Transitional Words and Phrases

When you need to link ideas, whether they be in different sentences or different paragraphs, transitional words and phrases can be used to help make the transition smooth. You can use these as necessary, but they’re more effective if used sparingly.

• Words which lead to more on the same idea: again, likewise, in addition, also, as well, furthermore, moreover, and
• Words which lead to a different idea: conversely, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, although, even though, but, yet, while, however, except
• Words which lead to a result: thus, therefore, consequently, as a result, because, since, as, so, inasmuch as
• Words which lead to a concession: admittedly, of course, naturally
• Words which lead to an example: for example, to illustrate, if one looks at, as shown by
• Words which refer to a previous time: previously, before, prior to
• Words which refer to the future: next, then, later, afterward
• Words which refer to the same time: while, as, at the same time, during that time
• Words which show sequence: first/second/third, a/b/c, lastly, next, then, finally, after that, until