Transitioning (or, How to Keep Your Paper from Reading Like a Bunch of Choppy Thoughts Strung Together)

We learn much about how to write an opening sentence, fill in the paragraph with details that will support the opening sentence, and then close the paragraph. We learn little about how to TRANSITION from one paragraph to another. As a result, our paragraphs read as if they should stand alone - floating around like separate bits of information that have nothing to do with one another. To create a flow in a research paper, essay, letter, etc., we need to use transitional words and/or phrases. Here is a helpful list:


(Avoid “but”, “and”, “then”, and “so” if possible)

Also
Another
Moreover
Similarly
Although
However
In spite of
On the contrary
Nevertheless
On the other hand
Still
Yet
As a result
Because of ...
Consequently
Since
Therefore
After
At last
At once
Before
Eventually
Finally
First
Meanwhile
Next
Thereafter
Lastly
Mainly
More importantly
To begin with
Furthermore
Surprisingly
In contrast
Comparatively
Interestingly

“ly” (adverbs) words and prepositions often work to open sentences, transition from one thought to another, and generally move the writing along.

You can also use these transition words to move from one thought to another in the sentence. To HEAR where you need to insert them, READ YOUR WRITING OUT LOUD.

You will be amazed how your writing flows!

"There are few human pursuits more fascinating than the study of words." (unknown)