Read and study a paragraph without transitions to appreciate how awkward, stilted and staccato-like it is. Consider: "Cara is 32 years old. She is a physician. She is passionate about exercise. She practices what she preaches. She works out at lunchtime. She often jogs along Lake Michigan after work. She takes her dog for long walks in the park. She wants her patients to exercise. She finds time and energy for it."
React to this paragraph in honest terms. While the paragraph may contain some decent information, it is dull and lifeless, and it requires something of an effort to read it. Transitions provide the "oil" that keep the gears of the paragraph shifting gracefully; this paragraph sorely needs oil.
Compare the original with the one that contains transitional words and phrases: "Cara, 32, is a physician who is passionate about exercise. Despite her busy schedule, she practices what she preaches by working out at lunchtime, jogging along Lake Michigan and taking her dog for long walks. In the same way, she wants her patients to commit time every week to exercise. Moreover, she realizes it requires a fundamental commitment of time and energy."
Create a contrast with transitional words such as: but, still, though, although, even though, despite, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the other hand, instead and yet.
Draw a comparison with transitional words such as: likewise, similarly, in the same way and also.
Underscore examples with transitional words such as: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, to wit, after all, indeed and of course.
Demonstrate a shift in time with transitional words such as: in the meantime, meanwhile, later, afterward, thereafter, until then, since then, so far, in the past, before, earlier, as long as and as soon as.
Signal a sequence with transitional words such as: finally, first, second, third, last, furthermore, moreover, next, still, also, and, and then, consequently, and besides.
Choose transitions carefully. They should clarify connections between thoughts and ideas, not create them.
Be alert to the subtleties in transitions such as "however" and "nonetheless." Both words introduce statements that contrast with what precedes it, but "nevertheless" emphasizes the contrast while "however" tones it down.