Transitions give your writing coherence. They’re like road signs, guiding readers through your thoughts. Below are some common transitions, categorized by the type of relationship they describe. While the examples within each category are similar, they are NOT interchangeable. Be sure the transition you’re using suits your meaning.
Categories of Transitions
Sequence
again, finally, also, and, and then, besides, furthermore, last, moreover, next, still, too, and ordinal numbers such as first, second, third
Time
after a bit, after a few days, after a while, afterward, as long as, as soon as, at last, at length, at that time, before, earlier, immediately, in the meantime, in the past, lately, later, meanwhile, now, presently, shortly, simultaneously, since, so far, soon, then, thereafter, until, when
Comparison
again, also, in the same way, likewise, once more, similarly
Contrast
although, but, despite, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the one hand…on the other hand, regardless, still, though, yet
Example
after all, even, for example, for instance, indeed, in fact, of course, specifically, such as, the following example, to illustrate
Cause and Effect
accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this purpose, hence, so, then, therefore, thereupon, thus, to this end
Place
adjacent to, below, beyond, closer to, elsewhere, far, farther on, here, near, nearby, opposite to, there, to the left, to the right
Concession
although it is true that, granted that, I admit that, it may appear that, naturally, of course
Summary, Repetition, or Conclusion
as a result, as has been noted, as I have said, as we have seen, as mentioned earlier, in any event, in conclusion, in other words, in short, on the whole, therefore, to summarize