Transitional Words

Transitional words are used in the middle of sentences or between two sentences. They make writing smoother and
easier to read because they connect two ideas together. Transitional words can be used in a variety of ways. The list
below shows the different ways to use them.

Addition

Add to an idea with these:

Moreover, in addition, additionally, as well, also, afterward, again, furthermore

Negative

To introduce a different idea, use these:

However, yet, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, contrastingly, in spite of, alternatively, although, conversely, despite

Cause/Result

These transitional words show the effect of an idea or introduce a concluding idea.

Therefore, for this, as a result, accordingly, consequently, for that reason, thus

Time

Use the words below to show changes in time.

Then, next, after, afterwards, after that, at that point, meanwhile

Comparisons

To compare two ideas, use these:

Similarly, correspondingly, likewise

Examples

You can introduce examples with these:

For example, for instance

Conclusion

Start your conclusion with these transitions:

In conclusion, to summarize, finally, in summary, therefore, to conclude

Sequence

Use these for a list of ideas.

First, second, third, then, next, finally

Those are the most popular transitional words in English. Now that you know them, start using them in your writing. Do you think you’re ready for some exercises?