A transition or linking word is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between paragraphs or sections of a text or speech. Transitions provide greater cohesion by making it more explicit or signaling how ideas relate to one another. Transitions are, in fact, "bridges" that "carry a reader from section to section". Transitions guide a reader/listener through steps of logic, increments of time, or through physical space. Transitions "connect words and ideas so that [...] readers don't have to do the mental work for [themselves]."
Transitions reveal the internal structure of an author's reasoning. While they are used primarily for rhetoric, they are also used in a strictly grammatical sense for structural composition, reasoning, and comprehension. Indeed, they are an essential part of any language.
In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of a text or spoken language. By using these words, people can better build a sentence and convey what they are trying to say in a more concise manner.
Categories Transition words and phrases categories include: Conclusion, Continuation, Contrast, Emphasis, Evidence, Illustration and Sequence. Each category serves its own function, as do the keywords inside of a given category. TypeSignalsExamplesConclusion or Causalitya summation of informationtherefore; thus; in conclusion; believes; so; consequently; it can be seen that; can conclude that; claims that; all in all;Continuation more support for the same claim is coming upand; also; moreover; furthermore; plus; in addition; at the same time; as well as; equally;besides; what is more; both...and; equally important; not only...but alsoContrast a comparison of similarities and differencesbut; despite; yet; however; alternatively; still; although; unless; otherwise; not; though; while; nevertheless; by contrast; notwithstanding; rather; conversely; in spite of; on the other hand; contrarilyEmphasis what is considered important I think; above all; essentially; clearly; most of all; especially; primarily; particularly; in large measure; indeed;Evidence an upcoming backgroundbecause; for; since; the reason is that;Illustration/Exemplification an example is being given as support for a claim.for example; for instance; specifically; to illustrate; such as; In the words of; To "name"; For "name"; According to "name"; as "name" says,;Sequence there is a structure or order that has been formulated in the writingFirstly,...,Secondly,...Thirdly,...Lastly; Next; Finally; On the one hand; Recently;
Coordinating transitions Elements in a coordinate relationship are equal in rank, quality, or significance. They help to show a link between equal elements. To show similarity or reinforce: also, and, as well as, by the same token, comparatively, correspondingly, coupled with, equally, equally important, furthermore, identically, in the light of, in the same fashion/way, likewise, moreover, not only... but also, not to mention, similarly, to say nothing of, together with, too, uniquely To introduce an opposing point: besides, but, however, in contrast, neither, nevertheless, nor, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, yet To signal a restatement: in other words, in simpler terms, indeed, that is, to put it differently
Subordinating transitions To introduce an item in a series: finally, first, for another, for one thing, in addition, in the first place, in the second place, last, next, second, then To introduce an example: for example, for instance, in particular, namely, specifically, that is To show causality: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for, hence, since, so, then, therefore, thus To introduce a summary or conclusion: actually, all in all, altogether, clearly, evidently, finally, in conclusion, of course, to sum up To signal a concession: certainly, granted, it is true, naturally, of course, to be sure To resume main argument after a concession: all the same, even though, nevertheless, nonetheless, still
Temporal transitions To show frequency: again and again, day after day, every so often, frequently, hourly, now and then, occasionally, often To show duration: briefly, during, for a long time, minute by minute, while To show a particular time: at six o'clock, at that time, first thing in the morning, in 1999, in the beginning of August, in those days, last Sunday, next Christmas, now, then, two months ago, when To introduce a beginning: at first, before then, in the beginning, since To introduce a middle: as it was happening, at that moment, at the same time, in the meantime, meanwhile, next, simultaneously, then To signal an end (or beyond): afterward/afterwards, at last, eventually, finally, in the end, later
Spatial transitions To show closeness: adjacent to, alongside, close to, facing, near, next to, side by side To show long distance: away, beyond, far, in the distance, there To show direction: above, across, along, away from, behind, below, down, in front of, inside, outside, sideways, to the left, to the right, toward/towards, up
Transition words of agreement, addition, or similarity
The transition words, such as also, in addition, and likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.
additionally again also and as as a matter of fact as well as by the same token comparatively correspondingly coupled with equally equally important first furthermore identically in addition in like manner in the first place in the light of in the same fashion/way like likewise moreover not only ... but also not to mention of course second similarly then third to to say nothing of together with too uniquely what's more
See also Conjunction Level of measurement Concept map
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