. Without “as a result,” the sentence would read like this: Jon broke his leg. Jon was unable to come into work today.

Exercise: Add the Transition Words Use what you have learned to insert the transition words. There will be several “right” answers for each sentence. Dale was bitten by a dog. He had to get rabies shots. Dale was bitten by a dog. He had to get rabies shots. We cannot find the keys to the car. We have a spare set. We cannot find the keys to the car. We have a spare set. Joe and Sam were at the restaurant. They could not answer the phone when I called. Joe and Sam were at the restaurant. They could not answer the phone when I called. Ken is very open about people of other cultures. Justin is very racist. Ken is very open about people of other cultures. Justin is very racist.