Transitions Words and Phrases

Transitions are words or phrases that clearly show the relationships between ideas. They can help you to make your writing vivid and specific. Use transitions to clarify the following relationships:

1. Cause-and-Effect
Transitions that indicate cause-and-effect relationships include such words as because, so, therefore, and consequently.

unclear:	She enjoys outdoor sports, and she went skating last weekend.
clear:	She enjoys outdoor sports, so she went skating last weekend.

2. Chronological Order
Transitions that indicate chronological order include such words as before, after, then, next, and finally.

unclear:	Sand the wood until it is smooth and paint it.
clear:	Before you paint the wood, sand it until it is smooth.

3. Spatial Order
Transitions that indicate spatial order include such words and phrases as near, under, on top of, beside, in front of, and to the left.

unclear:	There was a mountain, a river, and an old cabin.
clear:	A river flowed in front of an old cabin on the top of a mountain.

4. Comparison and Contrast
Transitions that indicate how items are similar or different include such words and phrases as the same as, similar to, different than, on the other hand, and but.

unclear:	This report is difficult to read. That report is simple.
clear:	This report is difficult to read. On the other hand, that report is simple.