Transition words help writers link ideas, but sometimes it’s hard to recall the right one when you need it. This quick reference guide organizes over 100 transition words by function—so you can quickly find the word that fits your essay or paragraph. Use this list as a resource whenever you want smoother, clearer writing.
- however
- therefore
- moreover
- in addition
- on the other hand
- for example
- finally
- similarly
- as a result
- in conclusion
Addition Transition Words
Addition transition words are used when you want to introduce new information or expand on an idea. They signal that what comes next supports or builds on what has already been said.
Common Addition Transition Words:
- also
- moreover
- furthermore
- in addition
- besides
- additionally
- as well
- coupled with
- not only… but also
- together with
These words are helpful in essays, reports, and even everyday writing when you need to show that your point continues or extends further.
Contrast Transition Words
Contrast transition words are used to show differences between two ideas. They help the reader see when you are comparing, opposing, or presenting an alternative point of view.
Common Contrast Transition Words:
- however
- yet
- on the other hand
- but
- nevertheless
- still
- in contrast
- whereas
- while
- although
These words are especially useful in essays or arguments where you want to highlight opposing ideas or present a different perspective clearly.
Cause and Effect Transition Words
Cause and effect transition words show the relationship between an action and its result. They make it clear when one idea leads directly to another.
Common Cause and Effect Transition Words:
- therefore
- thus
- consequently
- as a result
- hence
- accordingly
- because of this
- for this reason
- due to
- owing to
These words are often used in academic writing, reports, or essays where you need to explain why something happened or what outcome followed a particular event.
Sequence and Time Transition Words
Sequence and time transition words show the order in which events or ideas happen. They help readers follow steps, processes, or the timeline of events.
Common Sequence and Time Transition Words:
- first
- second
- next
- then
- after
- afterwards
- meanwhile
- subsequently
- finally
- at last
These words are useful in essays, instructions, and stories when you want to guide the reader through events or steps in a clear order.
Example and Illustration Transition Words
Example and illustration transition words introduce specific cases that clarify or support a point. They signal to the reader that what follows will make the idea easier to understand.
Common Example and Illustration Transition Words:
- for example
- for instance
- to illustrate
- such as
- namely
- specifically
- in particular
- as an illustration
- including
- like
These words are useful in both academic and everyday writing whenever you need to back up an idea with concrete details.
Conclusion and Summary Transition Words
Conclusion and summary transition words signal that you are wrapping up a point or bringing ideas together. They guide the reader to see that the discussion is coming to an end or that the main idea is being restated.
Common Conclusion and Summary Transition Words:
- in conclusion
- to sum up
- in summary
- finally
- in closing
- ultimately
- overall
- at the end
- to conclude
- in the end
These words are especially helpful in essays, reports, or speeches when you want to leave the reader with a clear final thought.
Emphasis Transition Words
Emphasis transition words highlight the importance of a point. They draw the reader’s attention to ideas you want to stress or make stand out.
Common Emphasis Transition Words:
- indeed
- above all
- in fact
- particularly
- especially
- significantly
- importantly
- undoubtedly
- without a doubt
- most of all
These words are useful when you need to show readers which ideas carry the most weight in your writing.
Comparison Transition Words
Comparison transition words are used to show similarities between two or more ideas. They help readers see how one idea relates to another in a positive or parallel way.
Common Comparison Transition Words:
- similarly
- likewise
- in the same way
- just as
- equally
- correspondingly
- in comparison
- analogous to
- in like manner
- as well as
These words are often used in essays and explanations when you want to connect two ideas that share common features.
Condition Transition Words
Condition transition words show that an idea depends on something else. They are useful when you want to explain situations that are true only if certain conditions are met.
Common Condition Transition Words:
- if
- unless
- provided that
- in case
- in the event that
- on the condition that
- as long as
- even if
- only if
- whether or not
These words are common in both academic and everyday writing when setting up rules, requirements, or possibilities.
Concession Transition Words
Concession transition words are used when you want to admit a point or acknowledge an opposing idea, while still continuing with your main argument. They signal contrast but with a softer tone than direct opposition.
Common Concession Transition Words:
- although
- even though
- though
- while it is true
- granted that
- whereas
- despite
- admittedly
- notwithstanding
- regardless of
These words are useful in essays and debates, where you need to recognize other viewpoints but still keep your main position clear.
Quick Reference Table of Transition Words
| Category | Transition Words |
|---|---|
| Addition | also, moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, additionally, as well, coupled with, not only… but also, together with |
| Contrast | however, yet, on the other hand, but, nevertheless, still, in contrast, whereas, while, although |
| Cause and Effect | therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, hence, accordingly, because of this, for this reason, due to, owing to |
| Sequence / Time | first, second, next, then, after, afterwards, meanwhile, subsequently, finally, at last |
| Example / Illustration | for example, for instance, to illustrate, such as, namely, specifically, in particular, as an illustration, including, like |
| Conclusion / Summary | in conclusion, to sum up, in summary, finally, in closing, ultimately, overall, at the end, to conclude, in the end |
| Emphasis | indeed, above all, in fact, particularly, especially, significantly, importantly, undoubtedly, without a doubt, most of all |
| Comparison | similarly, likewise, in the same way, just as, equally, correspondingly, in comparison, analogous to, in like manner, as well as |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, in case, in the event that, on the condition that, as long as, even if, only if, whether or not |
| Concession | although, even though, though, while it is true, granted that, whereas, despite, admittedly, notwithstanding, regardless of |
Final Note
This list of transition words is designed as a quick reference to help you choose the right connector for your writing. Whether you are building an essay, organizing a report, or writing everyday English, these words can make your ideas flow more clearly.
If you’d like to see how these words are used in real writing, explore our next guide: Transition Words with Example Sentences. It provides practical sentence examples to understand how to apply these transitions in context.
Thank u for the work that you are doing with the transitions words and was a great help in my essay papers. It very important to learn how english grammar is important to communicate in the working world.