Transitional word and phrases

Transition sentences are an essential part of writing. They help the reader know what information is coming next and show how it relates to the previous sentence.

The best transitions will be clear, brief, and easy for the reader to understand. There are many different kinds of transition words and phrases writers use depending on the context.

Defining Transitional Words and Phrases

Transitional words and phrases are words and phrases that carry meaning from one sentence to the next. They can help express time, writing technique, or logic.

Writers use these words to make their sentences cohesive and help the reader quickly grasp the sentence’s meaning.

Some common transitional words are:

• However
• Furthermore
• Nevertheless
• Despite
• Consequently

Transition phrases are also common. They can connect ideas or clauses within a sentence. Some common transitional phrases are:

• As a result
• In spite of
• On the other hand

Types of Transition Words and Phrases

Time Transitions

Time transitions help the reader know whether a sentence is about the past, present, or future.

Here are some examples of common time transitions:

• After
• Before
• Ever since
• Immediately
• Finally
• Just recently
• Meanwhile
• Momentarily
• Now
• Soon after
• Until then
• Up until now
• While

Writers should also consider using time transitions to show cause and effect.

Sentence example:

She got up, grabbed her phone, and left the room.

She got up and grabbed her phone. Afterward, she left the room.

The second sentence has a more coherent flow, as the cause and effect are clear.

Logical Transitions

Logical transitions show how one sentence relates logically to the next.

Here are some examples of logical transitions:

• As a result
• Due to
• Therefore
• Since
• In contrast to
• Despite
• In other words
• Conversely
• As such
• Consequently
• Hence

Sentence examples:

Walking to the park takes longer than driving. Therefore, people are less likely to walk.

In this sentence, ‘therefore’ is a logical transition because it shows the link between one action and its effect.

Logical transitions can show a cause-and-effect relationship as well.

Sentence example:

The computer crashed since someone left it on overnight.

The computer crashed as a result of being on for a long period.

The second sentence is more cohesive and will make more sense to the reader.

Driving to the park takes less time. As such, people are more likely to drive.

Here, ‘as such’ is a logical transition because it shows what will come next. This sentence continues the same logic as the first sentence.

Cause and effect transitions

These transition words help show how two or more sentences are related. Typically, it is used to show the cause or effect of something. These include:

• Therefore
• So
• Since
• As a result
• Due to
• Hence

Sentence example:

A higher price leads to fewer sales. As a result, the store is going out of business.

In this case, “A higher price” is the cause, and “fewer sales” is the effect.

Another example:

John was very busy at work, and he didn’t have time for a party.

As a result, no one invited him to anything.

In this case, “John was very busy at work” is the cause, and “no one invited him to anything” is the effect.

Transition phrases can also be clarifying.

Sentence example:

After the meeting was over, Susan left the office.

Susan left the office after the meeting was over.

The second sentence is more coherent and flows better than the first sentence.

Clarifying transitions

These transitions bring clarifications to the sentence. By using clarifying transition words and phrases, the writer makes sure that the information is clear and cohesive. Some clarifying transitions are:

• In other words
• In brief
• In essence

Sentence examples:

The story of Cinderella is a new take on an old tale.

In other words, the writer rewrote an old story with a new plot and characters.

The second sentence is more coherent.

She got up and left the room.

Afterward, she grabbed her phone and left.

The first sentence doesn’t tell when she left the room, so it can sound confusing.

The clarifying transition in the second sentence makes sure that the reader knows when she left the room.

Formality Transitions

When writing formally, writers need to use formal words to create clear sentences. Some examples of formal transitional words and phrases are:

• At any rate
• In a sense
• In effect
• In other words
• In particular
• Instead
• Meanwhile
• To illustrate

Sentence example:

In effect, the rain stopped us from going outside.

It rained, and it stopped us from going outside.

The first sentence is more formal than the second sentence.

Compare and contrast transitions

These transitional words and phrases show how two or more things are alike or different. Compare, and contrast transitions include:

• In comparison with
• On the other hand
• Alternatively
• Despite this
• Conversely
• In contrast to

A comparison example:

John is a fast runner. However, he can’t run a marathon.

In this case, “fast runner” and “can’t run a marathon” are compared.

An example of contrasting words:

John is a fast runner, but Bill is a slow runner.

In this case, “John is a fast runner” and “Bill is a slow runner” are contrasted. This example shows that John is fast while Bill is slow.

Sequence transitions

Sequence transitions show how two or more things are related in terms of time, logic, cause/effect, etc. Some sequence words and phrases are:

• First
• Later on
• Meanwhile
• Afterward
• Finally
• Prior to this/that/etc

Sentence example:

First, John applied for a job at a cafe.

Then, he got an interview.

In this case, “First” is the transitional phrase, showing the sequence of events.

Addition transitions

Addition transitions add more information to the sentence. They can be used before or after a sentence. Examples of such transitions are furthermore and moreover.

Sentence example:

It was a very cold day. Moreover, it started to snow.

In this case, “Moreover” is the transitional word, adding more information to the cold day.

Concluding transitions

Concluding transitions signal the end of a sentence. These transitional phrases and words show that the writer’s idea has been fully expressed. Concluding transitions include:

• To conclude
• At the end of the day
• Finally
• In short
• To summarize
• All in all

Sentence example:

Having said that, it is worth noting that not everyone thinks the same way.

In this case, “Having said that” is the transitional phrase, and it signals that the writer’s idea has been fully expressed.

Grouping transitions

These transitions group similar ideas. Some grouping examples are:

• On one hand
• On the other hand
• Or else/or otherwise
• In other words

Sentence example:

John likes to play tennis, but he also enjoys skiing.

In this case, playing tennis and enjoying skiing are similar ideas. The grouping transition “but also” groups them together.

Delaying transitions

A delaying transition delays the main idea in a sentence. These transitions are often used to create suspense and interest right before stating the main idea.

Sentence example:

Although he lost three games, he won the first set.

In this case, the writer wants to start with “He lost three games” but instead delays it until later in the sentence.

Writing Technique Transitions

These transitional phrases and words help writers to focus on specific points. They can be used whenever a writer wants to increase the importance of a sentence. Some examples of such transitions are:

• First and foremost
• In addition
• At the same time
• Likewise

Sentence example:

First and foremost, it is important to note that the company was established in 2007.

In this case, “First and foremost” is the transitional phrase, increasing the importance of the sentence.

Transitional Sentences

Transitional sentences are a great way to show how sentences relate to one another. A transitional sentence will help a writer with their flow and allow the reader to comprehend what they are reading more easily.

Here is an example:

Her phone rang, so she picked it up.

She put down her book and answered the phone. As a result, she found out that her date was going to be a half-hour late.

In the first sentence, the phone rings, and she answers it. The second sentence explains how she found out her date was going to be late.

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement, Paragraphing, and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations:
Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic.
Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

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Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

accordingly
as a result
and so
because

consequently
for that reason
hence
on account of

since
therefore
thus

Chronology–Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after
afterwards
always
at length
during
earlier
following
immediately
in the meantime

later
never
next
now
once
simultaneously
so far
sometimes

soon
subsequently
then
this time
until now
when
whenever
while

Combinations
Lists–Connecting numerous events.
Part/Whole–Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally
again
also
and, or, not
as a result
besides
even more

finally
first, firstly
further
furthermore
in addition
in the first place
in the second place

last, lastly
moreover
next
second, secondly, etc.
too

Contrast–Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all
although
and yet
at the same time
but

despite
however
in contrast
nevertheless
nonetheless
notwithstanding

on the contrary
on the other hand
otherwise
though
yet

Example–Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration
e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example
for instance
specifically
that is

to demonstrate
to illustrate

Importance–Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly
critically

foundationally
most importantly

of less importance
primarily

Location–Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above
adjacent to
below
beyond

centrally
here
nearby
neighboring on

opposite to
peripherally
there
wherever

Similarity–Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token
in like manner

in similar fashion
here
in the same way

likewise
wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases
Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”)
in other words

that is
that is to say
to clarify
to explain

to put it another way
to rephrase it

Intensification

in fact
indeed
no

of course
surely
to repeat

undoubtedly
without doubt
yes

Purpose

for this purpose
in order that

so that
to that end

to this end

Main Transition Words Takeaways:

• Transitional words are important because they help improve the flow between words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs.
• They are important for SEO because they help make text easier to read and understand. Search engines and readers love content that is readable.
• Transition words help link ideas and statements.
• Using transitional words at the beginning or end of a paragraph can help the reader understand when you introduce a new topic.
• The four types of transition words are additive, adversative, causal, and sequential.
• Transition words and phrases don’t affect the grammatical structure of sentences and paragraphs.

What Are Transition Words?

As a writer, your primary goal is to present information and ideas to your target audience in a clear and understandable manner. The best way to do that is to use transition words. Transition words or transitional words are terms and phrases that help connect words, phrases, and even sentences together. They build connections between ideas in your content.

Transition words and phrases ensure that your written work will not look choppy and disjointed. They help your audience progress from one idea to the next. Think of them as a way to tell your readers how they should process and understand the information you are giving them. Transition words function like GPS, guiding your readers where they are going and how to get there.

What Are Some Examples Of Transition Words and Phrases?

Here are some of the most common examples of transition words and phrases:

Transition words are categorized based on their purpose. For instance, transition phrases like as a result of, due to, and as long as are used to emphasize cause and effect. Below are more examples of transition expressions that have been categorized based on their functions:

What Are Some Examples of Transition Sentences?

The best way to understand how transitional words work is to see them in action. Remember, as important as these grammatical tools are, it’s not a good idea to overuse them. Too many transitional phrases can make your text seem complicated and wordy. It could also make you seem like a chronic overexplainer, and nobody wins when that happens.

You can use transitions to go from sentence to sentence:

You can also use transition words and phrases to go from paragraph to paragraph:

What Are the Four Types of Transition Words?

There are a lot of different ways to categorize transition words. In this post, we will discuss the four main types of transition words: Additive, Adversative, Causal, and Sequential.

1. What are Additive Transitions?

These transition words add or introduce another idea. They may also reference a previously mentioned concept, identify a similarity, or clarify an idea. Additive transitional words include:

2. What are Adversative Transitions?

Adversative transitions may be used to signal opposing ideas or dismiss a previously discussed idea altogether. Some adversative transition words include:

3. What are Causal Transitions?

As for causal transitions, they’re most commonly used to denote cause and effect. They may also indicate the reason an idea or action is happening or has happened. Causal transition words include:

4. What are Sequential Transitions?

As the name suggests, sequential transitions are used to put a sequence of ideas in order (usually chronological). This helps the reader understand where ideas fall in a list or when you’re wrapping up your text. Sequential transitions include:

Are Conjunctions Considered Transition Words?

While conjunctions and transitions share the same purpose — to connect ideas between or within sentences — they are not used the same way. You must not confuse conjunctions with transitional words or expressions. Conjunctions connect phrases and clauses, whereas transitions indicate the relationship between sentences and paragraphs. Check the following examples:

Subordinating conjunctions connecting dependent clauses with independent clauses:

Read More: The Easiest Way To Get Subordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connecting two independent clauses:

Transition words connecting sentences and paragraphs:

Another significant difference between transitions and conjunctions is their grammatical functions. Since conjunctions join clauses, they become part of the sentence and affect it grammatically. On the other hand, transition words have no impact on the grammatical structure of a sentence or paragraph. In short, you can remove a transition word, and it won’t have any impact on the sentence at all. Check the examples below:

Do Commas Go Before Or After Transition Words?

The placement of commas when using transition words will depend on where the latter appears in your text.

If your transition phrase appears at the beginning of the sentence, it is always set off with a comma.

If the transition word or phrase appears within an independent clause, it should be preceded by and set off with a comma.

If the transitional word appears between two independent clauses in a compound sentence, it should be preceded by a semicolon and set off with a comma.

How Are Transition Words Used in SEO?

SEO, or search engine optimization, is a process that involves optimizing your content for search engines to help improve ranking. The higher you are in search results, the more visibility your content will have. The more visible your content, the more people will see and learn about your brand.

Unlike keywords or meta tags, transitions between sentences or paragraphs don’t directly help boost your search ranking. Instead, it’s all about readability and structure.

See, Google runs on algorithms and those algorithms are big fans of order and ease of use. In other words, clarity is everything.

In the olden days (you know, like the 2010s), Google was like a heat-seeking missile for keywords. Basically, the more keywords you could stuff in your copy, the better you’d rank. That led to a lot of web pages that said something like, “buckets buckets buy some buckets buckets for sale the best buckets.”

What are they selling? You guessed it: buckets!

Google (and the rest of the world) soon realized the keyword stuffing wasn’t really good for anyone. Instead, search engines began focusing on how web pages could best serve the reader. Now, algorithms analyze web content for readability, and transition words play a huge role in that determination.

Transition Words Give Direction

Transition words also help you structure your content. Remember our road map? Transitional words can act as street signs, pointing readers left or right, directing them to take a U-turn, or propelling them onward.

Bottom line: Transition words make your content easier to read and understand. For this reason, it’s vital to rely not only on helpful tools but also on your own mind. If it reads well to you, it’ll likely read well to your audience.

Transition To a Closing

Finally, you can use transitions to introduce a new section or conclude your previous one—or wrap up the entire text. You may even use a transition to reinforce the general idea of your content before ending your piece:

Quick Transition Words Grammar Quiz

Read More: How to use a question mark (?)

Author: Michael L

Date: Oct 3, 2019 | Grammar

Transition words and phrases are an important part of the English language. They are used to connect words and sentences, often by referring back to one idea and signaling the introduction of a new one. Transition words can also help a passage of writing flow better, although it is best not to overuse them.

Consider the example:

• James did not go to the movies. He visited his grandparents instead.

The transition word in the above example is instead. It links the two sentences together by referring back to the first sentence and signaling that an alternative idea has been introduced.

Consider the example without the transition word:

• James did not go to the movies. He visited his grandparents.

The lack of a link between the two sentences leaves things a bit vague. We do not explicitly know that the two sentences are related, whereas the previous example shows that James visited his grandparents as an alternative to going to the movies.

There are 100s of transition words and phrases in English. Indeed, because of the evolution of language over time, new transition phrases can appear all the time. Often transition words are conjunctive adverbs – words like however, also, indeed, instead, still, therefore – or phrases containing conjunctive adverbs, conjunctions and adverbs. The point is that transition words cover a wide variety of language, but it’s more important to recognize their function rather than categorize them.

When to Use Transition Words?

Fundamentally, we use transition words to connect sentences and words together. They often refer back to the previous sentence or words within a sentence, and let the reader know that there is some related or new information on its way. There are different types of transition words and phrases, and not all of them have this simplistic explanation for their use.

Consider the passage below, and notice the highlighted transition words and phrases:

I do not like dairy products very much, particularly cheese. However, I make an exception for ice cream, especially chocolate ice cream. Indeed, ice cream is probably my favorite thing to eat. Admittedly, I am also aware that ice cream is very fattening, not to mention full of sugar. In other words, ice cream isn’t very healthy. Nevertheless, life is too short to worry about these things. With this in mind, I will continue to eat ice cream every day. I may end up overweight, of course. On balance, this is a price I am willing to pay for delicious – especially chocolate – ice cream.

Can you see how the transition words and phrases stitch the fabric of the passage together? They act as signals by referring to the previous sentence and introducing new ideas in the next, or by referring back to previous information in the same sentence and changing the emphasis of it. Normally, transition words and phrases help a passage of writing flow better, but it’s also recommended not to use too many transition words, as it can make the writing a bit confusing or heavy. As an example, the passage above arguably uses too many transitional words and phrases from a stylistic standpoint and would be easier to read with fewer transtions.

Types of Transition Words

As we mentioned, transition words are normally used to link words and sentences by referring back to one idea and introducing a new one. However, transition words do this in a variety of ways. With that in mind, let’s break down the different types of transition words into categories based on the way they link words together.

Here are some of the main ways transition words are used:

To introduce a new idea or opposite point of view:

• But, while, conversely, however, nevertheless, yet, instead, nonetheless, although, though, even though, incidentally.
  • I went to his house hoping to find him; yet, he was not there.
  • They told her they weren’t happy with her designs, but she nevertheless resolved to go on.

To introduce a conclusion:

• Finally, so, as, therefore, thus, consequently, in conclusion, since, as such, finally, subsequently.
  • Finally, the choir began singing.
  • Since that is the case, we have no choice but to resign.

To introduce a list or point out a sequence of events:

• First, second, third, firstly, secondly, first of all, last of all, finally, lastly, after that, until, including, next.
  • We go to Paris this Sunday. After that, Rome.
  • First of all, let me tell you what happened. Then you can decide.

To admit a concession:

• Of course, admittedly, even so, naturally, alas.
  • There is another way to do it, of course.
  • Admittedly, it was my biggest mistake.

To add emphasis or additions.

• Likewise, in addition, furthermore, also, additionally, moreover, indeed, namely, in fact, for the most part, as a matter of fact.
  • David, Benjamin and Ellie laughed. Indeed, even Daniel found it funny.
  • For the most part, the kids in the classroom kept quiet.

To introduce clauses and conditions:

• On the condition that, in light of, in order to, provided that, whenever, while, as long as.
  • You can go, as long as you are back by midnight.
  • Whenever you return, lock the door after you.

The above just shows a small selection of different transition words and phrases, but there are many more words and phrases used in this way. It can also be somewhat confusing, because sometimes the words on the list above can be used in a sentence without it being a transition word.

Consider these two sentences:

• Despite nerves, Donna came first in the race. (First is not a transition word in this sentence.)
• To win a race, first you must believe you can win.  (First is a transition word in this sentence.)

Examples of Transition Words

Below are some more examples of transition words in sentences:

• The Queen is the UK’s Head of State. Additionally, she is also the Head of State for Australia.
• We were hungry. However, because the kitchen was already closed, we didn’t eat until morning.
• One doesn’t need to attend college. There are, in fact, many ways to obtain knowledge.
• She was very tired. Indeed, she hadn’t slept for weeks.
• In light of recent weather events, the show will be cancelled.
• Finally, the car came to a skidding halt.
• You should go to the conference. Likewise, Bill and Caren should go too.
• It’s obvious you don’t want me here. As a result, I have decided I will leave tomorrow.
• We are German citizens. But we are also citizens of Europe.
• He lowered his voice, as if to underline the seriousness of the matter.
• Monkeys groom each other in order to build relationships.
• Michael and Sarah are here. I was chatting with them earlier, as a matter of fact.

Why are Transition Words Important?

Without transition words and phrases, language would be somewhat stiff. They sew words and sentences together, helping them flow better by acting as a link to what was previously stated in the passage. Yet, they are more than that, they act as signals in writing to show shifts in ideas, tone and emphasis, and introduce conclusions, sequences and contradictions.

The key to understanding them lies in the name itself: Transition words. Transition means change, and these words indicate that there has been a change or that a change is forthcoming. This change could be subtle, like a shift in emphasis, or more obvious, like the offering of a contrary idea or conclusion, but transition words, nevertheless, act as a signal for that change. In the end, this is important because it gets to the root of how we understand language, as these transition words act like bridges through words, sentences and meaning.