Cohesion – transition verbs and conjunctions
List of Transition Words and How to Use Them
A common critique you may see is that your work lacks transition words at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph. Or you may get stuck in a rut using the same transition words over and over. It can be difficult to think of different words in the moment, so here you have a handy list to help you pick the perfect transition words to help you make the grade.
Common and Useful Transition Words
Transition words are the glue that holds your writing together and makes it more comprehensive and easy to read. Sometimes transition words are single words, and other times they are whole phrases, such as “for example” or “as well as.”
| above all | according to | additionally |
| after(wards) | also | alternatively |
| although | as a matter of fact | as a result (of) |
| as well as | at the same time | before |
| besides | by all means | compared to |
| earlier | either | especially |
| even so | even though | finally |
| first | for example | for instance |
| for the most part | for this reason | further(more) |
| generally | however | in other words |
| in particular | in relation to | in short |
| in summary | in the meantime | in this case |
| including | lastly | likewise |
| meanwhile | moreover | neither |
| not to mention | on the contrary | on the other hand |
| ordinarily | otherwise | particularly |
| regularly | secondly | similarly |
| simply | still | subsequently |
| therefore | though | to summarize |
| usually | whatever | yet |
Less Common Transition Words
Some transition words are more formal or specific and are therefore used less often. However, they are a perfect way to make your writing stand out from the crowd.
| accordingly | all the more | as a rule |
| as an example | beyond | by contrast |
| certainly | consequently | conversely |
| coupled with | demonstrably | hence(forth) |
| in the first place | in the same manner | in which case |
| inexplicably | namely | opposite |
| over time | put another way | notwithstanding |
| singularly | so then | surely |
| thereby | this is why | thus |
| to be sure | to begin with | to clarify |
| to illustrate | to that end | to the left/right |
| to the point | undeniably | under |
| undoubtedly | what is more | wherefore |
Purpose of Transition Words
Transition words are the threads that tie the rest of your work together. Instead of having disjointed and clunky sentences, you can smooth out rough edges with cohesive transition words. When and where to use transition words and phrases will depend on what you are writing and what works in different types of sentences.
Transition Words Make a Difference
It’s important to make sure transitional words flow naturally. To determine whether or not you need a transition word at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph, look at the sentence with and without the transition word or phrase and compare the results.
| Without Transition Words | With Transition Words |
| Carla couldn’t sleep the night before her big presentation. She needed an extra large cup of coffee before work. | Carla couldn’t sleep the night before her presentation. Therefore, she needed an extra large cup of coffee before work. |
| Jeffrey, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 20 minutes. Fill up the car with gas, please. | Jeffrey, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 20 minutes. In the meantime, fill up the car with gas, please. |
| The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. They all agreed it was worth it. | The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. Afterward, they all agreed it was worth it. |
| Denise decided to stop doing her homework. She failed freshman English. | Denise decided to stop doing her homework. Consequently, she failed freshman English. |
| Last night, I had a vivid dream. I was living in Paris. I went online and booked a trip. | Last night, I had a vivid dream. I was living in Paris. As a result, I went online and booked a trip. |
The purpose of transition words is to weave your points together and guide the reader through your work. You can use them in all forms of writing, but they are particularly handy when writing.
Common Conjunctive Adverbs List
You can use conjunctive adverbs for several different purposes. «However» and «comparatively» are helpful ways to show the contrast between ideas, while «therefore» and «consequently» can demonstrate cause and effect. Check out a list of common conjunctive adverbs that you’re likely to see in writing.
| again | all in all | also |
| anyway | besides | certainly |
| finally | for example | for instance |
| however | in addition | in conclusion |
| lately | meanwhile | next |
| otherwise | so | still |
| that is | then | yet |
Some of these words can be used as other parts of speech. However, they are considered conjunctive adverbs when used to link two independent clauses.
Sophisticated Conjunctive Adverbs List
Want to make your writing sound even more impressive while conveying the same concept? Use these eye-catching conjunctive adverbs the next time you’re joining two ideas.
| accordingly | additionally | comparatively |
| consequently | conversely | equally |
| elsewhere | further | furthermore |
| incidentally | indeed | likewise |
| moreover | namely | nevertheless |
| nonetheless | rather | regardless |
| therefore | thus | undoubtedly |
Many conjunctive adverbs function well as transition words in a larger piece of writing. These adverbs help the reader understand where the current event or idea falls in context.
Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs in a Sentence
There are many ways to join two ideas with one word that modifies the sentence’s meaning. Check out these example sentences to see how conjunctive adverbs join ideas.
- The workers are demanding better pay. Additionally, they want longer breaks.
- You must do your homework; otherwise, you might get a bad grade.
- I missed my interview. Consequently, I didn’t get the job.
- Simon won’t be attending the show; therefore, he has an extra ticket for anyone that can use it.
- The freshmen haven’t finished their project. Comparatively, the seniors have been done for weeks.
- We broke up years ago. Still, I have feelings for Tony.
- Amy practiced the piano; meanwhile, her brother went out with his friends.
- Cody can’t afford a new car. Nonetheless, he bought a huge truck.
- My mom loves dogs. However, she is allergic to them.
- We watched the fireworks show at night. All in all, it was a great experience.
You probably noticed that conjunctive adverbs can come after the period of the first independent clause, or they can follow a semicolon that joins the two clauses. Either of these placements is grammatically correct. It simply depends on your writing style and how you are communicating your point.
Conjunctive adverbs function as both conjunctions (by joining ideas) and as adverbs (by modifying parts of the sentence). Indeed, they are some of the most helpful types of adverbs that you’re likely to encounter.
Here you have some adverbs which can modify the entire sentence that follows them. For example:
- Unfortunately, he lost his bike and had to walk to work.
- Generally, students who do well on the SAT get good grades in college.
- Interestingly, the cow raised the flock of chickens as her own.
- Actually, we didn’t go to the party.
- Thankfully, the car’s brakes functioned as they should.