Connecting Sentences

If your sentences do not transition smoothly from one to the next, the effect is a choppy, disconnected writing style which makes your reader’s brain work overtime filling in the missing parts. Connecting sentences is probably the easiest of the transitions: it usually requires only one word to go from one idea to the next. Here are some potential options:

• Words which lead to more on the same idea: again, likewise, in addition, also, as well, furthermore, moreover, and
• Words which lead to a different idea: conversely, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, although, even though, but, yet, while, however, except
• Words which lead to a result: thus, therefore, consequently, as a result, because, since, as, so, inasmuch as
• Words which lead to a concession: admittedly, of course, naturally
• Words which lead to an example: for example, to illustrate, if one looks at, as shown by
• Words which refer to a previous time: previously, before, prior to
• Words which refer to the future: next, then, later, afterward
• Words which refer to the same time: while, as, at the same time, during that time
• Words which show sequence: first/second/third, a/b/c, lastly, next, then, finally, after that, until

These words should be used naturally – even sparingly. If you use too many of them, the reader gets flung from one idea to the next, and is reminded of being on a bad rollercoaster ride.