What are the transitions and how are they used?

Publication Date: 28 Feb 2019

English transitions are words or phrases used to connect a particular idea to the next one by linking phrases, sentences and even paragraphs. These essential literary devices help a reader better grasp the main point of the message, which the author is trying to convey. Transitional words are essential for building coherent relationships within the text or speech by introducing a certain shift.

Transitions are especially important for students who take essay tests at college or university. If the devices are used correctly, the likelihood of getting big points is high. If a student misuses transition words or doesn’t use them at all, the risk of getting fewer points may be quite substantial.

There are many different types of transitional words so before you use them, be sure that you fully understand their meaning and purpose.

Agreement / Addition

Used to express agreement, reinforce ideas and add information to the previous point.

of course

additionally

and

furthermore

moreover

besides

too

however

as well as

Similarity

Used to show similarity or comparison between ideas or statements.

similarly

likewise

equally

identically

in the same fashion / way / manner

in like manner

Illustration

Used to provide an example or illustrate a point.

for example

for instance

namely

in other words

specifically

in particular

such as

to put it another way

to illustrate

in other words

that is to say

to put it differently

Time

Used to denote timeframes by limiting, restricting or defining them.

after

before

formerly

rarely

finally

eventually

in the meantime

subsequently

Emphasis

Used to put an additional emphasis on the point.

above all

indeed

truly

really

certainly

surely

Opposition / Contradiction

Used to introduce the evidence, which is contrary to the previous statement.

on the other hand

but

although

nevertheless

rather

however

on the contrary

at the same time

Concession

Used to concede a certain point in the essay.

although

at least

even though

in spite of

at any rate

still

Suggestion

Used to make a suggestion of a certain idea to the reader.

for this purpose

with this in mind

therefore

with this purpose in mind

to this end

Effect / Consequence / Result

Used to demonstrate the consequence or effect of the previous point.

for this reason

as a result

consequently

therefore

due to

thereupon

hence

so

under those circumstances

Conclusion

Used to summarize or restate the ideas outlined in the text.

all things considered

in summary

in conclusion

in essence

overall

on the whole

in the final analysis

to sum up

The goal of each writer is to convey his message clearly and concisely. Transitional words are the important elements that need to be used in almost every literary composition if an author wants to craft a clear, readable and coherent piece of writing.