Transition Words & Phrases

Organized by purpose:

To Introduce a quotation:

• According to [Author/Source], “...”
• As [Author] states, “...”
• In discussing [topic], [Author] observes, “...”
• The passage reads, “...”

To Explain a quotation:

• This means that...
• Essentially,
• This demonstrates...
• This illustrates...
• This shows that...
• This supports the idea that...
• This proves that...

To Add Information:

• Additionally
• Furthermore
• In addition
• Also
• Not only that
• Another key point is

To Show Cause & Effect:

• Because
• As a result
• Therefore
• Consequently
• Thus
• For this reason

To Compare/Contrast:

• Similarly
• In the same way
• However
• On the other hand
• Although
• Yet
• While

To Sequence Ideas or Events:

• First, second, third
• Next
• Then
• Afterward
• Eventually
• Finally

To Emphasize:

• Most importantly
• In fact
• Indeed
• Without a doubt
• Clearly
• Above all

To Conclude:

• In conclusion
• To sum up
• Overall
• In summary
• All in all
• Ultimately