Transcript Adding “Flow” to Our Writing: Transitional Words and Phrases

Adding “Flow” to Our Writing:
Transitional Words and Phrases
Workshop: 4-11-12
Consider your body paragraphs.
Do you use any of these phrases?
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First
Second
Third
Lastly
To begin with,
To conclude,
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My first, second,
third/last reason…
One reason is…
Let’s PUMP UP our Writing!
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These common transitional phrases do not
add strength to our writing; they make our
writing sound like we are listing off our ideas
rather than explaining them.
Good writers consider how the reader will
progress through our writing by considering
sturdy transitional words and phrases.
Purpose of Transitional Terms
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Transitional words and phrases are
included in the work of successful
writers to help bridge and connect:
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Paragraphs
Supporting Ideas
Transitional words help your reader to
follow your writing ideas
Where Can I Place Transitional Words and
Phrases in My Writing?
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Transitional words and phrases may be
placed:
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At the beginning of paragraphs to help
transition from paragraph to paragraph
Inside paragraphs to help transition from
one supporting detail to another
Inside paragraphs to help elaborate upon
supporting details
Watch Out for Transition
Overload!
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Be specific in the placement and
application of your transitional words
and phrases. Not every idea or
sentence needs to begin with one of
these terms.
Not All Transitional Phrases
Are Equal
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Transitional phrases and words are not
“one size fits all”
Different transitional phrases and terms
belong in specific areas of writing and
serve distinct jobs
Transitional Phrases
to Indicate More Information:
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In addition
Additionally
In fact
Moreover
Also
Together with
Equally important
Similarly
Transitional Phrases to
Indicate an Example
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For example,
For instance,
Specifically,
To demonstrate,
To illustrate,
Notably,
Transitional Phrases to a
Cause/Effect Relationship
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Due to ______,
For
For the reason that ______,
Since ______, then ____
Consequently
If…then
As a result
Transitional Phrases to
Compare or Contrast
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Although
However
In comparison
Likewise
On the other hand
Transitional Phrases to Add
Emphasis
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Above all,
Even more,
More importantly,
Transitional Phrases to
Conclude
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Therefore
Furthermore
Altogether
Overall
Finally