The most attractive part of writing is how you present your ideas. A simple and clear understanding will help readers to interpret the message you want to convey. Fulfilling this motive, transition words play an imperative part in writing. Whether it is about academic writing or professional writing, transitional words allow readers to connect your thoughts and get the notion of your perspectives.
What are transition words?
Transition word
Transition or transitional words create a link between the words, sentences, and phrases. With the use of transition words in your writing, you can enhance the readability of your content. As a part of speech, the reflection of transitional words allows readers to connect the sayings of your content piece.
For example,
I pushed the wall. But, it didn’t move.
In the above example, you find that the next sentence starts from the transition word ”but.”Here, you can predict the result of what would happen in the first sentence. The transitional word “but” connects both the sentences and lets you discover that the wall is still in its place. That’s why it is also called connecting words.
Explore Transition Word List
Unlayering the depth of what are transition words will compel you to go through the list of transitional words. Besides connecting the ideas, transitional words introduce a new notion to your writing, agreement, opposition, purpose, results, and more significant aspects of expression.
If you are thinking about how to use transition words, first go through the transition words list on basis of different elements of speech:
Transition words to demonstrate chronological order or logical sequence
While picturing any scenario or narrating a story, you need to present information in a logical sequence. To infuse more impact on readers’ minds, use transitional words accordingly.
- As soon as
- Until now
- In due time
- At the same time
- Without delay
- In the meantime
- By the time
- Whenever
- Immediately
- At the present time
- From time to time
- Up to the present time
- To begin with
- In a moment
- In the first place
- Straightaway
- Meanwhile
- Further
- Eventually
- Until
- Since
- Occasionally
- Suddenly
Transition words to demonstrate addition
When you have to connect two expressions or continue your sayings, transitional words help to maintain the notion. It allows readers to understand what message you want to convey through your writing.
- Furthermore
- In Fact
- Moreover
- As well as
- Additionally
- Correspondingly
- Likewise
- Of course
- in addition
- Indeed
- Then
- And
- Also
- To
- Again
- Alternatively
- On the other hand
- Not only … but also
Transition words to demonstrate contrast or dissimilarity
When you need to change the direction of a previously stated sentence or show your expression for the opposition, then contrast transitional words are used. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Although
- Instead
- Although this may be true
- Different from
- On the other hand
- Whereas
- Conversely
- Otherwise
- However
- Nonetheless
- Notwithstanding
- Regardless
- As much as
- Albeit
- (and) still
- After all
- of course …, but
- then again
- be that as it may
- Besides
- Rather
- Nevertheless
- Even though
Transition words to demonstrate cause or effects
Transition words that reflect a sense of cause or reasons for doing anything signify transitional words for causes. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Unless
- In case
- Due to
- Because of
- Since
- While
- In the event that
- If … then
- Thus
- Therefore
- Hence
- From … to
- Consequently
- As a result
- When
- Then
- In order to
Transition words to demonstrate an illustration
When you have to illustrate something or offer examples in order to clarify your viewpoints, you can also use transitional words. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Such as
- Specifically
- For instance
- As when
- To illustrate
- In other words
- Notably
- In Detail
- For example
- With this in mind
- Significantly
- Certainly
- In this case
Transition words to point out location or a place
There are specific transition words used to specify a location or a place. Go through the following transitional words when you need to point out a space:
- Opposite to
- In the middle
- Alongside
- Among
- Beside
- Behind
- Here
- There
- Next
- In the distance
- Here and there
- Across
- Between
- Amid
- Above
- Over
- In the foreground
- In the background
- In the center of
Conclusion Transition Words
To make your writing more effective, make sure to use specific transition words in your conclusion part. While writing your conclusion or summary, you can use the following transitional words:
- Ultimately
- Usually
- Most important
- In conclusion
- On balance
- In short
- In brief
- On the whole
- In either case
- To sum up
- All in all
- By and large
- To summarize
- In a word
- In the long run
- For the most part
- Obviously
- Definitely
- As has been noted
- In essence
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using Transition Words
To avoid chaos in the readers’ minds, make sure to use transition words properly. Improper or incorrect use of transitional words can degrade your writing expertise and lower your marks. Moreover, misused transition words or phrases can make your writing hard to read or lower the readability index. So, make sure to avoid common mistakes and upgrade your writing attributes effectively.
Difference between “as well as” and “and”
We commonly use “as well as” place of “and” to put extra concern on a particular expression. They are not completely interchangeable. Let’s understand the correct usage of both transition words Grammarly:
For example,
You will have a dress and a set of sandals as a gift on your birthday.
You will have a dress as well as a set of sandals as a gift on your birthday.
Use of “and” will join two or more subjects and create a compound subject and requires a plural verb. In the case of “as well as, “no compound subject would be created.
In other words, if you use “and,” it means you are putting equal importance to both parts of speech whereas the use of “as well as” puts less importance on additional information.
Use of “therefore”
While using cause-and-effect words, you need to build a logical sense in your sayings. So, pay attention to the use of these kinds of words that could imply illogical connections.
Use “and,” “also,” and “so” to start a sentence
In academic writing, if you use the words “and,” “also,” and “so” to start sentences, it may sound informal.
I like to write when I feel free and energetic. Also, I spend most of my time reading books.
I like to write when I feel free and energetic. Additionally, I spend most of my time reading books.
It may sound normal but the use of your transition words can improve your writing skills. You can shift these words in the middle of sentences to enhance the readability of your writing. As a suggestion, you can use other transitional words for impactful impressions.
How To Use Transitional Words In Essays?
The best use of transition words for essays or normal writing is reflected in their usage. Therefore, pay attention to the use of transition words so you can make your writing more readable.
Use to transition words in sentences
Whether it is about verbal communication in English or written communication, your sentence-making matters a lot. With the correct usage of transition words in making sentences, you can develop a good writing foundation.
You can use transition words at the starting, middle, and end. So, use these words wisely. In a sentence, you can use transitional words:
At the Beginning:
Furthermore, you can use a homemade Facemask to take care of your skin.
In the middle:
People, however, can improve their health with regular exercise.
At the end: You can go to the mall as well.
Use to transition words in paragraph
With proper knowledge of how to use transition words for paragraphs, you can advance your writing skills. When you are focusing on the use of transition words for essays, you know how to use them in paragraphs. It will reflect your level of interaction via paragraph transition words.
In a paragraph, you can use transition words:
At the beginning:
Firstly, you need to know about yourself if you bring changes in your lifestyle positively.
At the end:
He took it very wisely, all things considered.
Examples of Transition Words
Pondering what are some examples of transition words to understand how to use them correctly? So, let us have some good examples of transition words in a sentence.
- I went to the bank after I had issues with my ATM card.
- First, we will go shopping. Then, we will go for dinner.
- During the daytime, you have to work more to have stress-free sleeping.
- Alice will probably be a late bloomer socially, just like her older sisters.
- For all of these reasons, online shopping is both convenient and economical.