Transition Words and Phrases | |||||
![]() Transition words and phrases help the reader understand the relationship between your ideas and the movement of your ideas from one to another. They provide coherence and smoothness to your writing. Transition words and phrases serve a number of specific functions. For each function below you will find a number of words and phrases that represent the function, and an example of their use. Add information to an idea: furthermore, besides, not only, moreover, in addition to, also, as well as, along with, equally important, in the same way.
Compare two things: in the same way, similarly, likewise, by the same token, just as, in like manner, in similar fashion, like, also, not only.
Contrast two things: yet, on the other hand, whereas, instead, alternatively, nevertheless, on the contrary, but, however, though.
Indicate a cause or reason: because, due to, since, accordingly, consequently, therefore, thus, as a result, on account of, for this reason.
Emphasize a point: indeed, certainly, in fact, undoubtedly, of course, especially, to repeat, surely, obviously, truly.
Indicate uncertainty: although, on the other hand, be that as it may, subsequently, yet, nevertheless, then again, conversely, albeit, while.
Indicate time, chronology, or sequence: at first, in the meantime, after, next, up to the present time, at the same time, since, recently, simultaneously, during.
Conclude or summarize: in conclusion, to sum up, finally, on the whole, as can be seen, in the final analysis, all in all, therefore, in brief, thus.
Using transition words and phrases can help you to express your ideas in ways that will promote greater understanding by your readers. |