Transition Words
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Transitions are words or phrases authors use to show relationships between sentences and
paragraphs to make their ideas clear.
Words That Show an Addition: Also referred to as a “list of items,” these transitions tell you
that the writer is presenting two or more ideas that continue along the same line of thought.
They introduce ideas that add to a thought already mentioned.
and
also
another
in addition
moreover
next
first of all
second
third
furthermore
last of all
finally

First of all, to make a pound cake one needs sugar, butter, and eggs. In addition, the
cook may add vanilla, lemon zest, or many other flavorings. Finally, the eggs may be
added whole or separated, and the whites beaten and folded in for a lighter cake.

By recycling, our township has saved thousands of dollars in landfill expenses.
Furthermore, we have made money by selling discarded glass, paper, and metal to
businesses that turn these materials into new products.
Words That Show a Cause and Effect Relationship: Cause and effect transitions signal that
the author is describing results or effects. They tell us what happened or will happen because
something else happened.
thus
so
as a result
since
therefore
if...then
because
accordingly
consequently

If you practice shooting baskets for 10,000 hours, then you will become an expert.

Loggers cut down all the trees on the mountainside; consequently, when it rained, the
soil washed down into the river.

As a result of overexposure to the sun, Mary was treated for second-degree burns.
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Words That Show a Comparison: These transitions signal that the author is pointing out a
similarity between two subjects. They tell us that the second idea is like the first one in some
way.
like
just like
equally
likewise
in like manner
in the same way
similarly
in a similar fashion
as
just as

Like father like son is an old proverb that expresses the passing down of family traits
from generation to generation.

The Falcons relied on their running game; likewise, the Cougars depended on their
running backs.
Words That Show a Contrast: These transitions signal a change in the direction of a writer's
thought. They tell us that a new idea will be different in a significant way from the previous
one.
but
yet
still
in contrast
instead
although
conversely
on the other hand
on the contrary
nevertheless
even though
despite
however
in spite of

In spite of what some people think, learning vocabulary is not hard; however, it does
take concentrated effort.

In the 1980’s, medical opinion stated that passive smoking was harmless. In contrast,
current medical opinion says passive smoking is as harmful as actually smoking.

“You said I could go on the camping trip,” I said. “On the contrary,” said my father, “I
said we will see how you do on your test before I decide.”
Words That Emphasize or Clarify: These words signal that the author is about to clarify or
interpret a certain point. They tell us that the second statement is an expansion of a previous
one.
clearly
obviously
of course
evidently
certainly
as a matter of fact
in fact
to be sure
undoubtedly
in other words
truly

I dislike fish sticks. In fact, if fish sticks were being served for dinner, I'd be at
Domino’s.

Studies have shown that many students try to pass their courses with D’s. Clearly,
schools do not hold them to a high enough standard. Undoubtedly, if students are
encouraged to work for A’s, they may learn more.
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Words That Show Illustration, or Example: These transitions indicate that an author will
provide one or more examples to illustrate and clarify a given idea. They tell us that the second
idea is an example of the first.
for example
to be specific
to illustrate
as an illustration
once
such as
for instance
including
specifically

There are various ways you can save money, such as bringing lunch to work and
preparing home-cooked meals versus eating out.

There are several things you can do to prepare for a test, including reviewing the
material, getting plenty of rest, and eating a good meal before going to class.

My brother Mike will do anything to impress his girlfriend. Once he spent his entire
paycheck on a gift for her and did not have enough money to pay his rent.
Words That Show Location, or Spatial Order: Location transitions indicate where people or
things are situated in relation to each other.
next to
in front of
in back of
above
below
inside
outside
opposite
on top of
nearby
across
beneath
behind
near
within
over
under
beyond
far
between
in the middle of
on the other side of
at the end of
ahead of

On top of my son’s dresser are collectables from the Star Wars saga.

Several inexpensive restaurants are near TCC.

You have to go beyond city limits to see a crystal-clear sky with all its stars.
Words That Summarize or Conclude: These transitions signal that the author is about to
summarize or come to a conclusion. They tell us that the idea that follows sums up what has
gone before it.
in summary
in conclusion
in other words
all in all
in brief
ultimately
to sum up
on the whole
in short
to conclude

At the banquet, the candidate for state senator spoke for an hour and a half without
interruption. He finally concluded by saying, "In brief, ladies and gentlemen, vote for
me."

After a twenty-minute analysis of my financial situation, my accountant told me, "To
sum up, Mr. Mills, you're broke."
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Words That Show a Time, or Chronological, Order: These transitions tell us when
something happens in relation to something else.
first
then
until
next
before
immediately
as
now
since
while
during
soon
often
after
previously

First, I take notes in class, then I rewrite them at home. Next, I write down any questions
I have so I can ask about them the next day.

During the thunderstorm, a tree fell on my car.

Before you go, please turn out the lights, then lock the front and back doors.
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