Transition words and transitional phrases are used more frequently in the English language than we probably realize and even though their name suggests they may be a complex subject, in reality, transition words are quite easy to understand. In this article, we are going to find out exactly what transition words are and the various different types you are likely to see.
Transition Words
What Is A Transition Word?
In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of the text or spoken language. By using the imagery of a bridge, we can see how these words take us from one statement to another. By using these words we can better build a sentence and convey what we are trying to say in a more concise manner.
The Importance and Function of Transitional Words and Phrases
Transition words are so important because they take the reader or listener from one idea to another. Without them, sentences would be singular and would not connect and flow, which can create a more natural way of delivering information. The use of transition words also serves as a way to prevent having to mentally jump from one sentence or paragraph to another, giving the listener or reader greater ease.
The function of transition words is essential to put in place an easy to understand, logical connection between paragraphs and sentences.
Types Of Transition Words and Transitional Phrases
There is more than one type of transition word and in this section, we are going to introduce you to some of the most commonly used ones, which will give you a greater understanding of the concept.
Reason
Many transition words follow similar patterns. Because of this, we can categorize similar words together. One category typically used to describe transitional words is reason. Words in the reason list reveal cause and effect of a particular event.
Examples of transition words falling under the category of reason can be seen below.
- Because of
- With this in mind
- In fact
- In order to
- Provided that
- Granted that
- Given that
- In view of
- With this intention
- With this purpose
- Seeing that
- For the purpose of
- Owing to
- So that
You might see them used in a sentence such as; In order to achieve this, we need a budget.
Result
A result transition word is similar to a reason transition word and will link a sentence to the outcome of it.
Some examples of commonly used result transition words are:
- As a result
- Thus
- Consequently
- Hence
- For this reason
- Due to
- As a consequence (of)
- Therefore
- Accordingly
- Then
- Forthwith
- Thereupon
You are likely to see a result transitional word in a sentence such as; I cannot attend the party tonight as a result of being so tired from having worked late all week.
Emphasis
Transition words that fall under the emphasis category emphasize a particular fact. They highlight the importance of the information discussed in your essay. These words signal that some key information is forthcoming.
Transition words that show emphasis are essential to any well-written paper. Find examples of these words and phrases below.
- Undoubtedly
- Indeed
- Obviously
- Particularly / in particular
- Especially
- Clearly
- Importantly
- Absolutely
- Definitely
- Without a doubt
- Never
- It should be noted
- Unquestionably
- Above all
- Positively
- Truly
- Even
- Of course
- Naturally
- In truth
- Chiefly
- Surprisingly
- With attention
- To emphasize
- To repeat
- To clarify
- In detail
You might see one of these types of transition words used in a sentence such as; You can travel to Australia and obviously, can visit Tasmania whilst you are there.
Addition
Addition transition words add important information to the topic discussed in your academic paper.
Some examples of addition transition words are found below.
- Additionally / an additional
- Furthermore
- Also
- Too
- As well as that
- Along with
- Besides
- In addition
- Moreover
- Not only…but also
- In addition to this
- Apart from this
- Further
- Finally
- Last
- And
- Similarily
- As well as
- Coupled with
- Not to mention
- Together with
- In the same fashion
- First
- Second
- Third
An example of a sentence containing one of these common transition words would be; You cannot go into the theatre as you have not got tickets, furthermore, you are not in the correct dress for this performance.
Emphasis – Addition – Contrast – Order Transition Words & Transitional Phrases
Illustration
An illustration transitional word is used to give an example of what the speaker is referring to.
Some good examples of this type of transition word would be:
- For example/ For instance
- Such as
- Proof of this
- Like
- To demonstrate/ To clarify
- Illustrated by
- For one thing
- As an example of
- In the case of
- To demonstrate
- To clarify
- Including
- Namely
- In this case
- To simplify
- In another case
- Specifically
- In this situation
- On this occasion
The following sentence shows the use of an illustration transitional word; There are lots of things to do at the park, for instance feeding the ducks or playing on the slide.
Contrast
You will want to select a contrast transition word to show the difference between two key pieces of information expressed in your essay. These words indicate that your paper is linking a sentence or paragraph together by contrasting how two things different.
Contrast transition words make it clear that two pieces of information will be contrasted. The list below showcases some contrast words that will be effective in your writing:
- Unlike
- Nevertheless
- On the other hand
- Nonetheless
- Despite/in spite of
- In contrast (to)
- While
- Whereas
- Alternatively
- Conversely
- Even so
- Differing from
- Contrary to
- In opposition
- Up against
- However
- Contrarily
- As opposed to
- Yet
- Instead
- Notwithstanding
- Rather
- Nor
- Though
You might see one of these transitions being used in a sentence such as; While this may be true, it doesn’t mean that biking is not beneficial for your heart.
Comparison/Similarity
In order to link two sentences or paragraphs you can introduce compare transition words, The words show how to ideas being discussed relate to each other.
Some examples of this type of transition word might be:
- Similarly
- Equally
- Similar to
- Same as
- Compare / compare(d) to (with)
- By the same token
- In the same way
- Correspondingly
- As with
- Equal
- Just as…so too
- Likewise
- Just as
- Just like
- Both
- Alike
- In common
- In like manner
- In a similar manner
- Still another
- Resembles
- Either
- Most important
- In the spitting image of
An example of a sentence in which you might see a comparison/similarity transition word would be; In the same way, biking also offers many benefits that help you with your fitness goals.
Result – Illustration – Comparison/Similarity – Summary Transition Words and Phrases
Order
An order transition word can be used to show a change in the order or timing of consecutive ideas and phrases.
Listed below are order transition words:
- First/ firstly
- Second/ secondly
- Third/ thirdly
- Lastly and most importantly
- Last but not least
- About
- Next
- Later
- Since
- Finally
- At this time
- Following
- Now
- Once
- In the first place
- To begin with
- Prior to
- Previously
- Before
- Subsequently
- Above all
- After
- Eventually
- Tomorrow
- In turn
- Momentarily
- From this point
- Not long after
You might see an order transitional word being used in a sentence such as; I will go to the shop, then to the park, and finally, I will relax in the bar.
Conclusion
Conclusion transition words are used to conclude the ideas that have been previously mentioned. A transition word from the conclusion category indicates that you are about to wrap up your argument.
Conclusion transition words work well to clarify your arguments.
- Therefore
- To summarise
- In short
- To sum up
- In summary
- Briefly
- To conclude
- In essence
- In brief
- On the whole
- In conclusion
- Altogether
- In any event
- Given these points
- Ultimately
- In the final analysis
- Generally speaking
- All things considered
- Usually
- By and large
- Overall
- As noted
- As shown above
- As demonstrated above
- As you can see
- In a word
- In the end
- To end
An excellent example of a sentence to demonstrate this would be; The acting was superb and the lighting was excellent, all things considered, it made for an interesting play.
Condition
Condition transition words are used to establish the condition or to bring into consideration another viewpoint.
Words that fall in this category include:
- Granted that
- If
- When
- Because of
- In that case
- Then
- Unless
- As
- Since
- While
- Whenever
- While
- Lest
- Although this may be true
- In the event that
- Only if
- Even if
- On the condition that
- Given that
A condition transitional phrase might be used in a sentence such as; Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Concession
A concession transition word is used to acknowledge an opposing view and might be used in the form of the following words and phrases:
- Admittedly
- All the same
- Up to a point
- Even so
- In spite of
- Although/Even though
- Even if
- However
- And still
- And yet
- Be that as it may
- Regardless of this
- Nevertheless
- Albeit
- Although
- Even though
- Nonetheless
A good example of a sentence containing this type of transition would be; In spite of the fact that he is rich, he lives in a small house.
Generalization
A generalization transitional word can be used to give an example of an idea relating to the subject.
Some common transition words in this category are:
- As a rule
- Regularly
- Commonly
- Usually
- For the most part
- Normally
- Predominately
- In general/ Generally
- On the whole
- Overall
- Typically
- In most cases
- Often
- On the whole
- Broadly speaking
- Mainly
- Generally speaking
- More often than not
- Mostly
Here is a sentence that uses a generalization transitional phrase; In general, Japanese cars are very reliable and breakdowns are rare.
Restatement
Restatement transition words provide clarity for your argument. These transition words signal the importance of the information shared before.
To restate your thoughts employ these words in your essay.
- In other words
- Otherwise stated
- That is to say
- Alternatively
- Alternatively stated
- Put differently
- To put it differently
- In a nutshell
- Put in another way
- In simple terms
- Simply put
- Simplified
- Said differently
- Reiterated
- Namely
- In short
- In summation
- Expressed simply
- In simple language
Let’s look at an example of a sentence that uses a restatement transition; In other words, the elephant is already dancing with the dragon.
Reference
Reference transition words are used to literally make a reference to a continuing idea presented in your essay.
Words and phrases that express these references include:
- Some examples of these might be:
- Speaking about/of
- Considering
- In terms
- With respect to
- Concerning
- The fact that
- With regards to
- Regarding
- In connection to
- As far as
- As applied to
- Pertaining to
You might see a reference transitional phrase in a sentence like this one; I was explaining to John that the job he wanted was not available due to the fact that they had already hired someone.
Clarification
Sometimes ideas being discussed in your paper needs to be parsed down. Clarification transition words indicate that you will be exploring your ideas in more detail.
To provide clarification in your essay use these words and phrases.
- That is to say
- To put it in another way
- To put it clearly
- To break it down
- To simplify
- To clearly define
- In lay terms
- In other words
- I mean
- Simply stated
- Simply put
- In simple terms
- To explain
- To make plain
- In explanation
A good example of a sentence that uses clarification transitional phrase is as follows; I won’t be going because I do not like her, in other words, she will ruin the evening for me.
Space/ Location
Space transition words are to clarify spatial relationships. They provide spatial order and reference.
Some transitions words to describe space/locations are:
- On top
- Below
- Beneath
- Around
- Underneath
- To the left
- Surrounding
- Over
- Adjacent
- Across
- At the rear
- Next to
- Opposite
- Adjacent
- On bottom
- Near
- Nearby
Examples of transition words and transitional phrases in sentences.
Transition Words List
List of 288 transition words and phrases from A to Z.
- About
- Above all
- Absolutely
- Accordingly
- Across
- Additionally / an additional
- Adjacent
- Admittedly
- After
- Albeit
- Alike
- All the same
- All things considered
- Along with
- Also
- Alternatively
- Alternatively stated
- Although
- Although this may be true
- Altogether
- And
- And still
- And yet
- Apart from this
- Around
- As
- As a consequence (of)
- As a result
- As a rule
- As an example of
- As applied to
- As demonstrated above
- As far as
- As noted
- As opposed to
- As shown above
- As well as
- As well as that
- As with
- As you can see
- At the rear
- At this time
- Be that as it may
- Because of
- Before
- Below
- Beneath
- Besides
- Both
- Briefly
- Broadly speaking
- By and large
- By the same token
- Chiefly
- Clearly
- Commonly
- Compare / compare(d) to (with)
- Concerning
- Consequently
- Considering
- Contrarily
- Contrary to
- Conversely
- Correspondingly
- Coupled with
- Definitely
- Despite/in spite of
- Differing from
- Due to
- Either
- Equal
- Equally
- Especially
- Even
- Even if
- Even so
- Even though
- Eventually
- Expressed simply
- Finally
- First
- Firstly
- Following
- For example/ For instance
- For one thing
- For the most part
- For the purpose of
- For this reason
- Forthwith
- From this point
- Further
- Furthermore
- Generally speaking
- Given that
- Given these points
- Granted that
- Hence
- However
- I mean
- If
- Illustrated by
- Importantly
- In a nutshell
- In a similar manner
- In a word
- In addition
- In addition to this
- In another case
- In any event
- In brief
- In common
- In conclusion
- In connection to
- In contrast (to)
- In detail
- In essence
- In explanation
- In fact
- In general/ Generally
- In lay terms
- In like manner
- In most cases
- In opposition
- In order to
- In other words
- In short
- In simple language
- In simple terms
- In spite of
- In summary
- In summation
- In terms
- In that case
- In the case of
- In the end
- In the event that
- In the final analysis
- In the first place
- In the same fashion
- In the same way
- In the spitting image of
- In this case
- In this situation
- In truth
- In turn
- In view of
- Including
- Indeed
- Instead
- It should be noted
- Just as
- Just as…so too
- Just like
- Last
- Last but not least
- Lastly and most importantly
- Later
- Lest
- Like
- Likewise
- Mainly
- Momentarily
- More often than not
- Moreover
- Most important
- Mostly
- Namely
- Naturally
- Near
- Nearby
- Never
- Nevertheless
- Next
- Next to
- Nonetheless
- Nor
- Normally
- Not long after
- Not only…but also
- Not to mention
- Notwithstanding
- Now
- Obviously
- Of course
- Often
- On bottom
- On the condition that
- On the other hand
- On the whole
- On this occasion
- On top
- Once
- Only if
- Opposite
- Otherwise stated
- Over
- Overall
- Owing to
- Particularly / in particular
- Pertaining to
- Positively
- Predominately
- Previously
- Prior to
- Proof of this
- Provided that
- Put differently
- Put in another way
- Rather
- Regarding
- Regardless of this
- Regularly
- Reiterated
- Resembles
- Said differently
- Same as
- Second
- Secondly
- Seeing that
- Similar to
- Similarily
- Similarly
- Simplified
- Simply put
- Simply stated
- Since
- So that
- Some examples of these might be:
- Speaking about/of
- Specifically
- Still another
- Subsequently
- Such as
- Surprisingly
- Surrounding
- That is to say
- The fact that
- Then
- Therefore
- Thereupon
- Third
- Thirdly
- Though
- Thus
- To begin with
- To break it down
- To clarify
- To clearly define
- To conclude
- To demonstrate
- To emphasize
- To end
- To explain
- To make plain
- To put it clearly
- To put it differently
- To put it in another way
- To repeat
- To simplify
- To sum up
- To summarise
- To the left
- Together with
- Tomorrow
- Too
- Truly
- Typically
- Ultimately
- Underneath
- Undoubtedly
- Unless
- Unlike
- Unquestionably
- Up against
- Up to a point
- Usually
- When
- Whenever
- Whereas
- While
- With attention
- With regards to
- With respect to
- With this in mind
- With this intention
- With this purpose
- Without a doubt
- Yet
Using Transition Words in Essays & Academic Writing
When writing an academic essay you want to clearly communicate your arguments. Transitions aid you in creating a logical relationship between sentences and paragraphs. Transitions help writers focus their reader’s attention in a particular way. They direct the reader on how to interpret the content of your essay.
Do not expect transitions to compensate for a poorly organized essay. Transitions are not used to make a piece of writing sound smarter. Instead, transitions allow the reader to follow the argument your paper lays out. Through transitions, readers see how ideas work together to develop a logical argument. Transitions convey a relationship between concepts or ideas. Transitions indicate an upcoming example, an exception to a previous argument, or an alternative to an established argument.
You can add transitions to improve the logical flow of your essay writing. Transitions operate boldly and in a straightforward manner. They fill the gaps between one topic and the next.
Transitions shape your essay’s argument for your reader. They work between and within paragraphs to help you write with precision.
Transition Words Between Paragraphs
Transitions connect the current paragraph to the previous one. They summarize the previous paragraph and introduce a new idea. Transitions between paragraphs occur at the end of one paragraph or the beginning of a new one. Furthermore, you can use the transitions between paragraphs in both places. Transitions between paragraphs can be a word, phrase, or sentence.
A good transition in an essay reminds the reader of what they just read and states what they are going to read next. It also expresses why this information is important.
Examples of transition words between paragraphs
- Similarly
- For example
- However
Why do transitions between paragraphs often appear at the start of a new paragraph?
It easy to connect the previous paragraph to the current one with a transition. These transitions often use phrases to link the two paragraphs.
Examples of transition words at the start of the paragraph
- Next
- Despite the argument
- In conclusion
- Lastly
- It logically follows
- Subsequently
- In comparison to
Transitions within Paragraphs
Transitions within paragraphs help the reader of your essay understand what information will be forthcoming. Expect these transitions to appears as a word or short phrase. Transition words can logically structure your paragraphs. They help improve the flow of your essay.
Example
Without transitions: Wanda did not have any money to buy her brother a gift. She did not receive an allowance at age four. She was sad on his birthday.
With transitions: Wanda did not have money to buy her brother a gift because she did not receive an allowance at age four. Nevertheless, she was sad on his birthday.
When you add transitions to the above example text you show how the three sentences relate to each other. Without relation, these sentences can appear disjointed. Readers may fail to grasp how these three sentences relate. With these transitions, your essay’s arguments become clearer.
The transition because joins the first and second sentences. It establishes a cause and effect relationship. The word nevertheless helps the prior sentence flow into the current sentences.
Examples of transition words within paragraphs
- Because
- So
- And
- Like
- And
- Or
Transition Words & Transitional Phrases with Examples
Learn an extensive list of transition words and phrases in English with example sentences.
Reason Transition Words
A reason transitional word is one that shows the cause and effect of a situation.
Usage: provide reasons for what has been stated or has occurred.
Reason transitional words list with examples:
- Because of the pollution, many people moved out of the community.
- For the purpose of understanding the consumers’ buying habits, the CEO interviewed many of his customers.
- Given that the money was missing, the employee called the police.
- In order to get the lawsuit dropped, the girl had to write a public apology in the newspaper.
- In view of the court’s findings, the prosecutor dismissed the case.
- With this in mind, the girl sought out her birth mother.
- With this purpose, the boy set out to find his grandfather.
Result Transition Words
The result group of transition words is closely linked to the reason category. Result transition words tell the reader to expect to learn about the outcome of a specific situation.
Usage: Provide the result of what has been stated or has occurred.
To find result-oriented transition words explore the examples below:
- The sky suddenly darkened and it began to rain. As a result, the couple got drenched.
- The girls went out in the cold without their mittens. Consequently, their fingers had frostbite.
- Due to the warm weather, the girl’s ice cream melted.
- Tim always starts a brawl at the bar. For this reason, I now go there without him.
- She fed the dog chocolate. Hence, the dog got really sick.
Emphasis Transition Words
An emphasis transitional word is used to support a piece of information that has just been given, they can also be used to emphasize an idea.
Function: Put forward a point or idea more forcefully
Let’s look at some example sentences of emphasis transitional words & transitional phrases:
- Above all, the voice was captivating.
- Even her dog hated living in the desert climate.
- It should be noted that the doctor originally prescribed antibiotics to his patient.
- Of course, no one understood the teacher’s predicament better than the students.
- To clarify, dogs cannot eat chocolate without dire consequences.
- To repeat, vegetables are good for you.
- Without a doubt, she was the best cyclist in the area.
Addition Transition Words
An Addition transition word will give additional information in a sentence, deepening the meaning that is taken from it.
Function: Add to what has been previously stated.
Addition transitional words and transitional phrases list with examples:
- Also, I believed the man was evil.
- I loved her smile and I treasured her touch.
- Besides, I could not afford the blue cabinet.
- Finally, she adds the sauce to the boiled noodles.
- First, the picture lacked ingenuity.
- In addition, inadequate insulation is responsible for heat loss.
- Not to mention, more people die from cow attacks than shark encounters.
- Additionally, the smoke was carcinogenic.
Illustration Transition Words
There are many transition words that will indicate that an example is forthcoming. These words clarify that evidence for your argument is coming up.
Function: Provide examples.
Some vibrant transition words appear below to help prepare your reader for new evidence or examples.
- For one thing, the child was unable to reach the remote.
- In this case, the scientist examined over 500 responses.
- In this situation, the orator’s words were more than hyperbole.
- Like FDR, he was progressive and thoughtful.
- On this occasion, her arguments lacked cohesion.
- Proof of this feminist critique comes from her positioning of the female figure.
- To clarify, her adherence to social norms undercut her feminist agenda.
- To simplify, a person’s negative attitude affects the group as a whole.
Contrast Transition Words
A contrast transitional word can be used to show a contrast between two ideas within a sentence.
Function: Show how things are different.
Contrast transition words list with examples:
- Despite this, she loved him.
- Her mother thought a woman should not work. Even so, Mary took a job as a mechanic.
- She loved horses; however, she was afraid to ride.
- On the other hand, doctors promise to do no harm.
- Rather than visit her friend, the girl decided to watch a movie.
- She committed many crimes; though, she did not consider herself a criminal.
- Unlike her brother, she knew a good bargain when she saw it.
- Whereas his intentions were good, hers were bad.
Comparison/Similarity Transition Words
A comparison/similarity transition word is used to compare two ideas or thoughts.
Function: Show how things are similar.
Comparison/Similarity transitional words and transitional phrases examples:
- As with most young girls, the sibling’s favorite color is pink.
- Both doctors and nurses struggle to deal with the onslaught of covid-19 cases.
- The two girls worked equally on the project.
- In like manner, the girl exited the building.
- Just as Tina enjoyed visiting the horse so too did Jenna.
- Likewise, the girls showed interest in the piano.
- Similarly, he crushed her self-esteem.
Order Transition Words
Some transition words point to an order to keep your arguments functioning logically. These words and phrases show how you should perceive information.
- First, he hid the proof of his deception.
- Second, he spread lies about the soldier.
- Third, he took the murder weapon and hid it in the soldier’s room.
- Finally, he convinced the prince of his lies.
- Following the visit to the dentist, she got ice cream.
- Lastly and most importantly, there was a witness to the crime.
- From now on, the Board of Directors will continue to focus on our employees first and foremost.
Conclusion Transition Words
Function: Transition words and phrases to sum up what has been previously stated.
Summary transition words list with examples:
- All things considered, the wedding was delightful
- As noted, the taxes remain at 5%.
- Generally speaking, the first two test drives were the hardest.
- In conclusion, the council needs to deal with the community’s water and sanitation concerns.
- In short, the ducks won.
- In the end, nothing of importance happened.
- Ultimately, the world survived catastrophic annihilation.
Condition Transitional Words
Transition words that suggest another perspective fall under the category of conditional transitional words. That is to say, that the facts discussed may be mutable depending on specific conditions
Function: To provide a condition to what has been stated
Condition transitional words and transitional phrases examples:
- As the days get longer, people stop visiting the museum.
- Even if the dog comes home, she could not forgive her boyfriend.
- If she calls, I will go to the store.
- Since the store closed, she was unable to buy the banner.
- Unless she avoids him, she will get in trouble.
Concession Transition Words
Function: To accept a point or idea with reservation/to express an opposing viewpoint.
Concession transition words list with examples:
- Admittedly, the project was not well thought out.
- All the same, I’ll have that drink now.
- Be that as it may, she will still be apart of this project.
- Even if I win, I will not accept the prize.
- In spite of everything, I still loved her.
- Regardless of this, I planned to attend the meeting.
Generalization Transition Words
Words in the generalization category reveal a forthcoming example that will illustrate a traditional viewpoint.
Function: Transition words and phrases to make a general statement.
- As a rule, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day.
- In general, the boys misbehaved.
- Mainly the girls wanted to read.
- More often than not, there is a class-clown in every classroom.
- On the whole, the class behaved well.
- Overall, the boy’s arguments were strong.
Restatement Transition Words
Restatement transition words are used to summarise an idea or restate something that has already been said.
Function: Express an alternative to what has been previously stated.
- Expressed simply, her works provide food for thought.
- In a nutshell, words can insight violence.
- In other words, our individual truths influence how we see a painting.
- That is to say, writing letters is an art.
- To put it differently, the story lacked structure.
Reference Transition Words
People use reference transitional words and phrases to a relationship between continuing ideas.
Function: Literally make a reference to a continuing idea.
- As far as I can determine, he plagiarized his paper.
- Considering her personal life, it difficult to understand how she found the time to paint 421 pictures.
- Regarding his pension for dense language, I am surprised more people don’t find his books tiring to read.
- The fact that she abandoned her work suggests she did not find evidence to support her theory.
- With regards to her, I do not have an answer.
Clarification Transition Words
Usage: Further explain an idea or thought.
- I mean that she lacks the ability to be subtle.
- In other words, Penelope was a mule, not a horse.
- Simply put the project was dead in the water.
- Simply stated, I reject your terms.
- That is to say, I made a terrible mistake.
- To put it clearly, I wanted what I could not have.
Space/Location Transition Words
Function: To clarify spatial relationships/to provide spatial order and reference.
- Across the street, the people gathered
- Adjacent to the store was the park.
- Around the corner, I saw a bear.
- At the rear, I found twenty dollars.
- Below the table, I saw used gum.
- Next to the dungeon, the princess slept.
- Underneath the blankets, she hid the beagle.
Chart of Common Transition Words & Transitional Phrases
All transitional words and transitional phrases in one table.
Learn the quick list of linking words and phrases in English with pictures.
Transitions vs. Conjunctions
Conjunctions sometimes masquerade as transitions. However, conjunctions and transitions have different functions. A conjunction joins two clauses in a sentence. In contrast, transitions reveal the relationship between two sentences or paragraphs. Transitions signal to the reader how pieces of information fit together in a logical way. Similarly, both conjunctions and transitions connect ideas or thoughts.
What Are Conjunctions?
Conjunction brings two clauses in a sentence together. Removing conjunction from a sentence causes grammatical changes to the text. There are two main types of conjunctions that exist: subordinate and coordinating. Each serves a specific function.
Subordinating conjunctions
This type of conjunction will link an independent clause to a dependent one. Subordinating conjunction indicates a relationship between clauses. It stresses which clause is most important within the confines of a sentence.
Example
- Even though the lights went out, he was able to see the intruder.
- As I learned the truth, the world around me made sense for the first time.
- She went to the doctor because her eyes burned.
Coordinating conjunctions
Join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction to create a compound sentence. It is easy to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions with the mnemonic FANBOYS. The seven coordinating conjunctions include: for, as, nor, but, or, yet and so.
Example
- The girl smiled, so I knew she was okay.
- Her heart broke, but she did not cry.
- I could go to the store, or I could go to the movies.
In addition, to the above main conjunctions, you may come across correlating conjunctions. Correlating conjunctions are word pairs that function together to connect equal sentence elements. Common correlating conjunctions include word pairs like neither…nor or not only…but also.
What Are Transitions?
Removing a transition from a sentence does not hold any grammatical consequences to your writing. Transitions can either be words or phrases. They connect two ideas and establish the relationship between these ideas. Transitions direct readers to the logical progression of your argument. They create a shift in perspective. That is to say, transitions can signal an upcoming comparison, opposition, or result.
Unlike conjunctions, transitions connect more than the idea of one sentence together. They instead showcase the relationship between two sentences or a paragraph. Transitions are usually set apart from a sentence with a comma. This is not always the case with conjunctions. For example, subordinating conjunctions do not need commas.
You can categorize transitions by their specific functions. Listed here are transition examples sorted by their use.
Examples
Transitions work to connect sentences or paragraphs. Below find examples of how transitions operate in writing.
- Marcy cut class with her boyfriend. As a result, her parents sent her to boarding school.
- In general, politicians want to help their constituents. However, some are only out for themselves.
- School finished at 3 pm. Despite that, Mary did not get home until 11 pm.
Transitions vs. Conjunctions Chart
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