33 Transition Words and Phrases
Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.
Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .
as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY
The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.
in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE
The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.
at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER
Afterward, she got a promotion.
even though : ALTHOUGH
She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.
in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made
They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.
in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE
I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.
as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY
The words are often confused and are consequently misused.
in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility
Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.
used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said
These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.
used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"
I'm planning to go even though it may rain.
in addition : MOREOVER
I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.
in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement
These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.
because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE
He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.
from this point on : starting now
She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.
in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement
I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.
as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement
The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.
all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement
He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.
for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension
He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.
in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement
She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.
at or during the same time : in the meantime
You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.
BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement
It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.
in spite of that : HOWEVER
It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.
in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS
The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.
without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true
Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.
if not : or else
Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.
more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said
We can take the car, or rather, the van.
in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true
I tried again and still I failed.
by that : by that means
He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.
for that reason : because of that
This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.
immediately after that
The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.
because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY
This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.
while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different
Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.
NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way
It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.
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Transition Words for Essays
What are Transition Words and how Do I use Transition Words for Essays? Transition words and phrases help make your essay flow smoothly from paragraph to paragraph. You can use them at the ends and beginnings of paragraphs, as well as in your introduction and conclusion. Transition words and phrases can be used in every type of essay, but they are most appropriate in expository or argumentative essays in which it’s important to present your ideas in a clear, logical flow. Read on for more insight into transition words for essays, including lists, examples and descriptions of how to use them in your writing.
Transition Words for Essays that Compare and Contrast
Comparison and contrast transition words are obviously helpful when writing a compare/contrast essay, but you can also use them to compare two different pieces of information in an expository or argumentative essay. You may also use comparison and contrast transition words to contrast two different experiences in a narrative essay or to compare two different people, places or objects in a descriptive essay.
Here are some of the most common comparison transition words for essays, followed by examples:
- in the same way
Comparison Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:
- In the same way , Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech inspired a generation.
- Similarly , my vacation to the beach was also peaceful and fun, just like my week at summer camp.
Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples:
- in spite of
- on the one hand/on the other hand
- in contrast
- on the contrary
Contrast Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:
- However , this delicious breakfast was not as memorable as the dinner my family shared that evening.
- In contrast , my grandmother is always cracking jokes while my grandfather stays serious.
Sequence/Order Transition Words for Essays
Sequence words are especially important in narrative essays, where you must guide your reader through the events of your story. Sequence words can be used at the start of each paragraph to clearly mark out what happened first, next and so on. In addition, you can also use sequence transition words for essays that are informational and communicate historical events. It is also helpful to use sequence transition words for essays where you are writing about a book or movie and need to briefly summarize the plot. Here are some sequence/ordering words, followed by examples:
- First , my mom dropped me off at school that fateful morning.
- Then , I saw an unbelievable sight!
- Finally , the zookeepers showed up and led the baby elephant into the back of a hay-filled truck.
Transition Word for Essays Examples
Example transition words can help you provide evidence in argumentative essays and add interesting detail in descriptive and narrative essays. There are many different kinds of example words and phrases you can use to keep your writing interesting and avoid repetition in a longer essay. Here are some of the most common example transition words for essays:
- for example
- for instance
- specifically
- to illustrate
Here are some additional example transition words for essays you may use in your writing, followed by examples:
- additionally
- equally important
- furthermore
- in addition
- For example , one study explained that students who participate in extracurricular activities have a higher overall homework completion rate.
- Furthermore , engagement in nonacademic activities has been shown to increase confidence in children between the ages of 11 and 14.
Conclusion Transition Words for Essays
Conclusion words help signal to the reader that you are coming to the end of your essay. A strong conclusion paragraph will begin with a clear conclusion word or phrase that will help to sum up your overall points. Here are some of the most common conclusion words and phrases, followed by examples:
- in conclusion
- on the whole
- to conclude
- to summarize
- In conclusion , school uniforms can help improve students’ focus in the middle school classroom.
- In sum , voting is an important part of our democracy and something we shouldn’t take for granted.
Learn more about Transition Words
Activities on Transitional Words and Phrases for Elementary Students
- Susan Rickey
- Categories : Lesson plans & worksheets for grades 3 to 5
- Tags : Teaching grades pre k to 5
Creating Flow in Writing
Transition words “glue” the text in a written piece together. By choosing the most effective transition words, your students can make their writing flow from one idea to the next, introduce new reasons, details and facts, and tie paragraphs together.
Transition words and phrases are used in expository writing and narrative writing. They fit together and are typically used in sets within the paragraph. For instance, first, second, third is a set that works well in a sequence paragraph. First of all, also and finally work better in a paragraph giving information, such as a paragraph describing the habitat of the kangaroo. Some of the most common transition words or sets are first, second, third; initially, next, finally; basically, similarly, as well.
Expository Writing Activity
Start by giving students a list of transition words to work with. Ask students to read a non-fiction passage at their prescribed reading level and then highlight the transition words in each paragraph. In their writing journal, they should then label a page “transition words.” Direct the students to write down the transition word sets they have found on the page. This will be a reference for them to use during their writing.
Vary and Bury Transitions
Paragraphs can become monotonous if the same transition words are used throughout the essay. Teach students to vary their transition words. Display a piece of writing on the board that has the same transition words used throughout. Read the passage aloud to the class. Allow the students to revise the transition words as a group. Reread the passage. They will agree that the varied transition words are an asset.
Then, write each of these words on a card: “mom,” “made,” “the,” “turkey” and “first.” Give a card with each word to five students. Ask them to line up to make a sentence out of the cards. They will arrange themselves with the transition word at the beginning of the sentence, “First, Mom made the turkey.” Direct them to bury the transition word in the sentence. If their line forms any of the sentences “Mom first made the turkey,” “Mom made first the turkey” or “Mom made the turkey, first,” they are successful.
Narrative Transitions
Transition phrases in narrative writing are time or place based — “later that day” and “when we arrived at school” both relate to time, “somewhere over the rainbow” and “in a land faraway” refer to place . Read a picture book aloud to the students. Make copies of each page of the story. Distribute the pages to your students. As you read, every time you say a transition phrase contained in the story the students clap once.1
Activity for Time and Place Transitions
Make a chart on the board and label it “time transitions” and “place transitions.” Tell the students to open one of their independent reading books. If their book is an expository book, hand them a fiction book from the classroom library.
Ask all of the students to turn to the same page in each of their different books. After they have found the page, ask for volunteers to read out loud a paragraph from the designated page.
Guide the class in finding the transition words. Discuss whether they relate to time or place, time transitions or place transitions. Point out that many narrative transitions are phrases, not single words. List the phrases on the board in the proper category. For instance, the students might find time transition words: meanwhile, after lunch, later that day. Transition words the students might find are at the school, under the bridge and next to the house. The students add these words to their transition page (in their journals) for future reference when they are writing a narrative piece.1 With repeated practice, your elementary students will become empowered in their writing technique.
- (1) Auman M. Sopris Learning, (2003). Step Up to Writing
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
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Connecting Ideas Through Transitions
Using Transitional Words and Phrases
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Transition Words
Transition words help a reader transition smoothly between sentences or ideas. Examples of transition words include: similarly, therefore, however, although, first, finally, meanwhile. Here you'll find a collection of PDF worksheets for teaching students to write sentences with transition words. These activities align with Common Core Standard W.4.3.c and W.5.2.c.
Sequence: Transition Words
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Cause & Effect: Transition Words
Opinions & reasons: linking words, transition words (mixed).
This page has a collection of worksheets on sequencing and ordering events.
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Complete List of Transition Words
100 Words and Phrases to Use Between Paragraphs
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- Writing Essays
- Writing Research Papers
- English Grammar
- M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
- B.A., History, Armstrong State University
Once you have completed the first draft of your paper, you will need to rewrite some of the introductory sentences at the beginning and the transition statements at the end of every paragraph . Transitions, which connect one idea to the next, may seem challenging at first, but they get easier once you consider the many possible methods for linking paragraphs together—even if they seem to be unrelated.
Transition words and phrases can help your paper move along, smoothly gliding from one topic to the next. If you have trouble thinking of a way to connect your paragraphs, consider a few of these 100 top transitions as inspiration. The type of transition words or phrases you use depends on the category of transition you need, as explained below.
Additive Transitions
Probably the most common type, additive transitions are those you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous one, notes Edusson , a website that provides students with essay-writing tips and advice . Put another way, additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding to an idea and/or your ideas are similar, says Quizlet , an online teacher and student learning community. Some examples of additive transition words and phrases were compiled by Michigan State University writing lab. Follow each transition word or phrase with a comma:
- In the first place
- Furthermore
- Alternatively
- As well (as this)
- What is more
- In addition (to this)
- On the other hand
- Either (neither)
- As a matter of fact
- Besides (this)
- To say nothing of
- Additionally
- Not to mention (this)
- Not only (this) but also (that) as well
- In all honesty
- To tell the truth
An example of additive transitions used in a sentence would be:
" In the first place , no 'burning' in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover , volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore , the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks..." – Fred Bullard, "Volcanoes in History, in Theory, in Eruption"
In this and the examples of transitions in subsequent sections, the transition words or phrases are printed in italics to make them easier to find as you peruse the passages.
Adversative Transitions
Adversative transitions are used to signal conflict, contradiction, concession, and dismissal, says Michigan State University. Examples include:
- In contrast
- But even so
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- (And) still
- In either case
- (Or) at least
- Whichever happens
- Whatever happens
- In either event
An example of an adversative transition phrase used in a sentence would be:
" On the other hand, professor Smith completely disagreed with the author's argument."
Causal Transitions
Causal transitions—also called cause-and-effect transitions—show how certain circumstances or events were caused by other factors, says Academic Help . The website that offers assistance with academic writing adds: "They [causal transitions] make it easier for the reader to follow the logic of the arguments and clauses represented in paper." Examples include:
- Accordingly
- As a result
- Consequently
- For this reason
- Granting (that)
- On the condition (that)
- In the event that
- As a result (of this)
- Because (of this)
- As a consequence
- In consequence
- So much (so) that
- For the purpose of
- With this intention
- With this in mind
- Under those circumstances
- That being the case
An example of a causal transition used in a sentence would be:
"The study of human chromosomes is in its infancy, and so it has only recently become possible to study the effect of environmental factors upon them." –Rachel Carson, "Silent Spring"
Sequential Transitions
Sequential transitions express a numerical sequence, continuation, conclusion , digression , resumption, or summation, says Michigan State, which gives these examples:
- In the (first, second, third, etc.) place
- To begin with
- To start with
- Subsequently
- To conclude with
- As a final point
- Last but not least
- To change the topic
- Incidentally
- To get back to the point
- As was previously stated
An example of a sequential transition would be:
"We should teach that words are not the things to which they refer. We should teach that words are best understood as convenient tools for handling reality... Finally , we should teach widely that new words can and should be invented if the need arises." –Karol Janicki, "Language Misconceived"
In sum , use transition words and phrases judiciously to keep your paper moving, hold your readers' attention, and retain your audience until the final word.
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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
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Do you find it challenging to make your essays flow smoothly and hold your readers' attention from start to finish? Are your paragraphs disjointed, leaving your writing feeling unpolished?
It can be frustrating when your ideas don't connect seamlessly. You might wonder how to make your writing shine and ensure it leaves a lasting impression on your professors.
Don't worry; we've got you covered!
In this guide, we'll introduce you to transition words for essays. These words are your secret weapon for crafting well-structured, compelling essays that will impress your teachers and elevate your writing game. Let's get started!
- 1. What are Good Transition Words for Essays?
- 2. Examples of Different Types of Transition Words
- 3. Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
- 4. Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
- 5. Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays
- 6. Transition Words for Informative Essays
- 7. Transition Words for Expository Essays
- 8. Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays
- 9. Transition Words for Synthesis Essays
- 10. Transition Words for Analysis Essays
- 11. Conclusion Transition Words for Essays
- 12. Beginning Transition Words for Essays
- 13. Paragraph Transition Words for Essays
- 14. Transition Words for Quotes in Essays
- 15. Transition Words for Essays Middle School
- 16. Transition Words for Essays High School
- 17. Transition Words for Essays College
- 18. Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words
What are Good Transition Words for Essays?
Transition words are essential tools in essay writing , providing a clear path for your readers to follow. They serve the crucial purpose of connecting words, phrases, sentences, or even entire paragraphs.
By using these transitions effectively, you can effortlessly convey your ideas and thoughts in a coherent and easily understandable manner.
However, it's crucial to exercise moderation when using transition words. Overusing them can clutter your essay, making it confusing and difficult to read.
On the other hand, omitting them entirely can result in a piece that lacks flow and direction. Striking the right balance ensures that your essay is both engaging and comprehensible.
Purpose of Transition Words
Let’s take a look at the purpose of using transitions in essays:
- Enhance Readability: Transition words improve the overall flow and coherence of your writing.
- Clarify Relationships: They signal connections between ideas, whether it's adding, contrasting, or summarizing.
- Improve Comprehension: Readers can follow your argument or narrative more easily.
- Smooth Transitions: They act as bridges, seamlessly guiding your audience from one point to the next.
- Manage Change: They prepare the reader for shifts in topic or perspective.
- Enhance Engagement: Well-placed transitions keep readers interested and invested in your content.
- Encourage Flow: They maintain a logical progression, aiding in the overall structure of your work.
Examples of Different Types of Transition Words
Here are some common types of transitions for essays that can be used in almost any situation.
Addition Transitions
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- In addition
- Not only...but also
Comparison Transitions
- In the same way
- Comparable to
- Correspondingly
- In comparison
- By the same token
Contrast Transitions
- On the other hand
- In contrast
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Even though
Cause and Effect Transitions
- Consequently
- As a result
- For this reason
- Accordingly
Time Transitions
- Simultaneously
- In the meantime
- Subsequently
- At the same time
Illustration Transitions
- For example
- For instance
- Specifically
- To illustrate
- In particular
- In this case
- As an illustration
Emphasis Transitions
- Undoubtedly
- Without a doubt
Summary Transitions
- To summarize
- To conclude
Sequence Transitions
Example transitions.
- As an example
- To demonstrate
- For one thing
- As evidence
- As an instance
For Showing Exception
- At The Same Time
- Nevertheless
- On The Other Hand
- But At The Same Time
- Conversely
For Proving
- For This Reason
- Certainly
- To Demonstrate
- In Fact
- Clearly
- As A Result
This transition words for essays list will make it easier for you to understand what words to use in which kind of essay or for which purpose.
Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
- To begin with
- By contrast
- One alternative is
- To put more simply
- On the contrary
- With this in mind
- All things considered
- Generally speaking
- That is to say
- Yet another
Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
- furthermore
- Moreover
- Because
- Besides that
- Pursuing this further
Transition Words for Essays PDF
Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays
- Althoughyhtjyjum,u
- Notwithstanding
Transition Words for Informative Essays
- After all
- As can be expected
- Obviously
Transition Words for Expository Essays
- Equally important
- Another reason
- Not long after that
- Looking back
Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays
- In order to
- Provided that
- Because of this
Transition Words for Synthesis Essays
- As noted earlier
- Consequently
- Whereas
- This leads to
- Another factor
- This lead to
- The underlying concept
- In this respect
Transition Words for Analysis Essays
- (once) again
- Primarily
- Due to
- Accordingly
- That is to say
- Subsequently
- To demonstrate
- However
Conclusion Transition Words for Essays
- In any event
- As mentioned
- In other words
- As you can see
Beginning Transition Words for Essays
These are some introduction transition words for essays to start writing:
- In the first place
- First of all
- For the most part
- On one hand
- As a rule
Paragraph Transition Words for Essays
- To put it differently
- Once and for all
Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph
- To start with
- First and foremost
- In the beginning
Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph
- In addition to this
- Furthermore
Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph
- In conclusion
- Finally
- Last but not least
- To sum up
- Altogether
Transition Words for Quotes in Essays
- Acknowledges
Transition Words for Essays Middle School
- In conclusion
- For instance
Transition Words for Essays High School
- Today
- In addition
- To summarize
- On the other hand
- As well as
- Although
Transition Words for Essays College
Here are some college level transition words for essay:
- Pursuing this
- Similarly
- What’s more
- As much as
- In a like manner
- In the same fashion
Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words
So, now you have some strong transition words for essays at hand. But how do you use these transition words?
Here are the basic dos and don’ts of using transition words for essays.
- Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
- Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
- Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
- Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.
So, now you have an extensive list of transition words. These are some of the best transition words for essays that you can add to your essays.
If your essay seems redundant because you used similar transition words, you can always have a look at this list to find some good replacements.
So, whenever you’re writing an essay, refer back to this list and let your words flow!
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Transition Words and Phrases for Writing
Use this list of 100+ high school transition words and phrases for instances where you need to provide comparison/contrast, summarization, conclusion, or to indicate more information., transition words for high school essays.
In this guide, we explore high school transition words. Transition words play a crucial role in structuring and bridging ideas in writing. They are the glue that binds sentences and paragraphs together, ensuring a smooth flow of thoughts and concepts.
The importance of these words cannot be underestimated, especially in high school writing, where complexity and cohesiveness of ideas start to play a more significant role.
This guide will provide an in-depth look into various categories of transition words and how to use them effectively in your writing.
What are transition words?
Transition words are functional parts of speech that writers use to help readers move easily and clearly from one idea to another. They add necessary organization and structure to a text, and they are critical for creative, expository, or academic writing.
Successful writers use common transition words and phrases in both fiction and non-fiction works.
Why do we use transition words?
Also called connecting or linking words, transition words and phrases help establish clear connections between ideas and ensure that sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly , making them easier to read.
Examples of high school transition words
Using transitional words properly is crucial to the development of good writing composition skills. By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays.
Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances.
Cause, purpose, or intent transition words
Here is a list of transition words/linking words and phrases when you want to indicate cause, intent, or condition. They can be coordinating conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs, etc.
Example: "We can probably finish this hike in less than two hours, as long as we stick to the marked trails and don't stop too often to rest."
Types of transition words for cause, purpose, and intent:
- For the reason that
- For the purpose of
- In order to
- In light of
- On condition of
- Out of fear of
- On account of
- Provided that
Effect, consequence, or result transition words
These connecting words and phrases demonstrate effects or results, cause and effect, and are sometimes used to denote consequences that occur after the fact (using time words like "after" and "then"). They are predominantly conjunctive adverbs and are mostly used when starting a new paragraph.
Example: "Kevin never changed the oil in his car - as a result , the engine seized and he had to pay $2000 to get it replaced."
Use transition words for better accessibility. Below are some examples of transitional expressions:
- Accordingly
- Consequently
- In that case
- As a result
- Due to circumstances
- Because of that
- In light of that
- For that reason
Comparison or agreement transition words
These transition phrases and words reinforce the concepts and ideas directly preceding them, or enable the reader to directly compare two preceding statements, previous arguments, ideas, or concepts.
Example: "Needing to gain only 2 yards for a critical first down, the coach was faced with going for it or kicking the ball away. Calling a pass play seemed the safest bet. Moreover , the quarterback hadn't thrown an incomplete pass all game."
Check the following examples:
- Comparatively
- In similar fashion
- Identically
- Furthermore
- In addition
- In the same vein
- Additionally
- As a matter of fact
- First of all
- In the first place
- Compared to
- In the same way
- In addition to
- Part and parcel of
- By the same token
Contrast or contradiction words & phrases
Use these transition words and phrases to point out differences in ideas, or suggest to the reader that there are alternative ideas to consider.
Example: "The coach decided to go for it on 4th down, albeit with a very simple quarterback sneak."
- In spite of
- Nonetheless
- Nevertheless
- Be that as it may
- On the contrary
- Even though
- Rather than
- At the same time
- In contrast with
Sequence and time transition words
Convey a sequence of events or the structure and limits of time with these transition words.
Example: "Attention, passengers: At the present time , the subway is delayed because of a signal issue at the Ashmont station."
- At the present time
- Immediately
- Simultaneously
- Subsequently
- To begin with
- All of a sudden
- In an instant
- Once in awhile
- Right this minute
- Not a second too soon
Transition words for place and location
Indicate location, presence, and state with these transition words.
Example: "The town finally voted to build a new high school adjacent to the old railway station."
- In the background
- To the right/left
- In the back/front
- In front of
- In proximity to
- Kitty-corner to/from
- Across from
- In the vicinity of
- On the horizon
- In the distance
Summarizing and concluding transition words
Use these connecting words and phrases to summarize ideas and concepts, convey conclusions to readers, or restate particular ideas and concepts.
Example: " Generally speaking , commuting into the city usually takes me an hour, except on rainy or snowy days, when it can take as many as 3 hours to get to work."
- To summarize
- In the final analysis
- For the most part
- At the end of the day
- After all is said and done
- By and large
- In the short run
- All things considered
- In conclusion
- To conclude
- As demonstrated
- As discussed
- As indicated
Transition words for examples, emphasis, and more information
This group of linking words and phrases will help illustrate, add more information, and provide examples for readers.
Example: "There were a number of accidents and breakdowns on the highway today - surprisingly , I still made it to school on time."
- For example
- For instance
- In particular
- Particularly
- Specifically
- To illustrate
- To demonstrate
- For this reason
- In this case
- Putting it another way
- By all means
- Hypothetically
- Putting it differently
- Significantly
Keep practicing!
Transition words are essential tools for enhancing the cohesiveness and flow of your writing. Learning and effectively using these high school transition words will not only improve your writing skills but also increase your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and logically.
Keep practicing and enriching your writing with these high school transition words and phrases.
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12 Fun Classroom Activities To Practice Transition Words
December 12, 2022 // by Erin Elizabeth Hubbard
Transition words lend themselves to formal writing, but can also be very helpful when expanding general ideas in a more creative context. They help writers smoothly move from one paragraph to another; relating ideas within the text. In order to reinforce these concepts, use fun activities within the classroom and assign more homework. Check out our collection of 12 transition word activities to get started!
1. Stale Transitions
A great way to help students recognize the issues in writing is to make it as “stale” as possible. Younger students use “and then…” when telling stories due to a lack of transitional know-how. Write a chronological story together as a class and start each sentence with “And then…”. Supply the students with a list of transitional words and help them decide where to insert them in order to improve the flow of the story.
2. Skeleton Worksheets
Give students the bones of a story with the transitional words already there. Let them fill in the blanks with details before comparing stories to see how different they are. Then, flip it! Give them all the same story without the transitional words and see how they use the words to make the story flow.
3. Teach a How-To
Assign students a “teaching project” where they are to instruct the class on how to make or do something. They’ll need to write a script that is clear and gives their classmates instructions on what to do and in what order. They’ll need transitional words in order to make this possible. Then, have them teach!
4. Color Code Transition Words
Many transition words can be sorted into categories; including the beginning, middle, and end. You can equate these to a stoplight, showing the beginning words in green, the middle words in yellow, and the end words in red. Make a poster and include this on your classroom wall to create something for learners to refer to all year round!
Learn more: Scholastic
5. Compare & Contrast
Compare two unlike items, or contrast items that are very similar. Teach kids an assortment of comparative transition words and then play a game where they need to use the words to earn points for similarities and differences.
6. Animal vs. Animal
Kids love to research animals, and you can use comparative transition words in order to answer questions like, “Who would win in a fight- an alligator or an eagle?”. This makes a great research project combined with a writing assignment where kids use the facts they discover to prove their hypothesis.
7. Mother, May I?
Qualifying transitional words lend themselves to conditions. Put a twist on the traditional “Mother, May I?” game by adding conditions to each request. For example, “Mother, may I jump?” can be answered with, “You may jump, but only if you remain in one place.”
8. How Do You Know?
Answering the question “How Do You Know?” prompts students to review information they’ve learned and also use illustrative transition words to prove their point. This is a great way to revise information you’ve been studying in class.
9. Take a Stance
Opinion and persuasive-based transitional words require students to take a stance and convince their classmates that what they believe is correct. Have students pick an issue that deals with something they’re studying, such as environmental issues. You can even pair students together to create a pro and con argument for their topic using transitional words, before presenting to the class to vote on the statements they agree with the most.
10. Story Mix Up
Take well-known stories and scramble them up so they’re not in the correct order. This is a great way to teach kids chronologic transition words and also teach about the story. After the basic stories, have kids write their own plot points on index cards and then mix them up with partners to see if they can discover the order of the story based on the transitional words they’ve used.
11. Listen Up
TEDEd talks are full of expert information. Have students listen to a talk related to your course of study and write down the transitional words they hear the presenter use. This is a great way to practice and develop auditory skills!
12. Speeches
Practice oratory skills with a more complex project like a speech. Have students use “I” statements to give their opinions and support them with evidence. This is a great way to support class elections or to analyze a speech that political candidates give. You can also have older kids visit younger classrooms to give their speeches.
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Transition words bridge the gap for an easy sentence flow. Read on to enjoy some practice with elementary school transition words and phrases!
Clarify: Transition words used to emphasize or further explain an idea. Conclude: Transition words used to summarize or restate ideas. Location: Transition words used to show the where something is located or the physical relationship between two things. Click the button below to download a FREE printable PDF list of over 100 transition words!
Oliver Olsen learns how to change his own world as the engaging third grader works on a school science project. The telling (third person) is natural and the situations plausible. The story can be retold using transition words to emphasize or identify individuals' favorite (or most memorable) parts. Book Details.
In this worksheet, your students will learn how to properly use transition words in a sentence. Grade Levels: 4th and 5th Grade, 6th - 8th Grade, Grades K-12. CCSS Code (s): W.5.2.c, W.6.2.c, W.7.2.c. Use our information and resources surrounding transition words for classrooms and learners everywhere! Printable worksheets on each category are ...
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. 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 ...
Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples: but. however. in spite of. on the one hand/on the other hand. in contrast. on the contrary. still. yet.
There are several types of transition words, depending on the type of transition: 1. Additive Transitions. there are " additive transitions ," such as "moreover" or "in addition.". They add to and support previous ideas, show similarity, or reference. I want to talk to you privately in addition to today's group meeting.
Allow the students to revise the transition words as a group. Reread the passage. They will agree that the varied transition words are an asset. Then, write each of these words on a card: "mom," "made," "the," "turkey" and "first.". Give a card with each word to five students. Ask them to line up to make a sentence out of ...
As a result, transition words and phrases keep the writing smooth and give it continuity. Transition words and phrases for use in different parts of your essay are listed below. Note that some are repeated; they are appropriate for use in more than one part of your essay. Transitions Used Within Paragraphs Transitions Used from one Paragraph to ...
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure…
Learn about transition words, an important group of words for writing. Discover what a transition word is, common examples of transition words, and...
This worksheet uses both "sequence" transitions and "cause and effect" transitions. 4th and 5th Grades. View PDF. Write Sentences With Transition Words. On this worksheet, students write sentences (or pairs of sentences) which try to incorporate the given transition words. Words include: therefore, finally, nevertheless, however, and otherwise.
Additive Transitions . Probably the most common type, additive transitions are those you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous one, notes Edusson, a website that provides students with essay-writing tips and advice.Put another way, additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding to an idea and/or your ideas are similar, says Quizlet, an ...
Common Transition Words and Phrases. ... 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 ...
Provide visual support and build writing skills in first and second-grade students with our Transition Words Word Mat. By downloading this elementary transition words list, you will be provided with a concise and informative word mat that provides transition words for a range of literacy needs. On this word mat, you'll find lists of transition words in the following categories: time ...
Page 13 Plain text handout of transitional words and phrases for each piece of writing Page 14 "Transitional Words & Phrases" - a non-CCSS aligned list, grouped by type of transition ... and Council of Chief State School Officers. www.tra ceeorm an.com www.hu ngergam eslesso ns.com. Use Transitions To: • Clarify relationships • Create ...
Transition Words for Essays Middle School; 16. Transition Words for Essays High School; 17. Transition Words for Essays College; 18. Do's and Don'ts of Using Transition Words; What are Good Transition Words for Essays? Transition words are essential tools in essay writing, providing a clear path for your readers to follow. They serve the ...
communicators. Teaching transitional words and phrases to upper elementary students can significantly improve their writing skills and help them express ideas more effectively. Transition words and phrases improve writing flow by linking ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. They show relationships that help readers understand thoughts and concepts.
Teach your students to write organized paragraphs and compositions using this FREE printable PDF list of over 100 transition talk and phrases! It's perfect for creating anchor charts of changeover words for choose types of writing!
1 2. Your students will be transitioning into more mature writing in no time with these transition words worksheets! Students from kindergarten to fifth grade will expand their transition word vocabulary and learn how to use these words to connect their thoughts. With activities ranging from simple fill-in-the-blank exercises to integrating ...
Examples of high school transition words. Using transitional words properly is crucial to the development of good writing composition skills. By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays. Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances. Cause ...
Check out our collection of 12 transition word activities to get started! 1. Stale Transitions. A great way to help students recognize the issues in writing is to make it as "stale" as possible. Younger students use "and then…" when telling stories due to a lack of transitional know-how. Write a chronological story together as a class ...