Transitioning with Transitions

As you write your paper, you may start to simply throw your ideas down so that you hit all of the points you need to. Many times, this happens but then you realize that your paper does not move from one point to the next easily.
You want your ideas to flow throughout your paper; otherwise, your paper will show that it has been thrown together mumbo jumbo. Sometimes your sentences will seem a little choppy and the movement of your paper is hard to digest. Transition phrases and sentences will help you with this problem. In this post, I will explain what transitions are and provide you with some sources that can help you make transitions within your writing.

What are transitions?

Basically, transitions are words that connect one idea to the next. You can add these words or phrases to the beginning of a paragraph to help lead in to the next idea.

Writing-Savvy’s Advice

The author of the website Writing-Savvy.org provides some very simple advice relating to transitions:

Here are some sample transition words that can help construct this sentence: 

Comparison: Comparing two ideas that are similar.Likewise, similarly, in the same way, etc.

Contrasting: Showing how two ideas are different.Nevertheless, on the contrary, regardless, while yet, however, in contrast, by contrast, but, although, etc. 

Additional: Adding to what you have already said.Moreover, additionally, in addition, furthermore, and, also, etc. 

Example: Illustrating a point.For example, for instance, specifically, as an illustration, etc.

The list that Writing-Savvy provides is not complete, so you do not have to stick to these words strictly. However, they provide a good starting point. Once you grasp the idea behind transitions, they will come easy to you and your words will flow with ease.

This idea of transitions applies to paragraphs as well. When you move on to the next idea, you can use transition words and phrases to help your writing move along.

Transitions Youtube Video
The University of North Dakota's Educational Foundations and Research department has put together a number of videos that relate several writing tips. To help you with transitions, check out their video "Writing Tip #4: Transitions and Signposting" I have posted below. It talks about transitions and how they can improve your writing.
**Side note: This video also includes information about signposting; this is related to transitions in that you can use this type of strategy in creating your transitions. It is good information if you are interested. When you use signposting, you are basically telling your audience what to expect out of the paper or paragraph; for example, you might use phrases such as "This essay argues that..." or "First...Then...Finally...."

Closing remarks
I hope that you have learned something about transitions and will be able to put it into practice. The more you use transition phrase, the smoother your paper will flow and you will not lose your reader (or your professor).