The list below indicates some of
the common transition words indicating logical connections between sentences
and paragraphs. The words are grouped according to the logical function they
carry out (this list is not meant to be comprehensive).
1. Words indicating a continuity with what has gone before: and, in
addition, moreover, furthermore, also, indeed, besides,
secondly, next, similarly, again, equally
important, beyond that.
2. Words indicating an example or
illustration of a point introducing evidence: for example, for
instance, as an illustration.
3. Words adding emphasis to a point
which is reinforcing a previous point: in fact, in other words, that
is, indeed, as a matter of fact.
4. Words indicating a conclusion
from or a result of what you have just been discussing: thus, hence,
therefore, consequently, as a result.
5. Words indicating a contrast with
what has just been said: but, however, nevertheless,
by contrast, on the other hand, conversely.
6. Words indicating a
qualification, doubt, or reservation about what you have just been discussing: no
doubt, of course, to be sure.
7. Words indicating a summary
statement is coming up: in short, all in all,
in brief, in conclusion, to conclude, given all this.
8. Pronoun and adjectival links to
something which has gone before: this, that, the
above-mentioned, such.
9. Words establishing time
relationships (important in narrative paragraphs): after, afterwards,
then, later, before, while, at the same time,
immediately, thereupon, next, meanwhile, subsequently,
previously, simultaneously.
10. Words indicating spatial
relationships (important in physical descriptions): above, beside,
next to, on the other side, facing, parallel,
across from, adjacent.