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