Transition & Linking Words
Transition words — also called linking words or connectors — are the signposts of good writing. They tell the reader how one idea relates to the next: whether you are adding to a point, contrasting it, drawing a conclusion, or moving through a sequence of events. Used well, they make an argument flow; used carelessly, they clutter it.
This guide groups the most useful transitions by function — addition, contrast, cause and effect, sequence, example, and conclusion — so you can reach for the right connector instead of repeating 'and' or 'but'. Each entry explains what the word signals and shows it working in a real sentence.
68 entries in this category

Transition Words — Link Your Ideas Like a Pro (However, Therefore, Moreover & More) | @MyProGrammar
Watch on YouTubeAddition
11Adds a further, often stronger point.
"The plan is costly; moreover, it is risky."
Introduces additional supporting information.
"The data is old; furthermore, it is incomplete."
Adds another related item or idea.
"In addition, all staff will receive training."
Adds a point, often a more casual one.
"Besides, we don't have the budget for it."
Adds an emphatic extra point.
"It's fast and, what's more, it's free."
Adds a similar point.
"The sauce was bland; likewise, the soup."
Introduces one more related point.
"The flat is spacious; additionally, it is bright."
Adds a further idea in a simple way.
"She sings and also plays the cello."
Joins an extra item to the main one.
"He teaches maths as well as physics."
Adds a striking extra point informally.
"It is fast, cheap, not to mention reliable."
Adds a point of the same importance.
"The design matters; equally, so does the cost."
Cause & Effect
11States a logical result or conclusion.
"It was late; therefore, we went home."
Shows a direct consequence.
"He missed the deadline; consequently, he lost the contract."
Introduces the outcome of something.
"Demand rose and, as a result, prices climbed."
A formal way to show a result or method.
"The bridge was closed; thus, traffic was diverted."
Shows a conclusion drawn from a reason.
"She trained hard; hence her victory."
Indicates action taken in response.
"Rules changed, and we adjusted accordingly."
Signals a direct result.
"Sales fell; because of this, prices were cut."
Introduces a consequence explicitly.
"The bridge is unsafe; for this reason, it is closed."
Introduces a cause, like due to.
"The match was delayed owing to heavy rain."
Attributes something to a cause.
"The delay was due to a signal fault."
A simple everyday link to a result.
"It was late, so we went home."
Conclusion & Summary
10Signals the final summing-up.
"In conclusion, the project was a success."
Introduces a brief summary.
"To sum up, we need more time and money."
Gives a general final assessment.
"Overall, the results were encouraging."
Introduces a concise restatement.
"In short, the plan failed."
Points to the final, most important result.
"Ultimately, the choice is yours."
Signals a brief recap.
"In summary, the trial was a success."
Introduces a closing statement.
"To conclude, the evidence is strong."
Gives an overall judgement.
"All in all, it was a good year."
Offers a balanced overall view.
"On the whole, the reviews were positive."
Promises a short summary.
"In brief, we succeeded."
Contrast
13Introduces a contrasting idea.
"The idea is good; however, it is expensive."
Concedes a point but states it does not change the outcome.
"It was raining; nevertheless, they played on."
Presents an opposing view or alternative.
"On the other hand, remote work saves time."
Highlights a clear difference.
"In contrast, sales fell in the second quarter."
Directly contrasts two facts in one sentence.
"He is calm, whereas she is excitable."
A formal synonym for 'nevertheless'.
"The risks are real; nonetheless, we proceed."
Introduces an opposite situation.
"Conversely, lowering prices raised demand."
Introduces a surprising contrast.
"It was simple, yet strangely effective."
Concedes a point while contrasting it.
"It rained all day; still, we enjoyed ourselves."
Accepts a fact but contrasts its result.
"The odds were poor; even so, they tried."
Firmly opposes the previous statement.
"He is not lazy; on the contrary, he works hard."
Introduces a concession, often one word.
"A useful, albeit expensive, tool."
Contrasts with the point just made.
"The results were weak; despite this, funding continued."
Example & Emphasis
11Introduces a specific example.
"Some birds, for instance the swift, rarely land."
Introduces an illustrative case.
"Citrus fruits, for example lemons, are rich in vitamin C."
Singles out one notable case.
"I enjoy fruit, in particular mangoes."
Emphasises or confirms a point.
"It was cold - indeed, it was freezing."
Points to an especially important example.
"Several cities, notably Venice, are sinking."
Introduces specific examples.
"Citrus fruits, such as lemons, are tart."
Specifies exactly what is meant.
"One player stood out, namely the goalkeeper."
Signals a clarifying example.
"To illustrate, consider a simple budget."
Emphasises or strengthens a point.
"It is cheap; in fact, it is almost free."
Marks the most important point.
"Above all, stay calm."
Emphasises something obvious.
"Clearly, the plan needs more time."
Sequence & Time
12Introduces the first point in a list.
"Firstly, let us review the budget."
Shows something happened afterwards.
"He resigned and subsequently moved abroad."
Shows something happening at the same time.
"Meanwhile, the guests waited in the hall."
Introduces the last point or event.
"Finally, we thanked everyone and left."
Indicates a later time.
"We ate first and talked afterwards."
Shows something happened after a long time.
"Eventually, the truth came out."
Marks the following step.
"Next, add the flour and stir."
Moves to the following action.
"Boil the pasta; then drain it."
Signals the next stage.
"We toured the museum; after that, we ate."
Indicates something soon followed.
"Before long, the room filled up."
Marks simultaneous actions.
"She studied and, at the same time, worked."
Introduces a condition that precedes a result.
"Once the glue dries, sand it lightly."