Transitions act as bridges between your paragraphs. Since each paragraph offers a distinct thought, you need to connect these two distinct thoughts in some logical way for the reader. Transitions supply the logic of how two paragraphs connect, how one idea leads to the next, and how the two are related. Don't make the reader guess how one paragraph relates to the other.
Examples:
"Not only is vegetarianism unhealthy for the human body, vegetarianism also creates an excess of pesticides in the environment."
In addition to problems of obesity, America's youth also suffers from increasing amounts of psychological stress.
Besides violating the right to privacy, the microchip makes children susceptible to information-hacking.
Transitions like these are particularly useful at the ends of paragraphs when signaling a change in topic. Using transitions effectively helps create a more coherent flow and structure and allows the reader to more easily follow your writing.
After Before If Since Whenever
Although By the Time If only Though While
As Even though In case Until Whether
As Far as Except (that) When Because
Accordingly | Furthermore |
Instead | Otherwise |
Also |
Hence | Likewise |
Still |
Besides |
Henceforth |
Meanwhile |
Then |
Consequently |
However |
Moreover |
Therefore |
First, second,... |
Indeed |
Nevertheless |
Thus |
Remember, you should use a comma after conjunctive adverbs.
Example: Likewise, she felt that he needed to become more studious.
Also, when you have conjunctive adverb that joins two sentences, you need a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
Example: We were not really impressed with the hospital; however, it did have a wonderful exercise room.
Same Time |
Earlier Time |
Now |
Later Time |
At the same time |
Before that |
At this time |
Then |
Concurrently |
Earlier |
At present |
Afterward |
Simultaneously |
First |
Now |
In the future |
Formerly |
These days |
Later |
|
Previously |
Currently |
Next |
|
Soon |
|||
Subsequently |
Adding |
Contrasting |
Concluding |
Additionally |
At any rate |
Accordingly |
Also |
Even so |
As a/in consequence |
Besides |
However |
Consequently |
Further |
In contrast |
In conclusion |
Furthermore |
In spite of that/Despite |
For this reason |
In addition |
Instead |
Hence |
In the same way |
Nevertheless |
Therefore |
Likewise |
On the contrary |
Thus |
Moreover |
On the other hand |
To conclude |
Similarly |
Otherwise |
As a result |
Comparing |
` Adding additional detail |
Summarizing |
By comparison |
As an illustration |
Briefly |
Equally |
For example |
In brief |
In the same way |
For instance |
To summarize |
Likewise |
Indeed |
|
Similarly |
In fact |
|
In other words |
||
Specfically |
Indicating sequence |
Expressing Opinion |
First, second, third, ... |
Actually |
Next |
Apparently |
Finally |
Certainly |
Last(ly) |
(Un)fortunately |
Then |
Of course |
Above all |
Clearly |
In conclusion |
Undoubtedly |
Click on the links below for more information on the writing process:
How to Use Quotations and Paraphrasing