Transition Words
October 21, 2025
Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources
Below is a list of transition words grouped as to the type of relationship they suggest between elements in the text. Two steps should be used when you consult this list. First, determine the type of signal you need. Next, select from that signal group the word which is most appropriate to the meaning of your sentences.
Note: The same transition word or phrase can sometimes serve different purposes.
| Purpose | Examples of Transition Words |
|---|---|
| Addition | in addition, furthermore, moreover, also, equally important, likewise, another, again |
| Example | for example, for instance, thus, in other words, as an illustration, in particular |
| Suggestion | for this purpose, to this end, with this objective in mind |
| Emphasis | indeed, truly, again, to repeat, in fact |
| Granting a Point | while it may be true, in spite of this |
| Summary / Conclusion | in summary, in conclusion, therefore, finally, consequently, accordingly, in short, in brief, as a result, on the whole, thus |
| Sequence – Value | first, second, secondly, third, thirdly, next, last, finally |
| Sequence – Time | then, afterward, next, subsequently, previously, first, second, at last, meanwhile, in the meantime, immediately, soon, at length, yesterday, today, tomorrow, eventually |
| Sequence – Space | above, across, under, beyond, below, nearby, nearer, opposite to, adjacent to, to the left or right, in the foreground, in the background |
| Relationship – Similarity | similarly, likewise, in like manner |
| Relationship – Contrast | in contrast to, however, but, still, nevertheless, yet, conversely, notwithstanding, on the other hand, on the contrary, at the same time, while this may be true |
| Relationship – Cause and Effect | consequently, thus, therefore, accordingly, hence, as a result |
| Argument | accordingly, as a result, at the same time, besides, equally important, in fact, otherwise, therefore |
| Comparison | also, at the same time, in like manner, in the same way, likewise, similarly, so too |
| Contrast | but, however, in contrast with, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, yet |
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