B1 Lesson 3: Using Basic Transition Words Between Sentences
You know how to write a paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting details. But how do we connect those supporting sentences smoothly? Today, we will learn to use transition words1.
Transition words are like bridges between your ideas. They guide the reader and show the logical connection2 between your sentences, making your paragraph have better flow3.
See the Difference: From "Choppy" to "Smooth"
Look at how adding transition words improves the paragraph below.
Before (Choppy choppy):
Exercising regularly has many benefits. It helps you maintain a healthy weight. It reduces stress and improves your mood. It can improve your sleep quality.
After (Smooth ✅):
Exercising regularly has many benefits. For example, it helps you maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, it reduces stress and improves your mood. Finally, it can improve your sleep quality.
Your Toolkit of Transition Words
Different words show different relationships. Here are some common ones grouped by function.
To ADD a similar idea:
Furthermore, In addition, Additionally, Also,
Example: The hotel has a gym. In addition, it has a beautiful swimming pool.
To show a CONTRAST:
However, On the other hand,
Example: I enjoy living in the city. However, the traffic is terrible.
To give an EXAMPLE:
For example, For instance,
Example: My brother loves junk food. For example, he eats pizza three times a week.
To show a RESULT:
Therefore, As a result, Consequently,
Example: He forgot to set his alarm. As a result, he was late for his appointment.
The Comma Rule for Transitions
When you start a sentence with a transition word or phrase, you must follow it with a comma (,).
Correct: For example, I like to read.
Incorrect: For example I like to read.
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Transition
Choose the most logical transition word to complete the sentence.
1. The book was very long. ______, it was also very interesting.
- For example,
- As a result,
- However,
Answer: C. However (This shows a contrast between a negative idea 'long' and a positive idea 'interesting').
2. She is an excellent student. ______, she always gets top marks on her exams.
- However,
- For example,
- On the other hand,
Answer: B. For example (Getting top marks is an example of being an excellent student).
📝 Homework: Improve the Paragraph
Get your notebook and pen. Rewrite the short paragraph below, adding two logical transition words from today's lesson to make it flow better. Remember to use commas!
Paragraph to improve:
There are many benefits to learning to cook. You can save money by not eating at restaurants. You can make healthier meals for yourself and your family. You can impress your friends with your delicious food.
Example Answer:
There are many benefits to learning to cook. For example, you can save money by not eating at restaurants. Furthermore, you can make healthier meals for yourself and your family. Finally, you can impress your friends with your delicious food.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Transition Word: (Noun) - ពាក្យភ្ជាប់ - A word or phrase that connects one idea to another, creating a smooth flow (e.g., however, therefore). ↩
- Logical Connection: (Noun Phrase) - ការតភ្ជាប់បែបតក្កະ - A relationship between ideas that makes sense. ↩
- Flow / Cohesion: (Noun) - លំហូរ / ភាពស្អិតរមួត - The quality that makes writing easy to read and understand because the ideas are well-connected. ↩
- Furthermore: (Adverb) - លើសពីនេះទៅទៀត - In addition; besides. Used to add another point.
- However: (Adverb) - ទោះយ៉ាងណាក៏ដោយ - Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.