TRASITIONS

Transition signals are words and phrases that connect the idea in one
sentence with the idea in another sentence. They are expressions like
first /second, moreover, however, and in brief. They make the movement
between sentences in a paragraph smooth, so the reader does not have
problems understanding the writer’s ideas.
Common transitions in English

Commonly used transitions: Examples

Purpose
Addition Again, also, another, as well as,
besides, and, first, second-etc,
furthermore, in addition to, in fact,
last,
moreover, next, otherwise, similarly, then,
therefore, thus, too.

Concession Although, even though, in spite of,

of course, still, though.
Consequence and result Accordingly, as a result, because,
consequently, due to, for this
reason, hence, in other words,
since, so, so that, then, therefore,
thus.
Contrast At the same time, but, contrarily,
however, in contrast, in spite of,
nevertheless, on one hand- on the
other hand, on the contrary, or,
rather, yet.
Details/ illustration/ example Especially, including, in particular,
namely, specifically, to explain, to
list, for example, for instance, in
other words, such as, thus, to
illustrate.
Emphasis Above all, again, also, besides,
certainly, furthermore, indeed, in
fact, really, surely, truly.
Similarity of comparison In a like manner, likewise, similarly.
Space Above, across, around, at the
bottom, at the front, at the left, at
the right, at the top, behind,
bellow, beneath, beside, beyond, in
front of, in the distance, nearby,
 next to, on the side, on top,
opposite, over, straight ahead,
surrounding, under.
Time After, afterward, another, at first,
at last, at the same time, before,
eventually, finally, immediately, in
the meantime, previously, soon,
then, usually.
Suggestion For this purpose, therefore, to this
end, with this in mind.
Summary Accordingly, as a result,
consequently, finally, in brief, in
conclusion, in short.

TRANSITIONS (practice)
Fill in the blanks with the most suitable transitions from the list. Use each transition only once
unless instructed otherwise.
I.
Thus This Then First Second For example A further They The final Indeed Finally Rather

A child may leave home for a number of reasons, but three seem to be more common than any
others. 1- __________, a child may leave home because of lack of parental affection, which can
leave the child with emotional scars. When parents are cold and uncaring, a child senses 2-
__________ and feels that s/he does not belong in the home. The child will 3- __________ leave,
seeking a home where s/he at least feel s wanted and a part of a family. 4- __________, when a
child feels that s/he is not given just recognition as a person and as an individual, s/he may feel
frustrated enough to leave home-especially if he parents do not stop what they are doing long
enough to really listen to him/her or at least to respect some of the child’s opinions. 5-
__________, severe punishment by a child’s parents, which does not suit the child’s misconduct,
may cause him/her to leave home. 6- __________, severe punishment is child abuse, and a child
will normally feel that s/he is not safe in such a home. 7- __________ for his/her own protection
and for affection s/he may leave home.

II.
When At the beginning Eventually However First X 2 Then X 2 At the end And For instance

“El Norte” is an excellent and disturbing film about two immigrants to the United States. 1-
__________ of the film, we meet a family in Guatemala – mother, father, son and daughter. 2-
__________the father is killed and the mother is taken to the prison, the son and the daughter
decide to go to “El Norte” – the United States-by way of Mexico. At 3- __________, they have
trouble finding someone to take them across the Mexican border, but 4- __________, they find a
way across and end up in Los Angeles. 5__________, life in the U.S. is not as easy as they
thought it would be. 6- __________, they have to find housing, 7- __________, they need to
learn English 8- __________get jobs. 9- __________, they succeed in accomplishing these three
goals and life looks pretty good for them. Unfortunately, 10- __________of the film, tragedy
strikes and we are left wondering if “El Norte” really is the land of opportunity after all.

III.
When Because In addition Besides Whenever Whereas They Nevertheless Because of These For example

Animals use various means to protect themselves. Color is one that is widely used as a protective
device. For instance, some birds display brightly colored feathers 1- ___________ they are
threatened. These are designed to frighten away the enemy. 2-___________ to color, some
animals emit a peculiar smell for the same purpose. 3-___________, form may be used to
conceal the animal. Some insects, 4-___________, conceal themselves by making themselves
resemble plants of flowers. In this way, 5- ___________ are hardly visible because they can
merge into their surroundings. Other animals adopt regular patterns of behavior 6-___________
they are frightened. Some pretend to be dead 7- ___________ others just come forward and
stand still. 8-____________, buffaloes were almost eliminated in the 19th century 9-
___________ their lack of resistance to hunters.

IV.
When Because In addition Besides Whenever Whereas They Nevertheless Because of These For
example

Though eating disorders produce physical damage to the body, they are not 1- __________
physical illnesses. 2- ___________, they are mental issues that develop more frequently among
females but do affect the male population as well. Anorexia nervosa, one of the most common
eating disorders, is characterized by extremely low body weight and a distorted self body image
accompanied by an intense fear of gaining weight. Extreme exercising is 3- __________
commonly associated with anorexia and is believed to be its direct consequence. Anorexics may
allow themselves anywhere from 100 to 1000 calories a day. It is not food that turns them off 4-
__________ the concern with gaining weight. Food, in fact, may be on their mind constantly.
There are several cases where people suffering from anorexia nervosa developed a severe
obsession for cooking 5- __________ they never tasted anything of what they prepared.
Anorexia nervosa is considered to be a serious mental health disorder which is characterized by
an exaggerated concern with the appearance of the body. It can be considered a disorder of
beauty 6- __________ the sufferer believes, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that he or
she is too fat and, 6- __________, unattractive. The anorexic wishes to be thinner, and the idea
of being overweight appears to be a nightmare.