Transition Words

Addition furthermore

moreover

too

also

in the second place

again

in addition

even more

next

further

last, lastly

finally

besides

and, or, nor

first

second, secondly, etc.

Time while

immediately

never

after

later, earlier

always

when

soon

whenever

meanwhile

sometimes

in the meantime

during

afterwards

now, until now

next

following

once

then

at length

simultaneously

so far

this time

subsequently

Place here

there

nearby

beyond

wherever

opposite to

adjacent to

neighboring on

above, below

Exemplification or Illustration to illustrate

to demonstrate

specifically

for instance

as an illustration

e.g., (for example)

for example

Comparison in the same way

by the same token

similarly

in like manner

likewise

in similar fashion

Contrast yet

and yet

nevertheless

nonetheless

after all

but

however

though

otherwise

on the contrary

in contrast

notwithstanding

on the other hand

at the same time

Clarification that is to say

in other words

to explain

i.e., (that is)

to clarify

to rephrase it

to put it another way

Cause

because

since

on account of

for that reason

Effect therefore

consequently

accordingly

thus

hence

as a result

Purpose in order that

so that

to that end, to this end

for this purpose

Qualification almost

nearly

probably

never

always

frequently

perhaps

maybe

although

Intensification indeed

to repeat

by all means

of course

doubtedly

certainly

without doubt

yes, no

undoubtedly

in fact

surely

in fact

Concession to be sure

granted

of course, it is true

Summary to summarize

in sum

in brief

to sum up

in short

in summary

Conclusion in conclusion

to conclude

finally

Demonstratives acting as transitions this

those

these

that

Pronouns serving as links to clearly refer to a specific word or phrase

his

its

theirs

it

their

your

her

they

our

For continuing a common line of reasoning:

consequentlyclearly, thenfurthermoreadditionallyandin additionmoreoverbecausebesides thatin the same wayfollowing this furtheralsopursuing this furtherin the light of the... it is easy to see that

To change the line of reasoning (contrast):

howeveron the other handbutyetneverthelesson the contrary

For opening a paragraph initially or for general use:

admittedlyassuredlycertainlygrantedno doubtnobody deniesobviouslyof courseto be suretrueundoubtedlyunquestionablygenerally speaking

in generalat this levelin this situation

For the final points of a paragraph or essay:

finallylastly

Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged chronologically:

first... second... third...generally... furthermore... finallyin the first place... also... lastlyin the first place... pursuing this further... finallyto be sure... additionally... lastlyin the first place... just in the same way... finallybasically... similarly... as well

To signal conclusion:

thereforethishencein final analysisin conclusionin final considerationindeed

To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way:

in other wordspoint in factspecifically

Sequence or time

afterafterwardsas soon asat firstat lastbeforebefore longfinallyfirst... second... thirdin the first placein the meantimelatermeanwhilenextsoonthen

Tr a n s i t i o n a l Wo r d s & P h r a s e sUsing transitional words and phraseshelps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next.Transitions enhance logical organization and understandabilityand improve the connections between thoughts. They indicate relations,whether within a sentence, paragraph, or paper.This list illustrates categories of "relationships" between ideas,followed by words and phrases that can make the connections:Addition:also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly

When there is a trusting relationship coupled with positive reinforcement, the partners will be able to overcome difficult situations.

Consequence:accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore

Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning.Contrast and Comparison:contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise,on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather,similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast

The children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care.

Direction:here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above,to the left, to the right, in the distance

She scanned the horizon for any sign though in the distance she could not see the surprise coming her way.

Diversion:by the way, incidentally

He stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found only on this hill.Emphasisabove all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly

The Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting.Exception:aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save

Consensus was arrived at by all of the members exclusive of those who could not vote.Exemplifying:chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as

Some friends and I drove up the beautiful coast chiefly to avoid the heat island of the city.Generalizing:as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually

There were a few very talented artists in the class, but for the most part the students only wanted to avoid the alternative course.

Illustration:for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case

The chapter provided complex sequences and examples illustrated with a very simple schematic diagram.

Similarity:comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together with

The research was presented in a very dry style though was coupled with examples that made the audience tear up.

Restatement:in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently

In their advertising business, saying things directly was not the rule. That is to say, they tried to convey the message subtly though with creativity.

Sequence:at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time,for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on,meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier,simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind,

The music had a very retro sound but at the same time incorporated a complex modern rhythm.Summarizing:after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally

She didn't seem willing to sell the car this week, but in any case I don't get paid until the end of the month.

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.

in the first place

not only ... but also

as a matter of fact

in like manner

in addition

coupled with

in the same fashion / way

first, second, third

in the light of

not to mention

to say nothing of

equally important

by the same token

again

to

and

also

then

equally

identically

uniquely

like

as

too

moreover

as well as

together with

of course

likewise

comparatively

correspondingly

similarly

furthermore

additionally

Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction

Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contraryor point out alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).

although this may be true

in contrast

different from

of course ..., but

on the other hand

on the contrary

at the same time

in spite of

even so / though

be that as it may

then again

above all

in reality

after all

but

(and) still

unlike

or

(and) yet

while

albeit

besides

as much as

even though

although

instead

whereas

despite

conversely

otherwise

however

rather

nevertheless

nonetheless

regardless

notwithstanding

Cause / Condition / Purpose

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.

in the event that

granted (that)

as / so long as

on (the) condition (that)

for the purpose of

with this intention

with this in mind

in the hope that

to the end that

for fear that

in order to

seeing / being that

in view of

If

... then

unless

when

whenever

while

because of

as

since

while

lest

in case

provided that

given that

only / even if

so that

so as to

owing to

inasmuch as

due to

Examples / Support / Emphasis

These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.

in other words

to put it differently

for one thing

as an illustration

in this case

for this reason

to put it another way

that is to say

with attention to

by all means

important to realize

another key point

first thing to remember

most compelling evidence

must be remembered

point often overlooked

to point out

on the positive / negative side

with this in mind

notably

including

like

to be sure

namely

chiefly

truly

indeed

certainly

surely

markedly

especially

specifically

expressively

surprisingly

frequently

significantly

in fact

in general

in particular

in detail

for example

for instance

to demonstrate

to emphasize

to repeat

to clarify

to explain

to enumerate

such as

Effect / Consequence / Result

Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was aconsequence or an effect.

Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects.

as a result

under those circumstances

in that case

for this reason

for

thus

because the

then

hence

consequently

therefore

thereupon

forthwith

accordingly

henceforth

Conclusion / Summary / Restatement

These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.

as can be seen

generally speaking

in the final analysis

all things considered

as shown above

in the long run

given these points

as has been noted

in a word

for the most part

after all

in fact

in summary

in conclusion

in short

in brief

in essence

to summarize

on balance

altogether

overall

ordinarily

usually

by and large

to sum up

on the whole

in any event

in either case

all in all

Time / Chronology / Sequence

These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and definingtime. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.

at the present time

from time to time

sooner or later

at the same time

up to the present time

to begin with

in due time

until now 

now that

as soon as

as long as

in the meantime

in a moment

without delay

in the first place

all of a sudden

at this instant

immediately

quickly

finally

after

later

last

until

till

since

then

before

hence

since

when

once

about

next

now

formerly

suddenly

shortly

henceforth

whenever

eventually

meanwhile

further

during

first, second

in time

prior to

forthwith

straightaway

by the time

whenever

instantly

presently

occasionally

Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.

Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples. Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.

Space / Location / Place

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in the Timecategory and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.

in the middle

to the left/right

in front of

on this side

in the distance

here and there

in the foreground

in the background

in the center of

adjacent to

opposite to 

here

there

next

where

from

over

near

above

below

down

up

under

further

beyond

nearby

wherever

around

between

before

alongside

amid

among

beneath

beside

behind

across

And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet — are the seven coordinating conjunctions. To remember them, the acronym FANBOYS can be used.

1.  F = for

2.  A = and

3.  N = nor

4.  B = but

5.  O = or

6.  Y = yet

7.  S = so

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions, also called subordinators, are conjunctions that introduce adependent clause. These adverbs that act like conjunctions are placed at the front of the clause - and a comma is needed at the end of the adverbial phrase when it precedes the main clause. 

Examples: If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. [Abraham Maslow]Some people make headlines while others make history. [Philip Elmer-DeWitt]

Conjunctions Concession though although even though while

Conjunctions Condition if

only if unless until provided that assuming that even if in case (that) lest

Conjunctions Comparison than rather than whether as much as whereas

Conjunctions Time after as long as as soon as before by the time now that once since till until when whenever while

Conjunctions Reason because since so that in order (that) why

Relative Adjective that what whatever which

whichever  

Relative Pronoun who whoever whom whomever whose    

Conjunctions Manner how as though as if

Conjunctions Place where wherever

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs. They denote equality; and show the relationship between ideas expressed in different parts of a sentence - and thus make the joining tighter and more emphatic. When joining singular and plural subjects, the subject closest to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural. 

  as . . . as just as . . . so both . . . and hardly . . . when scarcely . . . when either . . . or neither . . . nor   if . . . then not . . . but what with . . . and whether . . . or not only . . . but also

no sooner . . . than rather . . . than

Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are often used as a linking device between ideas. They show logical relationships expressed in clauses, sentences or paragraphs.Conjunctive adverbs are very emphatic, so they should be used sparingly.

Similar to And   also besides furthermore likewise moreover

Similar to But   however nevertheless nonetheless still   conversely instead otherwise rather

Similar to So   accordingly consequently hence meanwhile then therefore thus