The word "transition" means passing over.

Thus transitional guides are connectives (symbols,words,

phrases; sometimes whole sentences and paragraphs) that make possible a smooth "passing over" from
one idea to the next. You make transitions by referring to what you have said before,establishing cause-
and-effect connections, looking ahead to what you will say, referring to the present, marking time and
place, qualifying, comparing, contrasting. These and other common transitional devices appear here in
categories that necessarily overlap to some extent.

Referring back: as we have seen, on the whole, as mentioned above, as stated previously, as I have said,
it seems then

Looking ahead. then, later, next, after, afterward, thereafter, finally, now, consequently, to sum up

Establishing causal connections: the result, in conclusion, to conclude, because, for, since, consequently,
accordingly, hence, thus, therefore

Time markers: now, then, later, soon, before, next, afterward, finally, meanwhile, thereafter, at the
same time

Place markers: here, there, at this point, below, beside, next to, behind, in front, outside, inside

Comparing and establishing degree: and, similarly, in like manner, in the same way, just as, so ... that,
also, more than, less than, beyond this

Qualifying conceding, or contrasting: but, nevertheless, on the other hand, however, despite this, still,
on the contrary, conversely, if, as if, granted that, unless, whether, anyhow, although, even though, yet

Adding and intensifying: first, second, third; a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, to repeat, in addition, moreover, and, also,
still, again, similarly, furthermore, finally, really, indeed

Introducing an illustration: thus, to illustrate, for example, for instance

Repeating a key word: This device keeps the main idea before the reader and carries the thread of
meaning throughout a passage.

Using synonyms: Instead of repeating a key word so that it becomes monotonous, you may use suitable
synonyms that continue the same thought.

Using proper pronoun reference: Another substitute for the repetition of key nouns and another way of
connecting ideas is to use pronouns in place of nouns.

Maintaining same subject throughout paragraph: You can often continue the same subject from
sentence to sentence, thereby maintaining a steady focus throughout the paragraph.

Establishing repetitive or parallel sentence patterns: In addition to repeating key words and ideas, you
may repeat the grammatical structure of your sentences to reinforce the unity of your thoughts and
promote their flow.

Linking of last sentence of one paragraph with first sentence of next: This natural, frequently intuitive
method maintains coherence between paragraphs. Sometimes you may need connecting words (such as
"then again" or "on another occasion"), but often the direction of the thought provides its own
continuity.