Transitional Words & Phrases
Using transitional words and phrases helps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next. Transitions enhance logical organization and understandability and improve the connections between thoughts. They indicate relations, whether within a sentence, paragraph, or paper. This list illustrates categories of "relationships" between ideas, followed by words and phrases that can make the connections:
Addition:
also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly
When there is a trusting relationship coupled with positive reinforcement, the partners will be able to overcome difficult situations.
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Consequence:
accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore
Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning.
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Contrast and Comparison:
contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather,
similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast
The children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care.
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Direction:
here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above, to the left, to the right, in the distance
She scanned the horizon for any sign though in the distance she could not see the surprise coming her way.
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Diversion:
by the way, incidentally
He stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found only on this hill.
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Emphasis
above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly
The Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting.
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Exception:
aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save
Consensus was arrived at by all of the members exclusive of those who could not vote.
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Exemplifying:
chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as
Some friends and I drove up the beautiful coast chiefly to avoid the heat island of the city.
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Generalizing:
as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually
There were a few very talented artists in the class, but for the most part the students only wanted to avoid the alternative course.
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Illustration:
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case
The chapter provided complex sequences and examples illustrated with a very simple schematic diagram.
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Similarity:
comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together with
The research was presented in a very dry style though was coupled with examples that made the audience tear up.
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Restatement:
in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently
In their advertising business, saying things directly was not the rule. That is to say, they tried to convey the message subtly though with creativity.
Sequence:
at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind, The music had a very retro sound but at the same time incorporated a complex modern rhythm.
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Summarizing:
after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event,
in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis,
in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally
She didn't seem willing to sell the car this week, but in any case I don't get paid until the end of the month.
Words that can be used to show location:
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above behind by near throughout across below down off to the right against beneath in back of onto under along
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beside in front of on top of among between inside outside around beyond into over
Words that can be used to show time:
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while first meanwhile soon then after second today later next at third tomorrow afterward as soon as before now next week
about when suddenly during until yesterday finally
Word that can be used to compare two things:
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likewise also while in the same way like as similarly
Words that can be used to contrast two things:
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but still although on the other hand however yet otherwise even though
Words that can be used to emphasize a point:
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again truly especially for this reason to repeat in fact to emphasize
Words that can be used to conclude or summarize:
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finally as a result to sum up in conclusion lastly therefore all in all because
Words that can be used to add information:
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again another for instance for example also and moreover additionally as well besides along with other next finally in addition
Words that can be used to clarify:
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that is for instance in other words