CompFAQ/Transitions

From Gerald R. Lucas
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📝 English Composition Writing FAQ 11011102📖

Transition words and phrases are words or phrases that help to connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs in writing. They create a logical and smooth flow of ideas, making the writing easier to understand and follow.

Transition words and phrases can be used in various ways, such as:

  • To introduce a new idea: “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “In addition”;
  • To show contrast or exception: “However,” “Nevertheless,” “On the other hand”;
  • To emphasize a point: “Indeed,” “In fact,” “Truly”;
  • To show cause and effect: “As a result,” “Therefore,” “Consequently”;
  • To summarize or conclude: “In summary,” “In conclusion,” “To summarize.”

Be careful: transition words and phrases should not be used excessively or inappropriately. Overusing transition words and phrases can make the writing sound repetitive, contrived, or artificial, and can actually disrupt the flow of the writing instead of enhancing it.

It is important to use transition words and phrases strategically, and only when they are necessary to connect ideas or clarify the relationships between them. Using a variety of transition words and phrases can also help to keep the writing fresh and interesting, rather than relying on the same ones repeatedly.

Using transition words and phrases can also help the writer to show the logical progression of their ideas and arguments, making it easier for the reader to follow the train of thought.

Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 04-1-2023; Version: Beta 0.7 💬