A transition or linking word is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between paragraphs or sections of a text or speech.^[1] Transitions provide greater cohesion by making it more explicit or signaling how ideas relate to one another.^[1] Transitions are, in fact, "bridges" that "carry a reader from section to section".^[1] Transitions guide a reader/listener through steps of logic, increments of time, or through physical space. Transitions "connect words and ideas so that [...] readers don't have to do the mental work for [themselves]."^[2]

Definition

In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of a text or spoken language. By using these words, people can better build a sentence and convey what they are trying to say in a more concise manner.^[3]

Coordinating transitions

Elements in a coordinate relationship are equal in rank, quality, or significance.^[4] They help to show a link between equal elements.^[5]

• To show similarity or reinforce: also, and, as well as, by the same token, comparatively, correspondingly, coupled with, equally, equally important, furthermore, identically, in the light of, in the same fashion/way, likewise, moreover, not only... but also, not to mention, similarly, to say nothing of, together with, too, uniquely
• To introduce an opposing point: besides, but, however, in contrast, neither, nevertheless, nor, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, yet^[5]
• To signal a restatement:^[6] in other words, in simpler terms, indeed, that is, to put it differently

Subordinating transitions

• To introduce an item in a series:^[7] finally, first, for another, for one thing, in addition, in the first place, in the second place, last, next, second, then^[8]
• To introduce an example:^[9] for example, for instance, in particular, namely, specifically, that is
• To show causality: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for, hence, since, so, then, therefore, thus
• To introduce a summary or conclusion:^[7] actually, all in all, altogether, clearly, evidently, finally, in conclusion, of course, to sum up
• To signal a concession:^[9] certainly, granted, it is true, naturally, of course, to be sure
• To resume main argument after a concession: all the same, even though, nevertheless, nonetheless, still

Temporal transitions

• To show frequency: again and again, day after day, every so often, frequently, hourly, now and then, occasionally, often
• To show duration: briefly, during, for a long time, minute by minute, while
• To show a particular time: at six o'clock, at that time, first thing in the morning, in 1999, in the beginning of August, in those days, last Sunday, next Christmas, now, then, two months ago, when
• To introduce a beginning: at first, before then, in the beginning, since
• To introduce a middle: as it was happening, at that moment, at the same time, in the meantime, meanwhile, next, simultaneously, then
• To signal an end (or beyond): afterward/afterwards, at last, eventually, finally, in the end, later

Spatial transitions

• To show closeness: adjacent to, alongside, close to, facing, near, next to, side by side
• To show long distance: away, beyond, far, in the distance, there
• To show direction: above, across, along, away from, behind, below, down, in front of, inside, outside, sideways, to the left, to the right, toward/towards, up

Transition words of agreement, addition, or similarity

The transition words, such as also, in addition, and likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.^[10]