Question: Can you share some of your favorite or best transitions?

1. 84

   Kenna McHughposted 5 years ago

   It seems like I always use the same transitions: "That way," "According to," and "Moreover" and after using them so much they sound trite. Any ideas?

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2. 83

   Rupert Taylorposted 5 years ago

   Kenna, I share your pain. My favourites that I overuse use for lack of an alternative are "However" and "Meanwhile." "Heretofore" sounds horribly archaic. I haven't been a user of "Moreover" so I'll put it in the hopper for future employment. I'll follow other suggestions with interest.

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   1. 84

      Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for sharing. I use "however," and some times "meanwhile." I wish I could brainstorm and create some new ones. Alas!

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3. 76

   Gregory DeVictorposted 5 years ago

   Kenna, my favorite transition word has always been “however,” but I occasionally use “nevertheless” or “moreover” to avoid being redundant. Of course, I select whatever transition word I believe sounds the best in context.

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   1. 84

      Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Gregory, That sounds good. I choose the transition that best fits with the situation in my article.  Some are for time: "at last," "before," and "currently." Ones like "moreover" or "nevertheless" are for additional. There are some for effect and cause, conclusion, and so forth.

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4. 0

   RTalloniposted 5 years ago

   Common transitions became so tiresome that I've tried to stop using then, however, I still fall into their trap.  Because, logically, since, despite, having said that, all the same, still and all are helpful.
   
   I like doing the work it takes to avoid them, though. A well-timed comma can take the place of a transition.  "The cat spun elegantly in the air but crashed wildly into her expensive vase" can be changed to something like "The cat spun elegantly in the air, crashing wildly into her expensive vase."

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   1. 84

      Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      RTalloni, I like the example you offer. That is what I am trying to achieve. Secondly, you have no choice and have to use them.

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5. 97

   Rochelle Frankposted 5 years ago

   I’m going to come back and study this thread. After reading the examples, I think I rarely use transitions. You “have to use them”? I have been missing something.

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   1. 84

      Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Rochelle,
      Transitions help the writer and reader adjust to going onto something else in the article or story.

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6. 76

   Gregory DeVictorposted 5 years ago

   One transition word that I never use is “but.” Years ago, I must have used a few too many of them in a paper, because I can remember my professor telling me in red ink that I had to “get rid of” my “buts.” Apparently, she didn’t like the word at all. I followed her advice, and years later used to tell my college freshmen the same thing.

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   1. 84

      Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I use "but" still, but I can see what your teacher means - too much of a good thing.

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