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• Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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Table of contents

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

• Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

• A second round of testing was also carried out.
• Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
• Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

• Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
• Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

• Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
• Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

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Transition Words Examples: Enhancing Paragraphs and Essays

Think back to when you were first taught how to write essays. You were probably taught to organize your writing by starting each paragraph with a word like first , additionally , further , secondly , or third . These words are transition words .

Not all transition words are individual words. Sometimes, you need a whole phrase to make a smooth transition in your writing. These phrases are known as transition phrases . One transition phrase you were probably taught in school is in conclusion , a common way to begin an essay’s final paragraph . As you moved further in your academic career, you were probably taught to move away from these transition phrases and use subtler ones in your writing. 

Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Grammarly can check your spelling and save you from grammar and punctuation mistakes. It even proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write.

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Read on to learn all about the best transition words and phrases and when to use them, as well as common pitfalls you might encounter when incorporating transitions into your writing.

What are transition words?

Transition words are words that help writing move smoothly from one topic to another without confusing the reader. Words like however , next , or in conclusion prepare the reader by signaling that the topic is shifting. Transition words can introduce new or contrasting ideas, show cause-and-effect relationships, and form other connections between different sentences.

Types of transition words

Transition words present the writer’s thoughts in an orderly fashion, express nuance, clarify vagueness, forge connections, and demonstrate comparisons. Because they do so many different jobs, transition words are divided into eight distinct categories.

Transition words that introduce, agree, and add on 

One of the most common ways transition words are used is to introduce new ideas and add onto topics that have already been explored in the piece. 

Transition words and phrases in this category include:

• coupled with
• in addition (to) 
• furthermore
• equally important

Take a look at a few ways you can use these kinds of transition words in a sentence:

• We have to consider the students’ needs, but the staff’s needs are equally important .
• First , preheat the oven. Second , sift together all your dry ingredients. 
• The weather, coupled with the fast and loose itinerary, is the reason why I’m skipping the trip.

Transition words that oppose and limit

Transition words can also communicate opposition or limits to ideas and phrases. These words’ role is largely the opposite of the role played by the category above. Transition words that create opposition and limits include:

• on the contrary
• on the other hand
• notwithstanding

Here are a few examples:

• We managed to have a decent harvest despite the drought.
• I went to the seminar expecting a long, boring presentation but on the contrary , it was engaging and a lot of fun!
• While Shekani is a stickler for tradition, Mei gives every holiday party a new twist.

Cause and conditional transition words

These transition words show how one action led to a specific effect or how one circumstance is conditional on another. This category also includes words and transition phrases that illustrate the relationship between an intention and an action. 

Cause and conditional transition words include:

• in the event of 
• for fear of
• I hope that

A few examples of these words in sentences include:

• As long as there are pets that need homes, I’ll keep volunteering at the shelter.
• I brought extra socks in case we have to walk through puddles. 

Effect and result transition words

Similar to the category above, these transition words demonstrate the result of a specific action. Here’s the difference between the two: When your sentence is focused on the cause of the effect, you’d use one of the transition words from the “Cause and conditional” category above. When the emphasis is on the effect itself, you would use a word from this “Effect and result” category that fits with the rest of your sentence. 

For example, you might announce that you’ve postponed your barbecue by sending a group message that says “ because of the weather, I postponed the barbecue.” But you can communicate the same message with a slightly different focus by phrasing it as “it’s raining, so consequently I’ve rescheduled the barbecue.” 

Words and phrases in this category include:

• as a result
• because the
• under those circumstances
• consequently

A few more examples of sentences that include these transition words are: 

• It’s very humid outside, hence the condensation on the window. 
• We stayed to see the whole show and consequently missed our train home. 
• Miguel forgot to add the yeast to his dough and as a result , the bread didn’t rise. 

Transition words that describe examples and support

Other transition words make it clear that one concept supports another, either by providing evidence, emphasizing it, or simply being an example. These words include:

• for this reason
• by all means
• in other words
• particularly
• significantly

Here are a few examples of these transition words at work:

• They had to slow down production, particularly of items with a low profit margin. 
• I love all kinds of pizza, especially stuffed-crust pizza.
• The sequel’s tone was markedly different from the first movie’s. 

Conclusion and summary transition words

These are the transition words that bring paragraphs , arguments, and pieces of writing to a close. They can also be used to summarize and restate ideas. These transition phrases and words include:

• in conclusion
• to conclude
• in any event
• in either case
• to summarize

Take a look at a few ways these words work in sentences:

• There were some surprises, but overall we had a great time.
• In conclusion , an upgraded security system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. 

Transition words for describing time

Another category of transition words deals with time, specifically when something happened or will happen in relation to another event. These words include:

• occasionally
• in the meantime
• in a moment
• momentarily
• at the present time
• all of a sudden
• every so often

Take a look at these transition phrases and words in action:

• I was walking through the mall when all of a sudden , I recognized my long-lost sister standing in line to buy a pretzel.
• I’d love to hang out at the coffee shop after work. 
• Don’t leave the lobby—we’ll be with you momentarily . 

Transition words for locations

Transition words can also draw a reader’s attention to where something is located, or the physical or spatial relationship between two things. This can mean where someone or something is literally located, or they can be used figuratively, like “Dan’s auto body shop is above Rick’s when it comes to quality and attention to detail.”

These words and phrases include:

• in front of
• adjacent to

You’ll notice that many of these words can also function as prepositions in a sentence. They can also function as transition words that are part of adverbial clauses . Here are a few examples of this kind of transition word at work: 

• In the back , my cousin was grilling hamburgers. 
• Among the students surveyed, more than half were excited to return to campus full-time. 
• Next to the garage , they found a parking spot.

When to use transition words

Transition words illustrate relationships between other words and phrases. Although students are generally taught to use transition words at the beginning of sentences, this isn’t the only place they’re used. 

Generally, a transition word is the crux of its sentence . This is the decisive point where the sentence’s core message is communicated. Not every sentence contains a transition word, but when one does, the transition word is usually critical to its question or statement. 

Common mistakes writers make with transition words

Working with transition words isn’t always easy. Sometimes, especially when English isn’t your primary language, you may accidentally use the wrong word for the type of transition you’re making or use a word that doesn’t have quite the right connotation for your message. For example, you might say something like, “We could go out for burgers, pizza, sushi, or tacos. In either case, that works for me.” Either implies that there are only two choices, so in this scenario, it doesn’t fit because there are a total of four choices. (Here, the best way to phrase this would be “in any case.”)

Here are a few other commonly mistaken transition words:

• Adam and Jeremy came over for dinner.
• I made ribs and mac and cheese as well as a bagged salad. 
• Although they offer personal training and classes, that gym is essentially an overpriced equipment store.
• The gym’s website explicitly states that no guest passes will be issued until further notice. 

Another mistake writers sometimes make with transition words is using them in inappropriate contexts. As you saw in the lists above, some transition words and phrases feel more formal and academic than others. You can make your writing feel too formal—or too casual—by choosing a transition word that doesn’t fit your tone or the type of writing you’re doing. Here are a few examples of transition words that don’t fit their sentences:

• I just picked up a new dress, got my makeup done, and therefore , I’m ready to hit the club.
• In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Edna Pontillier felt inadequate whenever she spent time with Adele Ratignolle. 
• I’ll be out of the office on Wednesday and consequently won’t be responding to emails. 

See how they’re all either too formal or too casual for the messages they’re communicating? Word choice is crucial to effective communication, and that includes choosing the right transition for each sentence. 

Make every transition a smooth one

Not sure if the transition word you chose is the right one? Run your writing through Grammarly and get suggestions for how to pick the perfect words and strike the appropriate tone that works best for what you’re communicating. 

Look up a word, learn it forever.

Other forms: continued; continues; continuing

To continue an activity is to keep it going, either with or without interruption. If you ask the newspaper to continue delivering your paper while you are on vacation, you want to receive all the news while you’re away.

The verb continue is related to the word continuous , from the Latin word continuare , meaning “join together” or “connect.” When anything goes on without a break, like the middle school variety show, it continues, uninterrupted. You can also continue something that was paused or set aside. You could, for instance, continue watching the movie that you paused when the pizza was delivered and then continue to drive your parents crazy by texting your friends while watching the movie with them.

• verb keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last “ continue the family tradition” synonyms: bear on , carry on , preserve , uphold go forward , proceed move ahead; travel onward in time or space go along , go on , keep , proceed continue a certain state, condition, or activity see more see less antonyms: cease , discontinue , give up , lay off , quit , stop put an end to a state or an activity types: show 11 types... hide 11 types... re-start , restart , resume take up or begin anew hang in , hang on , hold on , persevere , persist be persistent, refuse to stop perpetuate cause to continue or prevail keep up , prolong , sustain lengthen or extend in duration or space mummify preserve while making lifeless obstinate persist stubbornly ask for it , ask for trouble persist with actions or an attitude despite the probability that it will cause trouble plug , plug away persist in working hard follow , stick to , stick with keep to keep , keep on , retain allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature eternize cause to continue indefinitely type of: hold , keep , maintain keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean"
• verb allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature “We cannot continue several servants any longer” synonyms: keep , keep on , retain persist in do something repeatedly and showing no intention to stop see more see less type of: keep up , prolong , sustain lengthen or extend in duration or space
• verb continue a certain state, condition, or activity “We continued to work into the night” synonyms: go along , go on , keep , proceed bear on , carry on , preserve , uphold keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last see more see less antonyms: discontinue come to or be at an end types: hold remain in a certain state, position, or condition keep going , run on continue uninterrupted ride continue undisturbed and without interference type of: act , move perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
• verb do something repeatedly and showing no intention to stop “We continued our research into the cause of the illness” synonyms: persist in keep , keep on , retain allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature see more see less type of: act , move perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
• verb continue talking “"I know it's hard," he continued , "but there is no choice” synonyms: carry on , go on , proceed see more see less types: segue proceed without interruption; in music or talk jog , ramble , ramble on continue talking or writing in a desultory manner type of: speak , talk exchange thoughts; talk with
• verb continue in a place, position, or situation “She continued as deputy mayor for another year” synonyms: remain , stay , stay on see more see less types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... abide , bide , stay dwell hold over continue a term of office past the normal period of time visit stay with as a guest outstay , overstay stay too long type of: be have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
• verb continue after an interruption “The demonstration continued after a break for lunch” synonyms: go along , go on , keep , proceed continue a certain state, condition, or activity see more see less type of: act , move perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
• verb move ahead; travel onward in time or space “She continued in the direction of the hills” synonyms: go forward , proceed bear on , carry on , preserve , uphold keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last see more see less types: show 6 types... hide 6 types... head to go or travel towards trace make one's course or travel along a path; travel or pass over, around, or along roar act or proceed in a riotous, turbulent, or disorderly way limp proceed slowly or with difficulty wander go via an indirect route or at no set pace make , take head into a specified direction type of: go , locomote , move , travel change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
• verb span an interval of distance, space or time “The Archipelago continues for another 500 miles” synonyms: cover , extend cover hold within range of an aimed firearm see more see less types: show 9 types... hide 9 types... cross , span , sweep , traverse to cover or extend over an area or time period sweep cover the entire range of overlap extend over and cover a part of overspread , spread spread across or over ridge extend in ridges constellate , dot , stud scatter or intersperse like dots or studs rake sweep the length of imbricate overlap transgress spread over land, especially along a subsiding shoreline type of: be occupy a certain position or area; be somewhere
• verb exist over a prolonged period of time “The bad weather continued for two more weeks” see more see less types: show 6 types... hide 6 types... carry , extend continue or extend die hard , endure , persist , prevail , run continue to exist stand be in effect; be or remain in force carry over transfer or persist from one stage or sphere of activity to another reverberate have a long or continuing effect wash admit to testing or proof type of: be have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)

Vocabulary lists containing continue

Learn these words from the Native American mythic poems by Joseph Bruchac (Inside: Level A, Unit 7). Here are our links to the selections of "Star Power": Sky Bear , A Universe of Stars , The Astronomer , Not-So-Starry Nights , Preserving the Rural Environment , Going to the Moon Here are our links to the units of Level A: Unit 1 , Unit 2 , Unit 3 , Unit 4 , Unit 5 , Unit 6 , Unit 7 , Unit 8 Here are our links to the Inside books: Level A , Level B , Level C Here is our link to a list of academic vocabulary for Inside: Academic Vocabulary

Learn these words from the short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer (Inside: Level B, Unit 6). Here are our links to the selections of "To the Rescue": Dogs at Work , How to Train a Guide Dog; The Wonder Dog , Angels in the Snow , Zlateh the Goat , The Story of Mzee and Owen , A Conflict Close to Home Here are our links to the units of Level B: Unit 1 , Unit 2 , Unit 3 , Unit 4 , Unit 5 , Unit 6 , Unit 7 , Unit 8 Here are our links to the Inside books: Level A , Level B , Level C Here is our link to a list of academic vocabulary for Inside: Academic Vocabulary

Learn these words from the original story by Aziz Abu Sarah (Inside: Level B, Unit 6). Here are our links to the selections of "To the Rescue": Dogs at Work , How to Train a Guide Dog; The Wonder Dog , Angels in the Snow , Zlateh the Goat , The Story of Mzee and Owen , A Conflict Close to Home Here are our links to the units of Level B: Unit 1 , Unit 2 , Unit 3 , Unit 4 , Unit 5 , Unit 6 , Unit 7 , Unit 8 Here are our links to the Inside books: Level A , Level B , Level C Here is our link to a list of academic vocabulary for Inside: Academic Vocabulary

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Complete List of Transition Words

100 Words and Phrases to Use Between Paragraphs

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• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Transition words and phrases can help your paper move along, smoothly gliding from one topic to the next. As a result, they come in very handy as you're writing.

Transitions, which connect one idea to the next, may seem challenging at first, but they get easier once you consider the many possible methods for linking paragraphs together—even if they seem to be unrelated.

If you have trouble thinking of a way to connect your paragraphs, consider a few of these 100 top transitions as inspiration. The type of transition words or phrases you use depends on the category of transition you need, as explained below.

Additive Transitions

Probably the most common type, additive transitions are those you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous one, according to Edusson, a website that provides students with essay-writing tips and advice . Put another way, additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding to an idea or that your ideas are similar. Follow each transition word or phrase with a comma:

• In the first place
• Furthermore
• Alternatively
• As well (as this)
• What is more
• In addition (to this)
• On the other hand
• Either (neither)
• As a matter of fact
• Besides (this)
• To say nothing of
• Additionally
• Not to mention (this)
• Not only (this) but also (that) as well
• In all honesty
• To tell the truth

Example Additive Transition

An example of additive transitions used in a sentence would be:

" In the first place , no 'burning' in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano;  moreover , volcanoes are not necessarily mountains;  furthermore , the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks..." – Fred Bullard, "Volcanoes in History, in Theory, in Eruption"

In this example and others in this piece, the transition words or phrases are printed in italics to make them easier to find as you peruse the passages.

Adversative Transitions

Adversative transitions are used to signal conflict, contradiction, concession, and dismissal, according to Michigan State University. Examples include:

• In contrast
• But even so
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• (And) still
• In either case
• (Or) at least
• Whichever happens
• Whatever happens
• In either event

Example Adversative Transition

An example of an adversative transition phrase used in a sentence would be:

" On the other hand, professor Smith completely disagreed with the author's argument."

Causal Transitions

Causal transitions—also called cause-and-effect transitions—show how certain circumstances or events were caused by other factors. Using them helps readers follow the logic of arguments and clauses in your paper. Examples include:

• Accordingly
• As a result
• Consequently
• For this reason
• Granting (that)
• On the condition (that)
• In the event that
• As a result (of this)
• Because (of this)
• As a consequence
• In consequence
• So much (so) that
• For the purpose of
• With this intention
• With this in mind
• Under those circumstances
• That being the case

Example Causal Transition

An example of a causal transition used in a sentence would be:

"The study of human chromosomes is in its infancy,  and so  it has only recently become possible to study the effect of environmental factors upon them." –Rachel Carson, "Silent Spring"

Sequential Transitions

Sequential transitions express a numerical sequence, continuation, conclusion , digression , resumption, or summation. Here are some examples:

• In the (first, second, third, etc.) place
• To begin with
• To start with
• Subsequently
• To conclude with
• As a final point
• Last but not least
• To change the topic
• Incidentally
• To get back to the point
• As was previously stated

Example Sequential Transition

An example of a sequential transition would be:

"We should teach that words are not the things to which they refer. We should teach that words are best understood as convenient tools for handling reality... Finally , we should teach widely that new words can and should be invented if the need arises." –Karol Janicki, "Language Misconceived"

How to Practice Using Transition Words

In sum , use transition words and phrases judiciously to keep your paper moving, hold your readers' attention, and retain your audience until the final word. In practice, it's a good idea to rewrite some of the introductory sentences at the beginning and the transition statements at the end of every paragraph once you have completed the first draft of your paper. Practice with some of the words on this list and decide which flows best.

Edusson. " Common Transitions to Use in Cause and Effect Essay ."

Academic Help. " Common Transitions Words and Phrases ."

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Synonyms for Continuer

104 other terms for continuer - words and phrases with similar meaning.

Alternatively