Have you ever gotten a paper back and found it covered in red ink? A common critique you may see is that your work lacks transition words at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph. Or you may get stuck in a rut using the same transition words over and over. It can be difficult to think of different words in the moment, so we’ve compiled a handy list to help you pick the
perfect transition words to help you make the grade.
51 Common and Useful Transition Words
Transition words are the glue that holds your writing together and makes it more comprehensive and easy to read. Sometimes transition words are single words, and other times they are whole phrases, such as “for example” or “as well as.”
above all | according to | additionally |
after(wards) | also | alternatively |
although | as a matter of fact | as a result (of) |
as well as | at the same time | before |
besides | by all means | compared to |
earlier | either | especially |
even so | even though | finally |
first | for example | for instance |
for the most part | for this reason | further(more) |
generally | however | in other words |
in particular | in relation to | in short |
in summary | in the meantime | in this case |
including | lastly | likewise |
meanwhile | moreover | neither |
not to mention | on the contrary | on the other hand |
ordinarily | otherwise | particularly |
regularly | secondly | similarly |
simply | still | subsequently |
therefore | though | to summarize |
usually | whatever | yet |
39 Less Common Transition Words
Some transition words are more formal or specific and are therefore used less often. However, they are a perfect way to make your writing stand out from the crowd.
accordingly | all the more | as a rule |
as an example | beyond | by contrast |
certainly | consequently | conversely |
coupled with | demonstrably | hence(forth) |
in the first place | in the same manner | in which case |
inexplicably | namely | opposite |
over time | put another way | notwithstanding |
singularly | so then | surely |
thereby | this is why | thus |
to be sure | to begin with | to clarify |
to illustrate | to that end | to the left/right |
to the point | undeniably | under |
undoubtedly | what is more | wherefore |
Purpose of Transition Words
Transition words are the threads that tie the rest of your work together. Instead of having disjointed and clunky sentences, you can smooth out rough edges with cohesive transition words. When and where to use transition words and phrases will depend on what you are writing and what works in different types of sentences. For example, if you are writing a paper for school you should use a more formal voice than you would in everyday conversation. This also depends on the type of essay.
Transition Words Make a Difference
It's important to make sure transitional words flow naturally. To determine whether or not you need a transition word at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph, look at the sentence with and without the transition word or phrase and compare the results.
Without Transition Words | With Transition Words |
Carla couldn’t sleep the night before her big presentation. She needed an extra large cup of coffee before work. | Carla couldn’t sleep the night before her presentation. Therefore, she needed an extra large cup of coffee before work. |
Jeffrey, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 20 minutes. Fill up the car with gas, please. | Jeffrey, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 20 minutes. In the meantime, fill up the car with gas, please. |
The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. They all agreed it was worth it. | The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. Afterward, they all agreed it was worth it. |
Denise decided to stop doing her homework. She failed freshman English. | Denise decided to stop doing her homework. Consequently, she failed freshman English. |
Last night, I had a vivid dream. I was living in Paris. I went online and booked a trip. | Last night, I had a vivid dream. I was living in Paris. As a result, I went online and booked a trip. |
- elementary school
- middle school
- high school
- college
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