Transition Words and Phrases

Transition words and phrases are mainly used to connect an idea to another. These words and phrases allow readers to progress from one idea to another. In other words, transition words and phrases link a sentence or a paragraph to the next sentence or paragraph so as to make it understandable and meaningful for the readers. With the help of these words and phrases, the author communicates the ideas and thoughts clearly to the readers. The transitions describe the relationship between paragraphs or sentences and allow a reader to flow smoothly from one paragraph to another. The role of transition words and phrases is to build a connection between corresponding paragraphs or sentences so as to make the entire piece of writing legible.

The list of transition words and phrases are mentioned below:

1. Addition - Moreover, finally, furthermore, besides, in addition, again, first, too, lastly, even more, also, secondly, next, etc.
2. Comparison - Similarly, likewise, in the same way, in like manner, etc.
3. Contrast - However, otherwise, though, yet, nevertheless, but, on the contrary, on the other hand, at the same time, notwithstanding, after all, etc.
4. Time - Afterwards, while, next, sometimes, always, once, simultaneously, when, during, so far, then, in the meantime, now, subsequently, soon, following, immediately, whenever, etc.
5. Exemplification or illustration - For example, for instance, specifically, to demonstrate, to illustrate, etc.

• Place - Nearby, beyond, above, below, wherever, here, there, opposite to, adjacent to, etc.
• Cause - Because, for that reason, since, on account of, etc.
• Effect - Consequently, thus, hence, as a result, therefore, accordingly, etc.
• Clarification - To explain, to clarify, in other words, to rephrase it, etc.
• Purpose - So that, in order that, for this purpose, to that end, etc.
• Qualification - Although, frequently, probably, nearly, maybe, never, perhaps, almost, etc.
• Intensification - Undoubtedly, surely, indeed, in fact, by all means, certainly, in fact, yes, no, etc.
• Concession - Of course, to be sure, granted, etc.
• Summary - In brief, to summarize, in short, in summary, to sum up, etc.
• Conclusion - Finally, to conclude, in conclusion, etc.
• Demonstratives as transitions - These, this, those and that.

Transitional words and phrases capture the attention of readers by building a connection between ideas or paragraphs. These words have different meanings, connotations and tone. Hence, the words and phrases are used logically to connect a specific paragraph to another paragraph.