Adding Flow to Our Writing:

Transitional Words and

Phrases
Workshop: 4-11-12
Consider your body
paragraphs. Do you use any
of these phrases?
First My first, second,
Second third/last reason
Third
One reason is
Lastly
To begin with,
To conclude,
Lets PUMP UP our Writing!
These common transitional phrases do
not add strength to our writing; they
make our writing sound like we are
listing off our ideas rather than
explaining them.
Good writers consider how the reader
will progress through our writing by
considering sturdy transitional words
and phrases.
Purpose of Transitional
Terms
Transitional words and phrases are
included in the work of successful
writers to help bridge and connect:
Paragraphs
Supporting Ideas
Transitional words help your reader
to follow your writing ideas
Where Can I Place Transitional Words
and Phrases in My Writing?

Transitional words and phrases may

be placed:
At the beginning of paragraphs to help
transition from paragraph to paragraph
Inside paragraphs to help transition
from one supporting detail to another
Inside paragraphs to help elaborate
upon supporting details
Watch Out for Transition
Overload!
Be specific in the placement and
application of your transitional
words and phrases. Not every idea
or sentence needs to begin with
one of these terms.
Not All Transitional Phrases
Are Equal
Transitional phrases and words are
not one size fits all
Different transitional phrases and
terms belong in specific areas of
writing and serve distinct jobs
Transitional Phrases
to Indicate More
Information:
In addition
Additionally
In fact
Moreover
Also
Together with
Equally important
Similarly
Transitional Phrases to
Indicate an Example
For example,
For instance,
Specifically,
To demonstrate,
To illustrate,
Notably,
Transitional Phrases to a
Cause/Effect Relationship
Due to ______,
For
For the reason that ______,
Since ______, then ____
Consequently
Ifthen
As a result
Transitional Phrases to
Compare or Contrast
Although
However
In comparison
Likewise
On the other hand
Transitional Phrases to Add
Emphasis
Above all,
Even more,
More importantly,
Transitional Phrases to
Conclude
Therefore
Furthermore
Altogether
Overall
Finally