For those of you who are not enthralled by the nuances of the English language, linking sentences must be a real drag. Actually, I know you find it a real drag because I’ve been told so time after time. Your teachers/professors must also know it because they hand you photocopied lists of transitional words.
Transitional words are good. So are transitional phrases. But each word and phrase has it’s particular use, and should not be thrown in haphazardly.
For those who are drawing a blank, here’s a reasonable list of transitional words and phrases for connecting sentences and paragraphs. Try to learn when and where to use each word properly.
For those who have a basic grasp of the concept, the OWL at Purdue has some excellent suggestions for transition methods and devices.
There are some transitions which don’t belong in formal essays:
- references to the essay or the paragraph (e.g. “In this essay…” or “This paragraph will explain…”)
- personal references (e.g. “I’m going to tell you about…”)
- creative adverbs such as “firstly”, “secondly” and “thirdly”
There are also some transitions which are just… common (and I use the word in the derogatory sense). For instance, next is boring; try to use something more exciting.
Most of the time, I read literary essays. One thing that bothers me is the use of first, second and third, etc., in writing which has nothing to do with numbers or sequences. If one is discussing the steps of a process then - by all means - use first, second and third. However, if the subjects being discussed do not need to be in any particular order, there is no need to number them; words such as next, following this, and at the same time would be appropriate.
If you do a simple search for “transition words”, you’ll find numerous sites which offer ample suggestion. Just remember that transitional words are as important as every other word in your writing, and should be treated with the same reverence.
