What Is A Transition Word In An Essay?

For the text to be coherent, it is necessary to pay attention to the smooth transition from one micro theme (thesis and argument) to another. What does transition mean in a composition? In the essay, this word means the transition from one idea to another in a logical sequence. This is the essence of the essay to show how you can properly structure your thoughts.

We transition in the text when we need to write my essay or a new paragraph, section, chapter, or sentence. Without noticing it, we can sometimes make mistakes because even when moving from one part to another, you need to adhere.

We use paragraphs or sentences to divide the text, thereby showing that the idea is over, and a new one should be studied. But to divide the sentences into logical parts, you must use transition words.

You could also see the transition when watching interviews with politicians. When they don’t like answering the tricky questions of journalists, they prefer to go. Further, this is also considered a transition from one topic to another. But in this case, without explanation, such a technique is prohibited in the essay.

Some students can perfectly move from one section to another, but it so happens that it is challenging to separate thoughts when you want to combine them into one. Transition words allow us to make the text readable and understandable for learning. Why are these words so important? Because essay writing help to complete one thought correctly and move on to another while not losing the essence of the whole idea.

Without using transition words, you can easily get lost in the text. But you should also not use them too much in the text because this can lead to the fact that the text will seem clumsy or illiterate, so you need to stick to edges. To do this, we have created an article to help you with transition words you need to know for writing essays.

Why Is It Important to Use Transition Words?

Use transition words as a bridge in your sentences: the connection between two sentences becomes apparent. They serve as a signal to your readers that something will happen and prepare them for the next part of the sentence.

When you summarize a discussion, you probably use expressions such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. Your readers will understand that such expressions are used to summarize. If you intend to compare certain circumstances, you can use the words “at the same time,” “least,” “enough,” “bye,” or “also.” And when you want to finish your story, you can use the expressions “from now” or “therefore.”

The use of transitional words in the text is largely automatic. Each of us uses them. We constantly need to use them when describing a story. However, it can often be seen that many students use an insufficient number of transition words in the text. Simultaneously, the use of transitional words improves the meaning of the text, making it easier to read.

Today there are many programs for checking the number of transition words. With their help, you can check the presence or absence of transition words; the program will show that you use too few or enough of them. If the program shows an insufficient number of transitional words, you can deliberately insert them into the text if they fit the meaning.

What Mistakes Does the Student Make During the Transition?

Everyone can learn transitional words, but it is challenging to use them correctly in an essay. You can compare this concept with dance. At first glance, it is straightforward to hold onto a person and move in one direction. But whether you manage to move gracefully and into music is a completely different matter. Therefore, let’s examine the most common mistakes that can be made when using transition words.

Using Numbers

Let’s consider an example:

“Firstly, when a person smokes, he is harmful to his health. Secondly, cigarettes affect teeth discoloration. Thirdly, smoke being in society can harm others. Fourthly, the price of cigarettes is high, which makes your budget poor.” “

In an essay, to confirm your thoughts, it is necessary to lead examples, arguments, proofs. At first glance, everything is pretty logical in the example. But still, there is a mistake; the sentences are written in the form of a list; there is no transition between them. The essay requires a completely different structure. Try to use as few such transitions as possible; it is enough to name two or three arguments.

Using Transition Words Too Often

Let’s consider an example:

“When you exercise, run, exercise has a good effect on the cardiovascular system. Also, you can keep yourself in great physical shape. Also, if you go to the gym, you can meet new people. Exercise makes us look younger, scientists say. “

You may need to use some transition words more often in the text, but this is permissible. Yet, at the same time, you need to mix them correctly in the text and maintain a balance. You may have a word that you like how it sounds in the concept of a sentence, but make sure that you don’t repeat it every sentence in a row. Better replace it with a synonym. Also, do not use words that do not add meaning and worsen the readability of the essay.

Repeating Banal Phrases

Writers use the transition to show the reader that here a thought ends, and a new one begins. Therefore, in the essay, you need to explain and prove everything. There are many essays in which the phrase “in conclusion.”

If you want to write a final paragraph, you do not need to clarify this because the reader will understand that you are summing up. Now that you understand why you should use transition words take a look at the list we have prepared.

Adding Transitions

These words can be used if you want to add something:

• no, but;
• also to;
• besides;
• first;
• second;
• third;
• first of all;
• in second place;
• in third place;
• in addition to;
• to that;
• to start with, then finally.

Causal Transitions

Such words can be used if you want to explain something:

• respectively;
• so;
• as a result;
• for this reason;
• consequently;
• in this way;
• then;
• in this way.

Comparison Transitions

Such words can be used when you want to compare something:

• in addition;
• in a similar manner;
• the same way;
• also;
• similarly.

Transitions Contrast

Such words can be used when you want to contrast sentences or show that there is a different opinion:

• but;
• nevertheless;
• unlike;
• instead;
• on the contrary;
• on the other hand;
• still;
• yet.

Conclusions

These sentences can be used if you want to write a final paragraph:

• and therefore in;
• eventually;
• finally;
• in short;
• in closing;
• generally;
• to summarize.

Example Transitions

Such words can be used if you want to supplement the sentence with an example:

• as an example;
• in particular;
• in this way;
• to illustrate.

Persistent Transitions

These words can be used if you want to prove your point persistently:

• actually;
• really;
• no;
• yes.

Place Transitions

Such words can be used if you want to explain where events occur, the subject lies:

• above;
• side by side;
• under;
• framework;
• a bit further;
• in back;
• ahead;
• nearby;
• from above;
• left;
• right;
• under;
• on.

Cost Conversion Transitions

These words can be used if you want to repeat something:

• in other words;
• shortly speaking;
• in simple words;
•  what is;
• to repeat.

Time Transitions

Such words can be used if you want to describe the time of events:

• after that;
• at the same time in;
• present;
• earlier;
• immediately;
• in the future;
• at the same time;
• in the past;
• later;
• earlier;
• subsequently;
• then;
• so far.