Transitional Words & Phrases
Using transitional words and phrases in IELTS Writing
Use of Transition words and phrases helps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next. Transitions enhance logical organization and understandability and improve the connections between thoughts. They indicate relations, whether within a sentence, paragraph, or paper. This list illustrates categories of “relationships” between ideas, followed by words and phrases that can make the connections: Addition: also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarlyWhen there is a trusting relationship coupled with positive reinforcement, the partners will be able to overcome difficult situations.
Consequence: accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, whereforeHighway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning.
Contrast and Comparison: contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrastThe children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care.
Direction: here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above, to the left, to the right, in the distanceShe scanned the horizon for any sign though in the distance she could not see the surprise coming her way.
Diversion: by the way, incidentallyHe stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found only on this hill.
Emphasis above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularlyThe Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting.
Exception: aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, saveConsensus was arrived at by all of the members exclusive of those who could not vote.
Exemplifying: chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such asSome friends and I drove up the beautiful coast chiefly to avoid the heat island of the city.
Generalizing: as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usuallyThere were a few very talented artists in the class, but for the most part the students only wanted to avoid the alternative course.
Illustration:
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration,
illustrated with, as an example, in this case
The chapter provided complex sequences and examples illustrated with a very simple schematic diagram.
Similarity: comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together withThe research was presented in a very dry style though was coupled with examples that made the audience tear up.
Restatement: in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differentlyIn their advertising business, saying things directly was not the rule. That is to say, they tried to convey the message subtly though with creativity.
Sequence: at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind,The music had a very retro sound but at the same time incorporated a complex modern rhythm.
Summarizing: after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finallyShe didn’t seem willing to sell the car this week, but in any case I don’t get paid until the end of the month.
Transition Words and Phrases
This structured list of commonly used English transition words — approximately 200, can be considered as quasi complete. It can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression. 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. The transition words and phrases have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although some words belong to more than one category.
There is some overlapping with preposition and postposition, but for the purpose of clarity and completeness of this concise guide, I did not differentiate.
Agreement / Addition / Similarity
The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material
.
as a matter of fact
in like manner
in addition
coupled with
in the same fashion / way
first, second, third
in the light of
not to mention
to say nothing of
equally important
by the same token
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
while
albeit
besides
as much as
even though