Writing Transition Words

Transitional Words and Phrases

Transitional expressions are used to indicate the movement of your thought as you pass from
one topic to another. They show your audience that you are beginning a new division or
section of your material. In other words, they inform your reader that one part of the
discussion has ended and a new one is beginning.
Moreover, transitions tell the reader what connection the next stage of thought has with the
stage that you just completed. Thus, a transition helps your reader follow the flow of your
ideas without any confusion about how the sections are related.
The following examples illustrate how some common transitional devices work.

It is expensive to fly to the east coast. On the other hand, a trip to Halifax can be very
educational.
This transition shows that the new sentence will present material that contrasts with an
earlier statement. Flying east is bad in one way (expensive) but good in another way
(educational).

We improved the product without raising our costs. Consequently, we made a good
profit.
This transition shows that the new idea is a result of events that were previously
discussed. The profit came because the product was improved.

In addition to his sprained ankle, John was suffering from a headache too.
This transition emphasizes that a new idea is building upon ideas that were mentioned
before. John is experiencing numerous hardships.

Finally, it is important to consider the quality of the music.

This transition signals that the reader has reached the last item in a list.

Im allergic to most nuts. For example, peanuts make me wheeze.

This transition gives a specific example illustrating the more general statement that
came before it. There are lots of different kinds of nuts; peanuts are one kind.

Updated by: A. Tuzlak, December 2010

Writing Transition Words

Things to Remember

It is very important to choose the correct transition word. An incorrect transition will
make your meaning different from what you intended. Do not say for example unless
you are providing an example. Do not use a result clause if you are not describing a
result. Bad transitions will confuse your reader and may even make your statements
false. If you are not sure about the meaning of a transition word, look it up in a
dictionary or ask a tutor.

Not all transition words have the same grammatical function. Learning how to
punctuate them properly can be tricky.
o Some transition words (usually conjunctions or prepositions) introduce
subordinate clauses. The entire clause is followed by a comma (if it is first) or a
period (if it is last), but the conjunction by itself does not need punctuation. For
example:
After she painted it, the room looked much more cheerful.
The room looked much more cheerful after she painted it.
o Words like however and nevertheless are special adverbs, and follow different
punctuation rules. They must always begin an independent clause. This means
that they usually follow a period or a semicolon, and have a comma following
them.
He is an excellent cook; however, he does not like to do it.
My new cell phone is expensive. Nevertheless, it is very useful.
o Note that many transitions can be used both ways. The proper punctuation in
this case must be judged through context.
Once my daughter was born, I got much busier.
Once, I was a happy man.

Updated by: A. Tuzlak, December 2010

Writing Transition Words

Examples
Transitions of Time
Use these transitions if you want to emphasize the relationship between two events in time.

some time ago

a while ago
before
formerly
yesterday
until
soon
immediately
shortly
instantly
all of a sudden
suddenly
right away
quickly

then
once
later
after
afterwards
at length
at last
finally
eventually
next
thereupon
from then on
since

now
now that
still
as
at this point
meanwhile
in the meantime
when
whenever
sometimes
from time to time
occasionally

Transitions of Place
Use these transitions when you want to emphasize the relationship between two things in
space.

from
by
where
here
there
wherever

Updated by: A. Tuzlak, December 2010

beyond
over
in the distance
farther
opposite
near
nearby
in front of

above
below
between
in between
beside
around
toward

Writing Transition Words

Addition, Emphasis, and Repetition

Use these transitions to show how one thing builds on another, or to show how one thing leads
to another.

and
moreover
too
likewise
then
again
further
furthermore
also
similarly
in other words

besides
indeed
in fact
in addition
in addition to
another
what is more
over and above
first, / second, / third, / last
in conclusion
to conclude
finally

specifically
in the same way
that is to say
certainly
undoubtedly
naturally
obviously
of course
to be sure
indeed
inevitably
certainly

Contrast and Comparison

Use these transitions if a fact is surprising, or if it creates some kind of opposition to a fact that
you stated before.

but
however
yet
whereas
on the contrary
on the other hand
still
notwithstanding

Updated by: A. Tuzlak, December 2010

although
though
as
as if
as though
in spite of
in contrast
in contrast to
nevertheless
be that as it may

or
nor
neither
either
otherwise
rather
rather than

Writing Transition Words

Reason, Condition, Purpose, Result

Use these transitions when you want to emphasize logical connections or progressions between
ideas.

in fact
as a result
consequently
thus
so
so that
for
inasmuch as
accordingly
therefore
hence
for this reason
under these conditions

Updated by: A. Tuzlak, December 2010

inevitably
in order that
under these conditions
as a result
as a result of
because
for this purpose
in this way
since
if
on that account

in the case that

provided that
granted that
for example
in particular
for instance