Grade by Grade
B. Foundations of Language · Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation

Commas After Transition Words and Phrases

B3.3 B3.1 A3.1About 40 minutes
Learning goals
  • I can use a comma after a transition word or phrase at the start of a sentence.
  • I can use two commas around a transition in the middle of a sentence.
  • I can join two sentences with a semicolon and a transition, like ; however,.
  • I can choose transitions that show how my ideas connect in any subject.

Words to know

transition
A word or phrase that connects ideas and shows how they're related, like however or as a result.
introductory element
A word, phrase or clause at the start of a sentence, before the main subject.
semicolon
A mark ( ; ) that can join two closely related sentences.

Remember from Grade 5

In Grade 5 you used linking words and phrases like however and in addition to connect ideas between sentences, and you fixed comma splices using a period, a joining word or a semicolon.

In Grade 6, the curriculum asks you to use commas after transitional words or phrases. Let's make sure those commas are in the right places.

JobTransitions
Add an ideaIn addition, Also, Furthermore, Besides,
Show contrastHowever, On the other hand, Instead, Still,
Give an exampleFor example, For instance,
Show a resultAs a result, Therefore, Consequently,
Show time or orderFirst, Next, Meanwhile, Afterward, Finally,
Sum upIn conclusion, Overall, In short,
Show attitudeFortunately, Unfortunately, Of course, Surprisingly,
Common transitions and the jobs they do

Three comma patterns

1. Transition at the start: comma after it.

  • However, the game was cancelled.
  • As a result, we stayed home.

2. Transition in the middle: commas on both sides.

  • The game, however, was cancelled.

3. Joining two sentences: semicolon before, comma after.

  • It snowed all night; however, the buses still ran.

❌ It snowed all night, however the buses still ran. This is a comma splice! However isn't a joining word like but, so a comma alone can't join the two sentences.

STARTHowever, the game was cancelled.comma afterMIDDLEThe game, however, was cancelled.commas on both sidesJOINIt snowed all night; however, the buses still ran.semicolon before, comma after
The three transition patterns. The bold punctuation is what changes depending on where the transition sits.

Listen for the pause

A transition comma marks a small pause. Read your sentence aloud: you usually pause after However or For example. With very short time words like Then or Next, some writers skip the comma, and that's fine. For longer transitions, always use one.

Worked example

Let's add commas to a science paragraph

Add the commas (and one semicolon): Monarch butterflies need milkweed. For example the caterpillars eat only milkweed leaves. Unfortunately milkweed is disappearing in some areas. Many people are planting it as a result more monarchs may find food.

  1. For example starts a sentence: comma after it → For example, the caterpillars...
  2. Unfortunately starts a sentence: comma after it → Unfortunately, milkweed...
  3. The last line has two sentences joined by as a result. Use a semicolon before and a comma after: ...planting it; as a result, more monarchs...

Monarch butterflies need milkweed. For example, the caterpillars eat only milkweed leaves. Unfortunately, milkweed is disappearing in some areas. Many people are planting it; as a result, more monarchs may find food.

Worked example

Let's fix a comma splice with a transition

Fix: The trail was icy, therefore we wore cleats.

  1. Is The trail was icy a complete sentence? Yes. Is we wore cleats? Yes. So this joins two sentences with only a comma: a comma splice.
  2. Therefore is a transition, not a joining word like so.
  3. Fix 1: semicolon + comma: The trail was icy; therefore, we wore cleats.
  4. Fix 2: two sentences: The trail was icy. Therefore, we wore cleats.

The trail was icy; therefore, we wore cleats. (or The trail was icy. Therefore, we wore cleats.)

The trail was icy, therefore we wore cleats.comma spliceThe trail was icy; therefore, we wore cleats.fix 1: semicolon + commaThe trail was icy. Therefore, we wore cleats.fix 2: two sentences
Therefore is a transition, not a joining word, so a comma alone can't hold two sentences together.
Just for fun

Joke: Why did however refuse to hold hands with a plain comma?

It wanted a more serious commitment: a semicolon!

Hands-on activity

Transition relay

You need: index cards, a pencil, a timer and a partner (a family member).

  1. Write 10 transitions on cards (However, For example, As a result, In addition, Meanwhile, Finally, Unfortunately, Instead, Therefore, In conclusion). Mix them up.
  2. Pick a topic you're learning about in science or social studies, or something from home (like getting ready for winter).
  3. Your partner says a sentence about the topic. You draw a card and say the next sentence starting with that transition. It must make sense!
  4. Write down your three favourite pairs. Add the commas, or a semicolon and comma if you join them into one sentence.
  5. Switch roles. Time each round and try to beat your time.

Your turn

1

Add the comma: However the bus was late.

2

Add the comma: In conclusion recycling helps our planet.

3

Add the commas: The plan however needs more work.

4

Add a semicolon and a comma: It rained all day as a result the field was muddy.

5

Which transition shows an example: For instance or Meanwhile?

6

Comma splice or correct? We were tired, however we kept hiking.

7

Choose a transition to show contrast: Hockey is popular in Canada. ______, lacrosse is one of our national sports too.

More practice: warm-up

1

Where does the comma go when a transition starts a sentence?

2

Add the comma: Finally we packed the car.

3

Add the comma: Fortunately nobody was hurt.

4

Name a transition that shows a result.

5

Name a transition that adds an idea.

More practice: on your own

1

Add commas: Our class on the other hand voted for a field trip.

2

Join with a semicolon and a transition: The library was closed. We read at home.

3

Choose the best transition and add punctuation: Bees pollinate many crops. ______ apples and blueberries need bees.

4

Add the commas: My brother for instance loves winter camping.

5

Explain why We lost, however we had fun needs fixing.

Challenge

1

Add all the missing punctuation: Snow is good for gardens. For instance it acts like a blanket. In addition melting snow waters the soil in spring. Some people however shovel it all away.

2

Write three sentences about a topic from social studies or science, using three different kinds of transitions (example, result, contrast). Punctuate them correctly.

3

Explain the difference between but and however when joining two sentences.

Check your understanding

Quiz

1.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

2.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

3.

Which sentence joins two sentences correctly?

4.

Which transition shows a result?

5.

We wanted to skate. ___ the ice was too thin. Which fits best?

6.

What is wrong with I studied, however I forgot the answer?

For parents and teachers

Big idea (B3.3, B3.1): The Grade 6 curriculum names commas after transitional words or phrases as a punctuation skill. Transitions also make writing in every subject clearer (A3.1).

How to help at home:

  • Point out transitions in newspapers, recipes and instructions (First, Next, Finally).
  • When your child writes a paragraph, ask: "How does this sentence connect to the last one? Which transition shows that?"
  • Have your child read aloud and listen for the pause after a transition.

Common difficulties:

  • Comma splices with however. This is the big one. Practise ; however, and the new-sentence fix.
  • Forgetting the second comma when a transition is in the middle.
  • Overusing transitions. Not every sentence needs one.