Revised as of
21 Feb 2023
A transitional phrase is commonly used to connect from one paragraph to the next, to create a smooth flow of the storyline. Sometimes, a writer gets so absorbed in their storyline or topic and they leap into another idea or action that leaves the reader wondering what the heck? As a consequence, it will definitely downgrade you in my review!
Of course, that downgrade may be alleviated by your truly excellent writing, although stumbling over errors does tend to sharpen my critical thought process, making me more aware of other issues. Nor am I the only one who notices this sort of thing, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on your flow.
When you do go back and re-read your story (so far), keep in mind that the reader has no idea what’s to come. They have no idea what your future plans are. They may not remember what you’ve already told them! Your reader needs to know how your characters got to where the story is now . . . while keeping your plans for those red herrings in mind.
As for using and or but to begin a sentence, for years we’ve been told that using a coordinating conjunction this way will cause the end of the universe as we know it. In most cases, yes, using a conjunction such as and or but to initiate the next sentence should be avoided as it is usually used to connect two thoughts in one sentence. But, using this small word can grab your reader’s attention, ahem *with a grin*.
And do keep in mind that using any of these transitional elements must be natural.
Do You Need Help With Transitions?
Trust me. Everyone has to work at transitions. If your writer’s group is saying they had trouble following the storyline or the organization of your paper, that is a good indicator you need to take another look. When they use words like choppy, jumpy, abrupt, how is this related?, etc., these are more clues that you need to re-examine your transitions.
An exhaustive list is available courtesy of John Dowell at Michigan State University and Gregory M. Campbell.
Grammar Explanations is . . .
. . . an evolving list of the structural rules and principles that determines where words are placed in phrases or sentences as well as how the language is spoken. Sometimes I run across an example that helps explain better or another “also known as”. Heck, there’s always a better way to explain it, so if it makes quicker and/or better sense, I would appreciate suggestions and comments from anyone on an area of grammar with which you struggle or on which you can contribute more understanding.
If you found this post on “Transitional Phrase” interesting, consider subscribing to KD Did It, if you’d like to track this post for future updates.
Transitional Phrase | |||||||||
Part of Speech: Adverb, Conjunction, Preposition, Pronoun | |||||||||
Definition: Single words or phrases that link ideas and help the reader connect one idea to the next. They can show relationships within a paragraph or sentence and/or between the main idea and link with the support the author provides for those ideas.
Comma Usage: A transitional phrase is followed by a comma, but never preceded by a comma. Unless, it is a coordinate conjunction that is preceded by a comma when used to join two complete sentences. Positioning: A transitional phrase sits at the start of a sentence and acts like a bridge to an idea in the previous sentence. The common transitions are as a result, consequently, however, and therefore. Coordinate conjunctions that join two independent clauses are found in the middle, so to speak.
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Some Examples of Transitional Phrases | |||||||||
Legend:
In summary, 70% of you will fail the course. Consequently, I cannot tolerate sloppy work. Bruce Leonard spent four years in Japan studying Kung Fu. As a result, he is often able to predict moves by Japanese opponents. Mark was separated from his twin sister when they were both one. Of course, it was often said that the girl next door looked a little like him, but no one had any reason to think they might be related. However, Bruce was unaware that the shark was only making its first pass. Just one vote can make a difference. Again, a single vote can determine the future. Vote! The volunteers have many duties. They answer phones and set up appointments. In addition, they organize thank-you bags for clients. Smog can devastate a cityscape; furthermore, studies show it can aggravate asthma and other medical conditions. During midterms and finals, Student Writing Support gets especially busy, and it is not uncommon for students to wait for over an hour to see a consultant. After the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, the movement to protect LGBT civil rights in New York and around the nation became both more visible and more powerful. Interracial couples have long faced racism in American culture. For example, as recently as 1967, interracial marriage was illegal in seventeen states. I am working on becoming healthier; specifically, I now go to the gym daily. I love my dog, but I hate it when he eats the roll of toilet paper. The more my dog misbehaves, the less likely I am to leave him home alone. While I do enjoy cooking as a hobby, I will not prepare all the food for your wedding. Just as athletes go through training drills in order to be agile on the field, so do musicians practice scales so that they can perform with ease. Not only am I taking a full course load, but I also have a job that keeps me busy. Consensus was arrived at by all of the members exclusive of those who could not vote. Credit to: Sentence |
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Use Caution With Some Transitive Words | |||||||||
However | Rule: When using however as a transitional phrase or an adverb, do not use a comma, lest you create a run-on sentence. However, you can use a semicolon before it. | ||||||||
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Hereby, Herewith, Therewith |
Rule: These three words are not in common use and are prone to misuse. They are most common in legal documents and tend to sound archaic in any other context. | ||||||||
Transitional Word(s) | |||||||||
CAUTION: Care must be taken to thoroughly understand the transitional word and how it is used to ensure the easiest understanding, as these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. That’s not to say that a word in one subcategory can’t be found in another.
Transitional words can be divided into general categories that help writers speed up finding the right word to use. |
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Additive | Definition: Adds or introduces information, shows similarity to other ideas, further clarifies ideas, etc.
The additive category can be further divided into: NOTE: Pay attention to when those transitional words must be followed by a comma. |
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Addition | Definition: Tells the reader that the writer is presenting two, three or more ideas in a list of items. It may be an idea that has appeared first to which more ideas are added, or it adds additional ideas to an idea(s) the writer has already mentioned. It could also be a notification or attachment of information. | ||||||||
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Clarification | Definition: To make the connection clear, spell it out. | ||||||||
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Parallelism | Definition: A type of repetition, it is the deliberate repetition of phrases, clauses, or whole sentences (Parallelism).
More information can be found at my post “Parallel Construction“. |
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Repetitive Reiterative |
Definition: To ensure clarity or to aid coherence, an idea is restated or repeated using other, perhaps more familiar, words. Being repetitive with key words or phrases can connect sentences and paragraphs.
While we have been cautioned about repeating words too often, there are times when it helps readers remember — think of it as a motif for your story. A.k.a. elaborative, restatement, repetition |
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Example: | |||||||||
You can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. | |||||||||
Identification | Definition: Identifies the idea. | ||||||||
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Introduction | Definition: Introduces the idea. | ||||||||
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Reference | Definition: Refers to the idea. | ||||||||
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Adversative | Definition: Signals conflict, contradiction, concession, dismissal, emphasis, etc.
Its various subcategories include:
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Alternative | Definition: Two ideas can act as alternatives or substitutes for each other. | ||||||||
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Compare-and-Contrast | Definition: Two ideas that can be compared to show similarities (compare) or differences (contrast). | ||||||||
Comparison | Definition: Connects to similar or comparable ideas.
A.k.a. similarity, comparative |
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Contrast | A.k.a. contrastive | ||||||||
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Concession | Definition: Acknowledges the idea. | ||||||||
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Conflict | Definition: Explores (or exposes) the conflicting or contradictory ideas.
A.k.a. contradiction |
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Dismissal | Definition: Dismiss the idea. | ||||||||
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Emphasis | Definition: Place emphasis on the idea.
A.k.a. intensification |
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Exception | Definition: Indicates a topic that is not being addressed or is excluded. | ||||||||
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Illustration or Exemplification | Definition: Informs the reader that a specific, vivid examples for the purpose of adding more information to explain, persuade, define, or illustrate a general idea. It can provide solid support and strong evidence to prove the writer’s main statement as well as to stimulate the reader’s interest (Exemplification).
A.k.a. example |
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Qualification | Definition: Qualify or add another point to the idea. | ||||||||
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Replacement | Definition: Indicates to the reader that something is being replaced or substituted. | ||||||||
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Causal | Definition: Shows the cause, result, effect, consequence, etc., of another.
The causal category can be further divided into: |
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Cause-and-Effect | Definition: Discusses the reasons why something may have happened and can serve as lesson-delivery or cautionary tale-type phrases. | ||||||||
Cause | Definition: Signals a cause or reason. | ||||||||
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Effect | Definition: Creates the effect or results in response to the cause. | ||||||||
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Condition | Definition: Indicates that state of the topic whether it is its appearance, its quality, or its working order. | ||||||||
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Consequence | Definition: Because of this idea, this idea occurs. | ||||||||
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Purpose | Definition: The purpose of this idea is . . . | ||||||||
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Sequential | Definition: Signals a chronological or logical sequence to a logical argument.
The sequential category can be further divided into:
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Conclusion | Definition: Indicates an ending.
A.k.a. conclusive, concluding |
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Continuation | Definition: Indicates a carrying on of the topic whether it’s over time or in the process. | ||||||||
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Digression | Definition: Indicates to the reader that the text is stepping away from the topic temporarily.
A.k.a. diversion |
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Narration | Definition: Generally organized according to time, beginning with the first step in the story or process and proceeding in time until the last step in the process. It’s natural, then, that transition words indicate that one step has been completed and a new one will begin.
A.k.a. process, narrative |
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Numerical | Definition: Serves as a signal to the reader as to which point is being made. | ||||||||
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Place | Definition: Things referred to by one statement can have a spatial relationship to another thing referred to be another statement. The logic that connects these two statements may be spatial in nature, typically using prepositions.
A.k.a. direction, location, physical, spatial |
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Pronoun | Definition: Serves as a link to clearly refer back to a specific word or phrase, an antecedent; although, you must be careful to ensure that readers will know to what the pronoun refers.
A.k.a. thought |
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Demonstrative Pronoun | Definition: Indicates if something is near or far from the speaker/writer, has already been mentioned, or indicate the singular or plural pronoun. | ||||||||
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Possessive Pronoun | Definition: A pronoun that indicates possession. | ||||||||
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Resumption | Definition: Signals the reader that the text is returning to a previous idea. | ||||||||
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Summary | Definition: At key points in writing, particularly at the beginning of paragraphs or sections, you’ll see a phrase, sometimes accompanied by a pronoun, that summarizes the preceding discussion.
In the same sentence, a statement will be made about that summary phrase — typically this phrase will kick off the upcoming discussion, and do so in a way that the reader sees the connection between what came before and what is coming next. A.k.a. summation |
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Review–Preview | Definition: Summarizes the topic of the preceding chunk of information into a short phrase, then does the same thing for the upcoming chunk of information using the appropriate transitional word.
Typically used between large chunks, e.g., between an 8-page section and a 12-page section that follows it. Think of that research paper you did in school! |
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While Review–Preview is a transitional element, it relies more upon how the text or information is organized and presented, and yes, using the transitional words that have been listed in this post. There are a number of sequencing patterns you may choose to consider:
A.k.a. overview, power-level revision |
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Time | Definition: Shows the reader when an idea relates, follows, precedes, or occurs simultaneously with another idea or matter already mentioned by the writer.
A.k.a. chronological, temporal, time sequence |
C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Grammar Explanations by exploring its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Word Confusions, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
Resources for Transitional Phrase
Some of these links may be affiliate links, and I will earn a small percentage, if you should buy it. It does not affect the price you pay.
“Connecting Ideas Through Transitions.” The Writing Center. University of Wisconsin-Madison. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/style/connectingideas/>.
“Exemplification.” Bucks County Community College. July 2010. Web. n.d. <http://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedialibrary/pdf/Exemplification_000.pdf>. PDF.
McMurrey, David A. Clark College. n.d. Web. n.d.
“Parallelism.” Capital Community College Foundation. n.d. Web. n.d. <ttp://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/parallelism.htm>.
“Sentence Transitions.” Quicktips. Student Writing. Center for Writing. University of Minnesota. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/transitions.pdf>. PDF.
Shrives, Craig. “Using a Comma after a Conjunctive Adverb like “However”.” Grammar Monster. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/commas_after_a_transitional_phrase.htm>.
Pinterest Photo Credits
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