A transition 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 "bridges" that "carry a reader from section to section." Transitions guide a reader through steps of logic, increments of time, or through physical space. Transitions "...connect words and ideas so that your readers don't have to do the mental work for you."
Definition
In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of the text or spoken language. By using the imagery of a bridge, we can see how these words take us from one statement to another. By using these words we can better build a sentence and convey what we are trying to say in a more concise manner. There is more than one type of transition word and in this section, we are going to introduce you to some of the most commonly used ones, which will give you a greater understanding of the concept.
Coordinating transitions
Elements in a relationship are equal in rank, quality, or significance. To show a link between equal elements, use a coordinating transition.
To show similarity or reinforce: and, also, too, similarly, equally, identically, equally important, together with, not only... but also, coupled with, in the light of, not to mention, as well as, furthermore, moreover, in the same fashion/ way, likewise, comparatively, correspondingly, by the same token, uniquely, to say nothing of.
To introduce an opposing point: but, however, yet, on the contrary, on the other hand, in contrast, still, neither, nor, nevertheless, besides
To signal a restatement: that is, in other words, in simpler terms, to put it differently, indeed.
Subordinating transitions
To introduce an item in a series: first, in the first place, *second, in the second place, for one thing...., for another, next, then, in addition, finally, last,
To introduce an example: in particular, specifically, for instance, for example, that is, namely
To show causality: as a result, hence, thus, so, then, because, since, for, consequently, accordingly, therefore
To introduce a summary or conclusion: in conclusion, finally, all in all, evidently, clearly, actually, to sum up, altogether, of course
To signal a concession: naturally, of course, it is true, to be sure, granted, certainly
To resume main argument after a concession: all the same, even though, still, nevertheless, nonetheless
Temporal transitions
To show frequency: frequently, hourly, often, occasionally, now and then, day after day, every so often, again and again
To show duration: during, briefly, for a long time, minute by minute, while
To show a particular time: now, then, at that time, in those days, last Sunday, next Christmas, in 1999, at the beginning of August, at six o’clock, first thing in the morning, two months ago, when,
To introduce a beginning: at first, in the beginning, since, before then
To introduce a middle: in the meantime, meanwhile, as it was happening, at that moment, at the same time, simultaneously, next, then
To signal an end : eventually, finally, at last, in the end, later, afterward
Spatial transitions
To show closeness: close to, near, next to, alongside, adjacent to, facing, side by side
