Professor Tom Eiland's ENGCIT Grammar Online: Transitions

Transitional Words and Phrases

An essay, whether pages long or just a paragraph, needs to flow from the beginning of a point (thesis statement or topic sentence) through the support of the point (examples, evidence, citations) to the end of the point (conclusion). Each of these stages has a purpose, and transitional phrases help ease the movement from one area of an argument or paper to the other, signaling or emphasizing a change in focus or showing relationships between points. The following are words or phrases used as transitions in sentences. Each has a specific meaning. Most are offset by commas when placed within a sentence, followed by a comma when placed at the beginning of a sentence, and preceded by a comma when ending a sentence (exceptions are marked). Use them correctly for maximum impact.

NUMERIC AND OTHER WORDS INDICATING ORDER: First (you may add "-ly", or of all): the beginning point
Last: The final point of a series
Lastly: The final point of a series
Next: another point, but neither the first nor (usually) the last item in a list
Second, Third, etc.: subsequent points…(you may add "-ly", do not use "of all")
To Begin (with): the beginning of a point
CAUSE AND EFFECT RELATIONSHIPS: As a Result: Conclusion drawn in cause and effect essay; wraps up a specific point
Because: (gets no comma after it) shows a cause
Consequently: Conclusion drawn in cause and effect essay; wraps up a specific point
Hence: introduces a result
Since: (gets no comma after it) introduces a cause
So: Introduces a result/conclusion
Therefore: drawing a conclusion to a point, usually after presentation of evidence or examples
Thus: drawing a conclusion to a point, usually after presentation of evidence or examples
COMPARISON: In the same vein (manner, way): adding another example showing similarity
Likewise: adding another example showing similarity
Similarly: adding another example showing similarity
CONTRAST: Conversely: about to present a counter point or unexpected turn in the discussion
However: about to present a counter point or unexpected turn in the discussion
In contrast: about to present a rebuttal or an argument to point just presented
Nonetheless: goes back to support main point after conceding weaknesses
On the contrary: offers a rebuttal to a specific point (usually evidence)
On the other hand: about to present an argument to point just presented
Still: goes back to support main point after conceding weaknesses
Yet: about to present a counter point or unexpected turn in the discussion
ADDITION: Also: adds evidence or example to a point
Besides: adds secondary (often not as compelling) support to a point
Furthermore: adds more information to a point
In addition: adds evidence or example to a point
Moreover: adds to a point
Next: adds another similar example
EXAMPLE: For example: add a specific example
For instance: add a specific example
Specifically: add a specific example that proves a general point
CONCLUSION: As a result: conclusion drawn in cause and effect essay; wrap up a specific point
Consequently: conclusion drawn in cause and effect essay; wrap up a specific
In conclusion: wrapping up an essay
In short: summarize the point
Therefore: drawing a conclusion to a point, usually after presentation of evidence or examples
Thus: drawing a conclusion to a point, usually after presentation of evidence or examples
To conclude: drawing a conclusion to a point, usually after presentation of evidence or examples
To sum up: drawing a conclusion to a point, usually after presentation of evidence or examples
SOME LAST WORDS: Do not use "of all" after any number (fourth, second, etc) except First. Also, keep in mind that repetition of any transition will get tiresome, so become familiar with as many as you can. Lastly, be sure to use the appropriate transition, keeping in mind the subtle meanings implied by each.