In writing, transition words and phrases connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. They help guide the reader through the logical flow of an argument, making the text more coherent and easier to understand. Transitions can be used to show similarities, contrasts, causes, effects, sequences, and more.
Transition words example
“I enjoy traveling. However, planning a trip can be stressful. First, you need to choose a destination. Next, you must book your transportation and accommodations. Additionally, you should research activities and attractions in the area. Finally, it’s essential to pack appropriately for your journey. Despite the challenges, the joys of exploring new places make the effort worthwhile.”
In this example, the following transition words are used:
- However – Introduces a contrasting idea.
- First – Indicates the first step in a process.
- Next – Shows the sequence of steps.
- Additionally – Adds another point to the process.
- Finally – Introduces the last step in the process.
- Despite – Acknowledges a challenge but introduces a contrasting perspective.
When and how to use transition words
Transition words can be used at the beginning of a new sentence or clause, as well as in the middle of a clause. The placement of the transition word depends on the specific word and the context of the sentence.
Starting a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma)
When a transition word is used at the beginning of a new sentence or clause, it is typically followed by a comma. This helps to separate the transition from the rest of the sentence and emphasizes the connection to the previous idea.
Examples
- “I wanted to buy a new car. However, I decided to wait until I had saved more money.”
- “The project was challenging. Nevertheless, the team worked hard and completed it on time.”
- “The book had an intriguing plot. Additionally, the characters were well-developed and relatable.”
2. Using transitions in the middle of a clause
Transition words can also be used in the middle of a clause to connect ideas within a single sentence. In this case, the transition word is usually preceded and followed by a comma.
Examples
- “The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including, but not limited to, pasta, pizza, and salads.”
- “The conference was informative, and, moreover, it provided excellent networking opportunities.”
- “The new software is not only user-friendly but also, more importantly, it improves productivity.”
In some cases, shorter transition words, such as “and,” “but,” or “or,” may not require commas when used in the middle of a clause.
Example
- “The weather was cold and rainy, so we decided to stay indoors and watch a movie.”
Example text with and without transition words
- Without transitions: “I love cooking. It’s a great way to relax after a long day. Cooking allows me to be creative. I enjoy trying new recipes.”
- With transitions: “I love cooking. In fact, it’s a great way to relax after a long day. Moreover, cooking allows me to be creative, and I enjoy trying new recipes.”
The second passage flows more smoothly and is easier to read because of the transition words “in fact,” “moreover,” and “and.”
Don’t overuse transition words
Excessive use of transition words can make your writing seem repetitive, choppy, and even annoying to read. It can also give the impression that you are trying too hard to connect your ideas, which may lead to a lack of trust in your arguments or credibility as a writer.
Example
- Overused: “I love reading books. Moreover, reading helps me relax. Furthermore, it broadens my knowledge. Additionally, it improves my vocabulary. Also, reading is a great way to pass the time. Consequently, I always carry a book with me.”
- Corrected: “I love reading books. It helps me relax, broadens my knowledge, and improves my vocabulary. Reading is also a great way to pass the time, which is why I always carry a book with me.”
In the corrected version, the excessive use of transition words has been reduced, making the text more concise and easier to read. The ideas flow naturally without needing a transition word at the beginning of every sentence.
Types and examples of transition words
Transition words can be categorized into four main types based on the relationship they establish between ideas or sentences. They include:
- Additive transition words
- Adversative transition words
- Causal transition words
- Sequential transition words
Additive transition words
Additive transition words are used to introduce additional information or reinforce existing ideas. These words suggest that the following statement is adding to or building upon the previous one.
| Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
| Addition | “The study found that exercise improves mood. Furthermore, it can also boost cognitive function.” | moreover, furthermore, additionally, in addition, also, besides, indeed |
| Introduction | “Firstly, it’s essential to understand the basic principles of the theory.” | firstly, to begin with, in the first place, initially |
| Reference | “The report mentioned several factors contributing to climate change. Among them, deforestation was the most significant.” | with respect to, regarding, in regard to, as for, concerning, speaking about, considering, on the subject of, in the case of, among them |
| Similarity | “The two proposals have many similarities. Likewise, they also share some key differences.” | similarly, in the same way, correspondingly, likewise, equally, by the same token |
| Clarification | “The instructions were unclear. In other words, they were difficult to follow.” | that is, in other words, to clarify, to rephrase it, to put it another way |
Adversative transition words
Adversative transition words, on the other hand, signal a contrast or opposing idea. They indicate that the following statement will present a different perspective or contradictory information.
| Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
| Contrast | “She wanted to attend the conference. However, the high cost of travel made it impossible.” | however, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, though, although, in contrast, on the contrary, conversely, on the other hand, rather |
| Concession | “While the new software has many benefits, it does have a steep learning curve.” | while, even though, albeit, despite, in spite of, granted, admittedly, notwithstanding, regardless |
| Replacement | “The original plan was to drive to the destination. Instead, they decided to take a flight.” | instead, rather, alternatively, as an alternative, as a substitute, on second thought |
| Emphasis | “The company not only survived the economic downturn but in fact thrived during this challenging period.” | in fact, indeed, actually, as a matter of fact, in reality |
Causal transition words
Causal transition words establish a cause-and-effect relationship between ideas. They show that the second statement is a result or consequence of the first.
| Function | Example sentence | Transition words |
| Consequence | “The company lost a major client. As a result, they had to lay off several employees.” | therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, as a consequence, hence, accordingly, for this reason, due to, because, since, owing to |
| Condition | “If the weather improves, we will go for a hike.” | if, even if, unless, provided that, assuming that, on condition that, on the condition that, in the case that, in case, in the event that |
| Purpose | “She studied hard in order to pass the entrance exam.” | in order to, so as to, to that end, for this purpose, with this in mind, with the aim of, with the intention of, with a view to |
Sequential transition words
Sequential transition words indicate a sequence or order of events. They are useful when describing a process, listing items, or presenting a series of steps.
| Function | Example sentence | Transition words |
| Enumeration | “First, preheat the oven. Second, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.” | first, second, third, firstly, secondly, thirdly, first of all, in the first place, for one thing, for another, to begin with, to start with, next, then, subsequently, finally, last, lastly, last but not least |
| Continuation | “The meeting addressed several important topics. Next, the team discussed the project timeline.” | then, next, afterwards, after that, subsequently, following, thereupon, later, earlier, previously, before, simultaneously, concurrently, at the same time |
| Conclusion | “In conclusion, the evidence suggests that the proposed solution is the most effective.” | in conclusion, to conclude, in summary, to summarize, summing up, in sum, briefly, in short, in essence, to sum up, all in all, all things considered, ultimately, at last, at the end, in the end, finally, lastly |
| Resumption | “Returning to the main topic, let’s discuss the implications of the study.” | returning to, coming back to, going back to, to resume, to return to, as I was saying, as mentioned earlier, as previously stated, as has been noted |
| Summation | “In summary, the key points of the presentation were the new marketing strategy, the sales targets, and the upcoming product launch.” | in summary, in sum, to sum up, summing up, to summarize, in short, in brief, in essence, in a nutshell, to recapitulate, in overview, in review, altogether, overall, in total, all in all, in all |
Common mistakes with transition words
When using transition words, you must be aware of common mistakes to ensure that your writing remains clear, concise, and grammatically correct. Let’s look at some of these mistakes and how to avoid them.
Confused use of therefore
“Therefore” is a transitional word that implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It should only be used when the second clause is a clear consequence of the first. A common mistake is using “therefore” to simply add information without a strong causal link.
Starting a sentence with also, and, or so
In formal writing, it’s generally best to avoid starting a sentence with “also,” “and,” or “so.” These words can make the sentence appear fragmented or less professional.
Transition words creating sentence fragments
Be careful not to use transition words in a way that creates incomplete sentences or fragments. Each clause should be a complete thought.
And vs. as well as
“And” and “as well as” are not always interchangeable. “As well as” is used to introduce a less important or secondary element, while “and” gives equal importance to both elements.
Use of and/or
The use of “and/or” is often unnecessary and can make the sentence unclear. In most cases, simply using “or” is sufficient.
Archaic transition words
Some transition words, such as “hereby,” “henceforth,” and “wherefore,” are considered archaic and should be avoided in modern writing unless used intentionally for stylistic purposes.
Examples of Common mistakes with transition words
| Mistake | Example (Incorrect) | Example (Correct) |
| Confused use of “therefore” | “I like pizza. Therefore, I also enjoy pasta.” | “I like pizza. Similarly, I also enjoy pasta, as they are both Italian dishes made with dough and various toppings.” |
| Starting a sentence with “also,” “and,” or “so” | “And then we went to the store.” | “We then went to the store.” |
| Transition words creating sentence fragments | “Because of the rain. The picnic was cancelled.” | “Because of the rain, the picnic was cancelled.” |
| Misuse of “and” vs. “as well as” | “The package includes a free trial of the software, as well as a user manual.” “The book is engaging as well as informative.” | “The package includes a free trial of the software, as well as a user manual.” (The user manual is less important than the free trial.) “The book is engaging and informative.” (Both “engaging” and “informative” are equally important.) |
| Unnecessary use of “and/or” | “Please bring a pen and/or pencil.” | “Please bring a pen or pencil.” |
| Using archaic transition words | “I hereby declare this meeting adjourned.” | “I now declare this meeting adjourned.” |