Using Transitional Words And Phrases

Writers are using transitions to show connections between pieces of information.

1. Read each sentence carefully and choose the most appropriate transition to fill in the blanks in the sentences.

Jenny does very well in her math classes; ______________________, she struggles with writing.
A.
B.
C.

Question 1 of 2

2. Read each sentence carefully and choose the most appropriate transition to fill in the blanks in the sentences.

Marcia witnessed the accident; ________________________she called 911.
A.
B.
C.

Question 2 of 2


 

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Video Transcription

Writers use transitions to show connections between information. These connections help the reader understand the content and the writer’s purpose. Transitions help create cohesive writing by linking sentences together, as well as linking paragraphs together, all to connect to the writer’s thesis. Writers can use transitions in different ways, but two of the most common are using transitional words and transitional phrases and repeating key ideas, creating pattern transitions.

Transitional Words and Phrases
Writers use transitional words and phrases to show connections between information.

Common Transitional Words and Phrases
Additionally For example Otherwise
After Hence Similarly
Also However Therefore
Consequently In the end Thus
First/Second On the other hand Then

A writer can select from several other transitions when trying to achieve a certain effect in his or her essay. This can include using transitions to show exemplification, comparison and contrast, definitions, processes, or cause and effect. The tables below show examples of transitions that work well with each style of writing.

Transitions Showing Exemplification
Another example For example Specifically
As an example For instance Such as
As evidenced by Including To illustrate
Especially In particular To show this

 

Transitions Showing Comparison & Contrast
Also However In the same way
As opposed to In addition Likewise
But In comparison On the other hand
Conversely In contrast Similarly

 

Transitions Showing Definition
Another definition As defined by As supported with
Another meaning As evidenced by As these examples show
As compared with As explained by Is complicated by
As contrasted with As illustrated by To define

 

Transitions Showing Process
Afterward Concurrently Then
Another step Finally First
At this point Next Second
Before Subsequently Third

 

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Transitions Showing Cause and Effect
Accordingly Consequently On account of
As a result Hence Since
Based on In the end Therefore
Because In view of Thus

Pattern Transitions
Another way to connect information is to use pattern transitions. In this technique, writers repeat key ideas to keep paragraphs cohesive and keep the focus on a particular idea. Writers will often refer back to the thesis statement or main idea throughout the essay.

For example, if the topic of the essay is how to apply for admission to college, then the writer will often refer to that by writing such phrases as “Another step in the admission process…” or “Gaining admission to your college of choice is…”

Last Updated on January 11, 2026.