Fragments, Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Transitions

Fragments--a part of a sentence masquerading as a complete sentence

Run-on--two complete sentences that are lumped into one sentence

Comma splice--two complete sentences joined only by a comma

 

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Transitions and transitional phrases

Transitions move the reader from one idea to another, and show the relationship between the two ideas. They’re especially important when you move from one paragraph to the next. Here are some examples:

To Show:

Use:

addition

In addition; furthermore; moreover; besides

cause/effect

therefore; consequently; accordingly; as a result

comparison

similarly; likewise; by comparison

concession

although; granted; of course; even though

contrast

but; however; at the same time; on the other hand

example

for instance; for example; one case of; to see this

time

afterward; later; earlier; subsequently; lately

place

here; there; elsewhere; beyond; nearby

clarification

that is; in other words; simply stated; partly

sequence

first, second, third (no -ly); next; finally; then

summary

to conclude; to summarize; in brief; in short