Transition words and phrases

Transition words and phrases help establish clear connections between ideas and ensure that sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly, making them easier to read. Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances.

To indicate more information: Besides Furthermore In addition Indeed In fact Moreover Second…Third…, etc.	To indicate an example For example For instance Particularly To demonstrate To illustrate
To indicate a cause or reason As Because Because of Due to Since=that’s why=that’s the reason why	To indicate a result or an effect Accordingly Finally Consequently, as a result Hence So Therefore Thus
To indicate a purpose or reason why For fear that In the hope that In order to So So that With this in mind	To compare or contrast: Although However In comparison In contrast Likewise Nevertheless On the other hand,…..on the other hand,… Similarly Whereas Yet
To indicate a particular time frame or a shift from one time period to another
After Before During Eventually Finally First,…Second,…, etc. Formerly Immediately	Initially Lastly Later Meanwhile Next Previously Simultaneously Soon
To summarize: Briefly In brief Summing up To put it briefly To sum up To summarize	To conclude: Given these facts Hence In conclusion So Therefore Thus To conclude

Examples:

Because it was sunny, we went to the beach. ? We went to the beach because it was sunny.

It was sunny so (therefore/ as a result/thus) we went to the beach.

Since it was raining, we stayed home. ? We stayed home since it was raining.

As I was late, I didn’t eat breakfast. ? I didn’t eat breakfast as I was late.

Due to the traffic, we were late. ? We were late due to the traffic.

Because of the traffic, we were late. ? We were late because of the traffic.

PRACTICE

Combine the two sentences using an appropriate transition word or phrase. Do not repeat transition words or phrases! Each one may only be used once!

1. We stayed inside. There was a tropical storm.

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2. Tracy failed the exam. She didn’t study.

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3. Dave had a car accident. He was sending a text.

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4. Mike is a good volleyball player. He wins many games.

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5. My flight was delayed. I didn’t make it home in time for the wedding.

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