1. Created by Kathryn Reilly
Transition Words
Created by Kathryn Reilly

2. Transition Words What are transition words?
Transition words help the reader move from one idea to the next.
Transition words are idea bridges
Transitions assist the reader move from idea to idea in the paragraph or paper.

3. Categories of Transition Words
Many categories of transition words exist:
Similarity
Contrast
Addition
Illustration
Cause and Effect

4. Similarity Transition Words
Similarity transition words show similarity between ideas.
additionally also and comparatively consequently correspondingly furthermore identically in addition in the same way moreover
My favorite activities include skiing
and hiking.
Shakespeare wrote many plays. In addition, he wrote sonnets.
The experiment’s results additionally show that these substances react
negatively to sunlight.

5. Contrast Transition Words
The following transition words show contrast between two ideas:
but conversely however instead in contrast on one hand on the other hand on the contrary rather yet while whereas
In contrast to many critics, Mr. Smith
thinks Shakespeare’s worst play is Hamlet.
I believe the plant will grow without sunlight,
whereas my lab partner believes it will not.
Many students are against school uniforms. However, many adults support them.

6. Addition Transition Words
The following transition words add detail:
again also as well as besides furthermore in addition likewise similarly
Raising taxes will increase financial difficulties
for families. Again, raising taxes is a bad idea.
In addition to adding a chess program, the school will add dance and writing programs.
John Keats similarly tackled the topic of death.

7. Illustration Transition Words
The following transition words provide further examples:
for example for instance for one thing as an illustration illustrated with as an example in this case
Shakespeare created excellent villains. Iago,
for example, is particularly dastardly.
In this case, the defendant’s guilt is clear:
his fingerprints were at the scene.
As an example to prove the importance of recycling, one needs only to look at the
overflowing landfills!

8. Cause and Effect Transition Words
The following transition words explain the impact of something:
accordingly as a consequence as a result because consequently due to hence if/then then therefore thus
As a result of global warming, the polar
bears’ habitat is at great risk.
Brushing one’s teeth fights off cavities; hence,
individuals should try to brush twice daily.
If students want to do well on quizzes, then
they should complete homework assignments.