Making the Transition

When writing, do you give conscious thought to transitions? Transitional words, while helpful, are not always necessary. A transition from one thought to another is not limited to their use, but is successful when ideas are organized and flow clearly, don't you think?

Common transitions include words like although, furthermore, between, first, second, consequentially, next, yet, during, finally, etc. I keep an eye on these words as I edit, and sometimes delete them, depending on the context. The key, I think, is to aim for each idea to move fluidly to the next.

Did you know that there are several categories of transitional words? Here are a few: 

Chronological & Logical - for cause and effect, or contrasting ideas

 

Pour the cake batter into the baking pan. Next, place the pan in the oven and set the timer.

Although bears in Yellowstone hibernate during the winter, the bison do not. 

Climactic – to conclude, summarize, observe

Furthermore, workers will be penalized for arriving late.

Logical and/or Persuasive – summary, convince, influence

For this reason, we must vote for Elwood Smith for Class President.

 

Order of Importance- prioritize ideas

First, we must address the issue of shoplifting. Next, the customer return policy has loopholes and should be clarified. Finally, the employee handbook must be distributed.

If you think about it, transitional words, as necessary, can give the reader a map, illustrating how information is connected in terms of logic, place, or time. The bottom line, with or without specific transitional words, is to determine if thoughts are clear and flow cohesively.

Care to try your hand at writing better example sentences than these? Please share! :)

What is your take on transitions? Do you think about them when you write?

Congrats to Laura Pauling! Her book, A Spy Like Me debuts today! Check it out here. :)

Happy writing,

Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange