Transitional words help improve writing coherence by smoothly connecting ideas between sentences and paragraphs. Some transitional words continue an idea, indicate a change in thought, or conclude. Words like "furthermore," "moreover," and "in addition" continue reasoning while words like "however" and "but" contrast. Words like "in conclusion" and "therefore" signal the end of a point. Using transitional chains with words like "first," "second," "third," and "finally" can separate chronological sections.

1. TRANSITION WORDS<br /> To improve your writing you need to make sure that your ideas, both in sentences and paragraphs, stick together or have coherence and that the gap between ideas is bridged smoothly. One way to do this is by using transitions - words or phrases or techniques that help bring two ideas together. Transitional words and phrases represent one way of gaining coherence. Certain words help continue an idea, indicate a shift of thought or contrast, or sum up a conclusion.<br />For continuing a common line of reasoning:<br />ConsequentlyClearly, thenFurthermoreAdditionallyAndIn additionMoreoverBecauseBesides thatIn the same wayFollowing this furtherAlsoPursuing this furtherIn the light of the... it is easy to see that<br />To change the line of reasoning (contrast):<br />HoweverOn the other handButYetNeverthelessOn the contrary<br />For opening a paragraph initially or for general use:<br />AdmittedlyAssuredlyCertainlyGrantedNo doubtNobody deniesObviouslyOf courseTo be sureTrueUndoubtedlyUnquestionably<br />UnfortunatelyGenerally speakingIn generalAt this levelIn this situation<br />For the final points of a paragraph or essay:<br />FinallyLastly<br />Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged chronologically:<br />first... second... third...generally... furthermore... finallyin the first place... also... lastlyin the first place... pursuing this further... finallyto be sure... additionally... lastlyin the first place... just in the same way... finallybasically... similarly... as well<br />To signal conclusion:<br />Thereforethishencein final analysisin conclusionin final considerationindeed<br /> <br />To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way:<br />In other wordspoint in factspecifically<br /> <br />Sequence or time:<br />AfterAfterwardsAs soon asAt firstAt lastBeforeBefore longFinallyFirst... second... thirdIn the first placeIn the meantimeLaterMeanwhileNextSoonThen<br />4920615121920<br /> Composition I<br />