Transitional Words & Sentences
Using transitional words and phrases help papers read more smoothly by providing coherence. A coherent paper allows the reader to flow from the first supporting point to the last. Transitions indicate relations, whether from sentence to sentence, or from paragraph to paragraph. This is a list of "relationships" which supporting ideas may have, followed by a list of "transitional" words and phrases which can connect those ideas.
Addition |
also, besides, furthermore, in addition, moreover, again |
Consequence |
accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, otherwise, so then, therefore, thus, thereupon |
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, on the whole, to sum up, to summarize, finally |
Generalizing |
as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually |
Restatement |
in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently |
Contrast and Comparison |
contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the contrary, on the other hand, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast |
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 |
Diversion |
by the way, incidentally |
Illustration |
for example, for instance, for one thing |
Similarity |
likewise, similar, moreover |
Direction |
here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above, to the left, to the right, in the distance |