Here's how "then" works as a transition:
* Indicating sequence: It can signal the next step in a series of events or actions.
* Example: "First, I went to the store. Then, I cooked dinner."
* Showing cause and effect: "Then" can connect a cause with its consequence.
* Example: "He didn't study for the exam. Then, he failed it."
* Adding information: "Then" can introduce additional details or information.
* Example: "The house was small and cozy. Then, there was a beautiful garden out back."
However, "then" also has other functions in a sentence, including:
* Adverb of time: "Then" can simply indicate a point in time.
* Example: "I was a student then."
* Conjunctive adverb: It can connect two clauses, similar to "however" or "therefore."
* Example: "He went to the beach; then, he went to the store."
To be sure if "then" is acting as a transitional word, consider its context and the function it serves in the sentence.