Using Transition Words & Phrases

Using Transitions

Body paragraphs shouldbe organized in such a way that each sentence relates to the other sentences. Using transition words and phrases helps the reader clearly un-

derstand how one sentence relates to the other. Transitions also help the reader make the connection from one paragraph to the next. As a result, transition words and

phrases keep the writing smooth and give it continuity.

Transition words and phrases for use in different parts of your essay are listed below. Note that some are repeated; they are appropriate for use in more than one part of

your essay.

Transitions Used

Within Paragraphs

Transitions Used from one

Paragraph to the Next

Transitions for Examples Transitions to Begin Conclusions Transitions to Begin Anecdotes

 therefore

 however

 furthermore

 then

 next/following

 in addition/in addition to/also

 in contrast

 similarly

 first/to begin with/for one

thing

 second/secondly

 lastly/finally

 furthermore

 following/in addition

 equally important

 thus

 for example

 for instance

 to illustrate

 in particular

 in conclusion

 to conclude

 for those reasons

 on the whole

 as you can see

 as stated above

 therefore

 on one occasion

 on incident comes to mind

 I recollect/I remember

Transitional Words of Comparison

Transitional Words of

Sequence

Transitional Words of Emphasis Transitional Words of Time

 after all

 by comparison

 compared to

 in contrast

 on the other hand

 whereas

 however

 both

 after - first

 afterward - second

 consequently - so forth

 finally - soon

 following this - then

 next - therefore

 previously

 so forth

 subsequently

 as a rule

 as usual

 generally

 generally speaking

 ordinarily

 usually

 absolutely

 always

 certainly

 in any case

 obviously

 positively

 undeniably

 without a doubt

 without reservation

 after

 and then

 finally

 first

 formerly

 immediately

 later

 next

 previously

 thereafter

Transitional Words of

Generalization

Transitions Words of Addition Transitions Words of Contrast

Transitions Words of Cause-

and- effect

Transitions Words of Illustration

Transitions Words of

Consequence

 first of all

 also

 in addition/in addition to/also

 next

 moreover

 furthermore

 last of all

 finally

 however

 in contrast

 on the other hand

 despite

 although

 even though/though

 rather than

 on the contrary

 because of

 since

 as a result of/as a result

 therefore

 thus

 for example

 for instance

 to illustrate

 on the whole

 as you can see

 as stated above

 therefore

 accordingly

 as a result/as a result of

 consequently

 for this reason

 hence

 subsequently

 thus