Transition words and phrases work to connect ideas meaningfully. Because ideas can be related to one another in a variety of ways, writers should intentionally and carefully select the words and phrases that best fit the particular situation or purpose of their writing. The following are some of the most commonly used transition words with brief descriptions and sentences using them in context.
Common Transition Words
Although
“Although” is used to contrast one idea with another in the same sentence. Generally, it is used in the first clause of the sentence to indicate “in spite of this,” and then the second clause of the sentence negates the first.
Example: Although Grumpy Cat looks mean, she actually has a very sweet demeanor.
However
“However” is also used to contrast ideas, but is not restricted to contrasting ideas in a single sentence. It often substitutes for “but.”
Example: My favorite Internet Cat is Oskar the blind cat. However, my friends prefer Lil’ Bub.
Then
“Then” indicates either timing or cause/effect. It can be used by itself, or with “if.”
Timing: We can watch Nyan Cat, but then we have to work on our homework.
Cause/Effect: If the cat can finally has the cheezburger, then the internet will end.
While
“While” can describe two events occurring at the same time, or it can indicate contrasting ideas.
Simultaneous Events: While Colonel Meow was commanding his army, Peace Cat was staging a sit-in.
Contrasting Ideas: While Colonel Meow has a frightening appearance, he is enjoyable to watch.
Also
“Also” is a word known to mean “in addition to”.
Example: Kevin watches cat videos every day before school. Also, he watches them when he gets home from soccer practice.
Therefore
“Therefore” is used to summarize. It also signifies the importance or effect of an action or event.
Cause/Effect: After watching so many Grumpy Cat videos, I decided I wanted my own cat for Christmas. Therefore, I wrote it down on my list.
Because
“Because” indicates the reasoning for an action or event.
Example: I like Grumpy Cat better than Snoopy the Cat because I think our shared surliness makes us kindred spirits.
In fact
“In fact” is a phrase that clarifies the truthfulness of a statement.
Example: According to several internet polls, Cooper is one of the most famous internet felines. In fact, I think the lightweight digital camera he wears makes him more popular.
After all
“After all” is used to settle a contradiction of earlier trouble or complication.
Example: I can’t imagine anyone disliking Nala. After all, who can detest a cat named after a character from The Lion King?
For example
“For example” is used to introduce a piece of information that supports an idea.
Example: There are several reasons I think Lil Bub looks cuddlier than all the other internet cats. For example, her big eyes and angelic face make her the cutest feline.
Categories of Transitions Words and Examples
Comparison
Again
And
Also
As well (as)
Comparably
Corresponding
Equally
Further more
In addition (to)
In the same way
Like
Likewise
Moreover
Similarly
Too
Contrast
After all
Although
At least
But
By contrast
Conversely
Even so
Even though
Granted
However
In contrast (to)
In spite of
Nevertheless
Not
Only
On the contrary
On the other hand
Or
Otherwise
Still
Unlike
Whereas
Yet
Sequence/Time
After/Afterward
Last
All this time
Later
As soon as
Lately
At last
Meanwhile
Not long after
Next
At the same time
Now
Before
Previously
Currently
Shortly
During
Simultaneously
Earlier
Since
Eventually
Soon
Finally
Subsequently
First, Second, etc.
Temporarily
Following
Then
Formerly
Thereafter
Immediately
Until
In the first place
When
In the future
While
Place
Above
Adjacent to
Below
Beneath
Beside
Close by
Far away
Further back
Here
In the distance
In the foreground
Near at hand
Nearby
On the other side
Opposite
There
To the right/left
Under
Summary
Consequently
Finally
In a word
In brief
In conclusion
In fact
In other words
In short
In summation
On the whole
That is
Therefore
Thus
To conclude
To sum up
To summarize
Examples
As an example
For example
For instance
In particular
Like
Namely
Specifically
Such as
That is
Thus
To
Cause/Effect
Accordingly
As a consequence
As a result (of)
Because
Consequently
Due to
Resulting from
Since
So
Then
Therefore
Thus
Emphasis
Additionally
Incidentally
Assuredly
Indeed
Certainly
It is true
Clearly
Moreover
Equally
Perhaps
Especially
Naturally
Even more
Obviously
Evidently
Of course
Furthermore
Similarly
In addition (to)
Surely
In fact
Truly
In truth
Understandably
Qualification/Concession
Admittedly
For the most part
Mainly
Sometimes
After all
Granted
Naturally
To be sure
In most cases
Of course