Transition words and phrases

Words or phrases to help sequence Words or phrases to show time

ideas or transition between sentences • while
or paragraphs • meanwhile
• first... second... third... • soon
• in the first place... also... lastly • then
• after • after
• afterwards • second
• as soon as • today
• at first • later
• at last • next
• before • tomorrow
• before long • afterward
• finally • as soon as
• in the meantime • before
• later • now
• meanwhile • next week
• next • about
• soon • when suddenly
• then • during
• until
Words or phrases to show location • yesterday
• above • finally
• across
• around Words or phrases to indicate
• behind more information
• beside • besides
• between • furthermore
• in back of • in addition
• in front of • in fact
• inside
• near
Words or phrases to help conclude
• outside a piece of writing
• over
• under • in conclusion
• finally
• lastly
• to sum up

READING rockets www.readingrockets.org

Find more free resources on teaching writing on our website