3

TRANSITION WORDS

For continuing a common line of reasoning:

consequently
clearly, then
furthermore
additionall
and
in addition
moreover
because
besides that
in the same way
following this further
also
pursuing this further
in the light of the... it is easy to see that

To change the line of reasoning (contrast):

however
on the other hand
but
yet
nevertheless
on the contrary

For opening a paragraph initially or for general use:

Admittedly
assuredly
certainly
granted
no doubt
nobody denies
obviously
of course
to be sure
true
undoubtedly
unquestionably
generally speaking
in general
at this level
in this situation

For the final points of a paragraph or essay:

Finally
lastly

Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged chronologically:

 4
first... second... third...
generally... furthermore... finally
in the first place... also... lastly
in the first place... pursuing this further... finally
to be sure... additionally... lastly
in the first place... just in the same way... finally
basically... similarly... as well

To signal conclusion:

therefore
this
hence
in final analysis
in conclusion
in final consideration
indeed

To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way:

in other words
point in fact
specifically

Sequence or time

after
afterwards
as soon as
at first
at last
before
before long
finally
first... second... third
in the first place
in the meantime
later
meanwhile
next
soon
then

Transition Words

Words that can be used to show location:

 5

throughou
Above behind By Near t

to the
Across below Down Off right

Against beneath in back of Onto under

Along beside in front of on top of

Among between Inside Outside

Around beyond Into Over

Words that can be used to show time:

While first Meanwhile soon then

After second Today Later next

At third Tomorrow afterward as soon as

Before now next week About when ,

During until Yesterday Finally suddenly

Word that can be used to compare two things:

Likewise also While in the same way

Like As Similarly
 6
Words that can be used to contrast two things:

but still Although on the other hand

however yet Otherwise even though

Words that can be used to emphasize a point:

Again truly Especially for this reason

to repeat in fact to emphasize

Words that can be used to conclude or summarize:

Finally as a result to sum up in conclusion

Lastly therefore all in all Because

Words that can be used to add information:

Again another for instance for example

Also and Moreover additionally

as well besides along with Other

Next finally in addition

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Additive Transitions:
These show addition, introduction, similarity to other ideas, etc. . .

Addition:

not only (this)

indeed, further, as well (as this), either (neither), but also (that) as
well,
also, moreover, what is more, as a matter of fact,
in addition (to to tell you the
and, furthermore, besides (this),
this), truth,
or, in fact, actually, to say nothing of,
too, let alone, much less additionally,
not to mention
nor, alternatively, on the other hand,
(this),
[back to list]

Introduction:

such as, as, particularly, including, as an illustration,

for example, like, in particular, for one thing, to illustrate
by way of
for instance, especially, notably,
example,
[back to list]

Reference:

speaking about considering with regards to

regarding (this),
(this), (this), (this),
concerning on the subject of
as for (this), the fact that
(this), (this),
[back to list]

Similarity:

in the same
similarly, by the same token, in a like manner,
way,
equally likewise,
[back to list]

Identification:

that is (to say), namely, specifically, thus,

[back to list]

Clarification:
 8
in
that is (to say), I mean, (to) put (it) another way other
words,
[back to list]

Adversative Transitions:
These transitions are used to signal conflict, contradiction concession, dismissal, etc. . .

Conflict:

but, by way of contrast, while, on the other hand,

however, (and) yet, whereas, though (final position),
in contrast, when in fact, conversely, Still
[back to list]

Emphasis:

even more, above all, indeed, more importantly, Besides

[back to list]

Concession:

but even so, nevertheless, even though, on the other hand, admittedly,
notwithstanding
however, nonetheless, despite (this), Albeit
(this),
in spite of
(and) still, although, regardless (of this),
(this),
(and) yet, though, granted (this), be that as it may,
[back to list]

Dismissal:

whichever in either
either way, in any case, at any rate,
happens, event,
in any
in either case, whatever happens, all the same,
event,
[back to list]

Replacement:

Instead as regards en lo
(or) at least, (or) rather,
que respecta a
 9
Causal [NOT "Casual"] Transitions:
These transitions signal cause/effect and reason/result, etc. . .

Cause/Reason:

for the (simple) reason in view of (the inasmuch

being that, for,
that, fact), as,
because (of the fact), seeing that, as, owing to (the fact),
due to (the fact that), in that since, forasmuch as,

Condition:

on (the) condition
granted (that), if, provided that, in case,
(that),
in the event that, as/so long as, unless given that,
granting (that), providing that, even if, only if,

Effect/Result:

as a result (of
consequently, hence, for this reason, thus,
this),
because (of this), in consequence, so that, accordingly
as a
so much (so) that, so, therefore,
consequence,

Purpose:

for the purpose of, in the hope that, for fear that, so that,
with this intention, to the end that, in order to, Lest
with this in mind, in order that, so as to, so,

Consequence:

under those circumstances, then, in that case, if not,

that being the case, if so, otherwise

Sequential Transitions:
These transitions are used to signal a chronological or logical sequence.

Numerical:

in the (first, second, etc.)

initially, to start with, first of all thirdly, (&c.)
place,
to begin with, at first, for a start, secondly,
 10
]

Continuation:

subsequently, previously, eventually, next,

before (this), afterwards, after (this), Then

Conclusion:

to conclude (with) as a final point, eventually, at last,

last but not least, in the end, finally, lastly,

Digression:

to change the topic incidentally, by the way,

Resumption:

to get back to the point, to resume anyhow, anyway, at any rate,

to return to the subject,

Summation:

as was previously stated, so, consequently, in summary, all in all,

to make a long story
thus, as I have said, to sum up, overall,
short,
as has been mentioned, then, to summarize, to be brief, briefly,
given these points, in all, on the whole, therefore,
as has been noted, hence, in conclusion, in a word,
to put it briefly, in sum, altogether, in short,

Once you have completed a first draft of your paper, you should read over your work and observe how effectively you
have made transitions between your paragraphs. If your paper seems a little choppy, you can use one of these 100
(plus) transition words to improve the flow of your work.

above all
accordingly
additionally
after all
again
all in all
all things considered
also
as a consequence
 11
as a result
as a rule

as regards en lo que respecta a

as for en cuanto a
as an example of
as well as
aside from
at first glance
at the same time
beginning with
being similar in many ways
besides
beyond
briefly
but
by and large
certainly
chiefly
coincidentally
consequently
contrary to
contrasting
conversely
comparable
corresponding to
coupled with
depending upon
decidedly
despite
doubly important
effectively
especially
excluding
except
excepting
exclusive of
first of all
for example
for instance
for now
for one thing
for the most part
for the time being
for this reason
fortunately
frequently
furthermore
generally
gradually
however
in addition
in any case
in any event
 12
in brief
in conclusion
in contrast
in essence
in other words
in particular
in short
in summary
in the end
in the final analysis
in the first place
in the long run
in this case
in turn
including
independent of
instead
just as interesting
later
likewise ( de otro modo)
meanwhile
moreover
next to
normally
on one hand
on the bright side
on the whole
ordinarily
other than
otherwise
overall
particularly
previously
rather
restating the obvious
soon
similarly
simultaneously
specifically
subsequent to
such as
to summarize
to begin with
that is
the next step
there is no doubt
therefore
thereupon
thus
usually
wherefore
while
whereas
with attention to
with this in mind
yet
 13
Transitions & Linking Words
Transitions and linking words perform an important function in writing. They signal to the
reader the direction the writer is taking. They do this by connecting or linking ideas within a
paragraph and providing a bridge between paragraphs. Remember to proofread the writing
assignment to make sure transitions are used effectively.
To show addition:
additionally
again
also
and,
another
besides
finally
first, second, etc.
further
furthermore
incidentally
lastly
likewise
moreover( a demas)
next
nor
too
along with
as well
equally important
for example
for instance
in addition
whats more
To show time:
about
after
afterward
at
before
currently
during
eventually
finally
first, etc.
following
formerly
immediately
later
meanwhile
next
next week
previously
soon
subsequently
 14
then
thereafter
till
today, etc.
until
when
after a few hours
as soon as
in the future
soon after
To show location:
Above
across
adjacent
against
along
among
along
among
around
behind
below
beneath
beside
between
beyond
by
down
inside
into
here
near
nearby
off
onto
outside
over
there
throughout
under
away from
at the side
in the back
in back of
in the background,
in the distance
in the front
in the foreground
on top of
to the right
 15
To show
comparison:
also
as
like
likewise
meanwhile
similarly
simultaneously
after all
at the same time
by and large
in comparison
in the same way
in the same manner
in the same way
To show contrast:
although
but
conversely
however
nevertheless
nonetheless
notwithstanding a pesar de
otherwise
still
true
yet
although this is
and yet
even though
for all that
in contrast
on the contrary
on the other hand
while this is true
To emphasize a
point:
again
obviously
truly
undoubtedly
as a matter of
fact
for this reason
in fact
to emphasize
to repeat
To clarify:
for instance in other words put another way that is
To give examples:
 16
namely
specifically
as an illustration
for example
for instance
to demonstrate
to illustrate
To introduce as a
result:
accordingly
consequently
so
therefore
thus
as a result
due to this
To introduce
conclusions:
accordingly
consequently
finally
hence
so
therefore
thus
as a result
in brief
in conclusion
in short
in summary
on the whole
to conclude
To summarize:
finally
by and large
in brief
in conclusion
in summary
on the whole
summing up
to conclude

Transitions of Logic

Milder Stronger
 17

Addition a further x further

and furthermore (ademas)
and then (fomenter)
then moreover (a demas)
also in addition
too additionally
next besides
another again
other equally important
nor first, second
finally, last

Comparison just as ... so too similarly

a similar x comparable
another x like in the same way
likewise

Contrast but however

yet still
and yet nevertheless
still on the other hand
otherwise on the contrary
or even so
though notwithstanding ( a pesar
but another de )
rather for all that
in contrast
alternatively
at the same time
though this may be
otherwise
instead
nonetheless
conversely

Time then meanwhile

now at length
soon presently
afterward at last
later finally
shortly immediately
earlier thereafter
recently at that time
first, second, third subsequently
next eventually
before currently
after in the meantime
 18

today in the past

tomorrow in the future

Purpose to do this to this end

so that with this object
for this purpose
for that reason
because of this x

Place there at that point

here opposite to
beyond adjacent to
nearby on the other side
next to in the front
in the back

Result so hence
and so therefore
then accordingly
consequently
thus
thereupon
as a result
in consequence

Example that is for example

specifically for instance
in particular an instance of this
for one thing this can be seen in

Summary and in sum in short

Emphasis generally on the whole
after all as I said
by the way in other words
in general to be sure
incidentally in fact
naturally indeed
I hope clearly
at least of course
it seems anyway
in brief remarkably
I suppose I think
assuredly
definitely
without doubt
 19

for all that

on the whole
in any event
importantly
certainly

List of Transition Words for Essays

This structured list of commonly used english transition words (approximately 200, so the list can be considered as quasi
complete) can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression. English transition words are essential, since
they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose,
result or conclusion, etc. in the line of argument.
The transition words and phrases (also called devices) have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although
some words belong to more than one category.
To improve your writing (in essays, (scientific) reviews, (research) papers, letters, abstracts, reports, thesis, etc), it is essential to
understand how, transition words can be used to combine ideas in writing. It is also fundamental to be aware of the sometimes
subtle meaning of transition words within the english language.

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

The transitional devices like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce
ideas , and express agreement with preceding material.

in the first place

not only ... but also

as a matter of fact

in like manner

in addition

coupled with

in the same fashion / way

first, second, third

in the light of

not to mention

to say nothing of

equally important
 20
by the same token

again

to

and

also

then

equally

identically

uniquely

like

as

too

moreover

as well as

together with

of course

likewise

comparatively

correspondingly

similarly

furthermore

additionally

Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction

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Transition words like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contrary or
point out alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).

although this may be true

in contrast

different from

of course ..., but

on the other hand

on the contrary

at the same time

in spite of

even so / though

be that as it may

then again

above all

in reality

after all

but

(and) still

unlike

or

(and) yet

while

albeit

besides

although

instead
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whereas

despite

conversely

otherwise

however

rather

nevertheless

regardless

notwithstanding

Examples / Support / Emphasis

These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to
indicateimportance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.

in other words

to put it differently

for one thing

as an illustration

in this case

for this reason

to put it another way

that is to say

with attention to

by all means
 23

important to realize

another key point

first thing to remember

most compelling evidence

must be remembered

point often overlooked

to point out

on the positive / negative side

with this in mind

notably

including

like

to be sure

namely

chiefly

truly

indeed

certainly

surely

markedly

especially

specifically

expressively

surprisingly
 24
frequently

significantly

in fact

in general

in particular

in detail

for example

for instance

to demonstrate

to emphasize

to repeat

to clarify

to explain

to enumerate

such as

Cause / Condition / Purpose

These transitional words present specific conditions or intentions.

in the event that

granted (that)

as / so long as

on (the) condition (that)

for the purpose of

with this intention

 25
with this in mind

in the hope that

to the end that

for fear that

in order to

seeing / being that

in view of

If

... then

unless

when

whenever

since

while

because of

as

since

while

lest

in case

provided that

given that

only / even if

so that
 26
so as to

owing to

inasmuch as

due to

Effect / Consequence / Result

Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore,
henceforth) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a
consequence or an effect.
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are
placed before the consequences or effects.

as a result

under those circumstances

in that case

for this reason

for

thus

because the

then

hence

consequently

therefore

thereupon

forthwith

accordingly

henceforth
 27

Conclusion / Summary / Restatement

These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and/orrestate ideas, or a
indicate a final general statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect /
Consequence category can be used to summarize.

as can be seen

generally speaking

in the final analysis

all things considered

as shown above

in the long run

given these points

as has been noted

in a word

for the most part

after all

in fact

in summary

in conclusion

in short

in brief

in essence

to summarize

on balance

altogether
 28
overall

ordinarily

usually

by and large

to sum up

on the whole

in any event

in either case

all in all

Time / Chronology / Sequence

These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining
time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.

at the present time

from time to time

sooner or later

at the same time

up to the present time

to begin with

in due time

until now

as soon as

in the meantime

in a moment

without delay
 29
in the first place

all of a sudden

at this instant

immediately

quickly

finally

after

later

last

until

since

then

before

hence

since

when

once

about

next

now

formerly

suddenly

shortly
 30
henceforth

whenever

eventually

meanwhile

further

during

first, second

in time

prior to

forthwith

straightaway

instantly

presently

occasionally

Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further;
hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.

Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning of time in
expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add
information or list examples. Further is also used to indicate added space as well as
added time.
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Space / Location / Place
These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the
function to restrict, limit or qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in the Time
category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.

in the middle

to the left/right

in front of

on this side

in the distance

here and there

in the foreground

in the background

in the center of

adjacent to

opposite to

here

there

next

where

from

over

near

above

below

down
 32
up

under

further

beyond

nearby

wherever

around

between

before

alongside

amid

among

beneath

beside

behind

across