Transitional Words & Phrases
* Addition: and, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, besides
* Contrast: but, however, on the other hand, nevertheless, conversely, in contrast
* Cause and Effect: because, since, as a result, therefore, consequently, thus
* Exemplification: for example, for instance, such as, namely, to illustrate
* Clarification: in other words, that is, to clarify, to explain
* Sequence: first, second, then, next, finally, after, before
Example:
"The storm raged outside, and the wind howled through the trees. However, inside the cozy cabin, a fire crackled in the fireplace, and the family huddled together, safe and warm."
Sentence Structure
* Using a pronoun: "The cat chased the mouse. It scurried under the couch." (The pronoun "it" refers back to the mouse)
* Repeating key words: "The painting was beautiful. Beauty was the defining characteristic of the artist's work."
* Using a synonym: "The dog barked loudly. The canine then wagged its tail."
* Using a phrase that summarizes the previous sentence: "The team won the game. This victory was a testament to their hard work."
Beyond Words
* Using a question: "The speaker discussed the history of the town. What was the significance of these events?"
* Creating a parallel structure: "The hikers were tired. They were also hungry and thirsty."
* Using an ellipsis: "The artist's work was...inspiring. It moved viewers to tears."
Choosing the Right Connector
The best way to choose the right word or phrase is to consider the relationship between the sentences or paragraphs you want to connect. Think about whether you are adding information, contrasting ideas, showing cause and effect, or something else.
Tip: Vary your transitions to make your writing more engaging and sophisticated.