A paragraph may have substance and unity and still not be completely effective if transition within the paragraph and transitions between paragraphs are not properly handled. Transition means passing over from one stage of development to another. Transition involves logical movement and development within the paragraph and from one paragraph to another. This movement and development are effective when sentences lead naturally from one to another and when each sentence refers naturally to the preceding one.

Often the close connection of thought in a paragraph will ensure proper transition. But the writer must often use transitional devices in order to obtain effective transitions. In the revised paragraph about the anthropomorphic nature of Zeus, smooth transition has been achieved by repetition. The topic sentence announces that the subject of the paragraph is Zeus's violent nature and his tendency to make angry threats. The second sentence contains the words "Zeus angrily tells Hera that all the gods on Mt. Olympus will not be strong enough to save her from his wrath. . . ." The next sentence begins, "She is again threatened with violence. . . ." The final example, which is treated in the last two sentences of the paragraph, begins, "Zeus's most violent threat. . . ." Repetition of key words or phrases can be a very effective device. However, if overused, repetition will become monotonous. When you repeat ideas, try to express them in different words.

Frequently words which have antecedents in preceding sentences or clauses can be used effectively as transitional devices. These words may be personal or demonstrative pronouns or adjectives that refer to nouns in preceding sentences or clauses. The words this, that, these, and those are the demonstratives that may be used as either adjectives or pronouns. The writer should be careful in using these words as pronouns. Each demonstrative pronoun must have a single word as its antecedent and should never refer vaguely to an action or an idea in a preceding sentence or clause.

There are several other expressions that can be used as transitional devices. These expressions may be either words or phrases that call attention to a relationship between the details in two or more sentences or which introduce another example within a paragraph. Some words that are frequently used as transitional devices include also, accordingly, afterwards, again, besides, consequently, furthermore, hence, however, indeed, moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, still, and therefore. Phrases used as transitions include as a result, at the same time, for instance, generally speaking, in addition to, and on the other hand.

Be extremely careful about using transitional devices. Transitions should be natural and should never appear to be artificial. If you see a clear relationship between details and if you are writing effective sentences, you will probably achieve transition without making a conscious effort.