Grammar: Transitional Words and Phrases

Revised as of
21 Feb 2023

A transitional phrase is commonly used to connect from one paragraph to the next, to create a smooth flow of the storyline. Sometimes, a writer gets so absorbed in their storyline or topic and they leap into another idea or action that leaves the reader wondering what the heck? As a consequence, it will definitely downgrade you in my review!

Of course, that downgrade may be alleviated by your truly excellent writing, although stumbling over errors does tend to sharpen my critical thought process, making me more aware of other issues. Nor am I the only one who notices this sort of thing, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on your flow.

When you do go back and re-read your story (so far), keep in mind that the reader has no idea what’s to come. They have no idea what your future plans are. They may not remember what you’ve already told them! Your reader needs to know how your characters got to where the story is now . . . while keeping your plans for those red herrings in mind.

As for using and or but to begin a sentence, for years we’ve been told that using a coordinating conjunction this way will cause the end of the universe as we know it. In most cases, yes, using a conjunction such as and or but to initiate the next sentence should be avoided as it is usually used to connect two thoughts in one sentence. But, using this small word can grab your reader’s attention, ahem *with a grin*.

And do keep in mind that using any of these transitional elements must be natural.

Do You Need Help With Transitions?

Trust me. Everyone has to work at transitions. If your writer’s group is saying they had trouble following the storyline or the organization of your paper, that is a good indicator you need to take another look. When they use words like choppy, jumpy, abrupt, how is this related?, etc., these are more clues that you need to re-examine your transitions.

An exhaustive list is available courtesy of John Dowell at Michigan State University and Gregory M. Campbell.

Grammar Explanations is . . .

. . . an evolving list of the structural rules and principles that determines where words are placed in phrases or sentences as well as how the language is spoken. Sometimes I run across an example that helps explain better or another “also known as”. Heck, there’s always a better way to explain it, so if it makes quicker and/or better sense, I would appreciate suggestions and comments from anyone on an area of grammar with which you struggle or on which you can contribute more understanding.

If you found this post on “Transitional Phrase” interesting, consider subscribing to KD Did It, if you’d like to track this post for future updates.

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Transitional Phrase
Part of Speech: Adverb, Conjunction, Preposition, Pronoun
Definition: Single words or phrases that link ideas and help the reader connect one idea to the next. They can show relationships within a paragraph or sentence and/or between the main idea and link with the support the author provides for those ideas. Comma Usage: A transitional phrase is followed by a comma, but never preceded by a comma. Unless, it is a coordinate conjunction that is preceded by a comma when used to join two complete sentences. Positioning: A transitional phrase sits at the start of a sentence and acts like a bridge to an idea in the previous sentence. The common transitions are as a result, consequently, however, and therefore. Coordinate conjunctions that join two independent clauses are found in the middle, so to speak. POST CONTENTS: Some Examples of Transitional Phrases Use Caution With Some Transitive Words However Hereby, Herewith,Therewith Transitional Word(s) Separated into Categories Additive Addition Clarification Parallelism Repetitive, Reiterative Identification Introduction Reference Adversative Alternative Compare-and-Contrast Comparison Contrast Concession Conflict Contradiction Dismissal Adversative continued Emphasis Exception Illustrative, Exemplification Qualification Replacement Causal Cause-and-Effect Condition Cause Effect Consequence Purpose Sequential Conclusion Continuation Digression Narration, a.k.a. Process Numerical Place Pronoun Resumption Summary Review-Preview Time
Some Examples of Transitional Phrases
Legend: Green indicates the transitional phrase with its punctuation Blue indicates the transitional coordinate conjunction In summary, 70% of you will fail the course. Consequently, I cannot tolerate sloppy work. Bruce Leonard spent four years in Japan studying Kung Fu. As a result, he is often able to predict moves by Japanese opponents. Mark was separated from his twin sister when they were both one. Of course, it was often said that the girl next door looked a little like him, but no one had any reason to think they might be related. However, Bruce was unaware that the shark was only making its first pass. Just one vote can make a difference. Again, a single vote can determine the future. Vote! The volunteers have many duties. They answer phones and set up appointments. In addition, they organize thank-you bags for clients. Smog can devastate a cityscape; furthermore, studies show it can aggravate asthma and other medical conditions. During midterms and finals, Student Writing Support gets especially busy, and it is not uncommon for students to wait for over an hour to see a consultant. After the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, the movement to protect LGBT civil rights in New York and around the nation became both more visible and more powerful. Interracial couples have long faced racism in American culture. For example, as recently as 1967, interracial marriage was illegal in seventeen states. I am working on becoming healthier; specifically, I now go to the gym daily. I love my dog, but I hate it when he eats the roll of toilet paper. The more my dog misbehaves, the less likely I am to leave him home alone. While I do enjoy cooking as a hobby, I will not prepare all the food for your wedding. Just as athletes go through training drills in order to be agile on the field, so do musicians practice scales so that they can perform with ease. Not only am I taking a full course load, but I also have a job that keeps me busy. Consensus was arrived at by all of the members exclusive of those who could not vote. Credit to: Sentence
Use Caution With Some Transitive Words
However	Rule: When using however as a transitional phrase or an adverb, do not use a comma, lest you create a run-on sentence. However, you can use a semicolon before it.
Return to top or post contents	YES (as a Transitional Phrase) NO I don’t like cake. However, I love scones. I don’t like cake; however, I love scones. I don’t like cake, however, I love scones.
Hereby, Herewith, Therewith	Rule: These three words are not in common use and are prone to misuse. They are most common in legal documents and tend to sound archaic in any other context.
Transitional Word(s)
CAUTION: Care must be taken to thoroughly understand the transitional word and how it is used to ensure the easiest understanding, as these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. That’s not to say that a word in one subcategory can’t be found in another. Transitional words can be divided into general categories that help writers speed up finding the right word to use.
Additive	Definition: Adds or introduces information, shows similarity to other ideas, further clarifies ideas, etc. The additive category can be further divided into: Addition Clarification Parallelism Repetitive, Reiterative Identification Introduction Reference NOTE: Pay attention to when those transitional words must be followed by a comma.
Addition	Definition: Tells the reader that the writer is presenting two, three or more ideas in a list of items. It may be an idea that has appeared first to which more ideas are added, or it adds additional ideas to an idea(s) the writer has already mentioned. It could also be a notification or attachment of information.
Return to top or post contents	List of Conjunctive Adverbs actually addition additionally again also alternatively and and then as a matter of fact as well as well as this besides besides this either equally equally important even more finally first further furthermore important in addition in addition to this in fact in the first / second / third place in all honesty indeed in the first / second / ++ place last lastly let alone moreover much less neither next nor not only not only this, but that as well not to mention not to mention this on the other hand or second secondly still to say nothing of to tell the truth too what is more +++
Clarification	Definition: To make the connection clear, spell it out.
Return to top or post contents	i.e., in other words put another way that is that is to say to clarify to explain to put it another way to rephrase it
Parallelism	Definition: A type of repetition, it is the deliberate repetition of phrases, clauses, or whole sentences (Parallelism). More information can be found at my post “Parallel Construction“.
Return to top or post contents	NO YES The French, the Italians, Spanish, and Portuguese . . . The French, the Italians, the Spanish, and the Portuguese . . . In spring, summer, or in winter In spring, summer, or winter In spring, in summer, or in winter
Repetitive Reiterative	Definition: To ensure clarity or to aid coherence, an idea is restated or repeated using other, perhaps more familiar, words. Being repetitive with key words or phrases can connect sentences and paragraphs. While we have been cautioned about repeating words too often, there are times when it helps readers remember — think of it as a motif for your story. A.k.a. elaborative, restatement, repetition
Return to top or post contents	in other words in short stated simply that is to put it another way
	Example:
	You can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.
Identification	Definition: Identifies the idea.
Return to top or post contents	namely specifically that is that is to say thus
Introduction	Definition: Introduces the idea.
Return to top or post contents	as as an illustration by way of example especially for example for instance for one thing in particular including like notably particularly such as to illustrate
Reference	Definition: Refers to the idea.
Return to top or post contents	as for as for this considering considering this concerning concerning this on the subject of on the subject of this regarding regarding this speaking about speaking about this the fact that with regards to with regards to this
Adversative	Definition: Signals conflict, contradiction, concession, dismissal, emphasis, etc. Its various subcategories include: Alternative Compare-and-Contrast Comparison Contrast Concession Conflict Contradiction Dismissal Emphasis Exception Illustrative, Exemplification Qualification Replacement
Alternative	Definition: Two ideas can act as alternatives or substitutes for each other.
Return to top or post contents	either however neither nor on the other hand or otherwise
Compare-and-Contrast	Definition: Two ideas that can be compared to show similarities (compare) or differences (contrast).
Comparison	Definition: Connects to similar or comparable ideas. A.k.a. similarity, comparative
Return to top or post contents	also by the same token equally in a like manner in the same way likewise similarly
Contrast	A.k.a. contrastive
Return to top or post contents	after all although and yet as opposed to at the same time but but at the same time despite that even so even though for all that however in contrast in spite of instead nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding on the contrary on the other hand otherwise regardless still than though unlike yet
Concession	Definition: Acknowledges the idea.
Return to top or post contents	admittedly albeit although and still and yet be that as it may but even so despite despite this even though granted granted this however in spite of in spite of this naturally nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding notwithstanding this of course of course, it is true on the other hand regardless regardless of this still though to be sure yet
Conflict	Definition: Explores (or exposes) the conflicting or contradictory ideas. A.k.a. contradiction
Return to top or post contents	and yet but by way of contrast conversely granted however in contrast of course, it is true on the other hand still though when in fact whereas while yet
Dismissal	Definition: Dismiss the idea.
Return to top or post contents	all the same at any rate either way in any case in any event in either case in either event whatever happens whichever happens
Emphasis	Definition: Place emphasis on the idea. A.k.a. intensification
Return to top or post contents	above all besides by all means certainly doubtedly even more indeed in fact more importantly no of course surely to repeat undoubtedly without doubt yes
Exception	Definition: Indicates a topic that is not being addressed or is excluded.
Return to top or post contents	aside from barring beside except excepting excluding exclusive of other than outside of save
Illustration or Exemplification	Definition: Informs the reader that a specific, vivid examples for the purpose of adding more information to explain, persuade, define, or illustrate a general idea. It can provide solid support and strong evidence to prove the writer’s main statement as well as to stimulate the reader’s interest (Exemplification). A.k.a. example
Return to top or post contents	after all as an illustration e.g. even for example for instance in conclusion indeed in fact in other words in short it is true of course namely specifically that is thus to demonstrate to illustrate truly
Qualification	Definition: Qualify or add another point to the idea.
Return to top or post contents	almost although always frequently maybe nearly never perhaps probably
Replacement	Definition: Indicates to the reader that something is being replaced or substituted.
Return to top or post contents	at least or at least or rather rather
Causal	Definition: Shows the cause, result, effect, consequence, etc., of another. The causal category can be further divided into: Cause-and-Effect Condition Cause Effect Consequence Purpose
Cause-and-Effect	Definition: Discusses the reasons why something may have happened and can serve as lesson-delivery or cautionary tale-type phrases.
Cause	Definition: Signals a cause or reason.
Return to top or post contents	as because being that due to for for that reason forasmuch as in that in view of inasmuch as on account of owing to seeing that since because of the fact due to the fact that for the reason that for the simple reason that in view of the fact owing to the fact
Effect	Definition: Creates the effect or results in response to the cause.
Return to top or post contents	accordingly as a consequence as a result as a result of this because because of this consequently for this reason hence in consequence so much that so so much so that so that therefore thus
Condition	Definition: Indicates that state of the topic whether it is its appearance, its quality, or its working order.
Return to top or post contents	as long as even if given that granted that granting that if in case in the event that on condition on the condition that only if provided that providing that so long as unless
Consequence	Definition: Because of this idea, this idea occurs.
Return to top or post contents	if not if so in that case otherwise that being the case then under those circumstances
Purpose	Definition: The purpose of this idea is . . .
Return to top or post contents	for fear that for the purpose of for this purpose in order that in order to in the hope that lest so so as to so that to that end to the end that to this end with this in mind with this intention
Sequential	Definition: Signals a chronological or logical sequence to a logical argument. The sequential category can be further divided into: Conclusion Continuation Digression Narration, a.k.a. Process Numerical Place Pronoun Resumption Summary Review-Preview Time
Conclusion	Definition: Indicates an ending. A.k.a. conclusive, concluding
Return to top or post contents	as a final point at last eventually finally in conclusion in the end lastly to conclude to conclude with
Continuation	Definition: Indicates a carrying on of the topic whether it’s over time or in the process.
Return to top or post contents	after after this afterwards before before this eventually next previously subsequently then
Digression	Definition: Indicates to the reader that the text is stepping away from the topic temporarily. A.k.a. diversion
Return to top or post contents	by the way incidentally to change the topic
Narration	Definition: Generally organized according to time, beginning with the first step in the story or process and proceeding in time until the last step in the process. It’s natural, then, that transition words indicate that one step has been completed and a new one will begin. A.k.a. process, narrative
Return to top or post contents	after after a while after that afterwards almost always as as soon as at first at last at the end before before long by this time during earlier eventually finally formerly frequently however immediately in an instant in the beginning in the first place initially it began it started just then last lastly late later later on meanwhile nearly never next now once pretty soon previously right after since soon soon after subsequently suddenly the next step the last step the last thing then thereafter until when after __ minutes at the same time in the meantime when we finished when we were done whenever while after a few hours (days, months, years, etc.) first (second, third, etc.) firstly (secondly, thirdly, etc.) the first (second, third, etc.) step two hours (days, months, years) later
Numerical	Definition: Serves as a signal to the reader as to which point is being made.
Return to top or post contents	first of all firstly secondly thirdly at first for a start in the first (second, third, etc.) place initially to begin with to start with
Place	Definition: Things referred to by one statement can have a spatial relationship to another thing referred to be another statement. The logic that connects these two statements may be spatial in nature, typically using prepositions. A.k.a. direction, location, physical, spatial
Return to top or post contents	above adjacent to behind below beside between beyond here in in back of in front of in the distance inside nearby nearly neighboring on next to on on one side . . . on the other side on top of opposite opposite to outside over over there the least important the most important there to the left to the right under wherever
Pronoun	Definition: Serves as a link to clearly refer back to a specific word or phrase, an antecedent; although, you must be careful to ensure that readers will know to what the pronoun refers. A.k.a. thought
Demonstrative Pronoun	Definition: Indicates if something is near or far from the speaker/writer, has already been mentioned, or indicate the singular or plural pronoun.
Return to top or post contents	that this these those
Possessive Pronoun	Definition: A pronoun that indicates possession.
Return to top or post contents	her his it its our their theirs your yours
Resumption	Definition: Signals the reader that the text is returning to a previous idea.
Return to top or post contents	at any rate anyhow anyway to resume to get back to the point to return to the subject
Summary	Definition: At key points in writing, particularly at the beginning of paragraphs or sections, you’ll see a phrase, sometimes accompanied by a pronoun, that summarizes the preceding discussion. In the same sentence, a statement will be made about that summary phrase — typically this phrase will kick off the upcoming discussion, and do so in a way that the reader sees the connection between what came before and what is coming next. A.k.a. summation
Return to top or post contents	all in all altogether as I have said briefly consequently finally hence in a word in all in brief in conclusion in other words in particular in short in sum in summary on the whole overall so that is then therefore thus to be brief to sum up to summarize as has been mentioned as has been said as has been noted as was previously stated given these points in simpler terms to put it briefly to put it differently
Review–Preview	Definition: Summarizes the topic of the preceding chunk of information into a short phrase, then does the same thing for the upcoming chunk of information using the appropriate transitional word. Typically used between large chunks, e.g., between an 8-page section and a 12-page section that follows it. Think of that research paper you did in school!
Return to top or post contents	While Review–Preview is a transitional element, it relies more upon how the text or information is organized and presented, and yes, using the transitional words that have been listed in this post. There are a number of sequencing patterns you may choose to consider: General idea to more specific ideas Basic idea to more complex ideas Describing a stationary object, and then describing the object in motion Choosing a pattern of movement in describing something: from left to right; from inside to outside; or, from top to bottom Follow an event through time using a temporal sequence Concept of an idea to how it would be applied and/or giving examples of how it could be used Present data such as observations, experimental data, survey results, etc., and then move on to the conclusions that can be drawn from that data Do the reverse: present the conclusion, then provide the data that supports it Present the problem, then provide the solution Ask the question, then provide the answer Discuss an idea in its simplified form, and then discuss the technical details Start with the most important, dramatic, or eye-catching idea and progress to the least important Do the reverse: Start with the least important and build up to the climax Begin with the most convincing argument and then move on to the less convincing one Do the reverse: Start with the least convincing and build up to the most A.k.a. overview, power-level revision
Time	Definition: Shows the reader when an idea relates, follows, precedes, or occurs simultaneously with another idea or matter already mentioned by the writer. A.k.a. chronological, temporal, time sequence

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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

Satisfy your curiosity about other Grammar Explanations by exploring its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Word Confusions, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.

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Resources for Transitional Phrase

Some of these links may be affiliate links, and I will earn a small percentage, if you should buy it. It does not affect the price you pay.

“Connecting Ideas Through Transitions.” The Writing Center. University of Wisconsin-Madison. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/style/connectingideas/>.

“Exemplification.” Bucks County Community College. July 2010. Web. n.d. <http://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedialibrary/pdf/Exemplification_000.pdf>. PDF.

McMurrey, David A. Clark College. n.d. Web. n.d.

“Parallelism.” Capital Community College Foundation. n.d. Web. n.d. <ttp://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/parallelism.htm>.

“Sentence Transitions.” Quicktips. Student Writing. Center for Writing. University of Minnesota. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/transitions.pdf>. PDF.

Shrives, Craig. “Using a Comma after a Conjunctive Adverb like “However”.” Grammar Monster. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/commas_after_a_transitional_phrase.htm>.

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Pinterest Photo Credits

The Best Parkour Team in Egypt, <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2DF_EGYPT.jpg>, by Kandil1 is in the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.