Transition words and phrases help show how ideas are connected.
Use this quick-reference list when you already know the relationship you want to express, such as addition, comparison, contrast, cause, result, sequence, clarification, or conclusion.
The term transition words is often used broadly, so this list includes both individual words and multiword expressions.
12 Common Transition Words and Phrases
| Purpose | Transition |
|---|---|
| Addition | in addition |
| Addition | furthermore |
| Contrast | however |
| Contrast | on the other hand |
| Comparison | similarly |
| Result | therefore |
| Result | as a result |
| Example | for example |
| Clarification | in other words |
| Sequence | next |
| Time | meanwhile |
| Summary | overall |
The best choice depends on the relationship between the ideas.
Addition Transition Words and Phrases
Use addition transitions to introduce another related point.
- also
- additionally
- furthermore
- moreover
- in addition
- besides
- as well
- what is more
- another point is
- equally important
Paired and Additive Structures
These can also add information, but they do not all work in the same grammatical position as sentence-level transitions.
- both … and
- not only … but also
- as well as
- together with
- along with
The new library offers more study space. In addition, it stays open later during exam week.
Comparison Transition Words and Phrases
Use comparison transitions when ideas are similar or parallel.
- similarly
- likewise
- in the same way
- in a similar way
- just as
- equally
- correspondingly
The first team reduced processing time. Similarly, the second team simplified its approval process.
Contrast Transition Words and Phrases
Use contrast transitions when ideas differ, oppose each other, or move in different directions.
- however
- in contrast
- on the other hand
- whereas
- while
- but
- yet
- nevertheless
- nonetheless
- still
- conversely
- unlike
The first apartment is cheaper. However, the second is much closer to campus.
These expressions can have similar meanings without being grammatically interchangeable.
Cause Transition Words and Phrases
Use cause expressions to introduce the reason something happens.
- because
- since
- as
- because of
- due to
- owing to
- as a result of
- on account of
The game was postponed because the field was flooded.
The game was postponed because of the flooding.
The relationship is similar, but the grammatical structure is different.
Effect and Result Transition Words and Phrases
Use result transitions to introduce a consequence.
- therefore
- thus
- consequently
- as a result
- hence
- accordingly
- for this reason
- so
- because of this
The roads were flooded. As a result, several bus routes were suspended.
Sequence Transition Words
Use sequence transitions to show the order of steps or stages.
- first
- second
- next
- then
- after that
- finally
- last
- lastly
- to begin with
- to start with
First, review the instructions. Next, gather the materials.
Time Transition Words and Phrases
Use time transitions to show when events happen.
Earlier Time
- earlier
- previously
- before
- at first
- initially
- formerly
- beforehand
Later Time
- later
- afterward
- subsequently
- eventually
- soon
- soon after
- in time
Events Happening at the Same Time
- meanwhile
- at the same time
- simultaneously
- while
- during
- in the meantime
Change Over Time
- gradually
- over time
- eventually
- increasingly
- little by little
Priya reviewed the report. Meanwhile, Daniel checked the figures.
Example and Illustration Transition Words and Phrases
Use these expressions to introduce an example or illustration.
- for example
- for instance
- to illustrate
- as an illustration
- such as
- including
- one example is
- consider
- to give an example
Some household habits can reduce unnecessary energy use. For example, turning off unused lights can reduce electricity consumption.
Specification Transition Words and Phrases
Use these expressions to narrow a broad statement or identify something more precisely.
- specifically
- in particular
- namely
- particularly
- more specifically
- especially
Several parts of the building need repairs. In particular, the roof requires immediate attention.
Clarification Transition Words and Phrases
Use clarification transitions to restate or explain an idea more clearly.
- in other words
- that is
- to clarify
- put differently
- more precisely
- to put it another way
- simply put
- stated differently
The rule applies only to permanent employees. In other words, temporary staff are not included.
Concession Transition Words and Phrases
Use concession expressions to acknowledge one point while showing that another point still matters.
- although
- even though
- though
- admittedly
- nevertheless
- nonetheless
- even so
- still
- granted that
- despite
- in spite of
- notwithstanding
- while it is true that
Although the software is inexpensive, it includes several useful advanced features.
These expressions belong to the same broad relationship, but they do not all require the same sentence structure.
Condition Transition Words and Phrases
Use condition expressions when one situation depends on another.
- if
- unless
- provided that
- providing that
- as long as
- only if
- even if
- in case
- in the event that
- on condition that
- assuming that
- depending on whether
You can submit the form online provided that all required documents are attached.
Emphasis Transition Words and Phrases
Use emphasis expressions when you want to draw particular attention to a point.
- indeed
- in fact
- above all
- more importantly
- most importantly
- particularly
- especially
- notably
The plan is less expensive. More importantly, it can be implemented without closing the building.
Use expressions such as most importantly only when the context genuinely supports that judgment.
Purpose Transition Words and Phrases
Use purpose expressions to explain what an action is intended to achieve.
- to
- in order to
- so that
- for the purpose of
- with this aim
- with this goal
- with this in mind
- in order that
The team changed the schedule in order to reduce waiting times.
The instructions were rewritten so that new users could follow them more easily.
These expressions help link purpose to action, although they do not all function like sentence-level transitional adverbs.
Summary Transition Words and Phrases
Use summary transitions to bring earlier points together.
- overall
- in summary
- in short
- in sum
- taken together
- altogether
- to summarize
- all things considered
Taken together, the results suggest that the revised process is both faster and easier to manage.
Conclusion Transition Words and Phrases
Use conclusion transitions when moving toward a final point or judgment.
- in conclusion
- to conclude
- ultimately
- finally
- in the end
- to sum up
- on balance
Ultimately, the best option depends on cost, time, and the needs of the people using the system.
Not every conclusion needs an explicit phrase such as in conclusion. Sometimes the ending is already clear from the content.
Transition Words for Essays
Essay transitions can connect claims, evidence, analysis, counterarguments, and conclusions.
The important point is to choose them according to the logical relationship rather than simply to make the writing sound formal.
Transition Words for Starting a Paragraph
Paragraphs can begin with transitions such as however, in addition, as a result, and more specifically, but a transition word is not required at the beginning of every paragraph.
Sometimes a complete transitional topic sentence creates a stronger connection.
Beyond these short-term benefits, the policy may also affect long-term costs.
A Note About Grammar
The expressions in this list do not all behave the same way grammatically.
Compare:
The plan was expensive. However, it was effective.
Although the plan was expensive, it was effective.
And:
The project was delayed because the equipment failed.
The project was delayed because of equipment failure.
The relationships may be similar, but the sentence structures are different.
Some items are conjunctions, some are adverbs, and others are phrases or different grammatical structures. Choose by meaning first, then make sure the expression fits the sentence.
Choose the Relationship First
You do not need to memorize every item in the list.
Identify the relationship you want to express, then choose a transition that communicates it accurately and fits the grammar of your sentence.
The best transition is not the longest or most formal one. It is the one that makes the connection clear.
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