How do I connect my ideas?

A transition is a connecting word or phrase that shows a specific relationship between ideas. Each transition shows a different relationship, so be sure to choose your transitions carefully.

Transitions may show addition, causation, chronology, concession, and other relationships.

See the differences in meaning in these examples:

The woman went to the store. Later, she ran out of milk.

This was a sequence of chronological events. The transition word "later" showed this chronology.

Because she ran out of milk, the woman went to the store.

The lack of milk caused her to go to the store. The transition word "because" showed a cause and effect relationship.

Although the woman went to the store, she ran out of milk.

The woman went to the store but she still somehow did not have milk. The transition word "although" shows a relationship that expresses a contrast.

Additional Resources:

• See& examples and variations of transitions on the Writing Center’s website.
• Review the recorded webinar "Cohesion and Flow: Bringing Your Paper Together" for more ways to create transitions throughout your writing.

Further Questions?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center? If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Reviews webpage and make an appointment with us!

Do you have other general writing questions? Ask OASIS ! 

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the form and style review? Email the form and style editors at [email protected].

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s home page.