transition sentence examples for essays

Transitions

What this handout is about.

In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively.

The function and importance of transitions

In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues:

• Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers.
• Your readers (instructors, friends, or classmates) tell you that they had trouble following your organization or train of thought.
• You tend to write the way you think—and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly.
• You wrote your paper in several discrete “chunks” and then pasted them together.
• You are working on a group paper; the draft you are working on was created by pasting pieces of several people’s writing together.

Organization

Since the clarity and effectiveness of your transitions will depend greatly on how well you have organized your paper, you may want to evaluate your paper’s organization before you work on transitions. In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or short phrase what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order of and connection between your ideas more clearly.

If after doing this exercise you find that you still have difficulty linking your ideas together in a coherent fashion, your problem may not be with transitions but with organization. For help in this area (and a more thorough explanation of the “reverse outlining” technique described in the previous paragraph), please see the Writing Center’s handout on organization .

How transitions work

The organization of your written work includes two elements: (1) the order in which you have chosen to present the different parts of your discussion or argument, and (2) the relationships you construct between these parts. Transitions cannot substitute for good organization, but they can make your organization clearer and easier to follow. Take a look at the following example:

El Pais , a Latin American country, has a new democratic government after having been a dictatorship for many years. Assume that you want to argue that El Pais is not as democratic as the conventional view would have us believe.

One way to effectively organize your argument would be to present the conventional view and then to provide the reader with your critical response to this view. So, in Paragraph A you would enumerate all the reasons that someone might consider El Pais highly democratic, while in Paragraph B you would refute these points. The transition that would establish the logical connection between these two key elements of your argument would indicate to the reader that the information in paragraph B contradicts the information in paragraph A. As a result, you might organize your argument, including the transition that links paragraph A with paragraph B, in the following manner:

Paragraph A: points that support the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

Transition: Despite the previous arguments, there are many reasons to think that El Pais’s new government is not as democratic as typically believed.

Paragraph B: points that contradict the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

In this case, the transition words “Despite the previous arguments,” suggest that the reader should not believe paragraph A and instead should consider the writer’s reasons for viewing El Pais’s democracy as suspect.

As the example suggests, transitions can help reinforce the underlying logic of your paper’s organization by providing the reader with essential information regarding the relationship between your ideas. In this way, transitions act as the glue that binds the components of your argument or discussion into a unified, coherent, and persuasive whole.

Types of transitions

Now that you have a general idea of how to go about developing effective transitions in your writing, let us briefly discuss the types of transitions your writing will use.

The types of transitions available to you are as diverse as the circumstances in which you need to use them. A transition can be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire paragraph. In each case, it functions the same way: First, the transition either directly summarizes the content of a preceding sentence, paragraph, or section or implies such a summary (by reminding the reader of what has come before). Then, it helps the reader anticipate or comprehend the new information that you wish to present.

• Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.
• Transitions between paragraphs: If you have done a good job of arranging paragraphs so that the content of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.
• Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.

Transitional expressions

Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical relationship.

Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

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Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

Understanding Transition Sentences (For Essays and Writing with Examples)

What are transition sentences? And how do they work? Is there a correct way to use them? And an incorrect way? Understanding transition sentences is critical when writing essays, articles, or any type of logical flow.

Learn what transitional sentences are in this short guide…

What are transition sentences?

When you write an article, essay (or anything), you’ll want to write it in a logical sequence. You start with an introduction, highlight your points, and then end with a conclusion. Throughout your writing, you would be using sentences to express your thought. To make your writing effective, you need to link the sentences together in a logical way .

This is where transition sentences can be helpful.

As the name suggests, a transition sentence links the thoughts you are expressing in your writing. They make use of words and phrases that act as a bridge between different parts of your writing.

Transition sentences allow your reader to move smoothly from one section to another. Without transition sentences, your reader might not be able to understand the link between different parts of your writing.

What makes a good transition sentence?

Look at this example:

The CEO was very clear that productivity and efficiency were the two key things he would focus on. However , the legacy systems followed by the company acted as a detriment. Tech modernization was the solution that would enhance productivity and efficiency.

Sentences one and three make sense by themselves. But it is important to establish a relationship between the two. This is what the second sentence does . It acts as a bridge (or transition) between the first and third sentences. By doing so, it helps the writer communicate their ideas more effectively.

A good transition sentence would bring clarity by linking ideas expressed in the sentences before and after it. Words and phrases like ‘however,’ ‘in contrast,’ ‘for instance,’ ‘in fact,’ and ‘therefore’ can get used to help make the transition.  

Many transition words are available to use. Choose the appropriate word for the situation.

For example, if you want to show the sequence between two sentences, you can use a word like ‘then’ or ‘after.’ If you want to emphasize a point through the transition, you can use ‘indeed,’ ‘especially,’ or ‘particularly.’

Transition words can be used at the start of the sentence ( e.g. , Surely , you are not going to go now!). It can also be used within the sentence (e.g., I rejected the job offer because the salary was lesser than my present pay ).

Here are a few tips that will help you use transition words correctly:

• When sentences within a paragraph sound abrupt or awkward, you need to use transition words to link them.
• Choose the correct transition word that is appropriate to the situation. A wrong selection can make your reader confused.
• When moving from one idea to another, use a transition word to let the reader know.
• Don’t make the mistake of overusing transition words. Too many transition words can end up making your writing look messy.

List of words for transition sentences

Some common words used in transition sentences are:

• Furthermore
• Nevertheless
• Specifically

List of phrases for transition sentences

Transition sentences would use both words and phrases as the bridge. A few phrases that are used include:

• In other words
• On the contrary
• As a result
• In the long run
• As you can see
• In the following
• In the previous
• Having established
• Most importantly
• For example/instance
• By the time

5 Examples of Transitions (Types of Transitions)

Conjunctive adverbs can be used to establish the logical link between ideas. They can be classified under five heads. It must be noted some words appear in multiple categories.

Of addition

• Additionally
• In addition
• In the same way

The following example will make this clear.

First , put a pan on the stove and heat it. Next , add oil to the pan.

In the above, first and next act as the transition and are adding on to what is being said previously.

Of contrast

These words establish a contrast or difference while making the transition.

• In contrast
• Even though
• At any rate
• In spite of that
• On the other hand

The island was not the paradise we were hoping for. On the contrary , it was dirty, noisy, and had unmanageable traffic.

The above example brings out a contrast between expectations and reality.

Of comparison

• By comparison
• In the same manner

Jonathan is crazy about chess. His daughter is similarly a big fan of the board game.

In this example, the word similarly shows a comparison between father and daughter. You may note the transition word need not be at the start of the sentence. It can be placed anywhere.

These transition words are indicative of a result. It shows the result of the previous sentence/idea.

• Consequently

Their star player was suffering from a hamstring injury and could not play. Hence , their team faced a humiliating defeat on match day.

The star player’s absence resulted in the team’s defeat. The transition word ‘Hence’ in the example is the bridge between the cause/event and the result.

Some transition words show relationships in time. They include:

• Simultaneously
• Subsequently

The speaker will be a bit late for the talk. Meanwhile , let’s ask the participants to share their views on the program .

As the speaker will be late, there is time left. So, the participants are asked to share their views and opinions. In this example, ‘Meanwhile’ is a transition word that shows relationship to time.

Subordinating conjunctions and transition sentences

You can use a subordinating conjunction in a sentence to join a dependent clause to an independent clause .

Example: When the postman came, my dog greeted him with a volley of barks.

In this example, the word ‘when’ is the subordinating conjunction that joins ‘the postman came’ and ‘my dog greeted him …’

The subordinating conjunction serves a special purpose here. It acts as a transition between two ideas. The use of the coordinating conjunction provides a logical flow.

Example: He is smarter than you are.

In this example, “than” is the subordinating conjunction that connects ‘He is smarter’ and ‘you are.’ It provides the bridge or transition between the two clauses .

Let’s look at another example to understand this. There are two clauses – ‘The spring arrives’ and ‘my hay fever gets aggravated. A subordinating conjunction can link the two. We can use ‘As’ here. So, the sentence would now read – ‘ As the spring arrives, my hay fever gets aggravated.’

Correlative conjunctions and transition sentences

The correlative conjunction shows a correlation between two words or phrases within a sentence. They play a key role in transition sentences. The use of a correlative conjunction ensures a smooth flow between two sentences or ideas.

Example: My boss totally ignored my work. Neither my hard work nor my punctuality impressed him. So, I decided to move on and look for a new job.

In the above example, sentences one and three are independent and convey the meaning clearly. However, the second sentence acts as a transition explaining why sentence one leads to sentence two.

In the second sentence, we see the use of neither … nor. This combination of words acts as correlative conjunctions in this example.

Some other words that work as correlative conjunctions are:

• Either … or
• Neither … nor
• Whether … or
• Not only … Also

Whether you want to have dinner or prefer to skip it is entirely left to you.

The above example uses Whether … or as correlative conjunctions in the sentence.

Examples of transition sentences

Examples of transition sentences:

Communicate similarities

To communicate similarities, you can use transitional words like:

Examples of sentences where the transition word communicates similarities:

• He decided to join the army just as his brother had done five years back.
• You can fly this plane the same way you flew the trainer jet; there is no real difference.
• All the employees in the Production department come from the neighboring town . Similarly , the store staff is also from that town.

Express emphasis

Words like ‘especially,’ ‘above all,’ ‘particularly’, ‘indeed,’ in fact,’ and ‘in particular’ can be used to express emphasis. When used in transition sentences, they emphasize the idea express previously.

• She was overweight. In fact , it won’t be wrong to say she was grossly obese.
• I liked the blue dress in particular .
• Indeed , it won’t be wrong to say that her arrogance led to the engagement’s breakup.
• There is a lot of focus on improving public services, especially education.

Cause and effect

Transition sentences can be very helpful in showing cause and effect or result. The following words can be used for this:

• Accordingly
• At that time
• They spent the entire semester binge-watching shows. Consequently , they failed to obtain pass marks on any of the papers.
• There are just ten items left in stock. Hence , it would be better if we suspend taking new orders at present.
• The tests revealed that his blood pressure and cholesterol levels were very high. As a result , the doctor decided that he had to increase the dosage of his medicines.

Position or place can be indicated through the use of transition words like:

• At the back

Here are some example sentences:

• Walk towards the bookshelf. Adjacent to the shelf is a table, that’s where you will find the money.
• The house was located a few yards from the river. Next to the house was the scary-looking tree.
• You will see the building with the red flag. The storeroom is at the back of this building.

Describe a sequence

Transition words are perfect to use while describing a sequence. The words that can be used are:

• Followed by
• First , write down all the numbers in the form of a list. Next , add all the numbers. Finally , write down the total.
• Initially , three employees were working on the project. Subsequently , the project grew the numbers rise to twenty.
• The private plane owned by the CEO was the first to land. This was followed by the helicopter containing the crew.

To show examples

Transition words can be used to show examples or illustrate a particular point. Some words to use are:

• For example
• For instance
• Illustrated by
• As an example
• In this case
• On this occasion
• To illustrate
• To demonstrate
• The speaker displayed the blueprint of the equipment on the screen. To illustrat e its working, he showed a video.
• There are seven tools you can use to solve this problem. As an example , I will talk about the fishbone diagram.
• Different essential oils can help you feel relaxed. For instance , using lavender oil makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

How to use transition sentences between paragraphs

Transition sentences can get used within a paragraph. It also can get used between paragraphs.

This is important since the transition sentence provides a flow between paragraphs . It allows the readers to understand the relationship between the ideas expressed in those two different paragraphs.

When you start writing a paragraph , show a link to the previous paragraph in the first sentence. This establishes a bridge between both paragraphs.

Here’s an example:

There is no doubt that the effects of pollution by industries. This is why activists call for a ban on industries to stop pollution.

Despite the previous argument , we must also think about the economy. Banning industries will bring the economy to a standstill.

This example, ‘despite the previous argument’ is used to transition between the two paragraphs.

In contrast, the first part calls for a ban on industries, and the second discusses the economic effect. Using a transition allows for a smooth flow between the two.

Examples of transition sentences for essays

The use of transitions is very important in essays. An essay is written to convey an idea, opinion, or viewpoint. To ensure its effectiveness, transition sentences are needed at different parts of the essay. Transition sentences are needed between sentences, between sections, and at the conclusion of the essay.

A few examples of this:

• Having established that a large majority of students have internet access, we can conclude t hat e-learning is a distinct possibility.
• All the employees have a smartphone. In fact , most of them connect to the company’s Wi-Fi using their phone.

Examples of transition words for concluding sentences

Transition sentences are used throughout a write-up. It is imperative that the conclusion also has a transition. Your write-up needs to end with a summary of what you are trying to say. Or with a call-to-action. Using transition words in the conclusion can help you achieve this.

A few transition words you can consider using are:

• In conclusion
• As shown above
• On the whole
• Generally speaking
• To summarize
• To summarize , sustained use of this medicine offers significant benefits to patients.
• In summary, democracy has many limitations but no other acceptable alternative.
• Ultimately , it all boils down to the decision taken by the customer.
• In short , the best option available is to get funds from a new investor.

Sentence structure

More on sentence structure:

• Dangling modifier
• Transition sentences
• Active voice
• Passive voice
• Adverbial clause
• Parallelism
• Transition Sentences Tips and Examples for Clear Writing
• Transitional devices
• How to Use Transition Sentences for Smoother Writing
• Transition Words: Examples in Sentences, Paragraphs & Essays

Inside this article

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About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

Core lessons

• Abstract Noun
• Accusative Case
• Active Sentence
• Alliteration
• Adjective Clause
• Adjective Phrase
• Adverbial Clause
• Appositive Phrase
• Body Paragraph
• Compound Adjective
• Complex Sentence
• Compound Words
• Compound Predicate
• Common Noun
• Comparative Adjective
• Comparative and Superlative
• Compound Noun
• Compound Subject
• Compound Sentence
• Copular Verb
• Collective Noun
• Colloquialism
• Conciseness
• Conditional
• Concrete Noun
• Conjunction
• Conjugation
• Conditional Sentence
• Comma Splice
• Correlative Conjunction
• Coordinating Conjunction
• Coordinate Adjective
• Cumulative Adjective
• Dative Case
• Declarative Statement
• Direct Object Pronoun
• Direct Object
• Dangling Modifier
• Demonstrative Pronoun
• Demonstrative Adjective
• Direct Characterization
• Definite Article
• Doublespeak
• Equivocation Fallacy
• Future Perfect Progressive
• Future Simple
• Future Perfect Continuous
• Future Perfect
• First Conditional
• Gerund Phrase
• Genitive Case
• Helping Verb
• Irregular Adjective
• Irregular Verb
• Imperative Sentence
• Indefinite Article
• Intransitive Verb
• Introductory Phrase
• Indefinite Pronoun
• Indirect Characterization
• Interrogative Sentence
• Intensive Pronoun
• Inanimate Object
• Indefinite Tense
• Infinitive Phrase
• Interjection
• Intensifier
• Indicative Mood
• Juxtaposition
• Linking Verb
• Misplaced Modifier
• Nominative Case
• Noun Adjective
• Object Pronoun
• Object Complement
• Order of Adjectives
• Prepositional Phrase
• Past Simple Tense
• Past Continuous Tense
• Past Perfect Tense
• Past Progressive Tense
• Present Simple Tense
• Present Perfect Tense
• Personal Pronoun
• Personification
• Persuasive Writing
• Parallel Structure
• Phrasal Verb
• Predicate Adjective
• Predicate Nominative
• Phonetic Language
• Plural Noun
• Punctuation
• Punctuation Marks
• Preposition
• Preposition of Place
• Parts of Speech
• Possessive Adjective
• Possessive Determiner
• Possessive Case
• Possessive Noun
• Proper Adjective
• Proper Noun
• Present Participle
• Quotation Marks
• Relative Pronoun
• Reflexive Pronoun
• Reciprocal Pronoun
• Subordinating Conjunction
• Simple Future Tense
• Stative Verb
• Subjunctive
• Subject Complement
• Subject of a Sentence
• Sentence Variety
• Second Conditional
• Superlative Adjective
• Slash Symbol
• Topic Sentence
• Types of Nouns
• Types of Sentences
• Uncountable Noun
• Vowels and Consonants

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Writing Studio

Common transition words and phrases.

In an effort to make our handouts more accessible, we have begun converting our PDF handouts to web pages. Download this page as a PDF: Transitions Return to Writing Studio Handouts

Transitions clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. These tools should alert readers to shifts in your argument while and also maintain the smoothness and clarity of your prose. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly used transition categories and examples of each. Depending on the example, these suggestions may be within sentences or at the beginning of sentences.

Transitions by Category

1. addition.

Use when presenting multiple ideas that flow in the same direction, under the same heading/ idea also, another, finally, first, first of all, for one thing, furthermore, in addition, last of all, likewise, moreover, next, and, second, the third reason

2. Sequence/ Order

Use to suggest a temporal relationship between ideas; places evidence in sequence first, second (etc.), next, last, finally, first of all, concurrently, immediately, prior to, then, at that time, at this point, previously, subsequently, and then, at this time, thereafter, previously, soon, before, after, followed by, after that, next, before, after, meanwhile, formerly, finally, during

3. Contrast

Use to demonstrate differences between ideas or change in argument direction but, however, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, yet, differ, difference, balanced against, differing from, variation, still, on the contrary, unlike, conversely, otherwise, on the other hand, however

4. Exception

Use to introduce an opposing idea however, whereas, on the other hand, while, instead, in spite of, yet, despite, still, nevertheless, even though, in contrast, but, but one could also say…

5. Comparison

Use to demonstrate similarities between ideas that may not be under the same subject heading or within the same paragraph like, likewise, just, in a different way / sense, whereas, like, equally, in like manner, by comparison, similar to, in the same way, alike, similarity, similarly, just as, as in a similar fashion, conversely

6. Illustration

Use to develop or clarify an idea, to introduce examples, or to show that the second idea is subordinate to the first for example, to illustrate, on this occasion, this can be seen, in this case, specifically, once, to illustrate, when/where, for instance, such as, to demonstrate, take the case of, in this case

7. Location

Use to show spatial relations next to, above, below, beneath, left, right, behind, in front, on top, within

8. Cause and Effect

Use to show that one idea causes, or results from, the idea that follows or precedes it because, therefore, so that, cause, reason, effect, thus, consequently, since, as a result, if…then, result in

9. Emphasis

Use to suggest that an idea is particularly important to your argument important to note, most of all, a significant factor, a primary concern, a key feature, remember that, pay particular attention to, a central issue, the most substantial issue, the main value, a major event, the chief factor, a distinctive quality, especially valuable, the chief outcome, a vital force, especially relevant, most noteworthy, the principal item, above all, should be noted

10. Summary or Conclusion

Use to signal that what follows is summarizing or concluding the previous ideas; in humanities papers, use these phrases sparingly. to summarize, in short, in brief, in sum, in summary, to sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, finally

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .” 

Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

Transitions are the rhetorical tools that clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. The ability to integrate sentence transitions into your prose, rather than simply throwing in overt transition signals like “in addition,” indicates your mastery of the material. (Note: The visibility of transitions may vary by discipline; consult with your professor to get a better sense of discipline or assignment specific expectations.)

Transition Signals

Transition signals are words or phrases that indicate the logic connecting sets of information or ideas. Signals like therefore, on the other hand, for example, because, then, and afterwards can be good transition tools at the sentence and paragraph level. When using these signals, be conscious of the real meaning of these terms; they should reflect the actual relationship between ideas.

Review Words

Review words are transition tools that link groups of sentences or whole paragraphs. They condense preceding discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just completed a detailed discussion about the greenhouse effect. To transition to the next topic, you could use review words like “this heat-trapping process” to refer back to the green house effect discussion. The relative ability to determine a cogent set of review words might signal your own understanding of your work; think of review words as super-short summaries of key ideas.

Preview words

Preview words condense an upcoming discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just explained how heat is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. Transitioning to the theory that humans are adding to that effect, you could use preview words like “sources of additional CO2 in the atmosphere include” to point forward to that discussion.

Transition Sentences

The strongest and most sophisticated tools, transition sentences indicate the connection between the preceding and upcoming pieces of your argument. They often contain one or more of the above transition tools. For example: You’ve just discussed how much CO2 humans have added to the atmosphere. You need to transition to a discussion of the effects. A strong set of transition sentences between the two sections might sound like this:

“These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere may lead to a number of disastrous consequences for residents of planet earth. The rise in global temperature that accompanies the extra CO2 can yield effects as varied as glacial melting and species extinction.”

In the first sentence, the review words are “These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere”; the preview words are “number of disastrous consequences”; the transition signals are “may lead to.” The topic sentence of the next paragraph indicates the specific “disastrous consequences” you will discuss.

If you don’t see a way to write a logical, effective transition between sentences, ideas or paragraphs, this might indicate organizational problems in your essay; you might consider revising your work.

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program  and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .”

Last revised: 07/2008 | Adapted for web delivery: 05/2021

In order to access certain content on this page, you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader or an equivalent PDF viewer software.

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Transition words and phrases: Examples and tips

Masooma Memon

Ever put together a sandwich without any sauce?

Even if you haven’t, you can tell there’s nothing to hold together your sandwich’s ingredients, which makes eating it a messy affair. Transition words are the same.

They’re English language’s garlic mayo (or whatever flavor you prefer) that glue ideas, sentences, and paragraphs so they stick together in a sensible whole.

See the ‘and’ and ‘so’ in the sentence you just read? They’re transition words examples that help make the sentence flow in logical sense.

Want to learn how to use them like a pro? Read on. We’ll cover everything from transition words to start a new paragraph to their types and how you can use them. 

Let’s get on with it:

What are transition words?

Transition words are words and even phrases that connect ideas. ‘Because,’ ‘consequently,’ ‘and,’ ‘what’s more,’ ‘resultantly,’ ‘in sum,’ and ‘briefly’ are a few common transition words examples.

Owing to their job as words that bridge ideas, transition words are also called connecting or linking words.

Here’s a look at transition sentences examples that I’ve pulled from Rework by David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried:

Now let’s imagine these sentences without good transition words gluing all the thoughts together:

What we get here is a mishmash of ideas that make zero sense about how they’re linked to each other. To top that up, the flow’s toast.

The takeaway? Whether it’s transition words between paragraphs, transition words at the start of a sentence, or those that stitch sentences together in a cohesive paragraph, you can’t take these words for granted.

Why do you need transition words?

Although we’ve briefly touched on the why already, it’s time we take a microscope to the role that a transitional word plays:

Transition words are link builders

They link ideas to one another, so that they form a whole when put together. With connecting words, you can see the link between actions and arguments – say something happens as a consequence of another thing as in the sentence below:

They put your thoughts in order

Organized thoughts breathe sense into your writing. Whether it’s academic writing that you’re doing or a blog post you’re working on, you’ll find this particularly valuable.

Why? Because the previous argument you make will flow in order as each idea builds upon another like a pyramid of cards.

Of course, the better your thoughts are organized, the smoother your piece will flow, which, in turn, gives your work a logical structure.

They’re proponents of brevity and clarity

Try as you might, you can’t create links between ideas without transition words acting as succinct bridges between them.

With these magic connectors, you can keep your writing clear, to the point, and sharp as a pencil.

Here’s an example:

Let’s omit the transition words here and try rewriting this sentence: Lightning struck all night. There were broken poles. A town without electricity for two days.

Something sounds off, doesn’t it?

For one, there’s no flow to these short phrases and the ideas feel foreign to each other without connecting words. And, two, you’ve to rely on multiple sentences that are better off as one.

Transition words make writing easy to read

All this talk about organization, logical structure, and good flow and clarity pool together to deliver the champion writing characteristic – good readability.

That’s when your content is easy to read, gently pushing the reader from one sentence to another until they get through to the end. Bingo!

When and how to use transition words

Now that you know what transition words can help you with, you’re in a better position to use them.

Want to add up points together? Transition words can help. Want to agree with something or stress on a message? Again, use transition words. Want to introduce a shift or bring things to a close? You know what to do.

Besides if you ever feel there’s a lack of coherence or logical connections between your thoughts, you’ll want to revisit the transition words you’re using. Same goes for a lack of order in your writing.

For a stronger hold on when and how to use transition words, get to grips on the different types of transition words such as conclusion transition words, introduction transition words, and more.

For instance, if there’s a consequence to an action, you’ll want to lean on cause and effect transition words such as ‘consequently,’ ‘subsequently,’ ‘next,’ and so on.

Similarly, if you’re sharing steps, you’ll need sequence or enumeration transition words like ‘firstly,’ ‘secondly,’ ‘thirdly,’ ‘lastly,’ and others. This example shows such transition words in action:

We’ll look at the types of transition words in just a bit. For now, here’s a look at the punctuation that goes hand in glove with the use of transition words. This way, you’ll get everything related to the use of transition words correct down to the bone.

Two rules to keep in mind here are:

Use a period (.) or semicolon (;) after the first sentence. Use the latter only when you’re connecting two independent sentences that’ll do just fine as standalone sentences as well.

Sarah was going through a rough patch in her personal life. Naturally, her performance at work started suffering.

Use a comma before the transition word in a sentence to separate it from the rest of the sentence

I’ve been very careful about going out alone, but I can’t help it if an emergency crops up.

Positioning transition words

Frankly, transition words can occupy every nook and cranny in your writing. Hard to believe?

Briefly, here are the different places transition words do their job as an adhesive

• At the start of a sentence

• At the end of a sentence

• Smack dab in the middle of a sentence

• Transition words that start a new paragraph

Types and examples of transition words

For each type of transition word, we’ve a list below. We’ve also compiled a list of transition words into a cheat sheet of 100 transition words that you can fetch here (no sign in required).

1. Addition/agreement transition words

As their name indicates, these transition words help build up points like putting Legos together.

In addition, another key point, indeed

2. Comparison/contrast words

These magic words make it easy for you to sketch differences.

But, (and) still, (and) yet, on the contrast, on the flip side, on the contrary, in contrast, in comparison, regardless, nevertheless, nonetheless, irrespective, regardless, above all, after all.

3. Clarity transition words

If you plan on explaining an idea further, clarity transition words can be of help.

To clarify, to put it differently, by all means, in other words, to put it differently, that is to say, to emphasize, to repeat, to explain, to go in detail, especially, to rephrase,

4. Cause and effect/results transition words

Did something occur as a reaction to an action? Explain them using cause and effect transition words.

Accordingly, resultantly, consequently, as a result, subsequently, thereupon, forthwith, accordingly, henceforth, under the circumstances, Consequently, subsequently, with this mind, with this intention, in the event that, in terms of, to this end, in as much as, owing to, lest, because of, in case, in view of, in order to,

5. Concession transition words

If there’s a compromise to be made, this type of transition words can help. You’ll typically find these at the start and end of a sentence.

Granted, of course, naturally,

6. Emphasis transition words

As is obvious, emphasis transition words play a useful role accentuating a point or stressing on something’s importance.

In fact, above all, to top it all, Importance: of less importance, chiefly, foundationally, primarily, secondarily, critically, of less importance.

7. Enumeration/sequence transition words

These words define time.

What’s more, furthermore, eventually, gradually, earlier, meanwhile, finally, in due time, from time to time, sooner or later, as long as, in the meantime, immediately, instantly, quickly, overtime, by the time, prior to, during, since, till, afterward,

8. Example/support transition words

If you’re backing things with examples, you’ll want to alert readers of an example coming through. How? Use example transition words.

to illustrate, to demonstrate, that is, For instance, for example that you’ll find in abundance in this post.

9. Location/place transition words

Next up, place transition words show location or explain when something happens, making them a helpful device for descriptive writing in particular.

in front of, in the middle of, in the distance, to the left/right, here and there, amid, amongst, beyond, further, alongside, in the background, adjacent, nearer,

10. Similarity transition words

Another batch of good transition words are similarity words that pull similarities – much the opposite of contrast words.

Likewise, similarly, in the same vein, by the same token, in like manner, in similar fashion, in the same way

11. Conclusion transition words

These words work in the summation department. They’re a huge help for writing conclusions or summing up different ideas under discussion.

Therefore, thus, in summary, to summarize, in sum, to sum it up, In other words, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, for the most part, in a word, overall, on the whole, all in all, in essence, ultimately, by and large, in short, generally speaking.

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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

Essay writing consists of two primary procedures: coming up with the content we want to include and structuring that content. These procedures might take place in either order or they could occur simultaneously. When writing an essay it is important to think about the ways that content and structure complement one another. The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing.

When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page. You should put down as many ideas and trajectories as you can without worrying too much about phrasing or whether they will make it into the final draft. The key here is to be loose—to get ahead of our self-editors and expel everything we can from our minds.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

While this is a good strategy for beginning an essay it will likely leave you unsure how everything fits together. This is where transition words come in. As you will see in this list (which is necessarily incomplete) the range of transition words for essays is vast. Each transition word implies a different relation, often in subtle ways. After accumulating content, the next step is to figure out how the elements fit together towards an overall goal (this could be but is not necessarily an “argument”). Consulting this list of transition words for essays can provide a shortcut for determining how one piece might lead into another. Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing.

Transition Words for College Essays

While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays . The goal of a college essay is to give a strong overall sense of its author in the tight space of 650 words. As you might imagine, it’s not easy to encompass a life or convey a complex personality in such a space. When writing a college essay you are working with a huge amount of potential content. Students often want to squeeze in as much as they can. To this end, transition words for college essays are essential tools to have at our disposal.

Here is our list of transition words for college essays and other essays. It is organized by the different types of transition words/phrases and their functions. While this organization should be convenient, keep in mind that there’s plenty of overlap. Many of these words can function in multiple ways.

1) Additive Transitions

These words function in an additive manner, accumulating content to build upon what has already been stated. They can be used to construct an argument or establish a scene through the accumulation of details.

• Additionally
• In addition to
• Furthermore
• Not to mention
• In all honesty
• To tell the truth
• Not only…but also
• As a matter of fact
• To say nothing of
• What’s more
• Alternatively
• To go a step further

 2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

  These transition words draw a parallel or bring out a similarity between images or ideas. They can be used not only in a straightforward sense but also to establish relations of similarity between objects or ideas that might appear to be dissonant.

• In the same way
• In a similar vein
• Along the lines of
• In the key of

 3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

  While also functioning comparatively, the following words demonstrate difference between ideas or images. These transition words are useful when it comes to establishing contrasting points of view, an important component of any argument.

• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• In contrast to
• In contradiction
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• In any event
• In any case
• In either event

4) Sequential Transitions

  The following are particularly effective transition words for college essays. They will allow you to order ideas chronologically or in a sequence, providing a sense of continuity over time. This is particularly useful when an essay leans into something more creative or involves telling a story.

• Subsequently
• At the same time
• Concurrently
• In the beginning
• At the start
• At the outset
• Off the bat

5) Spatial Transitions

Rather than organizing ideas or images in regards to sequence, these transitions indicate spatial relationships. They are particularly useful when it comes to painting a scene and/or describing objects, but they can also be used metaphorically. Consider, for example, how you might use the transition, “standing in […’s] shadow.”

• Standing in […’s] shadow
• In front of
• In the middle
• In the center
• To the left
• To the right
• On the side
• Adjacent to
• Around the bend
• On the outskirts
• In the distance
• On the horizon
• In the foreground
• In the background
• Underground
• Through the grapevine

 6) Causal Transitions

These transition words for essays indicate cause and effect relationships between ideas. They will be particularly useful when you are structuring a logical argument, i.e. using logos as a mode of persuasion . Causal transitions are an important element of academic, legal and scientific writing.

• Accordingly
• Resultingly
• As a result
• Consequently
• In consequence
• As a consequence
• For this reason
• So much that
• Granting that
• That being the case
• Under those circumstances
• With this in mind
• For the purpose of
• For all intents and purposes
• In the event that
• In the event of
• In light of
• On the condition that
• To the extent that

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

  These transition words for college essays can be used to introduce supporting evidence, emphasis, examples, and clarification. There is some overlap here with additive transitions and causal transitions. These transitions are also useful when it comes to building an argument. At the same time, they can signal a shift into a different linguistic register.

• For example
• For instance
• In other words
• As an illustration
• To illustrate
• To put it differently
• To put it another way
• That is to say
• As the evidence illustrates
• It’s important to realize
• It’s important to understand
• It must be remembered
• To demonstrate
• For clarity’s sake
• To emphasize
• To put it plainly
• To enumerate
• To speak metaphorically

8) Conclusory Transitions

These transition words for essays serve to bring an idea or story to a close. They offer a clear way of signaling the conclusion of a particular train of thought. They might be followed by a summary or a restatement of an essay’s argument. In this way they also provide emphasis, setting the reader up for what is about to come.

• In conclusion
• To summarize
• To put it succinctly
• To this end
• At the end of the day
• In the final analysis
• By and large
• On second thought
• On first glance
• That’s all to say
• On the whole
• All things considered
• Generally speaking

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

Even when elements appear to be disparate on first glance, transition words are a great tool for giving your essay a smooth flow. They can also create surprising juxtapositions, relationships, and equivalences. The way a reader will understand a transition word depends on the context in which they encounter it.

Individual words and phrases can be used in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the literal to the figurative to the colloquial or idiomatic. “Through the grapevine” is an example of the colloquial or idiomatic. When we encounter this phrase we don’t interpret it literally (as hearing something “through” a grapevine) but rather as hearing news secondhand. There are, of course, a vast number of idioms that are not included in this list but can also function as transitional phrases.

This list of transition words for college essays (and really any form of writing you might be working on) is a resource that you can return to again and again in your life as a writer. Over years of writing we tend to fall into patterns when it comes to the transition words we use. Mixing things up can be exciting both as a writer and for your readers. Even if you don’t choose to stray from your trusted transitions, considering the alternatives (and why they don’t work for you) can offer a deeper understanding of what you are trying to say.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

As an exercise in self-understanding, you may want to try highlighting all of the transition words in a piece of your own writing. You can then compare this to the transition words in a piece of writing that you admire. Are they using similar transitions or others? Are they using them more or less often? What do you like or dislike about them? We all use transition words differently, creating different tonal effects. Keeping an eye out for them, not only as a writer but also as a reader, will help you develop your own aesthetic.

• College Essay

Emmett Lewis

Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.

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Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Change will not be effected, say some others, unless individual actions raise the necessary awareness.

While a reader can see the connection between the sentences above, it’s not immediately clear that the second sentence is providing a counterargument to the first. In the example below, key “old information” is repeated in the second sentence to help readers quickly see the connection. This makes the sequence of ideas easier to follow.  

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change.

You can use this same technique to create clear transitions between paragraphs. Here’s an example:

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change. According to Annie Lowery, individual actions are important to making social change because when individuals take action, they can change values, which can lead to more people becoming invested in fighting climate change. She writes, “Researchers believe that these kinds of household-led trends can help avert climate catastrophe, even if government and corporate actions are far more important” (Lowery).

So, what’s an individual household supposed to do?

The repetition of the word “household” in the new paragraph helps readers see the connection between what has come before (a discussion of whether household actions matter) and what is about to come (a proposal for what types of actions households can take to combat climate change).

Sometimes, transitional words can help readers see how ideas are connected. But it’s not enough to just include a “therefore,” “moreover,” “also,” or “in addition.” You should choose these words carefully to show your readers what kind of connection you are making between your ideas.

To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be

• making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal comparison, ask these questions: Do your readers need another example of the same thing? Is there a new nuance in this next point that distinguishes it from the previous example? For those relationships between ideas, you might try this type of transition: While x may appear the same, it actually raises a new question in a slightly different way. 
• expressing agreement or disagreement When you are making an argument, you need to signal to readers where you stand in relation to other scholars and critics. You may agree with another person’s claim, you may want to concede some part of the argument even if you don’t agree with everything, or you may disagree. Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless .
• showing cause and effect Transitional phrases that show cause and effect include therefore, hence, consequently, thus, so. Before you choose one of these words, make sure that what you are about to illustrate is really a causal link. Novice writers tend to add therefore and hence when they aren’t sure how to transition; you should reserve these words for when they accurately signal the progression of your ideas.
• explaining or elaborating Transitions can signal to readers that you are going to expand on a point that you have just made or explain something further. Transitional words that signal explanation or elaboration include in other words, for example, for instance, in particular, that is, to illustrate, moreover .
• drawing conclusions You can use transitions to signal to readers that you are moving from the body of your argument to your conclusions. Before you use transitional words to signal conclusions, consider whether you can write a stronger conclusion by creating a transition that shows the relationship between your ideas rather than by flagging the paragraph simply as a conclusion. Transitional words that signal a conclusion include in conclusion , as a result, ultimately, overall— but strong conclusions do not necessarily have to include those phrases.

If you’re not sure which transitional words to use—or whether to use one at all—see if you can explain the connection between your paragraphs or sentence either out loud or in the margins of your draft.

For example, if you write a paragraph in which you summarize physician Atul Gawande’s argument about the value of incremental care, and then you move on to a paragraph that challenges those ideas, you might write down something like this next to the first paragraph: “In this paragraph I summarize Gawande’s main claim.” Then, next to the second paragraph, you might write, “In this paragraph I present a challenge to Gawande’s main claim.” Now that you have identified the relationship between those two paragraphs, you can choose the most effective transition between them. Since the second paragraph in this example challenges the ideas in the first, you might begin with something like “but,” or “however,” to signal that shift for your readers.  

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Guide to Transition Words and Sentence Samples

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Two sentences become a sentence, using transitions words or phrases that link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. Here is a list of some common transition word that can be helpful for writer to use the word to link two sentences.

Click on the links below to take you to sample transition words and sample sentences

• Words that Add information
• Words that show Conclusion
• Words that Repeat information
• Words that show Comparison
• Words that show Contrasts or Differences
• Words that show a Time relationship
• Words that Limit or Prepare for an example
• Words that show Cause (explain why)
• Words that show Effect/Result
• Words that Assert obvious truth or Grant opposition

NOTE: the words that show transition are bold.

Words that ADD information:

Words that ADD information alsoandanotherbesidefirst, second, third,…furthermorein additionmoreover

• The little girl put on her yellow shirt and brown overalls.
• Chris is on the basketball team this semester at Indiana School for the Deaf. In addition , he is on the soccer team.
• We will be here for one more week so we can finish up our work. Another reason we are staying longer is because we do not want to miss the Deaf Way conference.
• First of all , pour a half-cup of milk in the bowl; second , add two eggs; and third , stir the mixture.
• I admire I. King Jordan because he is the first deaf president of Gallaudet. Besides that , I admire him because he is a great long distance runner. Furthermore , he is a dedicated family man. All in all, there is not much to dislike about the man, except he is too perfect!
• Crystal likes camping in the mountains. Also , Crystal is an experienced hiker./li>
• Texas School for the Deaf is perfectly located. Moreover , it has a strong academic program. For example , the school has a preschool program where both deaf and hearing children learn together.

Words that show CONCLUSION:

Words that show CONCLUSION Finally, in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up.

• There were a lot of problems discussed at the meeting. Finally , after a few hours, we were able to prioritize the problems in the order we wanted to solve the problems.
• Many parents and students have been complaining about the program. For example , scores on the end-of-grade tests have gone down from last year; teachers are not very motivated; and everyone is frustrated. To sum up , some improvements in the middle school program need to be made.
• To conclude , I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season.
• There was a malfunction in the smoke machines and lights, the curtains would not open and close properly, and one of the actors was sick with no stand-in. In conclusion , the play was a disaster.

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Words that REPEAT information

Words that REPEAT information in fact, in other words, once again, to put it another way, to repeat

• That area is very dangerous for you to bike in. To repeat , I warn you not to go there.
• Lisa decided not to go to King Islands. In fact she told me, “No, way.”
• I feel that our last Student Council meeting did not go well. In other words , it was a fine mess.
• Sally has lost an oar on her boat and she is in big trouble. To put it another way , Sally has to find a different method of rowing or she will sink!

Words that show COMPARISON:

Words that show COMPARISON as, as in, like, manner as, likely comparison likewise, in comparison, similarly

• At St. Rita School for the Deaf, a private school, there is a dress code that mandates how the students are to dress. The boys must wear a pair of pants and dress shirts. Similarly , the strict dress code requires plaid skirts and blouses for the girls.
• Like her grandmother, Sally loves the Gallaudet Homecoming football game.
• The news reported that Montana would be very cold this week. I said, “ Likewise , Rochester will be, too.”
• Ronda bought a new Saturn car; so in like manner the rest of her friends did the same thing.
• By comparison , Greensboro, N.C. is much smaller than Washington, D.C. is.
• The cat acts as if he is the boss of the house.
• The cat is as proud as a king.
• Bob loves to go to parties. In comparison , Sue loves to stay at home with her family.
• Compared to seven years ago when the printer worked well, it has been “ill” a great deal of the time in recent weeks.

Words that show CONTRASTS or DIFFERENCES:

Words that show CONTRASTS or DIFFERENCES although, but, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, nonetheless, rather than, though, unlike, yet

• I am not able to go to the beach with you. Nevertheless , thanks for asking me.
• Karen’s cat, Salem is so unlike Midnight. Midnight likes to nap a lot and Salem likes to play a lot.
• The idea of attending the play at Gallaudet is nice. However , the Theoretical Issues in Sign Language Research conference is scheduled at the same time.
• He prefers to attend the play rather than attending the conference.
• Though I eat green beans because they are healthy, I hate them.
• Although Steven was extremely tired, he washed the dishes.
• The play was great, nonetheless , I was sick of seeing it after the fourth time.
• Amber, Sharon, and Megan went to Busch Gardens for the day. In spite of the cold weather, they enjoyed themselves.
• Sharon and Megan enjoyed the Loch Ness Monster ride, but Amber thought that Alpengist was faster and had more twists.
• Sharon has not visited the Land of the Dragons, yet if she had had a kid, she would have gone by now.
• Alexander Graham Bell believed in oral education for deaf children. This is in contrast to Edward Miner Gallaudet who believed in using American Sign Language to educate deaf children.

Words that show a TIME relationship:

Words that show a TIME relationship After, so much, time after that, at first, before, beginning, ending, eventually, earlier, even, whenever since following, from then, on from, time, last, later meanwhile, near, far, next, now, over, soon, still, the next day, night then while.

• Stephen went to pick up Irene before he stopped by McDonald’s for lunch.
• Karen was out with her friend last night .
• We need to wash our clothes, after that we can go to the Taste of D.C. festival.
• I can’t wait to watch “NYPD,” it is coming on soon . You can watch the rerun later this week.
• Finally , I will get to see Rick Schroder. He has not been acting much since he was a teenager.
• The beginning of the movie was sadder than the ending.
• After so much time waiting in the long line, the boys finally got their hamburgers.
• The Van Gogh art exhibit was shown earlier this month in Washington, D.C.
• Wait until tonight, then you will be able to see the full moon over Gallaudet’s Chapel Hall.
• The show is not over until the actors take their final bows at the end.
• While Missy was driving to work, she saw a deer by the roadside. She slowed down to watch the deer for a short time, then continued on her way to work.
• Even when Sally was able to, she did not bother to finish her ASL project.
• Clerc met with Gallaudet to prepare for the Congressional meeting scheduled for the next day.
• The next night was very dark and stormy. Of course, it was Halloween night!
• “Next , please,” the lady called when it was my turn to go up to the booth to have my paycheck cashed.
• Bobby’s broken ankle will heal in time for the Maryland Deaf Festival.
• That house felt very creepy inside; meanwhile , it was sunny outside.
• Eventually , Sally got tired of John calling her on the TTY all the time since she was not interested in him.
• She was stil l asleep when I got back home from work.
• Now , please get this truck fixed because I need it to get to school on time!
• Schools for the deaf used Sign Language until the dreadful conference in Milan; from then on, most schools for the deaf employed the oral method.
• Super Kmart is near Landmark Mall, but Ames is far away from the mall. So it would be easier to shop at Super Kmart.
• It will take two hours to go from Point A to Point B. Can you figure out how many hours it is from Point A to Point C?
• At first , I thought it was a dead animal. As I walked closer, I saw it was only a worn-out coat on the ground.
• Looking beyond this month, I predict that funding will be much better for this program.
• Everyone hid out in the hall during the hurricane, hoping they would be safe.
• Rebecca has not eaten at Lone Star ever since she became sick from eating the food.
• Following “Friends” and “Mad about You,” “ER” will be shown. “ER” is supposed to have two Deaf actresses on the show tonight.

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Words that LIMIT or PREPARE for an example:

Words that LIMIT or PREPARE for an example for examplefor instanceto illustratesuch as

• Not all birds eat berries. For example , vultures eat dead animals.
• Jeff is an interesting person to know. To illustrate , he knows a lot about the history of the Deaf community in Ireland.
• There are things that need to be done to improve the company. For instance , we can begin by organizing the files.
• I have a few things to take care of such as paying bills, cleaning the house, and going to the post office.

Words that show CAUSE (explain why):

Words that show CAUSE (explain why) becausebecause ofcaused by

• Midnight was not able to move around well because his hind legs were in casts. He broke them when he fell off the bookshelf.
• Did you see the tragic accident on I-85 south? It was caused by a drunk driver.
• Because it is raining today, the homecoming game and the food booths will be cancelled.
• I was late to work because of the heavy traffic.

Words that show EFFECT/RESULT:

Words that show EFFECT/RESULTS as a result, consequently, for this/that, reason, that is, why, therefore, thus

• It is raining today thus we are not going to the beach.
• The weather is supposed to be drizzly and chilly today; as a result , the Deaf Festival will be cancelled.
• I was too tired; therefore I decided not to go to the state fair last night.
• In 1903, William E. Hoy, a deaf baseball player, caught a fly ball in the ninth inning in spite of heavy fog. Consequently , Los Angles won the pennant for that year.
• Ricky worked all day, from 8am until 11pm. That is why he stayed home instead of going camping with us.
• The school bus broke down last week and has not been repaired yet. So for that reason , our dance group is unable to go to Washington, D.C. to perform at Kennedy Center.

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Words that ASSERT OBVIOUS TRUTH or GRANT OPPOSITION:

Words that ASSERT OBVIOUS TRUTH or GRANT OPPOSITION certainlyconceding thatgranted thatin factnaturallyno doubtof courseundoubtedlywithout a doubt

• There is no doubt that the dog buried the bone in the garden.<
• Jeff told us an undoubtedly true story that was very scary.
• The judge, without a doubt , thinks capital punishment is wrong.
• Of course , Sarah is going to the beach this weekend with her parents. She needs a break from Gallaudet.
• Naturally Steven is not going to agree with that plan. In fact , he thinks that the idea of setting up a business selling scarves on K Street would surely fail.
• Certainly , you may borrow my book on the history of the American Deaf Community. But, be sure to return it to me next week.
• Granted that Bob promised to send some money to help with the bills, yet this doesn’t mean that he will.
• Conceding that Sally is a strong skater, Rachel still believes she will be able to beat her in the Olympics. Rachel wants to become the first deaf ice skater to receive a gold medal.

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Transition Sentence

Ai generator.

In the realm of writing, transition sentences act as the invaluable bridge guiding readers from one idea to the next, ensuring a harmonious flow of thoughts. Mastering the art of transition not only enhances readability but also bolsters the coherence of your content. Whether you’re a budding writer or seasoned professional, understanding and employing effective transition sentences can elevate your writing to unparalleled heights.

What is the Transition Sentence? – Definition

A transition sentence is a statement that connects one idea or paragraph to the next. It serves as a smooth bridge, ensuring that readers can seamlessly move from one point to another without feeling jarred or lost. Essentially, it’s the linking thread that weaves various parts of content together, giving your writing a unified, cohesive feel.

What is the best Example of a Transition Sentence?

Consider an article discussing dietary habits. Moving from a paragraph about the benefits of vegetarianism to one discussing meat consumption, a transition sentence might read: “While vegetarian diets have their merits, consuming meat also offers a range of nutritional benefits.” This sentence acknowledges the prior point while introducing the next, ensuring the reader isn’t disoriented by the shift in topic.

100 Transition Sentence Examples

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In the symphony of seamless writing, transition sentences play the crucial role of conductors, guiding the audience from one melody to the next. They ensure that ideas flow harmoniously, preventing discordant jumps and sprints. Below, we’ve curated a selection of 100 transition sentences, artfully designed to bridge thoughts and offer readers a smooth journey through any narrative or exposition.

• Given these points , it’s clear that more research is necessary.
• Furthermore , considering the data, there’s more to uncover.
• However , not everyone agrees with this perspective.
• For instance , let’s examine a case from last year.
• Meanwhile , other experts have proposed alternative theories.
• Similarly , this phenomenon can be observed in multiple contexts.
• Conversely , some evidence points in the opposite direction.
• In addition , there are other factors to consider.
• On the other hand , not all data supports this conclusion.
• As a result , we need to re-evaluate our initial stance.
• In contrast , older studies present a different picture.
• Before diving deeper , let’s outline the basics.
• With this in mind , reconsider the primary hypothesis.
• By the same token , other elements also play a role.
• Hence , this issue is more complex than it first appears.
• In the meantime , we can explore interim solutions.
• Therefore , it’s imperative to approach with caution.
• Subsequently , the entire paradigm began to shift.
• Consequently , a new approach was developed.
• Despite this , some scholars remain unconvinced.
• Namely , several key figures have voiced concerns.
• To illustrate this point , look at the case of…
• After all , it’s essential to consider all angles.
• Indeed , this discovery changes everything.
• Especially since some evidence contradicts these findings.
• Then again , not all studies are created equal.
• As previously stated , we must consider every aspect.
• Considering this , it’s evident that further exploration is warranted.
• Nevertheless , the majority opinion remains unchanged.
• As has been noted , some patterns are undeniable.
• On a similar note , this trend has been observed elsewhere.
• In light of this , a change of strategy is advised.
• That being said , there’s more to the story.
• All things considered , this is a remarkable development.
• Generally speaking , consensus on this topic is rare.
• In other words , the implications are vast.
• To put it differently , the matter is far from settled.
• Significantly , this aligns with earlier predictions.
• To clarify , not all aspects have been examined.
• More importantly , key pieces of evidence are missing.
• Above all , it’s a matter of perspective.
• In any event , further research is a priority.
• With respect to this, many questions remain.
• In this case , the findings are conclusive.
• As a matter of fact , this isn’t the first time such results have emerged.
• Under these circumstances , a review is necessary.
• By and large , the response has been positive.
• To sum up , the debate continues.
• To emphasize , few topics have generated such intense discussion.
• At the same time , new data is constantly emerging.
• For this reason , a balanced view is essential.
• Without a doubt , this is a turning point.
• To be sure , the findings are intriguing.
• Firstly , the historical context must be understood.
• Secondly , consider the methodologies employed.
• Last but not least , implications for the future should be explored.
• Altogether , the landscape of the debate is shifting.
• With this purpose in mind , new experiments are underway.
• In summary , much remains to be discovered.
• In either case , caution is advised.
• To this end , multiple teams are investigating.
• Moreover , the scope of the research is expanding.
• Typically , such results would be groundbreaking.
• In this situation , the ramifications are profound.
• Ordinarily , such a discovery would be front-page news.
• As it stands , consensus is a long way off.
• In fact , this has been the subject of many dissertations.
• In essence , the core of the debate remains unchanged.
• By comparison , earlier studies seem outdated.
• Equally important , newer theories are gaining traction.
• To reiterate , the core principles remain the same.
• Surprisingly , some previously held beliefs have been challenged.
• Undoubtedly , this will be a hot topic for years to come.
• Specifically , certain elements require deeper investigation.
• In conclusion , the journey of discovery continues.
• In particular , attention should be given to…
• For the most part , the findings are consistent.
• Until now , this aspect was overlooked.
• Given that , certain cautionary steps should be taken.
• As an example , look to the recent controversies.
• In the final analysis , much is still unknown.
• By the way , this isn’t the only area of interest.
• To tell the truth , the entire field is evolving rapidly.
• In retrospect , earlier warnings were prescient.
• Be that as it may , the current state of affairs is promising.
• In reality , we’ve only scratched the surface.
• At this point , collaboration is key.
• At present , new methodologies are being developed.
• By all means , further inquiries should be made.
• As things stand , we’re at a pivotal moment.
• For all intents and purposes , the debate is far from over.
• To a certain extent , we’re charting unknown territory.
• In detail , several facets warrant deeper exploration.
• Up to the present time , few have challenged these notions.
• For the purpose of , the research was conducted.
• In the process , many myths were debunked.
• Along the same lines , other discoveries were made.
• Prior to this , few suspected such outcomes.
• In the long run , this research will prove invaluable.
• As shown above , the power of transition sentences cannot be underestimated.

These examples encapsulate the versatility and importance of transition sentences, illuminating their capacity to enrich and guide the reader’s experience.

Transition Sentence Between Paragraphs Examples for an Essay

Seamless flow in essays is achieved with expertly crafted transition sentences between paragraphs. These connectors ensure a coherent narrative, enhancing readability and guiding the reader’s thought process. Dive into these examples that exemplify the finesse of transitioning between essay paragraphs.

• Given the historical background , it’s fascinating to see modern perspectives on the issue.
• Building on the previous argument , we can deduce further implications.
• Conversely , while some scholars advocate for this view, others offer a counter-narrative.
• In light of these facts , it’s crucial to understand the broader implications.
• Drawing from the data , we transition into the potential outcomes.
• Reflecting on the past , we pivot towards future possibilities.
• While the above points stand , the next section offers an alternative viewpoint.
• Understanding this foundation , we now explore the subsequent layers of the argument.
• Following this line of thought , the next paragraph delves deeper into the topic.
• Having established these criteria , we can examine how they manifest in different contexts.

Transition Sentence to Completion Examples

Final thoughts in any narrative or exposition are critical. Transition sentences to completion ensure a satisfying and logical conclusion. They wrap up the discourse, offering closure and insight. Below are examples that masterfully guide readers to a piece’s conclusion.

• In the grand scheme of things , it’s evident that this topic has multifaceted implications.
• Drawing all these threads together , we can appreciate the complexity of the issue.
• In wrapping up , it’s essential to revisit the core arguments presented.
• Given all the evidence , we conclude that the subject merits further research.
• Culminating our discussion , the insights gained are invaluable.
• Summing up our journey , the revelations encountered shape our understanding.
• Bringing our exploration to a close , we recognize the depth and breadth of the topic.
• In the final analysis , the conclusions drawn are both enlightening and provocative.
• Synthesizing all points raised , the overarching narrative becomes clear.
• As we conclude , it’s pertinent to reflect on the journey undertaken in this discourse.

Transition Sentence Examples for Essays

Transition sentences are the backbone of essays, ensuring that ideas are linked cohesively. Crafting them skillfully is essential for guiding the reader and establishing a logical flow. Here are examples that embody the art of transitioning within essays.

• Examining the evidence , it becomes clear where the truth lies.
• In contrast to earlier theories , modern research offers fresh insights.
• As outlined in the previous section , subsequent findings offer a counterpoint.
• Shifting our focus , we delve into the socio-political implications.
• Based on these observations , the next logical step is to evaluate their significance.
• Pivoting from this point , we explore how global perspectives align or diverge.
• Having dissected this argument , the next segment offers a comparative analysis.
• In relation to these facts , it’s worth noting some outliers.
• Broadening our horizon , we now turn to implications on a macro level.
• While the initial findings were surprising , further examination corroborates them.

Transition Sentence for Body Paragraphs

The main content of any essay, the body, thrives on cohesive flow. Transition sentences for body paragraphs act as bridges, ensuring seamless progression of ideas. They’re pivotal in maintaining a reader’s engagement, effortlessly guiding them from one point to the next. Delve into these exemplary transition sentences curated specifically for body paragraphs.

• Delving deeper into the topic , we uncover nuances previously overlooked.
• Beyond the primary arguments presented , there lies a wealth of supplementary evidence.
• While the initial point stands firm , the subsequent discussion offers a fresh perspective.
• Having explored the historical context , we now turn to modern interpretations.
• Drawing parallels with earlier assertions , we navigate the intricate maze of this debate.
• Armed with this foundational knowledge , we venture into uncharted territories of the discourse.
• Building upon this momentum , the next segment presents a riveting exploration.
• Branching out from the central theme , we touch upon related, equally intriguing facets.
• As the narrative unfolds , newer, groundbreaking ideas come to the fore.
• Piggybacking on this revelation , we plunge into the heart of the matter.

Transition Sentence Starter Examples

A strong start sets the stage. Transition sentence starters establish the tone and direction of what follows, acting as gateways to deeper exploration. Essential for maintaining flow and clarity, these sentence starters are indispensable tools in a writer’s arsenal. Explore these compelling transition sentence starters to kickstart any discourse.

• In view of the evidence provided , it’s pertinent to question long-held beliefs.
• Given the current scenario , one can’t help but wonder about potential outcomes.
• Taking into account all the data , we draw a series of inferences.
• With a nod to historical events , we discern patterns repeating in the present.
• Reflecting upon these testimonies , we are compelled to reconsider our stance.
• Setting the context aside , we zero in on the core arguments at hand.
• Grounded in these fundamentals , we embark on a detailed examination.
• Bearing in mind these insights , it’s imperative to delve deeper.
• Anchored in this framework , we pivot to an exploration of wider implications.
• While acknowledging these points , it becomes evident that a broader perspective is needed.

How do you start a good transition sentence?

Starting a transition sentence effectively is pivotal to guiding your readers through your text, ensuring fluidity and coherence. These sentences act as bridges between ideas, enabling seamless progression. Here’s a guide to kick off a compelling transition sentence:

• Identify the Relationship : Understand the connection between the paragraph or sentence you’re transitioning from and the one you’re transitioning to. This could be additive (addition), adversative (contrast), causal (reason), or sequential (sequence).
• Keep it Relevant : Your transition sentence should directly relate to the content of both the preceding and following sentences or paragraphs.
• Use Varied Starters : Avoid repetitively starting with phrases like “Furthermore” or “Additionally”. Mix it up with varied introductory phrases such as “On the other hand”, “Simultaneously”, or “In conjunction with”.
• Maintain Clarity : While variety is essential, ensure that the transition’s meaning is clear and straightforward.
• Be Concise : Transition sentences should be efficient. They’re signposts guiding the reader, not main attractions.
• Avoid Common Pitfalls : Don’t force a transition where one isn’t needed. Not every paragraph or sentence requires a transitional phrase. Use them where they can provide clarity or enhance the text’s flow.
• Practice and Review : Write multiple versions of transition sentences and choose the one that fits best. Over time, crafting them will become more intuitive.

What is a good transition for a paragraph?

Transitioning between paragraphs means understanding the connection between them and effectively conveying this relationship to the reader. A good paragraph transition will seamlessly carry the reader from one idea to the next. Here’s how to craft one:

• Use Transitional Words and Phrases : Words like “however”, “moreover”, “thus”, and “therefore” indicate relationships between paragraphs. Choose a word or phrase that accurately represents the relationship.
• Repeat Key Concepts : Reiterate a keyword or phrase from the previous paragraph to provide a bridge to the next.
• Use Pronouns : Refer back to a noun used in the preceding paragraph using pronouns like “it”, “these”, or “this”.
• Pose Questions : Asking a question based on the previous paragraph can be an effective way to introduce the content of the next.
• Use Imagery and Metaphors : These can help in creating a mental bridge for the reader, making the transition smooth and memorable.
• Combine Methods : Use a combination of the above strategies to create a robust and seamless transition.
• Keep Consistency : The transition should maintain the tone, style, and voice of the entire text. A sudden shift can jolt the reader out of the narrative.
• Revise and Refine : Once you’ve written your transition, revisit it after a break. Reading it with fresh eyes can help you identify areas for improvement.

In essence, effective paragraph transitions guide readers through your text, making your writing cohesive, clear, and more enjoyable to read.

How do you write a Transition sentence? – Step by Step Guide

Transition sentences are pivotal in guiding readers smoothly from one idea to the next. They add clarity, flow, and cohesion to your text. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting effective transition sentences:

• Identify the Purpose : Determine the type of relationship you want to convey between the ideas, such as contrast, continuation, example, emphasis, or conclusion.
• Review Context : Examine the preceding and following sentences or paragraphs. Understand the main points you’re transitioning between.
• Choose a Transitional Word/Phrase : Words like “however”, “in addition”, “on the other hand”, and “as a result” can set the tone. Make sure the transitional word or phrase you select fits the context and relationship you wish to convey.
• Maintain Logical Flow : Ensure that your transition sentence logically links the preceding and following texts. It should feel like a natural progression.
• Be Clear and Concise : Transition sentences should be straightforward, getting to the point without unnecessary verbosity.
• Test the Transition : Read the sentences or paragraphs before and after the transition out loud. It should enhance the flow, not disrupt it.
• Revise as Needed : As with any piece of writing, be prepared to revise your transition sentences for clarity, brevity, and effectiveness.

Tips for Using Transition Sentences

• Variety is Key : Avoid over-relying on the same transitional words or phrases. This can become repetitive and tedious for the reader.
• Positioning Matters : While many transition sentences start paragraphs, they can also appear at the end or even in the middle of a paragraph to ensure fluidity.
• Maintain Consistency : Ensure that your transition maintains the tone, style, and voice of the entire content.
• Avoid Forcing Transitions : Not every sentence or paragraph requires a transitional phrase. Use them where they genuinely aid in clarity or flow.
• Be Contextually Relevant : Your transition should be directly related to the content in both the preceding and following sentences or paragraphs.
• Use Pronouns Sparingly : While pronouns like “it”, “these”, or “this” can be useful, ensure that it’s always clear to which subject or object the pronoun refers.
• Practice Regularly : The more you write and revise transition sentences, the more intuitive and effective they will become.
• Seek Feedback : Sometimes, what feels like a smooth transition to you might be jarring or unclear to another reader. Get feedback to hone your skills further.

In summary, mastering transition sentences can significantly elevate your writing, making your content more accessible, engaging, and persuasive to readers.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

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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