Transition Signals in Writing

What are Transition Signals?

Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that act like bridges between parts of your writing. They link your sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

Transition signals act like signposts to indicate to the reader the order and flow of your writing and ideas. They strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Using transitions makes it easier for the reader to follow your ideas. They help carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one paragraph to another, or from one idea to another.

There are several types of transition signals. Some lead your reader forward and imply the building of an idea or thought, while others make your reader compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.

Sample Text

During [1] the early twentieth century, Australian society experienced a transformation of the domestic ideal. At this time [1] families were subject to an increasing array of government and 'professional' programs and advice aiming to manage and regulate family life. Some of these programs were designed to counter social changes, others were designed to engineer them; ultimately [2] each heralded a growing expert encroachment into the private sphere. Intervention and influence took three forms. Firstly [3] , techniques designed to maximise efficiency were introduced into the home and scientific principles were applied to its design. In addition [4], housework and parenting methods were scrutinised and subject to unprecedented standards. Secondly [3] , all aspects of reproduction attracted increasing intervention from government and the medical profession. Thirdly [3], state, professional and philanthropic groups began to usurp the parental role within the family through instruction and policy. Consequently [5], the development of 'modern' social ideals brought regulation, intervention and ever-increasing unrealistic standards.	[1] Indicating a specific time [2] Indicating a conclusion [3] To indicate sequence and logically divide an idea [4] Indicating extra information [5] Indicating a result

During [1] the early twentieth century, Australian society experienced a transformation of the domestic ideal. At this time [1] families were subject to an increasing array of government and 'professional' programs and advice aiming to manage and regulate family life. Some of these programs were designed to counter social changes, others were designed to engineer them; ultimately [2] each heralded a growing expert encroachment into the private sphere.

Intervention and influence took three forms. Firstly [3] , techniques designed to maximise efficiency were introduced into the home and scientific principles were applied to its design. In addition [4], housework and parenting methods were scrutinised and subject to unprecedented standards. Secondly [3] , all aspects of reproduction attracted increasing intervention from government and the medical profession. Thirdly [3], state, professional and philanthropic groups began to usurp the parental role within the family through instruction and policy. Consequently [5], the development of 'modern' social ideals brought regulation, intervention and ever-increasing unrealistic standards.

[1] Indicating a specific time

[2] Indicating a conclusion

[3] To indicate sequence and logically divide an idea

[4] Indicating extra information

[5] Indicating a result

List of Transition Signals

To indicate sequence or to order information

first, second etc.	followed by	at this point
next, last, finally	previously, subsequently	after that
initially	and then	next, before, after
concurrently	simultaneously	meanwhile

To introduce an example

in this case	for example	for instance
on this occasion	to illustrate	to demonstrate
this can be seen	when/where . . .	take the case of

To indicate time

immediately	thereafter	formerly
finally	prior to	previously
then	soon	during
at that time	before, after	at this point

To logically divide an idea

first, next, finally	firstly, secondly, thirdly	initially, subsequently, ultimately

first, next, finally

firstly, secondly, thirdly

initially, subsequently, ultimately

To compare

similarly	by comparison	similar to
like, just like	whereas	balanced against

To contrast

in contrast	on the other hand	balanced against
however	on the contrary	unlike
differing from	a different view is	despite

To introduce additional ideas/ information

in addition	also	finally
moreover	furthermore	one can also say
and then	further	another

To introduce an opposite idea or show exception

however	on the other hand	whereas
instead	while	yet
but	despite	in spite of
nevertheless	even though	in contrast
it could also be said that

To give an example

for example	to illustrate	for instance
in this case	to demonstrate	take the case of

To indicate a result/ cause of something

therefore	thus	consequently
as a consequence	as a result	hence

To summarise or conclude

in summary	in conclusion	in brief
as a result	on the whole	summing up
as shown	ultimately	therefore
consequently	thus	in other words
to conclude	to summarise	finally

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References

Oshima, A & Hogue, A 1991, Writing Academic English, Addison-Wesley.

Links

Common signposts, Charles Sturt University

Transition Signals in Engineering, Monash University Learning Online

Connective words, UniLearning, The University of Wollongong

Transition Cues, LEO: Literacy Education Online, St. Cloud State University