Hawthorn Elementary School South

Effective
Transitions from The University of North Carolina

Effectively
constructing each transition often depends upon your ability
to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the
reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey.
The table below should make it easier for you to find these
words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word,
phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition,
refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look
in the left column of the table for the kind of logical
relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the
right column of the table for examples of words or phrases
that express this logical relationship.

LOGICAL
RELATIONSHIP

TRANSITIONAL
EXPRESSION

Similarity

also, in the same
way, just as ... so too, likewise,
similarly

Exception/Contrast

but, however, in
spite of, on the one hand ... on the other hand,
nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in
contrast, on the contrary, still, yet

Sequence/Order

first, second, third,
... next, then, finally

Time

after, afterward, at
last, before, currently, during, earlier,
immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently,
simultaneously, subsequently, then

Example

for example, for
instance, namely, specifically, to
illustrate

Emphasis

even, indeed, in
fact, of course, truly

Place/Position

above, adjacent,
below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby,
there

Cause and
Effect

accordingly,
consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus

Additional Support or
Evidence

additionally, again,
also, and, as well, besides, equally important,
further, furthermore, in addition, moreover,
then

Conclusion/Summary

finally, in a word,
in brief, in conclusion, in the end, in the final
analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to
summarize, in sum, in summary