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TOEFL Directory > TOEFL writing > About transition terms
About transition terms
The word transit means to move or pass from one place to another. Thus, the words and phrases we use to move smoothly from one idea to another in an essay are called transitions. To create a coherent smooth essay, you must use these terms, and use them correctly.
While not every sentence in an essay requires a transition, you must disperse a variety of them throughout the essay to link sentences and paragraphs to each other. The list below states the purpose of the transition and provides you with a variety of similar ones to use. Avoid redundancy in your essay by choosing several different ones. In other words, dont use however every time you want to show contrast; instead, select as many different phrases as needed that serve the same function. Use commas to separate transitions from the rest of your sentence.
Purpose of Transition
l to show likeness or add information
l to show contrast
l to introduce examples
l to explain
l to emphasize
l to generalize
l to conclude or show result
l to indicate sequence or show order
Possible Transition Terms
also, too, besides, in addition, furthermore, moreover
however, but, on the other hand, conversely, yet, though, in contrast, nevertheless,
for example, such as, e.g., to illustrate, for instance, that is, in other words, i.e.
in fact, indeed, certainly, clearly, of course
generally speaking, in general, overall, for the most part, usually, typically
in conclusion, in summary, to sum up
therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, as a consequence
first, second, next, then, finally, lastly
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