MPC English & Study Skills Center

 

Transitions

Transitions are the words used to make a change from one topic to another--they create a bridge to make it easier for the reader to understand.

Transitions for descriptions tell where something occurs:

at the left, right in front of
in the center behind, in back of
on the side, beside next, next to, close to, nearby
along the street, curb, river, etc. in the distance, beyond
on top, above in the foreground
below, beneath, under within sight, out of sight

Transitions for narratives also tell when something happens:

after finally
before soon
then meanwhile
next at the same time
at last for a minute, hour, week
first, second, etc. during the day, week, hour, etc.
in the morning, evening, etc. at 8 AM, etc.

Transitions for directions help to keep things in order:

after, before once
also finally
as soon as at last
first, second, third, etc. now, then
next when

Transitions for information help to organize material:

also however
moreover as a result
in addition to on the other hand
besides in the same way
therefore for example
meanwhile when

 

General Transitions

Space:

at the left, right over next, next to
in the center straight ahead nearby
on the side at the top, bottom in the distance
along the edge surrounding beyond
on top opposite in the foreground
below at the rear, front, etc. within sight
above in the background  

 

Time:

after formerly ordinarily
before rarely later
during the morning, etc. usually at last
then, now next to begin with
first, second, third, etc. another time afterwards
at first finally meanwhile
now then at the same time
soon for a minute, hour, etc. one time
last duration generally

 

Adding Information:

also but thus
next again in contrast
another on the contrary in conclusion
as a result contrariwise because
consequently in other words since
finally to sum up similarly
in addition to another point yet
in the same way moreover inasmuch as
for example nevertheless although
for instance on the other hand instead
furthermore otherwise for
however then even though
in the second place in fact likewise

 

 
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