Transitional Words – Phrases (List & Examples)

Transitional Words/Phrases.

DEFINITION: It is taken from the word transfer which means to take us from one idea to another. More clearly:  The transition words/phrases connect ideas and also introduce contrast, agreement, purpose, result, conclusion, etc They are the words or phrases that transfer us from one idea to another idea.
Check out conjunctions also:
Example:

• He is not only a doctor but also a pilot.
• He cooks delicious food. In fact. He is a professional chef.

These transitional words are used to show agreement, similarity, and addition.

Transition words	Example	Transition words	Example
As well as	He performs as well as the others.	Too	He has a nice car, too.
As a matter of fact	You have to struggle hard, then you will be able to compete.	Then	You have to struggle hard, and then you will be able to compete.

We use these transition words to show contrast, opposition, and limitation.

Transition words	Example	Transition words	Example
Of course….but	1. They should play the game well; otherwise, they’ll lose it. 2. We have to eat, otherwise we will be weak.	Otherwise	1. They should play the game well; otherwise they’ll lose it. 2. We have to eat, otherwise we will be weak.
On the other hand	1. They should play the game well; otherwise, they’ll lose it. 2. We have to eat, otherwise we will be weak.	Besides	Besides all the difficulties, we have to go to the party.

The following transition words present specific conditions, intentions, and purposes.

Transition words	Example	Transition words	Example
In order to	He went to the hall in order to find the man. He joined the club in order to learn to dance.	So that	He sleeps more, so he is lazy. I will bring him so that I can do the work quickly.
In the event that	He seemed so good in the event that he made his century.	With this intention	They will find the thief; with this intention, they have complained.

The following transition words are used to give examples, support, or emphasize the idea.

Transition words	Example	Transition words	Example
For instance	I can teach many languages. For instance, English, Urdu, and Spanish.	With this in mind	She got the first position. She is working hard.
Important to realize	It is important to realize that you have a healthy life.	In fact	She got the first position; in fact, she is working hard.

Related articles: Simple Present tense.

Transition words that we use to express effect, consequence, and result:

Note: We use for and because before the consequence/result.

Transition words	Example	Transition words	Example
For	They played well for the position.	Because	I let him go because he was ill.
Thus	I could not learn thus the teacher sent us out.	In that case	He smoked cigarettes; in that case, he was charged.

We use these transitional words for the conclusion, summarizing, or restatement.

Transition words	Example	Transition words	Example
Ultimately	Pakistan played well, and India did better; to sum up, they all worked hard.	In either case	Whether you do it or not, in either case, you will be at a loss.
To sum up	Pakistan played well, and India did better, to sum up, they all worked hard.	Overall	Their overall performances were good in all the matches of the tournament.

When we talk about sequence, chronology, and time, we use these transitional words.

Transition words	Example	Transition words	Example
Sooner or later	Everything was going well, but all of a sudden, something exploded.	As long as	Everything was going well, but all of a sudden, something exploded.
As soon as	We have to go as soon as possible.	All of a sudden	Everything was going well, but all of a sudden something exploded.

For mentioning the place and locations, we use these transitional words.

Transition words	Example	Transition words	Example
In the middle	They joined us in the middle of class.	Between	We offer ads between the two gaps
Next	she sits next to his sister.	Across	He came across the road after a lot of difficulties.

Use transitional words according to the given command to fill in the blanks.

• He was standing ________________________ of the road. (Place)
• There is always a chance ___________________ he is there. (time)
• His ________________ points were a bit more than his rivals. (summary)
• Sacajawea worked hard ______________ he wanted to be in the tournament’s finals. (purpose)
• ______________________ he is a teacher ____________ he is not able to address the audience. (contrast)
• There will be a problem, _________________________, they did not play the game. (support)
• They will apply for the job _______________ they will be called for an interview. (addition)
• Germany has the highest rate of literacy _____________ they support their students. (reason)