Transitional Words & Phrases

Using transitional words and phrases help papers read more smoothly by providing coherence

A coherent paper allows the reader to flow from the first supporting point to the last.

Transitions indicate relations, whether from sentence to sentence, or from paragraph to paragraph. This is a list of "relationships" which supporting ideas may have, followed by a list of "transitional" words and phrases which can connect those ideas.

Addition:
also, besides, furthermore, in addition, moreover, again

Consequence:
accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, otherwise, so then, therefore, thus, thereupon

Summarizing:
after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, on the whole, to sum up, to summarize, finally

Generalizing:
as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually

Restatement:
in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently

Contrast and Comparison:
contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the contrary, on the other hand, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast

Sequence:
at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion

Diversion:
by the way, incidentally

Illustration:
for example, for instance, for one thing

Similarity:
likewise, similar, moreover

Direction:
here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above, to the left, to the right, in the distance

For more information, please see:

The Gregg Reference Manual
The Brief English Handbook
The Least You Should Know About English

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Study Guides and Strategies was created and is maintained by Joe Landsberger, Supervisor, ISS/Learning Center, University of St.Thomas (UST), St. Paul, MN.
Permission is granted to freely copy, adapt, print, transmit, and distribute Study Guides in educational, non-commercial, settings to benefit learners. Additional translations are warmly received.