Transition Words and Phrases
English transition words are essential, since they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast
or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion, etc., in the line of argument.
Agreement / Addition / Similarity
Transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with
preceding material.
in the first place
in the light of
then
together with
not only ... but also
not to mention
equally
of course
as a matter of fact
to say nothing of
identically
likewise
in like manner
equally important
uniquely
comparatively
in addition
by the same token
like
correspondingly
coupled with
again
as
similarly
in the same
to
too
furthermore
fashion / way
and
moreover
additionally
first, second, third
also
as well as
Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction
Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out
alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).
although this may be true
then again
while
otherwise
in contrast
above all
besides
however
different from
in reality
as much as
rather
on the other hand
after all
even though
nevertheless
on the contrary
but
although
nonetheless
at the same time
(and) still
instead
regardless
in spite of
unlike
whereas
even so / though
or
despite
be that as it may
(and) yet
conversely
Conclusion / Summary / Restatement
These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and/or restate ideas, or indicate a final
general statement.
as can be seen
given these
in conclusion
usually
generally
points
in short
to sum up
speaking
as has been
in brief
on the whole
in the final
noted
in essence
in any event
analysis
in a word
to summarize
in either case
all things
for the most part
on balance
all in all
considered
after all
altogether
obviously
as shown above
in fact
overall
ultimately
in the long run
in summary
ordinarily
definitely