Careful writers use transitions to clarify how the ideas in their sentences and paragraphs are related. These words and phrases help the writing flow smoothly. Adding transitions is not the only way to improve coherence, but they are often useful and give a mature feel to your essays. Table 8.3 “Common Transitional Words and Phrases” groups many common transitions according to their purpose.
Table 8.3 Common Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitions That Show Sequence or Timeafterbeforelaterafterwardbefore longmeanwhileas soon asfinallynextat firstfirst, second, thirdsoonat lastin the first placethenTransitions That Show Positionaboveacrossat the bottomat the topbehindbelowbesidebeyondinsidenearnext tooppositeto the left, to the right, to the sideunderwhereTransitions That Show a Conclusionindeedhencein conclusionin the final analysisthereforethusTransitions That Continue a Line of Thoughtconsequentlyfurthermoreadditionallybecausebesides the factfollowing this idea furtherin additionin the same waymoreoverlooking furtherconsidering…