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UCQ

Effective Transitions

Transitions are just one way to connect ideas

Avoid overusing transition words and phrases.

  • Two sentences in a row that begin with a transition is repetitive.
  • Explaining a connection between two ideas is always best.
  • Vary your sentence structure: Try limiting transition words to a maximum of three per page.

Here are other methods:

1. Use pronouns to avoid unnecessary repetition: 

Example: Beta-blockers have a number of adverse effects including brochospasm. They are contraindicated in patients with asthma. 

2.  Repeat key words or phrases:

Example: Al Jaber (2013) found that poor adherence to antihypertensive medicines leads to increased risk of hospitalization due to stroke. Similarly, Davis et al. (2013) found that a significant number of all cardiovascular disease events were linked to poor adherence to medications, and that the poorer the adherence, the greater the risk of an adverse event. Idris and Albulushi (2012) found that poor adherence was the most common cause of poor BP control in patients with resistant hypertension (Bunker, 2014). 

3. Use parallel structure**

Example: Al Jaber (2013) found that poor adherence to antihypertensive medicines leads to increased risk of hospitalization due to stroke. Similarly, Davis et al. (2013) found that a significant number of all cardiovascular disease events were linked to poor adherence to medications, and that the poorer the adherence, the greater the risk of an adverse event. Idris and Albulushi (2012) found that poor adherence was the most common cause of poor BP control in patients with resistant hypertension (Bunker, 2014).

** Parallel structure means that the grammar or word choice is the same in a group of words or phrases.

Parallel: Sara enjoys many outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, and camping.

Not parallel: Sara enjoys many outdoor activities such as to swim, biking, and camping.​

 

Sources used for examples:

1.      Bunker, J. (2014). Hypertension: Diagnosis, assessment and management. Nursing Standard, 28(42). 50-59. doi:10.7748/ns.28.42.50.e8682 (pp. 57, 58).