Transition Words

Transition words tie two thoughts together and add fluency to writing. They also help readers to understand location, similarities and differences, or main points. There are several categories of transition words and understanding each is important to choosing good transition words and phrases for a sentence or paragraph.

Scroll  Directly to Printable Transition Words Worksheets.

Place and Space Transition Words

Transition Words List - Place and Space
These transition words of place and space help the reader understand location.

Example:  Nearby, the teachers were meeting in a closed-door session.

List of Transition Words (Open Place and Space Transition Words)
above across around adjacent to
below between beyond here
inside nearby neighboring on opposite to
outside there wherever

Comparison / Contrast Transition Words

Compare and Contrast Transition Words List
These transition words of comparison and contrast emphasize either the similarities of two ideas or the difference between them.

Example: Similarly, the harvest dance was also held on a Friday night.

List of Transition Words (Open Compare Contrast Transition Words)
after all and yet at the same time but
by the same token however in contrast in like manner
in similar fashion in the same way likewise nevertheless
notwithstanding on the contrary on the other hand otherwise
rather similarly though yet

Cause / Purpose / Condition Transition Words

Transition Words List - Cause, Purpose and Condition
These transition words of cause, purpose, and condition guide the reader from an idea to its underlying root.

Example: Even if the school district pays for half of the students’ breakfasts, there still will be those without enough resources to pay for the remaining amount.

List of Transition Words (Open Cause Purpose Condition Transition Words)
because even if for that reason for this purpose
given that granted inasmuch as in order that
on account of provided that since so that
to be sure to that end to this end

Conclusion / Summary Transition Words

Conclusion and Summary Transition Words List
These conclusion transition words allow the writer to recap one point before moving to the next or to the end.

Example: Ultimately, no one has more influence on a student ’s grades than the student himself.

Read more about how to write a conclusion paragraph.

List of Transition Words (Open Conclusion Summary Transition Words)
all in all all things considered altogether finally
in brief in conclusion in essence in short
in summary in the final analysis to conclude to sum up
to summarize ultimately

Time / Sequence Transition Words

Transition Words List - Time and Sequence
These transition words of time and sequence explain order or chronology to the reader.

Example: In the meantime, the library will be closed during lunch.

List of Transition Words (Open Time Sequence Transition Words)
after afterwards always at length
before during following henceforth
immediately in the meantime later earlier
meanwhile never next now
occasionally once simultaneously so far
sometimes soon subequently then
this time until now when whenever
while

Effect / Result / Qualification Transition Words

Transition Words List - Effect, Result and Qualification
These transition words of effect, result, and qualification take the reader from the problem to its consequences or possible results.

Example: Consequently, fewer students are able to take courses in the fine arts: music, art, and drama.

List of Transition Words (Open Effect, Result Qualification Transition Words, )
accordingly almost as a result although
always consequently frequently hence
henceforth in that case maybe never
perhaps probably so then therefore
thus

Addition / Extension Transition Words

Transition Words List - Addition and Extension
These transition words of addition and extension are used to add to a previous idea or extend the logic or argument.

Example: Furthermore, the student council has unanimously endorsed the revised calendar for the school.

List of Transition Words (Open Addition, Extension Transition Words)
additionally again also and
besides even more finally first (or in the first place)
further furthermore in addition in the same way
last, lastly likewise moreover next
second, secondly, etc. (or in the second place) similarly third (etc.) too

Example / Clarification / Emphasis Transition Words

Transition Words List - Example, Clarification and Emphasis
These transition words of example, clarification, and emphasis are used by writers to explain a point or to give emphasis.

Example: In other words, a longer school day may provide more opportunities instead of fewer.

List of Transition Words (Open Example, Clarification, Emphasis Transition Words)
above all as an illustration by all means certainly
e.g., (for example) especially for example for instance
i.e., (that is) importantly in fact in other words
indeed more importantly no of course
particularly specifically surely that is to say
to clarify to demonstrate to explain to illustrate
to put another way to repeat to rephrase it undoubtedly
without a doubt yes

As you can see, there are a great many choices when deciding which word best connects sentences or paragraphs. While not easy, understanding how these "connecting" words work will make writing much easier for students. Learn more about Transition Words and use our
resources to practice incorporating them into the classroom or your personal studies!

Free, Printable Worksheets

Correct the Transition Words Mistakes – Worksheet

Have your students revise sentences and correct transition word mistakes with this educational writing activity.

Identify the Transition Words

Help your students identify different transition words with this printable writing worksheet.

Transition Words: Complete the Sentence

Enhance your students’ writing skills with this “Complete the Sentence” transition words activity.

Transition Words: Connecting Ideas

Teach your students how to connect ideas with this helpful transition words classroom activity.

Using Transition Words

In this worksheet, your students will learn how to properly use transition words in a sentence.