Why a paragraph needs a connection
The beginning of a new paragraph can recall the previous point and signal a new direction. An explicit transition is useful when the connection is not obvious. In other cases, a logical sequence of ideas, repetition of a key word or a short linking expression is enough.
This is not about a single signal word such as however or moreover. It is about whether the first sentence of the new paragraph makes clear exactly which fact in the previous paragraph it connects to and what comes next.
Having explained why the bakery relocated to a larger unit, we can now examine how the move affected weekend sales.
Having explained why the bakery relocated to a larger unit, we can now examine how the move affected weekend sales.
One part identifies the previous discussion of the reason for the move; the other names the new focus.
In light of this move to larger premises, weekend sales are examined below.
In light of this move to larger premises, weekend sales are examined below.
The same two-way connection can be built with a prepositional phrase, not only a participle clause.
A precise backward reference, not a vague this
The reference must be clear. This or that without a noun works perfectly well when the preceding idea is unambiguous. If several interpretations are possible, add a specification: this rise in costs, that decision.
Moreover, furthermore and in addition can naturally connect paragraphs when the next point continues an intelligible argument. A more detailed reminder is needed when a short signal is insufficient.
Having outlined the three complaints raised by residents, the council now turns to possible responses.
Having outlined the three complaints raised by residents, the council now turns to possible responses.
The three complaints provides a specific, checkable referent rather than an abstract this.
In light of the sharp rise in reported potholes, the road maintenance budget is being reviewed.
In light of the sharp rise in reported potholes, the road maintenance budget is being reviewed.
The phrase names the actual fact — an increase in reports — rather than merely saying this problem.
The participle clause Having + V3
Having + past participle (V3) at the beginning of a sentence expresses an action already completed before the main-clause action begins: Having reviewed the data, we now propose changes. The main-clause subject, we, is also the participant that performed the reviewing.
The most common error here is a dangling participle: the main-clause subject did NOT perform the action in the participle clause. Having reviewed the budget figures, the meeting was adjourned is incorrect because the meeting itself did not review anything.
Having + V3 (+ object), subject + predicate of the new clause.
- subject / S —
- The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
- V3 / past participle —
- The third verb form: worked, gone, seen. Used after have/has or in the passive, for example; it is not always the same as V2.
- object / O —
- Who or what an action affects: in I read a book, a book is the object.
- clause —
- A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
Having reviewed the shift patterns of the nursing staff, management now proposes a new rota.
Having reviewed the shift patterns of the nursing staff, management now proposes a new rota.
Management is the group that reviewed the patterns and now proposes the new rota.
Having considered the feedback from twelve interviews, the design team revised the questionnaire.
Having considered the feedback from twelve interviews, the design team revised the questionnaire.
The design team is the group that considered the feedback; the action and subject match logically.
Prepositional transitions
In light of and in view of introduce a reason or basis through a noun phrase: in light of the findings. Given also allows a noun phrase, as well as a that-clause: Given that seating is limited…. Make clear how the preceding information relates to the next step.
Building on works slightly differently: it explicitly says that the new part DEVELOPS what has just been said rather than merely taking it into account. It suits a paragraph that logically continues the same line of thought.
In light of / Given / In view of + noun phrase, main clause.
- NP / noun phrase —
- A noun phrase: a noun with its dependent words, such as the new student; the pattern treats it as one group of words.
- noun —
- A word naming a person, thing or idea: student, book, happiness.
- clause —
- A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
In light of the delayed shipment, the launch date has been pushed back by two weeks.
In light of the delayed shipment, the launch date has been pushed back by two weeks.
The noun phrase the delayed shipment is a precise referent, with no verb after in light of.
Given the limited seating in the new hall, ticket numbers will be capped at 200.
Given the limited seating in the new hall, ticket numbers will be capped at 200.
Given here is close to ‘because there is’, not simply ‘in addition’.
In view of the positive pilot results, the programme will be extended to two more schools.
In view of the positive pilot results, the programme will be extended to two more schools.
In view of emphasises that these particular results provided the basis for the decision.
Introducing a related issue rather than a consequence
A related issue is, A related issue concerns and A further question concerns introduce a SEPARATE issue parallel to the one just discussed, rather than its consequence. This matters when the new topic does not logically follow from the previous one but is related by subject matter.
Having discussed X, we now turn to Y primarily signals the order of presentation. It does not promise that Y is a consequence of X. If the connection is merely thematic, a related issue or a separate question can make that explicit.
A related issue / A further question + concerns/is + noun phrase.
- NP / noun phrase —
- A noun phrase: a noun with its dependent words, such as the new student; the pattern treats it as one group of words.
- noun —
- A word naming a person, thing or idea: student, book, happiness.
A related issue concerns the training required for staff to use the new till system.
A related issue concerns the training required for staff to use the new till system.
Staff training is not a consequence of the previous topic; it is a separate, parallel aspect.
A further question concerns how the change will be communicated to regular customers.
A further question concerns how the change will be communicated to regular customers.
Further question signals an additional topic rather than one derived from the previous point.
Verbs showing direction: turn to, move on to, consider next
After the backward-looking part, the main clause often contains a verb explicitly naming the new action of the paragraph: turn to, move on to, examine, consider next or explore. The choice of verb does not itself change the relationship, but makes transitions more natural and less repetitive in a long text.
The same verbs are natural in spoken presentations and seminars: Having covered X, let’s move on to Y. The pattern is the same, with a slightly less formal register.
Having covered the causes of staff turnover, we now move on to possible retention strategies.
Having covered the causes of staff turnover, we now move on to possible retention strategies.
Move on to is a neutral expression of progression, without an implication of contrast.
The next section turns to how the results compare with last year's figures.
The next section turns to how the results compare with last year's figures.
Turn to can be used without Having when the text itself is the subject, as in the next section.
Register and boundaries: what to avoid
I will now discuss…, This is important because… and impersonal transitions can all be appropriate in formal writing. The choice depends on genre and clarity of reference. So, next up sounds more like a spoken remark, but is grammatically correct.
When editing a transition, preserve the meaning. Do not invent reasons, numbers or consequences merely to create a more formal frame. Sometimes the clearest edit is a shorter sentence that names the new topic precisely.
Having established this pattern in customer feedback, the report now considers its long-term implications.
Having established this pattern in customer feedback, the report now considers its long-term implications.
This is a formal counterpart to conversational Now let’s talk about the long-term effects.
In light of these findings, the next section considers how they might be communicated to the board.
In light of these findings, the next section considers how they might be communicated to the board.
There is no I or we: the style is entirely impersonal and formal.
Paragraph connections in a longer text
In a long text, explicit transitions help connect major sections of meaning. Every paragraph does not need the same opening formula: coherence also comes from a logical sequence and key words. Before the conclusion, you can briefly recall the whole path of the argument.
The same structure works orally in a talk or seminar: the speaker verbally ‘closes’ the previous point and ‘opens’ the new one so listeners do not lose the thread.
Having covered the venue and catering arrangements, the proposal now turns to the guest list.
Having covered the venue and catering arrangements, the proposal now turns to the guest list.
In a document with several sections, each new section can similarly refer to the one just completed.
In a presentation, the same idea might sound like this: "Having looked at what caused the delay, let's turn now to how we can prevent it next time."
In a presentation, the same idea might sound like this: "Having looked at what caused the delay, let's turn now to how we can prevent it next time."
The spoken version is slightly less formal, using let’s, but the linking structure is the same.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:Having reviewed the budget figures for over an hour, the meeting was adjourned.
Correct:Having reviewed the budget figures for over an hour, the committee adjourned the meeting.
This is a dangling participle: the main-clause subject, the meeting, cannot perform the reviewing. The committee did that, so it must come immediately after the comma.
Incorrect:Having discuss the effect on customers, we now consider the effect on staff.
Correct:Having discussed the effect on customers, we now consider the effect on staff.
Having needs the past participle discussed. Personal I will now discuss… can also be an appropriate transition; do not ‘correct’ it by inventing new facts.
Incorrect:These enrolment figures indicates that later start times need reconsidering.
Correct:These enrolment figures indicate that later start times need reconsidering.
Plural figures requires indicate. Short This shows… is also correct when the reference of this is clear.
Incorrect:Beyond the scheduling difficulties already discussed, cost present a further obstacle.
Correct:Beyond the scheduling difficulties already discussed, cost presents a further obstacle.
Cost is a singular subject, so presents is required. Moreover, cost is a concern can also connect paragraphs when the preceding context is clear.
Incorrect:A separate issue concern the office’s parking policy.
Correct:A separate issue concerns the office’s parking policy.
Singular issue requires concerns. Having discussed X, we turn to Y can also introduce a separate topic and does not necessarily express causation.