Agreement / Addition / Similarity
The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and
express agreement with preceding material.
in the first place
then
not only ... but also
equally
as a matter of fact
identically
in like manner
uniquely
in addition
like
coupled with
as
in the same fashion / way
too
first, second, third
moreover
in the light of
as well as
not to mention
together with
to say nothing of
of course
equally important
likewise
by the same token
comparatively
again
correspondingly
to
similarly
and
furthermore
also
additionally
Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction
Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to thecontrary or point out
alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).
although this may be true
at the same time
in contrast
in spite of
different from
even so / though
of course ..., but
be that as it may
on the other hand
then again
on the contrary
above all
in reality
although
after all
instead
but
whereas
(and) still
despite
unlike
conversely
or
otherwise
(and) yet
however
while
rather
albeit
nevertheless
besides
nonetheless
as much as
regardless
even though
notwithstanding
Cause / Condition / Purpose
These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.
in the event that
granted (that)
when
as / so long as
whenever
on (the) condition (that)
while
for the purpose of
because of
with this intention
as
with this in mind
since
in the hope that
while
to the end that
lest
for fear that
in case
in order to
provided that
seeing / being that
given that
in view of
only / even if
If
so that
... then
so as to
unless
owing to
inasmuch as
due to
Examples / Support / Emphasis
These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples assupport, to indicate
importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.
in other words
chiefly
to put it differently
truly
for one thing
indeed
as an illustration
certainly
in this case
surely
for this reason
markedly
to put it another way
such as
that is to say
with attention to
especially
by all means
explicitly
specifically
important to realize
expressly
another key point
surprisingly
first thing to remember
frequently
most compelling evidence
significantly
must be remembered
particularly
point often overlooked
in fact
to point out
in general
on the positive side
in particular
on the negative side
in detail
with this in mind
for example
notably
for instance
including
to demonstrate
like
to emphasize
to be sure
to repeat
namely
to clarify
to explain
to enumerate
Effect / Consequence / Result
Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are
time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect.
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before
the consequences or effects.
as a result
then
under those circumstances
hence
in that case
consequently
for this reason
therefore
in effect
thereupon
for
forthwith
thus
accordingly
because the
henceforth
Conclusion / Summary / Restatement
These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final
general statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect / Consequence category can be
used to summarize.
as can be seen
for the most part
generally speaking
after all
in the final analysis
in fact
all things considered
in summary
as shown above
in conclusion
in the long run
in short
given these points
in brief
as has been noted
in essence
in a word
to summarize
on balance
in either case
altogether
all in all
overall
ordinarily
usually
Obviously
by and large
Ultimately
to sum up
Definitely
on the whole
in any event
Time / Chronology / Sequence
These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time.
They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.
at the present time
finally
from time to time
after
sooner or later
later
at the same time
last
up to the present time
until
to begin with
till
in due time
since
as soon as
then
as long as
before
in the meantime
hence
in a moment
since
without delay
when
in the first place
once
all of a sudden
about
at this instant
next
first, second
now
immediately
formerly
quickly
suddenly
shortly
henceforth
by the time
whenever
whenever
eventually
meanwhile
until now
further
now that
during
in time
instantly
prior to
presently
forthwith
occasionally
straightaway
Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence;
henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.
Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning of timein expressing
conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list
examples. Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.
Space / Location / Place
These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to
restrict, limit or qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in theTime category and can be
used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.
in the middle
opposite to
to the left/right
here
in front of
there
on this side
next
in the distance
where
here and there
from
in the foreground
over
in the background
near
in the center of
above
below
adjacent to
down
up
before
under
alongside
further
amid
beyond
among
nearby
beneath
wherever
beside
around
behind
between
across
