Transition Words

  • this entry supports SAT Writing
  • Transition words are also referred to as "linking words"
    • linking words connect thoughts or sentences.


General Characteristic of Transition Words

    • does it support (POSITIVE)
    • or does it contradict (NEGATIVE)
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
expands contrasts
explains contradicts
restates states an opposite
adds information offers alternative
gives example Says "yes... but"
compares
draws a conclusion from
follows chronologically or creates a sequence

Transition Word Translations & Meanings

Positive Transition Word Translations

TRANSITION WORD TRANSLATION(s) / SYNONYMS
Accordingly as a result, consequently, hence, therefore, thus; may also mean "correspondingly"
Additionally / In addition / In addition to / additionally also, as well, furthermore, moreover
Afterward next, subsequently, then
Also additionally, as well, furthermore, moreover; may also mean "equally"
As a result Accordingly, consequently, correspondingly, hence, therefore;
As a rule generally, normally, ordinarily, usually
As Such "if so, then"; by definition, essentially
At any rate "well, any way..."
Consequently Accordingly, as a result, correspondingly, hence, therefore
Finally eventually, at the end, in conclusion
For "having a purpose", a reason (note: "for" is a preposition, so it is more likely to be used as "for this reason")
For example for instance, like, such as
For instance as an example, for example, such as
For these reasons because, because of, due to, since
Fortunately "good thing that"; happily, luckily, thankfully
Furthermore additionally, also, as well, moreover
Hence accordingly, consequently, for this reason, that being the case, therefore, thus
In broad terms generally, in a larger sense, loosely speaking, overall
In conclusion to sum up, finally
In effect effectively, essentially, for all practical purposes, practically
In fact "as a matter of fact", "that is to say"
In other words "explained differently"
In short "to summarize", overall
Indeed "as a matter of fact", actually
Like for instance, likewise, similar to
Likewise "by the same token," like, similarly, the same as
Moreover additionally, as well, furthermore
Similarly comparably, correspondingly, likewise
Specifically particularly, precisely
Subsequently after, next, then, thereafter, thereupon
Then after, next, thereafter, thereupon, subsequently
Therefore accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, thus
To these ends "for that reason", "in order to [accomplish that]"
Thus accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, therefore

Negative Transition Word Translations

TRANSITION WORD TRANSLATION(s) / SYNONYMS
Alternatively on the other hand, conversely, in contrast
Although despite the fact, even though, however, not withstanding, while
At any rate anyhow, anyway, in any event, nevertheless
At the same time even so, meanwhile
Besides apart from, aside from, not including, on top of that; may also mean "except for"
By contrast compared to, next to
Conversely alternatively, on the other hand
Despite / Despite this in spite of, regardless of, though, "without being affected by"; also may mean "in contrast to"
However although, but, even so, though, still, yet
In any case whatever happens, anyway
In contrast by comparison, conversely, the opposite
Instead alternatively, rather, in place of
Meanwhile for the time being, for now
Nevertheless "still" or "yes, but"; at any rate, anyhow, anyway, in any event, nonetheless, regardless, yet
Nonetheless "yes, but"; in spite of, nevertheless, regardless, yet
On one hand / On the other hand = suggests a contrast
Regardless anyway, all the same, despite just the same, nevertheless, still
Though anyhow, despite, even though, "for all that"
Whatever "at all" (as in "whatever good it does")
Whether = sets up a comparison or contrast ("whether or not I go...")
While whereas (a contrast)
Yet although, even so, however, just the same, in spite of, nevertheless, nonetheless, still

Alternative Categorizations of Transition Words

CATEGORY EXAMPLES
Chronology or sequence finally, meanwhile, next, suddenly
Location or relation alongside, beyond, further
Example or illustration for example, for this reason, in other words, in this case, in particular (some are similar to causal transition words)
Agreement, affirmation, emphasis and, also, clearly, equally importantly, especially, furthermore, importantly, in fact, indeed, moreover, undoubtedly
Comparison: positive (similarity) as well, likewise, similarly,
Comparison: negative (contrast, contradiction) despite, even though, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, while, yet
Cause, purpose, intention because of, in order to, since
Effect or result accordingly, as a result, consequently, due to, for the purpose of, hence, in order to, owing to, since, so, therefore
Conclusion all things considered, finally, in conclusion, in general, overall, to summarize, ultimately