Writing Center
Northern State University
Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitional words and phrases clarify the relationship between one sentence or clause and another. These signals aid your reader’s understanding by tying ideas together. Here is a list of commonly used transitional expressions:
|
Words that signal addition |
|
and |
moreover |
hitherto |
|
again |
next |
that is |
|
in simpler terms |
indeed |
accordingly |
|
besides |
last |
in fact |
|
also |
one. . .another |
in fact |
|
furthermore |
in addition |
finally |
|
Words that signal time |
|
first, second, etc. |
former—later |
subsequently |
|
soon |
afterward |
at the same time |
|
before |
in brief |
so far |
|
after this |
in brief |
so far |
|
finally |
meanwhile |
earlier |
|
then |
in the meantime |
simultaneously |
|
later |
until |
|
|
Words that signal comparison |
|
however |
instead |
likewise |
|
but |
on one hand. . .on the other hand |
still |
|
nonetheless |
in contrast |
on the contrary |
|
nevertheless |
although |
similarly |
|
Words that signal examples |
|
for example |
to illustrate |
for instance |
|
the following example |
|
|
|
Words that signal conclusion or summaries |
|
in summary |
consequently |
in conclusion |
|
to conclude |
in other words |
therefore |
|
all in all |
thus |
as a result |
|
Words that signal concession |
|
although it is true |
although one could say |
of course |