Transition Words and Phrases

Sixth Grade ELA

Coherence in writing occurs through sentence-to-sentence connections, when transitions are used to link ideas. Texts that are coherent progress logically and hold the reader's attention throughout the piece. Coherent writing is better writing!

Transitions and flowTransition words and phrases are used

by writers to move from one subject to the next.

They provide coherence to a story or text.

They signal the reader about what is coming next in the writing.

They can help writers bridge the gap between ideas so that writing sounds smooth, not choppy.

They organize our writing and make it easier to read.

Transitions give our writing flow.

For example:

Take these two sentences:

Mr. Duncan likes to eat sushi.

He does not want sushi today.

Using transition words, you can put these two together to make one smooth sentence instead of two choppy ones.

(Also a transition, btw…)

Mr. Duncan likes to eat sushi. He does not want sushi today.

Mr. Duncan likes to eat sushi; however, he does not want sushi today.

This sentence sounds better and is much easier to read!

Some transitions have specific jobs in a sentence. They may help show sequencing or time, show location, continue an idea, clarify or add information, compare and contrast two or more things, or sum up information to lead to a conclusion.

Location transitions show where things are. You may recognize some of these as prepositions and prepositional phrases.

above below underhere there wherefrom near downin the background in the middleto the left/right in front ofin the distance opposite to 

Time transitions show order or when something happens. Some examples:

first meanwhilefinally in the meantimebefore before longafter that at lastafterwards as soon asat first laterthen next

Time and location transitions

After so much time waiting in the long line, the boys finally got their hamburgers.

The Van Gogh art exhibit was shown earlier this month in Dallas.

Wait until tonight, then you will be able to see the full moon over the city hall.

The show is not over until the actors take their final bows.

While Missy was driving to work, she saw a deer by the roadside. She stopped to watch the deer for a short time, then continued on her way to work.

Transitions that clarify, repeat, show cause, assert truth, or reinforce ideas:

Naturally Simone is going to love the idea of selling cupcakes at school. In fact, she wants to be a baker when she grows up.

Midnight was not able to move around well because his hind legs are in casts from when he suddenly fell off the bookshelf.

Not all birds eat berries. For example, hawks eat mice and other small mammals.

Sally has lost one of the oars on her boat. To put it another way, she is up the creek without a paddle!

Compare/Contrast transitions tell a reader that the writer is comparing ideas or shifting from one idea to another. Instead of the word BUT to connect ideas, try using one of these examples:

However RatherYet NeverthelessConversely On the other handOtherwise (means the same as “or”)

Compare and contrast transitions

Although Marcos was extremely tired after school, he ran two miles.

Willow prefers to read the book rather than seeing the movie.

I am not able to go the beach with you; nevertheless, thank you so much for asking me.

The cat acts as if he is the boss of the house.

Like her grandmother, Sally loves the Texas Longhorns.

Ms. Cox likes to ride rollercoasters.

Mr. Duncan prefers spinning rides.

He is afraid of heights.

Mr. Duncan rides the Titan.

He screams like a little girl.

Insert transitions to combine these sentences:

Transitions that sum up or conclude information:

The smoke machine malfunctioned, and curtains wouldn't open properly, and the lead actor was sick. In conclusion, the play was a total disaster.

The committee discussed many problems at the meeting. Finally, we were able to prioritize the issues that most needed to be solved.

To conclude, I want to wish you all a very happy holiday!

Chris plays soccer in a select league.He plays forward for his team.

He has a dream of going pro one day. Chris practices four days a week. He is on the debate team at school.

His afternoons are very busy.

Insert transitions to combine these sentences: