Getting from Point a to Point B: Creating Good Transitions

Alternative (however as a conjunctive adverb)

North Dakota produces both coal and oil; however, coal and oil impact North Dakota communities differently.

Transitions – To Prove

• Use these words to indicate support for your argument:
• Because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is…
• Example: Monica loves food. She is a chef.
• Monica loves food. In fact, she is a chef.

Transitions – To Prove

• Example: Senator Hoeven is concerned with environmental regulations that affect the coal industry. He recently toured

ND coal plants with federal EPA officials.

• Senator Hoeven is concerned with environmental regulations that affect the coal industry. In fact, he recently toured

ND coal plants with federal EPA officials.

Transitions – To Show Exception

• These words help you move to an idea that counters an earlier idea
• Yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes…
• Example: Phoebe acts unintelligently. She has some of the smartest observations.
• Phoebe acts unintelligently. Yet, she has some of the smartest observations.

Transitions – To Show Exception

• Example: America desires to be energy independent. A number of American environmental groups seek to halt coal production.
• America desires to be energy independent. Yet, a number of American environmental groups seek to halt coal production.

Transitions – To Show Time

• When telling events in a chronological sequence, these words help make the order clear:
• Immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then…
• Example: Ross and Rachel get married. They get a divorce. They have a baby.
• First, Ross and Rachel get married. Soon after, they get a divorce. Then, they have a baby.