How to Use Paragraph

Transitions
A Guide to Transitional Words and Expressions

When writing a paragraph or essay, just as proper grammar and

spelling are important, paragraph transitions are also important.

Transitional words and phrases connect sentences and paragraphs to

each other. Paragraph transitions suggest a particular relationship
between one idea and the next. Within a paragraph, transitions provide
coherence: a sense that the paragraph contains one main argument or
idea. Between paragraphs, paragraph transitions help with the flow of
writing from beginning to end, as well as the sense of the coherence of
the whole essay. Transitional words and phrases often occur at the
beginning of a sentence and, for more formal writing, transitional
expressions are set off with a comma. Some transition words (for
example, "too" or "as well") more often occur at the end or even in the
middle of a sentence, however.

To help you practice transitional words, here is a transition word list that
shows the relationship the transitional words or phrases indicate. As a
transition word exercise, revise a paragraph adding the appropriate
transition word or phrase.

Relationship English Transition Words and Phrases

also, and, as well, besides, equally important, finally, furthermore, in addition,
Adding information
moreover, then, too
Comparing ideas in like manner, in the same way, likewise, similarly
Conceding a point agreed, certainly, granted, obviously, of course, to be sure
at the same time, but, conversely, even so, even though, however, in
Contrasting ideas contrast, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the one hand, on the other hand, still,
yet
Providing an as an illustration, as can be seen by, for example, for instance, in other words,
example namely, specifically, to illustrate
afterward, before, currently, eventually, finally, first, (second, third, fourth,
Relating time and fifth?), immediately, in the future, in the past, later, less important, meanwhile,
order of ideas most important, next, often, sometimes, soon, subsequently, then, today,
when
Resulting from the
accordingly, as a result, consequently, so, thereby, therefore, thus
previous idea
Showing relative adjacent, at the side, between, here, in the back, in the background, in the
location distance, in the foreground, in the front, nearby, there, to the side
finally, hence, in brief, in conclusion, in short, in summary, that is, that is to
Summarizing ideas
say, to sum up

In summary, use a variety of good transition words within your paragraphs

to create coherent paragraphs. Use good paragraph transition words in
essays to help your ideas flow throughout the essay, as well. In these
ways, transition words serve as a sort of writing glue. Yet, don't use the
same transition repeatedly, unless you are doing so for a specific effect.
Remember, you can always check grammar, spelling, and writing style
with WhiteSmoke's free online grammar checker.