Transition Word List

Words to Show Words to Add to Words That Show Words That Add
Contrast an Idea Consequence Emphasis
although additionally accordingly admittedly
besides also as a result above all
conversely again because as a rule
however as well as consequently as usual
in contrast besides due to assuredly
in comparison comparatively for this reason certainly
instead consequently for this purpose chiefly
likewise coupled with hence especially
nevertheless correspondingly otherwise granted
on the one handon
furthermore since generally speaking
the other hand
on the contrary in addition so then for the most part
other than indeed subsequently in this situation
no doubt
outside of in fact therefore
(undoubtedly)
rather identically thereupon obviously
similarly likewise this is why of course
yet moreover thus ordinarily
still similarly wherefore particularly
whereas whereas Singularly
unquestionably
usually

2. Use a Variety of Words When Citing Examples

especially for one thing in particular (particularly) specifically

chiefly as an illustration markedly this can be seen in
for/as an example illustrated with/by namely such as
for instance in this case including
Use any of these alternatives to add clarity and variety to your writing.
Easy Ways to Improve Your Essay

3. Use Different Words to Order Events and Sequence

Time

first... second... third... currently with this in mind in turn

generally... furthermore... finally during for now later on
in the first place... also... lastly earlier immediately meanwhile
to be sure... additionally... lastly eventually in the meantime next
first... just in the same way... finally finally for the time being then
basically... similarly... as well as first of all the next step simultaneously
afterward to begin with in conclusion soon
at first in the first place in time while
Use a wide variety of words to show how ideas are chronologically related.

4. Use Interesting Words When Summarizing

after all in any event in other words on balance

all in all in brief in short that is (that is to say)
all things considered in conclusion in brief therefore
briefly in essence in summary to put it differently
by and large indeed in the final analysis to sum up
hence on the whole in the long run to summarize
in any case overall namely finally
Use a wide variety of words to sum up the point you are making.

Example
Short paragraph without transition words:

Cell phones have changed our family communication for the worse. Parents complain
their teenagers spending too much time on their phone. Teenagers are annoyed that they
can't get the attention of their parents who are always working or shopping on their
phones. We need to make some changes.

Adding transition words:

Generally speaking, cell phones have changed our family communication for the worse.
Obviously, parents complain about their teenagers spending too much time on their
phones. Moreover, teenagers are annoyed that they can't get the attention of their
parents who are always working or shopping on their phones. Unquestionably, we need
to make some changes.

Improving Your Writing Over Time

Just following my tips to add transition words to your essay can often make your essay
much better and will probably improve your grade. Inevitably, as soon as I tell my
classes about this technique their writing improves dramatically. Better yet, the more
you use transition words in revision, the more you begin to add that technique to your
writing during the first draft.

Why does that help? It begins training you to think about how your ideas relate to one
another and helps you to write essays that are deeper, more connected and logical. If
you've found this technique helpful, or if you have another sentence starting technique,
please add your comments below to help out other writers.

How many times to you revise an essay?

three or more times
twice
once
I don't revise, I just write it and hand it in!
I only do revisions if my instructor requires it.
I proof-read but don't revise.