Transition words and transitional phrases are used more

frequently in the English language than we probably realize and

even though their name suggests they may be a complex subject,
in reality, transition words are quite easy to understand. In this
article, we are going to find out exactly what transition words are
and the various different types you are likely to see

What Is A Transition Word?

In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship
between two portions of the text or spoken language. By using
the imagery of a bridge, we can see how these words take us
from one statement to another. By using these words, we can
better build a sentence and convey what we are trying to say in a
more concise manner.

The Importance and Function of

Transitional Words and Phrases
Transition words are so important because they take the reader
or listener from one idea to another. Without them, sentences
would be singular and would not connect and flow, which can
create a more natural way of delivering information. The use of
transition words also serves as a way to prevent having to
mentally jump from one sentence or paragraph to another, giving
the listener or reader greater ease.

The function of transition words is essential to put in place an

easy-to-understand, logical connection
between paragraphs and sentences.

Types Of Transition Words and Transitional

Phrases
There is more than one type of transition word, and in this
section, we are going to introduce you to some of the most
commonly used ones, which will give you a greater understanding
of the concept.

Reason
Many transition words follow similar patterns. Because of this, we
can categorize similar words together. One category typically
used to describe transitional words is the reason. Words in
the reason list reveal the cause and effect of a particular event.

Examples of transition words falling under the category of reason

can be seen below.

 Because of
 With this in mind
 In fact
 In order to
 Provided that
 Granted that
 Given that
 In view of
 With this intention
 With this purpose
 Seeing that
 For the purpose of
 Owing to
 So that
You might see them used in a sentence such as; In order
to achieve this, we need a budget.

Result
A result transition word is similar to a reason transition word
and will link a sentence to the outcome of it.

Some examples of commonly used result transition words are:

 As a result
 Thus
 Consequently
 Hence
 For this reason
 Due to
 As a consequence (of)
 Therefore
 Accordingly
 Then
 Forthwith
  Thereupon
You are likely to see a result transitional word in a sentence such
as; I cannot attend the party tonight as a result of being so tired
from having worked late all week.

Emphasis
Transition words that fall under the emphasis category
emphasize a particular fact. They highlight the importance of the
information discussed in your essay. These words signal that
some key information is forthcoming.

Transition words that show emphasis are essential to any well-

written paper. Find examples of these words and phrases below.

 Undoubtedly
 Indeed
 Obviously
 Particularly / in particular
 Especially
 Clearly
 Importantly
 Absolutely
 Definitely
 Without a doubt
 Never
 It should be noted
 Unquestionably
 Above all
 Positively
 Truly
 Even
 Of course
 Naturally
 In truth
 Chiefly
 Surprisingly
 With attention
 To emphasize
 To repeat
 To clarify
 In detail
You might see one of these types of transition words used in a
sentence such as; You can travel to Australia and obviously, can
visit Tasmania whilst you are there.

Addition
Addition transition words add important information to the
topic discussed in your academic paper.

Some examples of addition transition words are found below.

 Additionally / an additional
 Furthermore
 Also
 Too
 As well as that
 Along with
 Besides
 In addition
 Moreover
 Not only…but also
 In addition to this
 Apart from this
 Further
 Finally
 Last
 And
 Similarily
 As well as
 Coupled with
 Not to mention
 Together with
 In the same fashion
 First
 Second
 Third

An example of a sentence containing one of these common

transition words would be; You cannot go into the theatre as you
have not got tickets, furthermore, you are not in the correct
dress for this performance.
Illustration
An illustration transitional word is used to give an example of
what the speaker is referring to.

Some good examples of this type of transition word would be:

 For example/ For instance

 Such as
 Proof of this
 Like
 To demonstrate/ To clarify
 Illustrated by
 For one thing
 As an example of
 In the case of
 To demonstrate
 To clarify
 Including
 Namely
 In this case
 To simplify
 In another case
 Specifically
 In this situation
 On this occasion

The following sentence shows the use of an illustration

transitional word; There are lots of things to do at the park, for
instancefeeding the ducks or playing on the slide.

Contrast
You will want to select a contrast transition word to show the
difference between two key pieces of information expressed in
your essay. These words indicate that your paper is linking a
sentence or paragraph together by contrasting how two things
different.
Contrast transition words make it clear that two pieces of
information will be contrasted. The list below showcases some
contrast words that will be effective in your writing:

 Unlike
 Nevertheless
 On the other hand
 Nonetheless
 Despite/in spite of
 In contrast (to)
 While
 Whereas
 Alternatively
 Conversely
 Even so
 Differing from
 Contrary to
 In opposition
 Up against
 However
 Contrarily
 As opposed to
 Yet
 Instead
 Notwithstanding
 Rather
 Nor
 Though
You might see one of these transitions being used in a sentence
such as; While this may be true, it doesn’t mean that biking is
not beneficial for your heart.

Comparison/Similarity
In order to link two sentences or paragraphs you can
introduce compare transition words, The words show how to
ideas being discussed relate to each other.

Some examples of this type of transition word might be:

 Similarly
 Equally
 Similar to
  Same as
 Compare / compare(d) to (with)
 By the same token
 In the same way
 Correspondingly
 As with
 Equal
 Just as…so too
 Likewise
 Just as
 Just like
 Both
 Alike
 In common
 In like manner
 In a similar manner
 Still another
 Resembles
 Either
 Most important
 In the spitting image of

Order
An order transition word can be used to show a change in the
order or timing of consecutive ideas and phrases.

Listed below are order transition words:

 First/ firstly
 Second/ secondly
 Third/ thirdly
 Lastly and most importantly
 Last but not least
 About
 Next
 Later
 Since
 Finally
 At this time
 Following
 Now
  Once
 In the first place
 To begin with
 Prior to
 Previously
 Before
 Subsequently
 Above all
 After
 Eventually
 Tomorrow
 In turn
 Momentarily
 From this point
 Not long after

You might see an order transitional word being used in a sentence

such as; I will go to the shop, then to the park, and finally, I will
relax in the bar.

Conclusion
Conclusion transition words are used to conclude the ideas
that have been previously mentioned. A transition word from the
conclusion category indicates that you are about to wrap up your
argument.

Conclusion transition words work well to clarify your arguments.

 Therefore
 To summarise
 In short
 To sum up
 In summary
 Briefly
 To conclude
 In essence
 In brief
 On the whole
 In conclusion
 Altogether
 In any event
  Given these points
 Ultimately
 In the final analysis
 Generally speaking
 All things considered
 Usually
 By and large
 Overall
 As noted
 As shown above
 As demonstrated above
 As you can see
 In a word
 In the end
 To end
An excellent example of a sentence to demonstrate this would
be; The acting was superb and the lighting was excellent, all
things considered, it made for an interesting play.

Condition
Condition transition words are used to establish the condition
or to bring into consideration another viewpoint.

Words that fall in this category include:

 Granted that
 If
 When
 Because of
 In that case
 Then
 Unless
 As
 Since
 While
 Whenever
 While
 Lest
 Although this may be true
 In the event that
 Only if
 Even if
  On the condition that
 Given that

A condition transitional phrase might be used in a sentence such

as; Take an umbrella in case it rains.

Concession
A concession transition word is used to acknowledge an
opposing view and might be used in the form of the following
words and phrases:

 Admittedly
 All the same
 Up to a point
 Even so
 In spite of
 Although/Even though
 Even if
 However
 And still
 And yet
 Be that as it may
 Regardless of this
 Nevertheless
 Albeit
 Although
 Even though
 Nonetheless

A good example of a sentence containing this type of transition

would be; In spite of the fact that he is rich, he lives in a small
house.

Generalization
A generalization transitional word can be used to give an
example of an idea relating to the subject.
Some common transition words in this category are:

 As a rule
 Regularly
 Commonly
 Usually
 For the most part
 Normally
 Predominately
 In general/ Generally
 On the whole
 Overall
 Typically
 In most cases
 Often
 On the whole
 Broadly speaking
 Mainly
 Generally speaking
 More often than not
 Mostly
 Here is a sentence that uses a generalization transitional
phrase; In general, Japanese cars are very reliable and
breakdowns are rare.
 Restatement
 Restatement transition words provide clarity for your
argument. These transition words signal the importance of
the information shared before.

To restate your thoughts employ these words in your essay.

 In other words
 Otherwise stated
 That is to say
 Alternatively
 Alternatively stated
 Put differently
 To put it differently
 In a nutshell
 Put in another way
 In simple terms
  Simply put
 Simplified
 Said differently
 Reiterated
 Namely
 In short
 In summation
 Expressed simply
 In simple language
Let’s look at an example of a sentence that uses a restatement
transition; In other words, the elephant is already dancing with
the dragon.

Reference
Reference transition words are used to literally make a
reference to a continuing idea presented in your essay.

Words and phrases that express these references include:

 Some examples of these might be:

 Speaking about/of
 Considering
 In terms
 With respect to
 Concerning
 The fact that
 With regards to
 Regarding
 In connection to
 As far as
 As applied to
 Pertaining to
You might see a reference transitional phrase in a sentence like
this one; I was explaining to John that the job he wanted was not
available due to the fact that they had already hired someone.

Clarification
Sometimes ideas being discussed in your paper needs to be
parsed down. Clarification transition words indicate that you
will be exploring your ideas in more detail.

To provide clarification in your essay use these words and

phrases.

 That is to say
 To put it in another way
 To put it clearly
 To break it down
 To simplify
 To clearly define
 In lay terms
 In other words
 I mean
 Simply stated
 Simply put
 In simple terms
 To explain
 To make plain
 In explanation