Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples
Transition words and phrases are used to connect ideas in your writing and help readers understand your arguments. Also called connecting words, linking words, or transitional words, these words describe the relationship between phrases, sentences, or paragraphs.
Understanding and using transition words effectively is necessary to produce clear and cohesive writing. Using a paraphraser like QuillBot’s can help you integrate transition words into your writing.
Types and examples of transition words
Transition words can be divided into four categories: sequential, additive, causal, and adversative. These four categories can be further subdivided into more specific functions.
Sequential transition words
Sequential transition words can be used to indicate the order you’re presenting ideas in your essay or an order of events. They are often used in academic writing to orient the reader to the text.
| Function | Transition words and phrases | Example sentences |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation | first of all, to begin with, initially, in the first place, at first | Initially, I planned to survey 500 students, but this proved infeasible. |
| Enumeration | first, second, third… | There are three questions to consider when analyzing a source: First, is the author an expert in the field? Second, has it been published within the past 10 years? Third, … |
| Continuation | next, subsequently, before x, after x, then, previously, eventually, afterward | Next, I examine the justifications given for not entering the conflict. |
| Resumption | returning to/to return to, to resume, at any rate | Returning to the nature versus nurture debate, it is evident that … |
| Summation | in summary, as previously stated/mentioned, overall, in conclusion, altogether, in sum, to summarize | Milholland (2021) makes a similar point. Overall, the critical consensus is … |
| Conclusion | to conclude (with), finally, at last, as a final point, in conclusion, lastly | Finally, we asked participants to rate their overall satisfaction with the product. |
Additive transition words
You can use additive transition words to introduce examples or new details. They add to, clarify, or make a comparison with previous text.
| Function | Transition words and phrases | Example sentences |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | for example, for instance, such as, like, including, particularly, in particular, especially | Employees expressed dissatisfaction about many aspects of the company. For example, Participant A mentioned … |
| Addition | additionally, moreover, furthermore, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, in fact | Residents were surprised by the lack of communication. Furthermore, they expressed anger that … |
| Similarity | likewise, similarly, in the same way, equally | Students celebrated the creation of the new major. Faculty were equally excited about it. |
| Reference | in regard to x, considering x, on the subject of x, concerning x | Location and pay scale were mentioned frequently by participants. On the subject of location, participants described … |
| Clarification | namely, specifically, that is (to say), in other words, more precisely | Confirmation bias is the human tendency to interpret events in light of one’s already-held beliefs. In other words, we see what we want to see. |
| Emphasis | Indeed, above all, more/most importantly | We need to focus on several goals this quarter. Most importantly, we should aim to reduce complaints by 10%. |
Causal transition words
You can use causal transition words to describe causes and effects.
| Function | Transition words and phrases | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | provided that, on the condition that, (even/only) if/when, as long as, inasmuch as, in case, in the event that, otherwise | We enrolled teenagers in the study provided that they had parental permission. |
| Consequence | because, as a result (of x), consequently, hence, thus, due to (the fact that), since, therefore, in view of x | Pilot study participants indicated unfamiliarity with the term “scaffolding.” Thus, a definition was provided. |
| Purpose | in order to/that, so that, to, for the purpose of, with this in mind, lest | Very few vice presidents have had to serve as president. With this in mind, Acosta’s choice seems less surprising. |
Adversative transition words
You can use adversative transition words to indicate a contrast or disagreement with what has come previously.
| Function | Transition words and phrases | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Conflict | however, but, although, while, on the other hand, in contrast, where as, conversely, though | Kim’s work is bold and colorful. In contrast, Levant employs a more muted style. |
| Dismissal | whatever the case, regardless, either way, in any/either event, all the same, at any rate | It is not clear whether the CEO’s complaints were related more to style or substance. Regardless, the project has been nixed. |
| Concession | nonetheless, nevertheless, even so, despite x, notwithstanding x, regardless (of x), in spite of x, admittedly, though | Admittedly, Lebens (2022) is correct in her critique of the book’s length. Nevertheless, it is an important work of fiction. |
| Replacement | (or) rather, (or) at least, instead, if not, or (perhaps) even | If not beautiful, the building is at least awe inspiring. |
These lists of transitions are adapted from those created by Prof. Campbell, Prof. Buckhoff, and Prof. Dowell at Michigan State University under a Creative Commons license.
How to use transition words effectively
Often, transition words are used to begin a new sentence or clause. They show how the sentence relates to the previous one.
Transition words can also be used in the middle of a clause. When used in this way, you need to pay careful attention to placement.
Example paragraph with and without transition words
The text below contains all of the necessary facts, but it lacks any transition words. This makes it difficult to determine what the connection is between the sentences and what point the writer is trying to make.
Don’t overuse transition words
It is possible to overdo transition words. Not every clause needs an explicit transition. In the example below, the repetition of the same type of linking word feels repetitive.
In this example, it makes the most sense to combine sentences so that fewer linking words are required.
Effective use of transition words involves finding the right balance. Too few transition words can mean a text is difficult to follow, but too many can seem unnatural.
Common mistakes with transition words
It is easy to make mistakes with transition words and phrases because they often have subtle differences in meaning and grammatical function.
Using transition words incorrectly means that your audience won’t be able to follow your arguments. Identifying some of the more common mistakes can help you be aware of them in your writing.
Creating sentence fragments
Some transition words (e.g., “if,” “because,” “although”) are subordinating conjunctions. They are used to begin dependent clauses, which cannot stand on their own as sentences.
Clauses that start with these words must be attached to an independent clause. When they’re not, they are considered a sentence fragment.
- We excluded the results from people over age 65 from the analysis. Because there were only two people in this age bracket.
It can be fixed by connecting the dependent clause to the independent clause. The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause.
- We excluded the results from people over age 65 from the analysis because there were only two people in this age bracket.
- Because there were only two people over age 65, we excluded their results from the analysis.
Beginning a sentence with and, so, or also
In academic writing, the words “and,” “so,” and “also” are not used to begin sentences because they are considered too informal.
- Also, respondents filled out a Likert scale questionnaire.
This can be fixed by moving the transition word or by using a more formal transition word.
- Respondents also filled out a Likert scale questionnaire.
- Additionally, respondents filled out a Likert scale questionnaire.
Misuse of therefore
“Therefore” and other causal transition words are used when something follows logically, or is the result of, what has come before. People often misuse “therefore” when there is no cause-and-effect relationship.
- We asked participants to log the number of minutes of exercise they did each day. Therefore, the average amount of exercise per day was 23 minutes.
This example is illogical because it implies that the average amount of exercise is a result of participants being asked to log their exercise, which is false. In this case, we can delete “therefore” to make the sentence logical.
- We asked participants to log the number of minutes of exercise they did each day. The average amount of exercise per day was 23 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about transition words
- What are good transition words for conclusions?
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Good transition words and phrases for conclusions include:
- To conclude (with)
- Finally
- At last
- As a final point
- In conclusion
- Lastly
- In sum
- Overall
The transition you choose will depend on the level of formality of your text and the argument you have made.
Using QuillBot’s Paraphrasing Tool can help you vary your word choice.
- What are good transition words to start a paragraph?
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Good transition words and phrases to start a paragraph depend on the purpose of the paragraph and how it relates to the previous one.
Transition words to start a paragraph Function of paragraph Transition word examples Introducing a point to begin with, first of all, first (or second or third) Building on a previous point furthermore, to illustrate, considering x, on the subject of x, similarly, consequently, returning to x Contrasting with a previous point however, in contrast, on the other hand QuillBot’s Paraphrasing Tool can help you integrate transition words into your writing.
- What are good transition words to show contrast?
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Good transition words and phrases to show contrast include:
- However
- Although
- In contrast
- Conversely
- Whereas
- On the other hand
- While
The transition you choose will depend on the level of formality of your text and your sentence structure.
QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you vary your word choice.
- What are good transition words for essays?
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There are many good transition words and phrases for essays; the choice often depends on what the purpose of the transition is. The table below shows a variety of options.
Transition words for essays Function Transition words Introducing an idea first (of all), initially, to begin with, in the first place Concluding finally, in conclusion, lastly, at last, in summary, to sum up, overall Giving examples for example, for instance, such as, in particular - What are good transition words for the first body paragraph in an essay?
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Good transition words and phrases for the first body paragraph in an essay include:
- To begin with
- First
- Initially
- First of all
- Considering x
- On the subject of x
QuillBot’s free paraphrasing tool can help you find options for transition words.
