Transition Words and Phrases

All transition words do the same work as coordinating conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs. A paragraph is coherent and thus easy to understand when the correct transition words are used.

(1) Agreement

Transition words and phrases serve different purposes. Like and , in addition, likewise, some transitional devices add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.

 

and similarly in like manner
also in addition furthermore
again additionally in the same fashion (way)
to moreover first, second, third
as well as of course in the first place
likewise accordingly not only ... but also
then correspondingly equally
like/as too
besides in the light of

 

(2) Opposition and Limitation

Like but, or, some transitional devices show that there is evidence to the contrary or show alternatives.

but although although this may be true
instead whereas in contrast
despite conversely of course ..., but
otherwise however different from
still nevertheless on the other hand
unlike on the contrary notwithstanding
or even so then again 
yet while at the same time

 

 

(3) Cause, Effect, Purpose

 

For, when it means because, is a transitional word. These and some other transitional words and phrases direct a reader's attention to purpose, causes, and effects. Some of these words (thus, then, hence, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are actually time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a cause or an effect. Words that indicate this kind of relationship between ideas include the following:

 

for                                                   consequently                           to this end

because                                           therefore                                 for this purpose

thus                                                 accordingly                              with this object

then                                                 henceforth                               as a result

hence                                               as

 

Note that for and because are placed before the causes or reasons. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects.

 

(4) Conditions and Qualifications

 

Some transition words or phrases present specific conditions or special qualifications of situations

 

If, if ... then .... and unless introduce a situation as a condition.

When, since, while and whenever introduce a time condition.

Because, since and as introduce a reason as the condition.

Although, even though and though introduce a condition contrary to what one would naturally expect.

The words as, because, since, when, and whenever appear in other lists. However, they can also be used to introduce conditional ideas of time and reasons.

 

(5) Support

 

Introduction of examples as support or as illustrations of a support idea is cued to the reader with one of the following expressions

 

for example                                      as                                            in fact

for instance                                      such as                                    in general

 

(6) Time

 

Some transition words and phrases serve the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. These words may be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions. Some time words are included in the following list:

 

at the present time                            since                                       hence

in due time                                       further                                     meanwhile

sooner or later                                 later                                        during

at the same time                               until                                         first, second

at this point                                      when                                       eventually

up to the present time                       after                                        finally

to begin with                                    then                                         henceforth

until now                                          before                                     once

in time                                                                                            whenever

 

Many time words (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses. All of them except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further add a meaning of time with them 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.

 

(8) Space

 

Another group of transition words that are often used as part of adverbial expressions are those that restrict or limit space. Some space words are these:

 

here                                                 further                                     to the left/right

there                                                nearby                                     in the middle

where                                              opposite to                              adjacent to

beyond                                            wherever                                 next to

 

(9) Summarizing

 

The final group of transition words and phrases are those that signal a summary of ideas, a final general statement, or a restatement of the topic ideas. Some words that work this way are in the following list:

 

therefore                                          as can be seen                         in other words

hence                                               for this reason                          in fact

as shown above                               for these reasons                     in any case

consequently                                    to sum up                                in any event

in short                                            in brief                                     in either case

in conclusion                                    on the whole                            thus

as a result                                        in summary                              generally speaking

 

Words to use instead - Synonyms

For teachers, writers and students of English alike: a list of some common words and their useful synonyms to increase your vocabulary:

Answer - respond, reply, retort, acknowledge

Amazing> - improbable, incredible, unbelievable, fantastic, fabulous, wonderful, extraordinary, astonishing, astounding

Begin - launch, start, open, initiate, inaugurate, originate, commence,

Certain - sure, positive, determined, definite, clear, distinct, obvious, inescapable, inevitable, unavoidable

Decide - determine, settle, conclude, resolve, rule

End - stop, finish, terminate, conclude, close, cease, desist, discontinue, halt, quit

tbc