Minutes a day n e w y o r k

Transitions
Transitions are the words and phrases used to move from one idea to the next. They help your words flow smoothly
and show readers how your ideas relate to each other. In shorter essays, a phrase is usually enough to transition
from one paragraph to the next. In longer essays, a sentence or two may be required to guide your reader to the
next idea.
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R E V I S I N G   PA R A G R A P H S
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1 1 7
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ORGANIZING PRINCIPLE
TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES
order of importance
more importantly
above all
moreover
in addition
first and foremost
furthermore
first, second, third, etc.
chronological
then
next
later
before
after
during
while
as
when
afterward
since
until
first, second, third, etc.
spatial
beside
next to
along
around
above
below
beyond
behind
in front of
under
near
cause and effect
therefore
because
as a result
so
since
thus
consequently
accordingly
hence
comparison
likewise
similarly
like
in the same way
just as
contrast
on the other hand
however
on the contrary
unlike
but
yet
rather
instead
whereas
although
In the lying with silence essay, notice how the writer uses transitions to move from one paragraph to another.
The first sentence of the sixth paragraph, “I’m guilty of silent deceptions, too” connects the previous example (the
man who bought a stolen necklace for his girlfriend) to the next example, the writer’s own silent lie. Then, the
beginning of the second sentence uses the transitional phrase for example to lead readers into the support for that
paragraph. In addition, the phrase a few weeks later provides a transition in the middle of the paragraph, connecting
the writer’s decision to keep silent with her friend’s discovery of the deception.
To demonstrate how important transitions are, here’s the fourth paragraph of the essay with transitions
removed and then repeated with transitions intact (and underlined):
These silent lies can have consequences. A man who buys a stolen necklace for his girlfriend could lose her trust, which
could be detrimental to the relationship. He could also face criminal charges. Even she could be in trouble for posses-
sion of a stolen necklace.
These silent lies can have consequences. For example, a man who buys a stolen necklace for his girlfriend could lose
her trust, which could be detrimental to the relationship. More importantly, he could also face criminal charges. In
addition, even she could be in trouble for possession of a stolen necklace.