Transition Words in Context

We designed this resource to help you learn and practice using transitions to make your writing more cohesive.

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Model text

Start by reading the following text on U.S. TV comedy, where we’ve highlighted some transitions students find challenging. As you read, notice the bolded transition words and phrases—you will practice using these later.

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Check your understanding

Check your understanding of these transitions (numbered in the model passage) by answering the following multiple choice questions. Consider how each transitional word or phrase is used in the context of the broader paragraph and passage.

Choose the answer that best describes the transition’s function.

1. However, cultural studies scholars and media critics have shown compellingly how pop culture reflects and shapes social hierarchies.
   
   Here, “however”
   a. signals disagreement with the idea that pop culture is unworthy of serious study.
   b. signals disagreement with what cultural scholars and media critics believe.
   c. introduces an explanation of why pop culture is unworthy of serious study.
   
   

   Answer

   a. signals disagreement with the idea that pop culture is unworthy of serious study.
   
   
2. Moreover, seeing Mary Tyler Moore as an independent, career-minded woman had particular symbolic value because of her previous role as beloved stay-at-home mom and wife in The Dick Van Dyke Show.
   
   Here, “moreover”
   a. adds a new detail to highlight women’s changing roles in society.
   b. elaborates on the previous idea about women’s roles in society.
   c. both adds a new idea and elaborates on the previous idea.
   
   

   Answer

   c. both adds a new idea and elaborates on the previous idea.
   
   
3. Though The Dick Van Dyke Show centered on Rob Petrie as the “head of household,” Moore’s character Laura regularly pushed the boundaries set by previous TV wives
   
   Here, “though”
   a. introduces an idea about the The Dick Van Dyke Show that the writer refutes.
   b. reorients the argument towards men’s changing roles in society
   c. signals that gender roles on the show are not entirely traditional
   
   

   Answer

   c. signals that gender roles on the show are not entirely traditional
   
   
4. Moore’s character Laura regularly pushed the boundaries set by previous TV wives, not the least in her wardrobe
   
   Here, “not the least”
   a. signals that the character, Laura, didn’t push boundaries with her clothes/wardrobe.
   b. signals that the character, Laura, pushed boundaries mainly with her dress/wardrobe.
   c. signals that the character, Laura, pushed boundaries in more ways than one.
   
   

   Answer

   c. signals that the character, Laura, pushed boundaries in more ways than one.
   
   
5. comedy can also challenge our existing cultural assumptions. In fact, because the genre functions by subverting our expectations, it has the potential to make incisive social commentary
   
   Here, “in fact”
   a. introduces a fact about the comedy genre.
   b. adds a detail about how the comedy genre challenges our expectations or assumptions.
   c. provides an example of a cultural assumption people make.
   
   

   Answer

   b. adds a detail about how the comedy genre challenges our expectations or assumptions.
   
   
6. That is to say, comedy can raise bigger questions about who gets to decide what is funny.
   
   Here, “that is to say”
   a. serves to rephrase and emphasize a previously stated idea.
   b. introduces a new piece of evidence to support the writer’s argument.
   c. underscores an idea that the author disagrees with.
   
   

   Answer

   a. serves to rephrase and emphasize a previously stated idea.
   
   
7. Indeed, pop culture opens up important conversations about censorship, social values, and expectations.
   
   Here, “indeed”
   a. reiterates the argument the writer has been building on in the essay
   b. presents a new idea for the reader to consider.
   c. signals the author agrees with popular conversations about pop culture.
   
   

   Answer

   a. reiterates the argument the writer has been building on in the essay.

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Practice using trickier transitions

First, choose five (or more) transitions from the model text, or from the list below.

Next, write a paragraph that uses all five transitions appropriately, responding to one of the following prompts:

• How do TV comedies in the U.S. differ from comedies in other countries or cultural contexts? In one paragraph, consider differences or similarities in purpose, humor, genre, and audience.
• Consider your favorite TV show from the angle of the social commentary it makes or the cultural norms it challenges. In one paragraph, describe the ways this show achieves these goals.

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List of transition words