Writing: Paragraphing & Text Organization (B1) - Lesson 3: Using Basic Transition Words Between Sentences
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Hello B1 Learners! 👋
Good writers connect their ideas smoothly. One way to do this is by using transition words and phrases. These are like bridges that help the reader move from one sentence or idea to the next.
In this lesson, you will learn to use basic transition words for:
- Adding similar ideas (e.g., also, in addition).
- Showing sequence or time (e.g., then, next, finally).
- Showing contrast (e.g., however).
- Showing a result (e.g., therefore, as a result).
Using these words will make your paragraphs flow better and be easier to understand.
What are Transition Words and Phrases?
Transition words and phrases are like signposts in your writing. They guide your reader from one idea to the next, showing the relationship between sentences or parts of sentences.
Imagine two sentences:
Sentence 1: The weather was beautiful.
Sentence 2: We decided to go for a picnic.
These are okay, but we can make them flow better by showing the connection. A transition word can help:
The weather was beautiful. Therefore, we decided to go for a picnic.
The word "Therefore" shows that the second sentence is a result of the first.
Common Transition Words & Their Meanings
Here are some basic categories of transition words and examples:
1. To Add a Similar Idea or More Information:
- Also, ... (e.g., He likes playing the guitar. Also, he enjoys singing.)
- In addition, ... (e.g., The hotel has a pool. In addition, it offers a free breakfast.)
- ... too. (often at the end) (e.g., I like ice cream. My sister likes ice cream, too.)
- Furthermore, ... (more formal) (e.g., The plan is well-researched. Furthermore, it is cost-effective.)
2. To Show Sequence or Time Order:
- First, ... Second, ... Third, ...
- Then, ... (e.g., I finished my homework. Then, I watched TV.)
- Next, ... (e.g., We went to the museum. Next, we had lunch.)
- After that, ... (e.g., She called her friend. After that, they made plans.)
- Finally, ... / Lastly, ... (e.g., Finally, the movie ended.)
3. To Show Contrast (Different or Opposite Ideas):
- However, ... (e.g., It was raining. However, we still had fun.)
- But ... (Remember this from compound sentences? It shows contrast too!) (e.g., He is rich, but he is not happy.)
- On the other hand, ... (e.g., City life is exciting. On the other hand, it can be very noisy.)
4. To Show a Result or Consequence:
- So ... (Review from compound sentences) (e.g., I was tired, so I went to bed.)
- Therefore, ... (e.g., He didn't study. Therefore, he failed the test.)
- As a result, ... (e.g., The company invested in new technology. As a result, its productivity increased.)
Punctuation with Transition Words
How you punctuate transition words depends on where they are in the sentence and what kind they are.
-
At the Beginning of a Sentence: Many common transition words (like However, Therefore, Also, Next, Finally, In addition, As a result) when they start a sentence, are usually followed by a comma (,).
Example: However, the weather changed quickly.
Example: First, mix the flour and sugar. -
In the Middle of a Sentence (joining two independent clauses):
Some transition words (called conjunctive adverbs like however, therefore, furthermore) can connect two independent clauses. If they do, they need a semicolon (;) before them and a comma (,) after them.
Example: The journey was long; however, it was worth it.
(For B1, using a full stop and starting a new sentence with the transition word is often simpler: "The journey was long. However, it was worth it.") -
"Too" for Addition: When "too" means "also," it often comes at the end of a sentence, and is usually preceded by a comma.
Example: She likes chocolate ice cream, too.
Remember, conjunctions like "and," "but," "so," "or" (FANBOYS) when joining two independent clauses, take a comma before them: "...sentence 1, but sentence 2."
Practice Using Transition Words!
✨ Tips for Using Transition Words ✨
- Think About the Relationship: What is the connection between your sentences? (Addition, contrast, result, sequence?) This will help you choose the right transition word.
- Don't Overuse Them: Too many transition words can make your writing sound unnatural. Use them when they genuinely help the reader understand the flow of ideas.
- Check Punctuation: Pay attention to commas after introductory transition words, and commas before FANBOYS conjunctions.
- Vary Your Choices: Instead of always using "and" or "then," try other words like "also," "next," or "furthermore" to make your writing more interesting.
Smooth Writing Ahead! 🎉
You've learned how basic transition words can connect your sentences and make your paragraphs flow better. This is key to clear and effective writing!