Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitional words and phrases connect units of thought - within a sentence, between sentences, and among paragraphs. In other words, transitions signal relationships, and thus can be categorized by their functions. In revising your composition (see COMP 4a), check that you use a transition everywhere one is needed to establish a logical connection between ideas, and that you use the correct transitional word. For example, do not use also (showing an addition) when you really want similarly (to compare two things), or however (showing contrast) when you really need although (to show concession).
The following list presents some of the more common transitional words and expressions categorized by meaning. (Some words are listed in more than one category because their meaning varies with context.)
ADDITION and, again, too, also, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover, besides
CAUSE AND EFFECT therefore, consequently thus, accordingly, as a result, hence, then, so
COMPARISON similarly, likewise, by comparison
CONCESSION although, to be sure, granted, of course, it is true, to tell the truth, certainly, with the exception of, although this may be true, even though, naturally
CONTRAST but, however, at the same time, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, yet, nevertheless, after all, in spite of, conversely, still
EXAMPLE for example, for instance, one case of
TIME afterward, later, earlier, subsequently, at the same time, immediately, this time, until now, shortly, currently, lately, in the meantime
PLACE elsewhere, here, above, below, farther on, there, beyond, nearby, opposite to, around
CLARIFICATION that is, in other words, in simpler terms, to put it differently, simply stated, partly
SEQUENCE first, second, third [(NOT) firstly, secondly, and so on], next, finally, following, then, in time
SUMMARY in conclusion, to conclude, to summarize, in brief, in short
The transitional words and phrases in the following paragraph are italicized. To test how important they are in showing relationships among the ideas in the paragraph, try omitting them or substituting others.
Your only reason for starting your own business, in the first place, is to work for yourself and to make money. In other words, you are ambitious, desire a good income, and are eager to climb the ladder to success. Your success will depend on your goals, your skills, and your determination. However, your formula for success must be put into practice. Therefore, get started! Later, you’ll be able to look back at this time in your life and realize that, right now, you’ve made a decision that has started you on the road to financial security and personal independence.
