Q. 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?

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Do you have other general writing questions? E-mail the Writing Center at writingsupport@waldenu.edu.

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors at editor@waldenu.edu.

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