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<\/a><\/p>\nTransitional phrases help readers understand why a new idea is being introduced and what role it serves in the paper: i.e., whether the new idea serves as a specific example illustrating the previous idea, or perhaps builds on or presents an opposing viewpoint to something that was discussed earlier.<\/p>\n
Below are some common phrases used at the start of a sentence. When selecting a transitional phrase, it is important to consider the context. Read not only the sentence you would like to add a transition to but also the previous one or two sentences. Think about the relationship between the previous ideas and the new one.<\/p>\n
Introducing Examples<\/h2>\n
To introduce an example, use one of the following phrases:<\/p>\n
- \n
- For example<\/em><\/li>\n
- For instance<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/div>\nYou might write, \u201cSome participants in the study did not understand the task. For example, one participant pressed the Enter button after every stimulus.<\/em>\u201d In this case, the second sentence provides an example of the idea presented in the first sentence. One participant\u2019s decision to press the Enter button is a specific case showing that some participants did not understand the study task.<\/p>\n
Adding to or Building on the Same View<\/h2>\n
To introduce an idea or information that builds on the same theme as the last sentence or group of sentences, consider using one of the following transitions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- In addition<\/em><\/li>\n
- Moreover<\/em><\/li>\n
- Further<\/em><\/li>\n
- Furthermore<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
For instance, to discuss the theme of problems in a study\u2019s task completion, you might write, \u201cSome participants in the study did not understand the task. Further, they did not have enough time to read the words on the computer screen.<\/em>\u201d Here, the two sentences introduce separate ideas that fall under the same theme, problems in the study task. The first sentence presents one problem (i.e., not understanding the task), and the second sentence presents another problem (i.e., not having enough time to read).<\/p>\n
Introducing an Opposing View<\/h2>\n
These phrases show that the new sentence provides a different or opposing idea from what precedes it.<\/p>\n
- \n
- However<\/em><\/li>\n
- On the other hand<\/em><\/li>\n
- In contrast<\/em><\/li>\n
- On the contrary<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
For example, to describe contrasting behavior that appeared among participants in a study, you could write, \u201cSome participants in the study did not understand the task. In contrast, others understood the instructions easily.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n
Showing Causation and Logical Relationships<\/h2>\n
Various transitional words and phrases can be used to indicate that an idea or event is a result of, or a consequence of, something else. A list is provided below.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Thus<\/em><\/li>\n
- Therefore<\/em><\/li>\n
- Consequently<\/em><\/li>\n
- As a result<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThus<\/em>\u201d means \u201cin this way.\u201d It\u2019s used when the preceding idea describes the manner\/method in which the next idea is accomplished. For example, one can write, \u201cThe new program is open to people of all ages. Thus, it expands the number of eligible applicants.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore<\/em>,\u201d \u201cconsequently<\/em>,\u201d and \u201cas a result<\/em>\u201d mean that what follows is a logical result of something that was described beforehand: e.g., \u201cThe new program is open to people of all ages. Therefore, many more people can apply<\/em>\u201d or \u201cMany people applied to the government\u2019s new program. As a result, the application review is taking a long time.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n
Summarize<\/h2>\n
At the end of a paragraph, section, or article, you may wish to summarize what you have discussed. The following phrases can be used to provide readers with a clue that you are moving from the discussion itself to a synopsis.<\/p>\n
- \n
- In conclusion<\/em><\/li>\n
- In summary<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Avoiding \u201cAnd\u201d and \u201cBut\u201d<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s grammatical to use \u201cand\u201d or but\u201d at the start of a sentence. However, doing this gives the paper an informal or casual, conversational tone. In scholarly papers, it is best to use more formal choices instead. Look for instances of \u201cand\u201d at the start of a sentence and replace them with other transitions such as \u201cin addition<\/em>,\u201d \u201cfurther<\/em>,\u201d \u201cfurthermore<\/em>,\u201d or \u201cmoreover<\/em>.\u201d Similarly, replace \u201cbut\u201d at the start of a sentence with \u201chowever<\/em>\u201d or \u201cyet<\/em>.\u201d Alternatively, see if the sentence fits into the paragraph well without any transitional phrase at all. (Note that \u201cand\u201d and \u201cbut\u201d are entirely appropriate for joining clauses within the same sentence; this recommendation is to avoid using them at the start of a sentence.)<\/p>\n
Additional Notes<\/h2>\n
The lists above provide just a few of the most common transitional phrases authors use in academic papers. Finally, remember that it is not necessary to have a transitional phrase at the start of every sentence. Readers also draw clues about how ideas are connected to each other based on their position in the paragraph. Starting each sentence with a transitional phrase may distract readers from the overall content. Therefore, use transitions where it is logical and helpful.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
References<\/p>\n
- \n
- Lynn Gaertner-Johnston (2005, November 28) Can \u201cAnd\u201d or \u201cBut\u201d Start a Sentence?<\/em> Retrieved from http:\/\/www.businesswritingblog.com\/business_writing\/2005\/11\/but_its_okay_an.html<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ryan Weber & Karl Stolley (2011, February 2) Transitional devices<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/owl.english.purdue.edu\/owl\/resource\/574\/02\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div> - Ryan Weber & Karl Stolley (2011, February 2) Transitional devices<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/owl.english.purdue.edu\/owl\/resource\/574\/02\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- In summary<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Therefore<\/em><\/li>\n
- On the other hand<\/em><\/li>\n
- Moreover<\/em><\/li>\n
- For instance<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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