Transition Words and Phrases

Transitions are connecting words or phrases that strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Transition words tell the reader how one idea relates to another. Using them appropriately makes your argument more convincing because the reader is able to understand the flow between and within paragraphs, including the relationship between different ideas, evidence, and analysis.

Types of Transition Words and Phrases

Addition

additionally
again
also
another
as well as
besides
coupled with
further
furthermore
equally important
in addition
likewise
moreover

Cause and Effect

accordingly
after
as consequence
as a result
at that time
before
concurrently
consequently
finally
followed by
for this purpose
for this reason
hence
initially
next
otherwise
previously
so then
subsequently
then
therefore
thus

Comparison

as well as
comparatively
conversely
correspondingly
coupled with
in the same way
likewise
moreover
on the one han
similar
similar to
similarly
together with
whereas
while

Contrast/Exception/Concession

a different view is
admittedly
albeit
alternatively
although
and (yet)
conversely
despite/in spite of (+ noun)
differing from
even so
even though
granted
however
in contrast
instead
it could also be said that
nevertheless
notwithstanding (+ noun)
nonetheless
on the contrary
on (the) one hand
on the other hand
otherwise
rather
regardless of (+ noun)
still
unlike
whereas

Emphasis

above all
especially
in fact
in particular
indeed
particularly

Example/Illustration

as an example
as an illustration
chiefly
for example
for instance
illustrated by
in particular
in the/this case
including
markedly
namely
notably
on this occasion
specifically
such as
to demonstrate
to illustrate

Extension

after all
all things considered
at the same time
clearly
in brief
in essence
in fact
in other words
in short
indeed
it seems
namely
naturally
of course
on the whole
that is
that is to say
to be sure
to put it differently

Sequence

after
at that time
before
concurrently
finally
followed by
first, second, third, etc.
initially
next
previously
subsequently
then

Summary/Conclusion

after all
as a result
briefly
by and large
consequently
finally
hence
in any case
in any event
in brief
in conclusion
in short
in other words
in summary
on the whole
overall
therefore
thus
to conclude
to sum up
to summarize
ultimately

Time

after
afterward
at length
at that/this point
at that/this time
at present
at the same time
before
currently
during
earlier
finally
formerly
immediately
in the future
in the meantime
in the past
initially
later
meanwhile
now
presently
previously
prior to
recently
shortly
simultaneously
soon
subsequently
then
thereafter

Sample Transition Words

While (1) qualitative data is helpful in gauging graduate student responses to Boot Camp, it is also crucial that we undertake data-driven analysis to support the value of the four-day writing event. Currently (2), quantitative measures of satisfaction of Dissertation Boot Camp participants are tracked in two ways: through a formal survey posted through SurveyMonkey and an informal survey that is handwritten at the end of the Camp. In fact (3), to ensure reliable data for analysis, the SurveyMonkey questionnaire is filled out by students at three different times: before Camp, on the first day of Camp, and 30 days after Camp. The decision to send the survey at three different times was made in order to ensure that attitudes prior to Camp matched attitudes on the first day, and to then compare that to results after Camp. However (4) the current survey questions are somewhat informal, and none have been psychometrically tested. In order to improve the reliability and usefulness of the collected data, we will need to revise some of our Likert-scale based questions using currently-available test questions from other indices. Ultimately (5), this combination of quantitative and qualitative data will help us to make decisions about the program as it is offered in subsequent semesters.

(1) Comparison

(2) Time

(3) Emphasis

(4) Contrast/Exception/Concession

(5) Summary/Conclusion