“Smooth transitions.” I’m sure you’ve probably heard this phrase many times in school. Maybe you’ve heard it so often that it has become somewhat of a cliché. Despite the fact that the concept of having a smooth transition in a paper is old news, many students continue to omit any kind of transitional phrase or sentence when they begin a new paragraph. They simply jump right into the next paragraph’s topic. However, it’s important to make sure that each paragraph logically follows the previous one. Therefore, a transitional phrase or sentence is key. To help you think of ways to transition into a new paragraph, I’ve listed some words and phrases below. (By the way, how did they coin the phrase “smooth transition”? I’m calling for a new label. E-mail me your ideas!) • First (secondly, lastly, etc.) • Additionally • In addition to • Furthermore • Similarly • Another key point • Finally • On the other hand • Comparatively • Conversely • In contrast • To summarize • Overall • In summary • In conclusion