Transitional words and phrases help guide the reader from one idea to the next, but using the same words over and over can become tiresome to both you and your readers. Be sure you understand what each word or phrase means before inserting it into your text because many words that seem like synonyms actually have very different connotations or even denotations.
Look through this list of words and phrases for new ideas on how to begin and end paragraphs in your paper, article, or story. The list is organized by each word's function in writing (to add to an argument - addition, to help order a list of events - sequence). Be sure to understand punctuation of the transitional words and phrases.
Addition
also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly
Consequence
accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore
Contrast and Comparison
contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast
Direction
here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above, to the left, to the right, in the distance
Diversion
by the way, incidentally
Emphasis
above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly
Exception
aside from, barring, besides, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save
Exemplifying
chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as
Generalizing
as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually
Illustration
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case
Restatement
in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently
Sequence
at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind
Similarity
comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together with
Summarizing
after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally
Remember, always understand the meaning of each transitional word or phrase before you insert it into your writing or else you might mislead your readers instead of guide them. Bookmarking a list of the transitional phrases can help you with your next paper or project.
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Megan B. Wyatt - Megan B. Wyatt has a BA in English, edits fiction manuscripts and currently works as an entertainment reporter in Lafayette, Louisiana.
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