Transition words are connecting words or phrases that link ideas, sentences, or paragraphs together to create a smooth flow in writing. They help the reader understand how one thought relates to another by signaling relationships such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, time sequence, comparison, example, emphasis, and conclusion. Common categories and examples of transition words include:
- Addition: and, moreover, furthermore, also, besides
- Contrast: but, however, nevertheless, on the other hand
- Cause and Effect: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result
- Time/Sequence: first, next, finally, meanwhile, subsequently
- Comparison: similarly, likewise, in the same way
- Example: for example, for instance, to illustrate
- Emphasis: indeed, certainly, above all
- Summary/Conclusion: in conclusion, to sum up, therefore
Using transition words appropriately strengthens the coherence and clarity of writing by guiding the reader through the progression of ideas and arguments.
