Using Transitions | Open Textbooks

What Are Transitions?

Transitions Are Word Bridges!

Transition words help readers move smoothly from one idea to the next. Without them, your writing can feel choppy and hard to follow.

Idea 1
First sentence

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TRANSITION

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Idea 2
Next sentence

X Without Transitions

I woke up early. I ate breakfast. I brushed my teeth. I went to school.

This sounds choppy!

+ With Transitions

First, I woke up early. Next, I ate breakfast. Then, I brushed my teeth. Finally, I went to school.

This flows much better!

Think of it this way: Transitions are like road signs that tell readers where they're going. They show if you're adding more information, showing order, or changing direction!

Types of Transition Words

Different transition words do different jobs. Here are the main types you'll use:

1 Time Order Transitions

These show the order things happen in (sequence):

First Second Third Next Then After Before Finally Last

Example

First, gather all your supplies. Next, read the instructions carefully. Finally, start building your project!

+ Adding More Information

These help you add extra ideas or examples:

Also And Another In addition Besides Too As well

Example

Dogs make great pets because they are loyal. Also, they love to play and can learn tricks. In addition, dogs can help keep you safe.

<-> Showing Contrast

These show a different or opposite idea:

However But Although On the other hand Yet Instead

Example

I really wanted to go to the park. However, it started raining, so we stayed home. Instead, we played board games.

! Showing Cause and Effect

These explain why something happened:

Because So Therefore As a result Since

Example

The weather was very cold. As a result, we had to wear our winter coats. Because of the snow, school was canceled!

Using Transitions Between Paragraphs

Transitions are extra important when moving from one paragraph to another. They help readers follow your ideas!

See How It Works

Paragraph 1: Summer is my favorite season for many reasons. The weather is warm and sunny, so I can spend lots of time outside. I love swimming in the pool and playing at the park with my friends.

In addition to outdoor activities, summer is also great because there's no school!

Paragraph 2: I get to sleep late and stay up reading my favorite books. My family takes fun vacations, and I have time to learn new things like drawing or playing guitar.

Pro Tip: Start each new paragraph with a transition word or phrase to connect it to what you wrote before. This makes your whole essay feel like one smooth story!

|| Paragraph Transition Starters

Try using these to begin new paragraphs:

Another reason In addition Furthermore Most importantly On the other hand In conclusion To sum up

Practice: Choose the Best Transition

Read each sentence and pick the transition word that fits best!

Question 1

I finished my homework. _____, I went outside to play.

Question 2

Pizza is delicious. _____, it has lots of cheese and yummy toppings.

Question 3

I wanted to ride my bike. _____, it was raining outside.

Question 4

_____, crack the eggs into a bowl. _____, mix them with a fork.

Question 5

We studied hard for the test. _____, we all got good grades!

Fill in the Blanks

Drag the transition words to complete the paragraph. Choose the best word for each blank!

Complete the Story!

First Next Then Finally

Making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is easy! , get two slices of bread and put them on a plate. , spread peanut butter on one slice. , add jelly to the other slice. , put the two slices together and enjoy your sandwich!

Connect the Ideas!

However Also Because In addition

Dogs are wonderful pets for many reasons. they are loyal, dogs become your best friend. , dogs love to play fetch and go on walks with you. , they can learn tricks and follow commands. , owning a dog is a big responsibility because they need food, exercise, and lots of love!

Transition Word Challenge

Test your skills! Choose the best transition word for each sentence. How many can you get right?

Pick the Perfect Transition!

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Score: 0 / 0

Your Turn to Write!

Now practice using transitions in your own writing. Write a short paragraph using at least 3 transition words.

Writing Prompt:

Describe your morning routine before school. Use transition words like first, next, then, finally, also, and after to show the order of events.

Check Your Understanding

What do transition words do?

Which transition shows a contrast or different idea?

Which set of words shows time order?

Where should you use transitions?

What We Learned

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Transitions Connect

They link ideas together like bridges.

1-2-3

Time Order

First, next, then, finally show sequence.

+

Add Information

Also, in addition, and give more details.

<->

Show Contrast

However, but, although show differences.

Remember: Good writers use transitions to make their writing smooth and easy to read. Practice using different transition words to become a stronger writer!

Next Steps

Practice adding transitions to your everyday writing
Look for transitions when you read books and stories
Try using at least one new transition word each day
Read your writing out loud to hear if it flows smoothly