Sentence-Initial Adverbials for Transition

These words usually sit at the very beginning of your sentence. Think of them as a bridge. One side of the bridge is what you just said. The other side is what you are about to say. You say the transition word, take a tiny breath, and then say your main idea. This tiny breath is very important. In writing, we show this breath with a comma. It gives your listener a second to prepare for the next thought. It’s like a "heads up" for their brain. You aren't changing the verb or the subject. You are just adding a little flavor at the start. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, but you won't!

1. 1Creating these sentences is as easy as making a sandwich. Just follow these steps:
2. 2Choose your transition word based on your goal (e.g., First for time or Also for more info).
3. 3Place it at the very start of the sentence.
4. 4Put a comma immediately after the word.
5. 5Follow the comma with a normal sentence (Subject + Verb + Object).
6. 6Example: First + , + I drink water. = First, I drink water.

Use these when you are telling a story about your weekend. For example, "First, I went to the park. Then, I ate pizza." You can also use them when giving directions to the nearest coffee shop. "First, walk two blocks. Next, turn right." They are perfect for ordering food too. "I want a burger. Also, I want a soda." If you are in a job interview, they help you list your skills clearly. "First, I speak English. Also, I know how to use computers." They make you sound like you have a plan. It’s like a grammar traffic light—it keeps the conversation moving safely.

Don't use a transition word for every single sentence. If you say "First... Then... Next... Also... However..." in one paragraph, you will sound like a robot. Use them when the connection isn't obvious. Also, don't use First if you don't have a Second. It’s like inviting someone to a party and then not showing up. It leaves the listener waiting for more. Finally, don't use them if your sentences are already very long and complex. Keep it simple. If you are just saying one thing, like "I am hungry," you don't need a transition word. Don't be a transition-hoarder!

The biggest mistake is the "Missing Comma." In English, we need that pause. Writing First I go looks messy to a native speaker. Always add that comma! It's the difference between a smooth transition and a grammar car crash. Another mistake is using But at the start of every sentence. While people do this when speaking, using However or Actually often sounds better in writing. Also, watch out for "Transition Overload." Using three transitions in a row is confusing. "First, then, also, I went home" is a nightmare for the listener. Just pick one and move on.

You might know words like and or but. These are conjunctions. They live *inside* a sentence to join two parts. For example: "I like tea and I like coffee." Transition adverbials are different. They live *outside* the sentence at the start. They connect two *separate* sentences. And becomes Also. But becomes However. Think of conjunctions as glue and transitions as bridges. Glue holds things together tightly in one piece. Bridges connect two separate islands. Both are useful, but they have different jobs.