Transition Sentences

Transition sentences are important in your writing! Without transitions, writing can feel choppy or confusing. With them, readers easily follow your logic and see how each idea builds on the last. 

A transition sentence connects one idea, paragraph, or section of your essay to the next. It helps your reader understand how your points fit together and creates a smooth, logical flow instead of a list of disconnected ideas.

Think of them as bridges between paragraphs.

Usually, you’ll find them:

• At the end of a paragraph, to lead into the next idea.

• At the start of a paragraph, to show how it connects to what came before.

You can even use shorter transitions within a paragraph to connect sentences smoothly!

✅ Show relationships clearly: Ask yourself, How does this paragraph connect to the one before it?

✅ Be specific: Use transitions that fit your argument’s logic.

✅ Vary your transitions: Don’t start every paragraph with “however” or “in addition.”

✅ Use your thesis as a guide: Every transition should move your argument forward.

You can use transition sentences to...

1.  Add an idea

   • Transition words you can use: furthermore, in addition, also, moreover

   • In addition, the new policy encourages student leadership in waffle making.

2. Show contrast

   • Transition words you can use: however, on the other hand, although, yet

   • However, this approach may not work for every Pokemon.

3. Show cause and effect

   • Transition words you can use: therefore, as a result, consequently, because of this

   • As a result, the quality of ice cream has increased

4. Show sequence/time

   • Transition words you can use: first, next, then, finally, meanwhile

   • First, the teacher introduces the topic. Then, students practice in groups.

5. Summarize or conclude

   • Transition words you can use: in conclusion, to sum up, overall, in short

   • In conclusion, teamwork plays a vital role in success.