Transitional Words and Sentences

However, but, and...

Transitions:

Transitions are a very important part of writing a story and keeping it organized. Transitions help us connect one thought to another and help our stories flow more smoothly. They also give the reader an idea of what is coming up next in the story.

Transition words can be used to help sequence ideas between paragraphs or between sentences.

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Using Transition Words in Sentences:

Transition words are used in sentences when:

• Adding information (Another, also, first, second, third, in addition, and, beside, furthermore, moreover, etc.)

　　Example:Brian likes playing sports and being outdoors.

• Making a conclusion (In conclusion, to sum up, to conclude, finally, etc.)
  

　　Example: To sum up, everyone has the responsibility to protect the earth.

• Repeating information (In fact, in other words, once again, to repeat, etc.)
  

　　Example: Once again, Tommy had a temper tantrum.

• Showing a comparison (like, likewise, similarly, in comparison, as in, etc.)
  

　　Example:Like her mother, Katie loved baking．

• Showing a difference (but, in contrast, rather than, unlike, though, yet, although, however, etc.)
  

　　Example:Matt likes playing outside rather than doing his homework.

•  Showing time (after that, later, next, then, now, still, while, following, before, the next day, soon, in time, etc.)

        Example: Steve went to the car, but his dog is still outside in the park. 

• Showing cause (because, caused by, because of,  since,etc.)
  

       Example: Jason was excited to see his dad because he hasn't seen him for months!
       Example: John found it hard to make new friends since he moved. 

• Showing Effect (as a result, that is why, therefore, for this reason, consequently, etc.)
  

       Example: We all dislike being outside in this weather, therefore we decided to have the party inside instead. 

Using Transition Sentences in Paragraphs

Transitional sentences are used in a similar way that we use transitional words. When we write a story, we separate our thoughts with paragraphs. Each paragraph has its own idea, but we still need to be able to connect them all together using transition sentences. Transition sentences can be placed at the end of the first paragraph, or at the beginning of the second one, or both.

Example:

It was Sandy's 6th birthday and she was ready for her big party! Sandy's mom decorated the house with ribbons and balloons, and stacked beautifully wrapped gifts on the table. Her mom also bought a cake that was beautifully decorated with flowers, and had Sandy's name printed on the top with bright yellow frosting. Sandy and her friends ate cake and played lots of games. Although Sandy was tired from her fun-filled day, her mom had another birthday surprise waiting for her outside. (Use transitional sentence to connect the first paragraph with the next. )

Sandy's eyes were covered with her mom's hands as she was led outside to the driveway to see her one last gift.  Her mom removed her hands and Sandy gasped at the site of a brand new bicycle. She wanted a new bike without training wheels for a long time and she finally got it! Sandy told her mom that this was the best birthday ever!

Practice your on your own!

Fill in the blanks with these words : because, after, in fact, since, similarly, rather, than. 

1. I felt tired for the next three days _________ the event.
   
2. I loved those cupcakes ________they were made fresh. 
   
3. I would ________go to the concert with my friends _______helping out with chores. 
   
4. __________, I never liked her __________she was never honest about her feelings.
   
5. ____________, Jay also wanted to go.  
   

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