TRANSITION GRANTED
But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Byron knew a thing or two about words, their power and meaning (not to mention how to use them to make grown men weep). Sensitivity to individual words and phrases is key to good writing, especially in our business where every word may have a consequence for our clients. One of the most important yet difficult tasks a writer faces is choosing words to move smoothly and logically from one sentence or paragraph to the next. To do so many people latch onto transitional words or phrases such as “despite,” “meanwhile,” “after all,” and “however,” that they use like little word slides – wheeeeee! – to keep the information going. The problem comes in when these words are used artlessly, as if they have no meaning or implication themselves but are merely empty vehicles used to drive from one idea to the next. Use transitional words or phrases to set up relations between sentences or paragraphs. They can help you change direction or point of view or connect ideas. They’re key to good storytelling. Just make sure you’re using them to get your readers where you want them to go! Some of the most common transitions are used to:
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Meanwhile, however, by way of comparison, one should not, therefore, use transitions where they don't add anything (other than simply more words).
Posted by: Chris Marritt | February 26, 2007 at 05:52 AM