Transition words are a “part of speech” used to link words, phrases, or sentences. So, transition words help to build up coherent relationships within the text. In simple words, transition words help to enhance the readability of your content. This post shares with you the transition words list.
What are Transition Words?
The goal of any sort of writing (be it academics or professional) is to convey information clearly and concisely. Transition words help you achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your writing.
In simple words, transition words are those words that link words, phrases, and sentences in your content. They prepare your readers for what’s coming up in your text.
Some examples of transition words are as follows:
- And
- So
- But
- Moreover
- As well as
- Additionally
- Comparatively
- Clearly
- Also
- Above all
- Finally
- Last but not least
- First and foremost
- It should be noted
- Indeed
- Importantly
- Especially
- On the other hand
- As a matter of fact
- Even so
- Too
Transition words help your readers to follow what you’re saying. So, transition words are fundamental and invaluable in building for establishing coherent relationships within texts.
They impart a greater level of readability to your content. Transition words greatly help your readers to understand how your suggestions and thoughts are connected.
It means that transition words are essential for maximizing the SEO potential of your content.
Here, we give you an example from Yoast SEO to clarify you about Transition words:
“I pushed the domino. As a result, it fell over.”
Here, the term “As a result” has been used as transition words. It informs the reader about two things:
- Firstly, that something has happened (within the sentence) which has caused something
- Secondly, the second half of this sentence will bring the effect.
In the above example, the transition words (“As a result”) have effectively combined two separate sentences into one flowing process. So, it informs the reader what’s about to come next.
Now, you can easily make out that transition words act as “glue” to hold texts together. They combine individual parts in your content to form one whole.
It should be noted that transition words don’t always have to be used at the start of sentences.
Let’s consider one more example from Yoast SEO:
“I enjoy his company because he always tells interesting stories.”
Here, the term ‘because’ has been used as a transition word to link two different sentences.
In this age of Search Engine Optimization, websites and blogs are rewarded for their user-friendliness and readability.
So, the use of transition words has become very important nowadays. If you use very few transition words and phrases, the chances are that the reader will immediately perform a bounceback.
It’s worth pointing out that transition words influence your SEO. They enhance your site’s readability and the quality of your SEO.
Transition Words List
Transition words “sew” your paragraphs together.
They help you to connect one idea to the next.
So, transition words make your writing flow better.
Here, we have shared the transition words list with you so that you can use them in your writing.
However, a word of caution for you.
You should not overuse transition words in your writing. Instead, make use of transition words wherever appropriate to spice up your writing.
Here, we have put together a list of transition words & phrases. Let’s have a look at them:
- Similarly
- Above all
- In summary
- Accordingly
- Finally
- In the first place
- Especially
- In the meantime
- In this case
- Earlier
- Singularly
- After
- So then
- For example
- Afterward
- Soon
- For instance
- Also
- Subsequently
- Incidentally
- Such as
- As a result
- Including
- Lastly
- Furthermore
- As a rule
- Generally
- Later
- Thereby
- As an example
- Likewise
- Hence
- Therefore
- Thus
- Namely
- Here
- Before
- However
- Next
- Besides
- To begin with
- In addition to
- Beyond
- To summarize
- Opposite
- Ordinarily
- In brief
- By the way
- To the left/right
- Otherwise
- Compared to
- In comparison to
- Together with
- In conclusion
- Consequently
- Under
- Over there
- In particular
- Particularly
- Usually
- Conversely
- In short
- Coupled with
- Wherefore
- Regularly
You should make sure that transition words fall naturally into your composition to make your writing flow better.
Transition words tie your thoughts together more cohesively. Here, we have shared some sentences without and with transition words to show you the difference the transitions words make in your writing.
“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.”
Transition words: “As a result.”
“The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. All agreed it was worth it.”
“The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. Afterward, all agreed it was worth it.”
Transition word: “Afterward.”
“Joy couldn’t sleep the night before her big presentation. She needed an extra-large cup of coffee before work.”
“Joy couldn’t sleep the night before her big presentation. Therefore, she needed an extra-large cup of coffee before work.”
Transition word: “Therefore.”
“Joseph decided to stop doing her homework. She failed freshman English.”
“Joseph decided to stop doing her homework. Consequently, she failed freshman English.”
Transition word: “Consequently.”
“John, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 15 minutes. Fill up the car with gas, please.”
“John, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 15 minutes. In the meantime, fill up the car with gas, please.”
Transition words: “In the meantime.”
So, you see that you can smooth out rough edges in your writing by using transition words & phrases. However, moderation is key here too. You should use transition words in your writing where your sentences or paragraphs could benefit by using cohesive transition words.
One final note for you:
- A comma mostly follows transition words.
It is used to include a brief pause between these words and the connecting idea.
Well, that’s all we have for you in this post on the Transition Words List. We hope it would have benefited you immensely.
Now, it’s your turn to use transition words & phrases in your composition so that your writing becomes more cohesive, clear, and meaningful to the reader.
