Commas with Transition Signals

10 Types of Relationships that Transition Signals Introduce

addition

again, also, furthermore, in addition, moreover, still, too, plus

comparison

in the same way, likewise, similarly

contrast

yet, at the same time, but, despite that, even so, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, regardless, still, though

concession

granted, naturally, of course, admittedly 

consequence

accordingly, as a result, for this reason, thus, therefore

emphasis

certainly, above all, indeed, in fact, of course, naturally

example or illustration

for example, for instance, namely, in particular, in other words

time sequence

first (second, third, etc.), earlier, afterward, eventually, meanwhile, finally, at last, next, now, presently, subsequently, soon, thereafter, until now, at that time, before that, after that, currently, by noon (or any specific time)

space

below, above, in the distance, off to one side, to the right/to the left, around back, over there

summary

in conclusion, all in all, altogether, on the whole, to sum up, in summary, in short, overall, in general

Transitions may appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of an independent clause. 

Beginning: An introductory expression 

Above, you saw examples of different kinds of transitions. 

For instance, you learned about transitions signaling that the writer is about to offer an example or illustration of a concept. 

As a result, you’re now ready to use transitions in a variety of writing situations.

Middle: An interrupting expression

It’s sometimes difficult, of course, to understand complex grammar rules.

The intent and style of individual writers, for example, may create exceptions to even the most steadfast rule. 

The key to understanding when to use commas, in short, depends on where you want your readers to slow down and pay attention.

End: A summary or expression of emphasis.

Transitions are actually pretty easy to identify, most of the time.

A transition word or phrase that’s all by itself and not part of a longer phrase or clause needs a comma, naturally.

 You’ll be right most of the time if you can remember that rule, in fact.

A comma separates the transition signal from the rest of the sentence. 

At the beginning of a sentence, place a comma after the transition signal. 

Above, you saw examples of different kinds of transitions. 

For instance, you learned about transitions signaling that the writer is about to offer an example or illustration of a concept. 

As a result, you’re now ready to use transitions in a variety of writing situations.

At the end of a sentence, place a comma before the transition signal.

Transitions are actually pretty easy to identify, most of the time.

A transition word or phrase that’s all by itself and not part of a longer phrase or clause needs a comma, naturally.

 You’ll be right most of the time if you can remember that rule, in fact.

In the middle of a sentence, place a comma both before and after the transition signal.

It’s sometimes difficult, of course,  to understand complex grammar rules.

The intent and style of individual writers,   for example,   may create exceptions to even the most steadfast rules. 

The key to understanding when to use commas, in short, depends on where you want your readers to slow down and pay attention.

  A Special Note: Subordinating conjunctions and Nonrestrictive Elements

Sometimes, the same word or phrase can function as a transition signal and as a subordinating conjunction, which requires different punctuation. 

Here’s how to tell the difference: 

Test it: Does the word or expression join two independent clauses? 

If so, it’s a subordinating conjunction, and it needs a semicolon and comma to join the two complete sentences. 

   Commas alone cannot join two independent clauses that each could stand alone as a complete sentence:

I enjoy learning about commas, however, it’s easy to get confused. 

  Instead, a subordinating conjunction needs a semicolon and a comma:  

I enjoy learning about commas; however, it’s easy to get confused.

Two commas should surround a transition signal that interrupts only one  independent clause:

  Learning about commas, however, can be confusing. 

Test it: Does removing the word or expression from the sentence change the meaning of the sentence or alter its basic grammar structure?

A nonrestrictive element is part of a sentence that can be omitted without changing the meaning or confusing the grammatical structure of the sentence. If you can take it out and the sentence still makes sense, then it’s a transition signal, and it needs to be set apart from the rest of the sentence with commas.

  Learning about commas however can be confusing.

Does it need comma(s)?

Try removing the transition signal. If the sentence makes sense without the transition signal included, it needs commas to set it apart. 

• Learning about commas can be confusing. 

Still makes sense! That means you need to set it apart with commas: 

Learning about commas, however, can be confusing.

  The key to understanding when to use commas in short depends on where you want your readers to slow down and pay attention.

Does it need comma(s)? 

• The key to understanding when to use commas depends on where you want your readers to slow down and pay attention.

Still makes sense! That means you need to set it apart with commas: 

The key to understanding when to use commas, in short,  depends on where you want your readers to slow down and pay attention.