Transition Words and Phrases

Transition Words and Phrases: Useful List & Examples 1

Full list of Transitional words and transitional phrases in English with examples.

Reason Transition Words

Usage: To provide reasons for what has been stated or has occurred.

Reason transitional words list with examples:

Because of

We were unable to go by train because of the rail strike.

With this in mind

With this in mind, we must ensure more job security.

In fact

In fact, the fighting became even more brutal on Sunday.

In order to

In order to achieve this, we need a budget.

Due to

The event is off due to a scheduling error.

Result Transition Words

Usage: Transitional words and transitional phrases to provide the result of what has been stated or has occurred.

Result transition words list with examples:

As a result

His wife left him. As a result, he became very depressed.

As a consequence (of)

She has lived in France, and as a consequence speaks French fluently.

Therefore

We do not have enough money. Therefore we cannot afford to buy the new car.

Thus

We do not own the building. Thus, it would be impossible for us to make any major changes to it.

Consequently

There has been a great deal of rain and consequently the reservoirs are full.

Hence

The customer was displeased with her meal, hence the chef prepared a replacement.

For this reason

For this reason, they are not a good choice for exterior use.

Due to

Due to a broken wing, this bird can’t fly.

Emphasis Transition Words

Function: Transition words and phrases to put forward a point or idea more forcefully

Emphasis transitional words & transitional phrases examples:

Undoubtedly

Undoubtedly, the story itself is one of the main attractions.

Indeed

I don’t mind at all. Indeed, I would be delighted to help.

Obviously

Obviously, we don’t want to spend too much money.

Particularly / in particular

I love silver earrings, in particular ones from Mexico.

Especially

The car is quite small, especially if you have children.

Clearly

Clearly, this will cost a lot more than we realized.

Importantly

More importantly, can he be trusted?

Absolutely

He’s an absolutely brilliant cook.

Definitely

I definitely remember sending the letter.

Without a doubt

We still believe we can win this series without a doubt.

Never

I’m never surprised at what I do.

It should be noted

It should be noted that if you have something to note, then note it.

Unquestionably

Unquestionably, teaching has been a paramount part of his career.

Above all

Above all, this forest is designed for wear and tear.

Positively

This is positively the worst thing that I can even imagine.

Addition Transition Words

Function: Transitional words and transitional phrases to add to what has been previously stated

Addition transitional words list with examples:

Additionally / an additional

Additionally, the bus service will run on Sundays, every two hours.

Furthermore

He said he had not discussed the matter with her. Furthermore, he had not even contacted her.

Also

We are unable to repair this watch. Also, this is the fourth time this has happened.

Too

I love wearing earrings. I design and make them too.

As well as that

We went to the park today. As well as that, we did some shopping.

Along with

Along with parties and parliaments, elections have lost their charm.

Besides

I can’t afford to go to the concert. Besides, I don’t really like classical music.

In addition

You haven’t paid the rent yet. In addition, you owe me money.

Moreover

The report is badly presented. Moreover, it contains inaccuracies.

Not only…but also

If the project fails this will have terrible consequences not only on our department, but also on the whole organization.

In addition to this

John’s grades are terrible because he has been so lazy these days. In addition to this, his relationship to his parents got worse.

Apart from this

Apart from this paragraph, the report contains a number of sensible initiatives.

Illustration Transition Words

Function: Transitional words and phrases to provide examples.

Illustration transition words list with examples:

For example/ For instance

There are many interesting places to visit in the city, for example/ for instance, the botanical garden or the art museum.

Such as

I prefer to wear casual clothes, such as jeans and a sweatshirt.

Including

Including Christmas Day and Boxing Day, I’ve got a week off work.

Namely

We need to concentrate on our target audience, namely women aged between 20 and 30.

In this case

I think I would have made a difference in this case.

Proof of this

This building are a living proof of this existence, so we must preserve it.

Like

I also make other jewellery like rings and bracelets.

To demonstrate/ To clarify

Regarding my previous email, I would like to clarify one of my sentences which was not that clear.

Contrast Transition Words

Function: Transition words and phrases to show how things are different

Contrast transition words list with examples:

Unlike

Unlike most systems, this one is very easy to install.

Nevertheless

There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try.

On the other hand

Laptops are convenient; on the other hand, they can be expensive.

Nonetheless

The problems are not serious. Nonetheless, we shall need to tackle them soon.

Despite/ in spite of

Despite/ In spite of the rain, I went for a walk.

In contrast (to)

In contrast to the diligent bee, the butterfly flies hither and yon with no apparent purpose.

While

While London is exciting, it is much too busy.

Whereas

Life in the city is fast, whereas life in the countryside is slow.

Alternatively

The agency will make travel arrangements for you. Alternatively, you can organize your own transport.

Conversely

Northern European countries had a great summer. On the contrary/conversely, southern Europe had poor weather.

Even so

Even so, many old friends were shocked at the announcement.

Differing from

Differing from his white colleagues, he preferred instructing his scholars to the ambition of acquiring personal renown.

Contrary to

The situation in Ireland is quite contrary to this principle.

Comparison Transition Words

Function: Transitional words and transitional phrases to show how things are similar

Comparison transitional words and transitional phrases examples:

Similarly

Similarly, the basketball and hockey games draw nearly full attendance.

Equally

Equally, not all customers are honest.

Likewise

Her second marriage was likewise unhappy.

Just as

She’s just as smart as her sister.

Just like

Working with housecats is just like working with lions or tigers.

Similar to

Some people say I have a running style similar to him.

Same as

Having a power is not the same as using the power.

Compare / compare(d) to (with)

He gets the ball off quickly compared to two years ago.

By the same token

Teenagers should be more respectful; by the same token, parents should be more understanding.

In the same way

Alex enjoys telling jokes; in the same way/similarly, his son adores funny stories.

Correspondingly

Correspondingly, the roles each of them played were soon different.

Order Transition Words

1. Function: To indicate the order of what is being said

First/ firstly

Firstly, I prefer the train because I can see the landscape

Second/ secondly

Secondly, I have control over my luggage.

Third/ thirdly

Thirdly, it is better for the environment.

Finally

Finally, I got an A in Math.

At this time

At this time, the young man leapt into the air and flew off towards sunset.

Following

They arrived on Monday evening and we got there the following day.

Previously

I had visited them three days previously.

Before

Your name is before mine on the list.

Subsequently

Subsequently, new guidelines were issued to all employees.

2. Function: Transition words and phrases to mark the end of an ascending order

Above all

Above all, keep in touch.

Lastly and most importantly

Lastly, and most importantly, you should be optimistic.

Last but not least

Last but not least, I find I seriously cannot relate to women.

3. Function: To mark the beginning of a descending order

First and foremost…

We will continue to focus on our players first and foremost.

Conclusion Transition Words

Function: Transition words and phrases to sum up what has been previously stated.

Summary transition words list with examples:

In conclusion

In conclusion, walking is a cheap, safe, enjoyable and readily available form of exercise.

To summarise

To summarise, this is a clever approach to a common problem.

Altogether

The food was good and we loved the music. Altogether it was a great evening.

In short

His novels belong to a great but vanished age. They are, in short, old-fashioned.

To sum up

To sum up, there are three main ways of tackling the problem…

In summary

In summary, this was a disappointing performance.

Briefly

Briefly, our team is now one of the best in the world.

To conclude

To conclude, I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season.

Condition Transitional Words

Function: To provide a condition to what has been stated

Condition transitional words and transitional phrases examples:

If anyone calls, tell them I’m not at home.

In that case

I’ve made up my mind.’ ‘In that case, there’s no point discussing it.

In case

Take an umbrella in case it rains.

Unless

Unless I’m mistaken, she was back at work yesterday.

Concession Transition Words

Function: Transitional words and transitional phrases to accept a point or idea with reservation

Concession transition words list with examples:

Admittedly

Admittedly, it is rather expensive but you don’t need to use much.

All the same

My parents treated us all the same when we were kids.

Up to a point

Their plan worked up to a point.

Even so

Even so, many old friends were shocked at the announcement.

In spite of

In spite of the fact that he is rich, he lives in a small house.

Although/Even though

Although/ Even though he is rich, he lives in a small house.

Even if

He is poor and has no house, but even if he had money, he wouldn’t buy a house.

However

She has the window open, however cold it is outside.

Generalization Transition Words

Function: Transition words and phrases to make a general statement

As a rule

As a general rule vegetable oils are better for you than animal fats.

For the most part

For the most part, there are two types of lyric generators.

In general/ Generally

In general, Japanese cars are very reliable and breakdowns are rare.

On the whole

On the whole, I think it is a good idea but I would still like to study it further.

Overall

Overall, this is a very useful book.

In most cases

In most cases they escape the attention of the wider public.

Restatement Transition Words

Function: Transitional words and transitional phrases to express an alternative to what has been previously stated

In other words

In other words, the elephant is already dancing with the dragon.

To put it differently

To put it differently, we use one ear to listen to one another, the other ear to listen to the water.

Reference Transition Words

Speaking about/of

Speaking of your mother, we’d better go in so she doesn’t worry.

As for (this)

I can’t teach that class today, I’m sick. As for the rest of the teachers, they are still on leave.

Considering (this)

You managed the project well, considering your inexperience.

Regarding (this)

We’re exploring a variety of options regarding this issue.

The fact that

There are exceptions, but the fact that information is held in confidence is not as such a sufficient reason for exemption.

With regards to (this)

With regard to the bomb, I think we should only deploy it preemptively once we know the enemy intends to bomb us, as well.

Clarification Transition Words

That is (to say),

Our friends, that is to say our son’s friends, will meet us at the airport.

I mean,

I mean, he’s a good teacher, but I just don’t like him.

In other words

He was economical with the truth – in other words, he lied.