Transitional Words

Prepared by: Reyzalyn S. Sentinellar

What are transitions and how are they used?

● transitions are phrases or words used to connect one idea to the next
● transitions are used by the author to help the reader progress from one
significant idea to the next
● transitions also show the relationship within a paragraph (or within a
sentence) between
● the main idea and the support the author gives for those ideas
● Different transitions do different things.
I planned to go to the park this Saturday.
It’s going to rain all day.
 additional information and, not only…but
also,
moreover,
furthermore,
in addition

1. We have seen the movie twice, and now

we want to see it again.

2. Students should be on time. Furthermore,

they must be prepared.
 giving examples/clarifying for example, for instance,
specifically, in particular,
the first example is,
the second example

1. He often eats strange foods. For

instance, he once ate cow brains.
2. I love fruit. In particular, I like bananas,
pineapple, and berries.
 showing a contrast but, however, on the
other
hand, otherwise,
instead, in
contrast, although

1. Bill earned an A on his essay, but Susan got a B.

2. She hates housecleaning. On the other
hand, she doesn’t mind cooking.
 showing a likewise,
comparison/similarity similarly,
in the same way,
just as, as, too,
again, thus

1. Math was hard for me in high school. Likewise, it

is hard in college.
2. Rock climbing takes much practice and skill. In
the same way, learning to write well requires a
great deal of practice.
 showing a time first, second,
sequence finally, in
conclusion, in
summary,
meanwhile, to
sum up

1. First, she went to the grocery store.

2. Second, she put many tasty treats in her cart.
3. Finally, she paid for her items.
 showing a cause so, as a
& effect result,
therefore,
thus, as a
consequence,
consequently

1. She studied hard for the exam, as a result,

she earned an “A”.
2. I forgot to set my alarm, as a consequence I
was late to school.
When we see photos of space, we are struck by its beauty;
however outer space is a deadly space for a human. For example,
a person cannot survive more than a few seconds in the vacuum of
space. In addition, Cosmic radiation damages DNA, affects the
central nervous system and causes cancer.
Consequently, Space travel for long periods of time is impossible
at the moment because astronauts would not survive the trip.