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Transition Words and Phrases
Writing clearly and concisely is one of the most challenging but important aspects of academic writing. Thankfully, writers have many transition words and phrases at their disposal to ensure their ideas cohere and connect. Transition words are typically placed at the beginning of a sentence and send a clear signal to guide your reader through the text. They often link two sentences together and build momentum in your writing by clearly connecting ideas and concepts.
Addition
You can use these words and phrases when you are introducing an example that builds on a previous example.
- Additionally
- Also
- As well
- Besides
- Furthermore
- In addition
- Indeed
- Moreover
Example
You can use these words and phrases when you are describing one specific instance to explain a larger concept.
- After all
- As an illustration
- For example
- For instance
- Specifically
- Such as
Elaboration
You can use these words and phrases when you are explaining something further.
- Actually
- By extension
- In fact
- In other words
- In short
- In sum
- To put it another way
- To put it succinctly
- Ultimately
Cause and Effect
You can use these words and phrases when you are describing how one thing leads to another.
- Accordingly
- As a result
- Consequently
- Hence
- Since
- Then
- Therefore
- Thus
Comparison
You can use these words and phrases when you are suggesting two ideas are alike.
- Along the same lines
- Comparatively
- Correspondingly
- Likewise
- In the same way
- Similarly
Contrast
You can use these words and phrases to suggest two things that are different.
- Albeit
- Although
- By contrast
- Conversely
- Despite
- Even though
- However
- In contrast
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- On the contrary
- On the other hand
- Regardless
- Whereas
- While
Concession
You can use these words and phrases when you are acknowledging a counterargument or opposing idea or position.
- Admittedly
- Although
- Granted
- It is true that
- Naturally
- Of course
- That said
- To be sure
- While
Conclusion
You can use these words and phrases when you are wrapping up or closing an argument or section.
- As a result
- Consequently
- Hence
- In conclusion
- In short
- In summary
- To summarize
- To sum up
Source
Graff G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic
Writing. W.W. Norton and Company.
Writing Services, Wilfrid Laurier University, CC By-NC 2023