All About Transition Words

Think back to when you were first taught how to write essays. You were probably
taught to organize your writing by starting each paragraph with a word like first,
additionally, further, secondly, or third. These words are transition words.

Not all transition words are individual words. Sometimes, you need a whole
phrase to make a smooth transition in your writing. These phrases are known as
transition phrases. One transition phrase you were probably taught in school is in
conclusion, a common way to begin an essay’s final paragraph. As you moved
further in your academic career, you were probably taught to move away from
these transition phrases and use subtler ones in your writing.

Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Grammarly can check your
spelling and save you from grammar and punctuation mistakes. It even
proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write.

Your writing, at its best

Grammarly helps you communicate confidently

WRITE WITH GRAMMARLY

Read on to learn all about the best transition words and phrases and when to use
them, as well as common pitfalls you might encounter when incorporating
transitions into your writing.

When to use transition words

Transition words illustrate relationships between other words and phrases.

Although students are generally taught to use transition words at the beginning
of sentences, this isn’t the only place they’re used.
Generally, a transition word is the crux of its sentence. This is the decisive point
where the sentence’s core message is communicated. Not every sentence
contains a transition word, but when one does, the transition word is usually
critical to its question or statement.

Types of transition words

Transition words present the writer’s thoughts in an orderly fashion, express

nuance, clarify vagueness, forge connections, and demonstrate comparisons.
Because they do so many different jobs, transition words are divided into eight
distinct categories.

Transition words that introduce, agree, and add on

One of the most common ways transition words are used is to introduce new
ideas and add onto topics that have already been explored in the piece.

Transition words and phrases in this category include:

coupled with

in addition (to)

further

furthermore

moreover

likewise

equally important

too
first

second

third

uniquely

Take a look at a few ways you can use these kinds of transition words in a
sentence:

We have to consider the students’ needs, but the staff’s needs are equally
important.

First, preheat the oven. Second, sift together all your dry ingredients.

The weather, coupled with the fast and loose itinerary, is the reason why I’m
skipping the trip.

Transition words that oppose and limit

Transition words can also communicate opposition or limits to ideas and

phrases. These words’ role is largely the opposite of the role played by the
category above. Transition words that create opposition and limits include:

unlike

or

but

while

as much as

conversely

on the contrary

on the other hand

above all

notwithstanding

despite

Here are a few examples:

We managed to have a decent harvest despite the drought.

I went to the seminar expecting a long, boring presentation but on the contrary, it
was engaging and a lot of fun!

While Shekani is a stickler for tradition, Mei gives every holiday party a new twist.

Cause and conditional transition words

These transition words show how one action led to a specific effect or how one
circumstance is conditional on another. This category also includes words and
transition phrases that illustrate the relationship between an intention and an
action.

Cause and conditional transition words include:

since

while

due to

in the event of

for fear of

because of

as long as

I hope that
unless

in case

whenever

so that

A few examples of these words in sentences include:

As long as there are pets that need homes, I’ll keep volunteering at the shelter.

I brought extra socks in case we have to walk through puddles.

Effect and result transition words

Similar to the category above, these transition words demonstrate the result of a
specific action. Here’s the difference between the two: When your sentence is
focused on the cause of the effect, you’d use one of the transition words from the
“Cause and conditional” category above. When the emphasis is on the effect
itself, you would use a word from this “Effect and result” category that fits with
the rest of your sentence.

For example, you might announce that you’ve postponed your barbecue by
sending a group message that says “because of the weather, I postponed the
barbecue.” But you can communicate the same message with a slightly different
focus by phrasing it as “it’s raining, so consequently I’ve rescheduled the
barbecue.”

Words and phrases in this category include:

in effect

as a result

then
because the

hence

under those circumstances

henceforth

consequently

therefore

A few more examples of sentences that include these transition words are:

It’s very humid outside, hence the condensation on the window.

We stayed to see the whole show and consequently missed our train home.

Miguel forgot to add the yeast to his dough and as a result, the bread didn’t rise.

Transition words that describe examples and support

Other transition words make it clear that one concept supports another, either by
providing evidence, emphasizing it, or simply being an example. These words
include:

explicitly

for this reason

indeed

markedly

in general

to clarify

in fact

especially
by all means

in other words

notably

particularly

significantly

Here are a few examples of these transition words at work:

They had to slow down production, particularly of items with a low profit margin.

I love all kinds of pizza, especially stuffed-crust pizza.

The sequel’s tone was markedly different from the first movie’s.

Conclusion and summary transition words

These are the transition words that bring paragraphs, arguments, and pieces of
writing to a close. They can also be used to summarize and restate ideas. These
transition phrases and words include:

in summary

in conclusion

to conclude

in any event

in either case

overall

altogether

in essence

to summarize
to sum up

Take a look at a few ways these words work in sentences:

There were some surprises, but overall we had a great time.

In conclusion, an upgraded security system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Transition words for describing time

Another category of transition words deals with time, specifically when

something happened or will happen in relation to another event. These words
include:

presently

now

occasionally

once

after

in the meantime

in a moment

momentarily

after

at the present time

all of a sudden

every so often

Take a look at these transition phrases and words in action:

I was walking through the mall when all of a sudden, I recognized my long-lost
sister standing in line to buy a pretzel.

I’d love to hang out at the coffee shop after work.

Don’t leave the lobby—we’ll be with you momentarily.

Transition words for locations

Transition words can also draw a reader’s attention to where something is

located, or the physical or spatial relationship between two things. This can mean
where someone or something is literally located, or they can be used figuratively,
like “Dan’s auto body shop is above Rick’s when it comes to quality and attention
to detail.”

These words and phrases include:

beside

over

where

in front of

behind

next to

under

beyond

amid

among

opposite

adjacent to
above

below

You’ll notice that many of these words can also function as prepositions in a
sentence. They can also function as transition words that are part of adverbial
clauses. Here are a few examples of this kind of transition word at work:

In the back, my cousin was grilling hamburgers.

Among the students surveyed, more than half were excited to return to campus
full-time.

Next to the garage, they found a parking spot.

Common mistakes writers make with transition words

Working with transition words isn’t always easy. Sometimes, especially when
English isn’t your primary language, you may accidentally use the wrong word for
the type of transition you’re making or use a word that doesn’t have quite the
right connotation for your message. For example, you might say something like,
“We could go out for burgers, pizza, sushi, or tacos. In either case, that works for
me.” Either implies that there are only two choices, so in this scenario, it doesn’t
fit because there are a total of four choices. (Here, the best way to phrase this
would be “in any case.”)

Here are a few other commonly mistaken transition words:

As well as when you mean and. Using “as well as,” a synonym for “in addition
to,” implies that the following piece of information is less important than the
preceding piece, whereas “and” implies they are equally important.

Adam and Jeremy came over for dinner.

I made ribs and mac and cheese as well as a bagged salad.

Essentially when you mean explicitly. “Essentially” refers to a fundamental factor
or truth at a subject’s core, whereas “explicitly” communicates that something is
literal and clear, with no room for misinterpretation.

Although they offer personal training and classes, that gym is essentially an
overpriced equipment store.

The gym’s website explicitly states that no guest passes will be issued until
further notice.

Another mistake writers sometimes make with transition words is using them in
inappropriate contexts. As you saw in the lists above, some transition words and
phrases feel more formal and academic than others. You can make your writing
feel too formal—or too casual—by choosing a transition word that doesn’t fit your
tone or the type of writing you’re doing. Here are a few examples of transition
words that don’t fit their sentences:

I just picked up a new dress, got my makeup done, and therefore, I’m ready to hit
the club.

In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Edna Pontillier felt inadequate whenever she
spent time with Adele Ratignolle.

I’ll be out of the office on Wednesday and consequently won’t be responding to

emails.

See how they’re all either too formal or too casual for the messages they’re
communicating? Word choice is crucial to effective communication, and that
includes choosing the right transition for each sentence.

Make every transition a smooth one

Not sure if the transition word you chose is the right one? Run your writing
through Grammarly and get suggestions for how to pick the perfect words and
strike the appropriate tone that works best for what you’re communicating.
Think back to when you were first taught how to write essays. You were probably
taught to organize your writing by starting each paragraph with a word like first,
additionally, further, secondly, or third. These words are transition words.

Not all transition words are individual words. Sometimes, you need a whole
phrase to make a smooth transition in your writing. These phrases are known as
transition phrases. One transition phrase you were probably taught in school is in
conclusion, a common way to begin an essay’s final paragraph. As you moved
further in your academic career, you were probably taught to move away from
these transition phrases and use subtler ones in your writing.

Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Grammarly can check your
spelling and save you from grammar and punctuation mistakes. It even
proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write.

Your writing, at its best

Grammarly helps you communicate confidently

WRITE WITH GRAMMARLY

Read on to learn all about the best transition words and phrases and when to use
them, as well as common pitfalls you might encounter when incorporating
transitions into your writing.

When to use transition words

Transition words illustrate relationships between other words and phrases.

Although students are generally taught to use transition words at the beginning
of sentences, this isn’t the only place they’re used.
Generally, a transition word is the crux of its sentence. This is the decisive point
where the sentence’s core message is communicated. Not every sentence
contains a transition word, but when one does, the transition word is usually
critical to its question or statement.

Types of transition words

Transition words present the writer’s thoughts in an orderly fashion, express

nuance, clarify vagueness, forge connections, and demonstrate comparisons.
Because they do so many different jobs, transition words are divided into eight
distinct categories.

Transition words that introduce, agree, and add on

One of the most common ways transition words are used is to introduce new
ideas and add onto topics that have already been explored in the piece.

Transition words and phrases in this category include:

coupled with

in addition (to)

further

furthermore

moreover

likewise

equally important

too

first
second

third

uniquely

Take a look at a few ways you can use these kinds of transition words in a
sentence:

We have to consider the students’ needs, but the staff’s needs are equally
important.

First, preheat the oven. Second, sift together all your dry ingredients.

The weather, coupled with the fast and loose itinerary, is the reason why I’m
skipping the trip.

Transition words that oppose and limit

Transition words can also communicate opposition or limits to ideas and

phrases. These words’ role is largely the opposite of the role played by the
category above. Transition words that create opposition and limits include:

unlike

or

but

while

as much as

conversely

on the contrary

on the other hand

above all
notwithstanding

despite

Here are a few examples:

We managed to have a decent harvest despite the drought.

I went to the seminar expecting a long, boring presentation but on the contrary, it
was engaging and a lot of fun!

While Shekani is a stickler for tradition, Mei gives every holiday party a new twist.

Cause and conditional transition words

These transition words show how one action led to a specific effect or how one
circumstance is conditional on another. This category also includes words and
transition phrases that illustrate the relationship between an intention and an
action.

Cause and conditional transition words include:

since

while

due to

in the event of

for fear of

because of

as long as

I hope that

unless
in case

whenever

so that

A few examples of these words in sentences include:

As long as there are pets that need homes, I’ll keep volunteering at the shelter.

I brought extra socks in case we have to walk through puddles.

Effect and result transition words

Similar to the category above, these transition words demonstrate the result of a
specific action. Here’s the difference between the two: When your sentence is
focused on the cause of the effect, you’d use one of the transition words from the
“Cause and conditional” category above. When the emphasis is on the effect
itself, you would use a word from this “Effect and result” category that fits with
the rest of your sentence.

For example, you might announce that you’ve postponed your barbecue by
sending a group message that says “because of the weather, I postponed the
barbecue.” But you can communicate the same message with a slightly different
focus by phrasing it as “it’s raining, so consequently I’ve rescheduled the
barbecue.”

Words and phrases in this category include:

in effect

as a result

then

because the
hence

under those circumstances

henceforth

consequently

therefore

A few more examples of sentences that include these transition words are:

It’s very humid outside, hence the condensation on the window.

We stayed to see the whole show and consequently missed our train home.

Miguel forgot to add the yeast to his dough and as a result, the bread didn’t rise.

Transition words that describe examples and support

Other transition words make it clear that one concept supports another, either by
providing evidence, emphasizing it, or simply being an example. These words
include:

explicitly

for this reason

indeed

markedly

in general

to clarify

in fact

especially

by all means
in other words

notably

particularly

significantly

Here are a few examples of these transition words at work:

They had to slow down production, particularly of items with a low profit margin.

I love all kinds of pizza, especially stuffed-crust pizza.

The sequel’s tone was markedly different from the first movie’s.

Conclusion and summary transition words

These are the transition words that bring paragraphs, arguments, and pieces of
writing to a close. They can also be used to summarize and restate ideas. These
transition phrases and words include:

in summary

in conclusion

to conclude

in any event

in either case

overall

altogether

in essence

to summarize

to sum up
Take a look at a few ways these words work in sentences:

There were some surprises, but overall we had a great time.

In conclusion, an upgraded security system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Transition words for describing time

Another category of transition words deals with time, specifically when

something happened or will happen in relation to another event. These words
include:

presently

now

occasionally

once

after

in the meantime

in a moment

momentarily

after

at the present time

all of a sudden

every so often

Take a look at these transition phrases and words in action:

I was walking through the mall when all of a sudden, I recognized my long-lost
sister standing in line to buy a pretzel.

I’d love to hang out at the coffee shop after work.

Don’t leave the lobby—we’ll be with you momentarily.

Transition words for locations

Transition words can also draw a reader’s attention to where something is

located, or the physical or spatial relationship between two things. This can mean
where someone or something is literally located, or they can be used figuratively,
like “Dan’s auto body shop is above Rick’s when it comes to quality and attention
to detail.”

These words and phrases include:

beside

over

where

in front of

behind

next to

under

beyond

amid

among

opposite

adjacent to
above

below

You’ll notice that many of these words can also function as prepositions in a
sentence. They can also function as transition words that are part of adverbial
clauses. Here are a few examples of this kind of transition word at work:

In the back, my cousin was grilling hamburgers.

Among the students surveyed, more than half were excited to return to campus
full-time.

Next to the garage, they found a parking spot.

Common mistakes writers make with transition words

Working with transition words isn’t always easy. Sometimes, especially when
English isn’t your primary language, you may accidentally use the wrong word for
the type of transition you’re making or use a word that doesn’t have quite the
right connotation for your message. For example, you might say something like,
“We could go out for burgers, pizza, sushi, or tacos. In either case, that works for
me.” Either implies that there are only two choices, so in this scenario, it doesn’t
fit because there are a total of four choices. (Here, the best way to phrase this
would be “in any case.”)

Here are a few other commonly mistaken transition words:

As well as when you mean and. Using “as well as,” a synonym for “in addition
to,” implies that the following piece of information is less important than the
preceding piece, whereas “and” implies they are equally important.

Adam and Jeremy came over for dinner.

I made ribs and mac and cheese as well as a bagged salad.

Essentially when you mean explicitly. “Essentially” refers to a fundamental factor
or truth at a subject’s core, whereas “explicitly” communicates that something is
literal and clear, with no room for misinterpretation.

Although they offer personal training and classes, that gym is essentially an
overpriced equipment store.

The gym’s website explicitly states that no guest passes will be issued until
further notice.

Another mistake writers sometimes make with transition words is using them in
inappropriate contexts. As you saw in the lists above, some transition words and
phrases feel more formal and academic than others. You can make your writing
feel too formal—or too casual—by choosing a transition word that doesn’t fit your
tone or the type of writing you’re doing. Here are a few examples of transition
words that don’t fit their sentences:

I just picked up a new dress, got my makeup done, and therefore, I’m ready to hit
the club.

In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Edna Pontillier felt inadequate whenever she
spent time with Adele Ratignolle.

I’ll be out of the office on Wednesday and consequently won’t be responding to

emails.

See how they’re all either too formal or too casual for the messages they’re
communicating? Word choice is crucial to effective communication, and that
includes choosing the right transition for each sentence.

Make every transition a smooth one

Not sure if the transition word you chose is the right one? Run your writing
through Grammarly and get suggestions for how to pick the perfect words and
strike the appropriate tone that works best for what you’re communicating.