TRANSITIONS

Transitions are linking words of phrases that a writer uses to lead the order
from one idea to another. If you get in the habit of recognizing transitions, you
will see that they often guide you through a paragraph, enabling you to read it
more easily.
In the following paragraph, notice how the underlined transitions lead you
from one important detail to the next.

The principle of rhythm and line also contributes to the overall unity of the
landscape design. This principle is responsible for the sense of continuity
between different areas of the landscape. One way in which this continuity can
be developed is by extending planting beds from one area to another. For
example, shrub beds developed around the entrance to the house can be
continued around the sides and into the backyard. Such an arrangement helps to
tie the front and rear areas of the property together. Another means by which
rhythm is given to a design is to repeat shapes, angles, or lines between various
areas and elements of the design.

Not all paragraphs contain such obvious transitions, and not all transitions
serve as such clear markers of major details. Transitions may be used to alert
you to what will come next in the paragraph. If you see the phrase for instance at
the beginning of a sentence, then you know that an example will follow. When
you see the phrase On the other hand, you can predect that a different, opposing
idea will follow. Table 1 lists some of the.

COMMON TRANSITIONS

Type of Transitions Example What They Tell the

Time-Sequence First, later, next, finally
Example For example, for
instance, to illustrate,
such as
Enumeration First, second, third, last,
another, next
Continuation Also, in addition, and,
further, another
Contrast On the other hand, in
contrast, however
comparison Like, likewise, similarly
Reader
The author is arranging
ideas in the order in
which they happened
An example will follow.
The author is marking or
identifying each major
point (sometimes these
may be used to suggest
order of importance)
The outhor is continuing
with the same idea and
is going to provide
additional information
The outhor is switching
to a different, opposite,
or contrasting ideac
than previously
discussed
The writer will show how
 the previous idea is
similar to what follows.
Cause-effect Because, thus, therefore, The writer will show a
since, consequently connection between two
or more things, how one
thing caused another, or
how something
happened as a result of
something else.

Most common transitions used within a paragraph and indicates what they
tell you.