Examples of Transition Sentences: 200+ Transition Words for Clear, Cohesive Writing

Author

Arthur Andreyev is a marketing strategist with 7+ years of experience in digital growth and brand positioning. As the CMO at RankDots, he leads innovative marketing initiatives, helping shape the...

Date

Mar 20, 2025

What are transition words and why do they matter?
Types of transition words (with examples)
Transition sentence examples (with variations)
Best practices for using transition words effectively
Conclusion

Transition words and transition sentences are the unsung heroes of effective writing. They link ideas together, guiding readers through your thoughts in a clear, cohesive way.

By using transition words and phrases, you create logical connections between sentences and paragraphs, improving flow and readability. For example, notice how adding a word like "however" or "similarly" between statements instantly shows the relationship between them.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of these linking words, provide a breakdown of different types of transition words (with transition words examples in each category), and share examples of transition sentences in action.

You'll also find over 200 transition words organized by their purpose, each with a sentence example, plus best practices for using them effectively. Whether you're writing an essay, a blog post, or a report, mastering transition words will make your content easier to read and understand. Let's dive in!

What are transition words and why do they matter?

Transition words (also called linking words or transitional words) are words or short phrases that connect one idea to another, ensuring a smooth flow in writing. Common examples include words like "and," "but," "however," "for example," and "therefore." They act as bridges between sentences or paragraphs, indicating relationships such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, or sequence.

A transition sentence is a sentence that helps segue from one topic or paragraph to another. It often contains transition words or phrases to clarify the connection between the old idea and the new one. For instance:

Previous sentence: "The researchers found a significant correlation between diet and energy levels."
Transition sentence: "However,this correlation does not necessarily imply causation, as other factors could be at play."

In the example above, the transition word "However," at the start of the new sentence signals a contrast with the previous idea, preparing the reader for a nuanced point.

Why are transitions so important?

Without them, writing can feel choppy or disjointed. Transition words and sentences improve readability by eliminating abrupt jumps between ideas. They guide readers through your reasoning or narrative, which is crucial in everything from persuasive essays to business reports.

In addition, well-placed transitions can enhance clarity and emphasis, making your arguments easier to follow and your key points stand out. They even benefit SEO – content that flows logically tends to keep readers engaged longer, and well-structured writing is more likely to earn featured snippets on Google because it clearly answers questions.

Before we jump into the extensive list of transition words, let's clarify another term you might come across: transitional devices.

Transitional devices are a broad term for techniques that help carry the reader from one idea to the next. Transition words and phrases are one type of transitional device (the most direct kind).

Other transitional devices might include the repetition of key ideas, the use of synonyms, or parallel sentence structures to maintain continuity. In this guide, our focus is on transition words and phrases as concrete tools to craft smooth transitions, but keep in mind that good writing can use a combination of devices to achieve coherence.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's break down the types of transition words you can use, complete with explanations and examples in sentences. This will give you a toolbox of transition terms to choose from when connecting your thoughts.

Types of transition words (with examples)

Transition words can be categorized by the kind of relationship or transition they indicate. Below are eight major types of transition words and phrases, each serving a specific purpose. For each category, we explain the usage and provide numerous examples of transition words in sentences. These transition words examples will demonstrate how to use each term in context.

1. Agreement, addition, or similarity transitions

These transition words are used to add information, show agreement, or point out similarities with a previous idea. They signal that you are continuing along the same line of thought or reinforcing a point already made. In other words, they help the reader see that what comes next is in line with what came before. Common words in this category include additive terms like "also," "furthermore," and "moreover," as well as words that indicate similarity or agreement such as "likewise" and "similarly."

For example, if you've stated one argument and you want to add another supporting argument, you might start the next sentence with "Additionally," or "Furthermore,". If you're comparing two related points, you might use "similarly" to show the connection. These transitions keep your writing cohesive when presenting parallel ideas or building on an initial statement.

Examples of addition/agreement transition words in sentences:

also: "She is a talented painter and also an accomplished musician."
in addition: "He volunteers at the food bank. In addition, he donates to charity regularly."
furthermore: "The new software is user-friendly; furthermore, it's cost-effective for small businesses."
moreover: "The solution is not only practical but moreover, it is sustainable in the long term."
additionally: "The report provides insights into consumer behavior. Additionally, it suggests strategies for improvement."
and: "I need to finish my essay, and I have to prepare for my presentation."
as well as: "The course covers theory as well as practical applications."
too: "I enjoy classic literature, and I love modern novels too."
not only ... but also: "She not only earned her degree but also published two papers as a student."
indeed: "The book is difficult to understand; indeed, many find its concepts abstract."
in fact: "I thought the test would be hard. In fact, it turned out to be quite easy."
similarly: "The marketing campaign boosted sales for Product A. Similarly, it increased awareness of our brand overall."
likewise: "He studied for hours; likewise, his classmates dedicated a lot of time to revision."
by the same token: "Recycling can help reduce waste; by the same token, reusing items can minimize consumption."
equally important: "Quality is essential, but meeting the deadline is equally important."
comparatively: "This task is challenging. Comparatively, the previous task was simple."
in the same way: "Just as exercise improves physical health, in the same way, reading improves the mind."
in like manner: "The first experiment showed promising results. In like manner, the follow-up experiment confirmed the findings."
coupled with: "High inflation, coupled with stagnant wages, has squeezed household budgets."
together with: "The CEO, together with the board members, presented the new strategy."
first, second, third: "First, gather all necessary data. Second, analyze the trends. Third, report the findings clearly."
not to mention: "The hotel has an amazing view, not to mention excellent service."
to say nothing of: "The project will be costly, to say nothing of the time it will consume."
besides (in addition): "Besides his full-time job, he also freelances on weekends."
as a matter of fact: "I thought I had lost my keys. As a matter of fact, they were in my pocket all along."
of course (agreeing): "We have to pay taxes—of course, everyone understands that responsibility."

(These words and phrases help you layer points and indicate that you're continuing in the same vein. They prevent your writing from feeling like a list of unrelated statements by explicitly tying related ideas together.)

2. Opposition, limitation, or contradiction transitions

Transition words in this category signal a contrast, contradiction, or exception to what was stated before. Use these when you want to introduce an opposing idea, acknowledge a limitation to your argument, or highlight a difference. Common transitions for opposition include "however," "but," "on the other hand," "in contrast," and "nevertheless." Words like "although," "even though," and "despite" indicate concessions or unexpected results, showing that something happened in spite of a hurdle.

These transitions prepare the reader for a change in direction. For instance, after a positive statement, you might use "however" to introduce a point that conflicts with or limits the previous point. They are crucial for nuanced writing because they allow you to address counterarguments or complexities rather than presenting one-sided ideas.

Examples of contrast/contradiction transition words in sentences:

however: "The product is high quality; however, its price is quite steep."
but: "I wanted to go for a jog, but it started raining heavily."
on the other hand: "Online classes offer flexibility. On the other hand, some students miss the in-person interaction."
in contrast: "Her brother is very outgoing. In contrast, she is rather shy."
conversely: "I expected the exam to be hard. Conversely, it turned out to be easy."
instead: "We decided not to go out for dinner. Instead, we cooked a meal at home."
yet: "The team was inexperienced, yet they won the championship against all odds."
nevertheless: "The travel conditions were harsh. Nevertheless, the expedition was a success."
nonetheless: "It was raining, but the event continued nonetheless."
still: "The evidence was against him; still, he maintained his innocence."
even so: "The new policy has critics; even so, it has significantly improved efficiency."
even though: "Even though she felt ill, she completed the marathon."
although: "Although the recipe is simple, the dish turned out delicious."
though: "He apologized. Though it was an accident, it caused a big mess."
despite: "Despite the team's efforts, they could not secure the win."
in spite of: "In spite of heavy traffic, we arrived on time."
regardless: "We will proceed with the plan, regardless of the difficulties."
notwithstanding: "Notwithstanding his injury, the athlete performed impressively."
be that as it may: "The weather forecast predicts rain. Be that as it may, the festival will continue as planned."
on the contrary: "I don’t dislike classical music. On the contrary, I listen to it often."
then again: "I think I'll stay home tonight. Then again, maybe a little outing would be nice."
at the same time (in a contrasting sense): "She is strict with her students but at the same time very caring towards them."
after all (in a persuasive/contrary sense): "We shouldn’t be too hard on him. After all, he’s just a beginner."
unlike: "Unlike the quiet morning, the afternoon was bustling with activity."
whereas: "He enjoys formal attire, whereas his brother prefers casual clothes."
besides (as "except" or "other than"): "Besides you, no one else knows the secret."

(Use these to introduce a different perspective or an exception. They help acknowledge complexity, showing that you have considered multiple sides of an issue or that conditions vary.)

3. Cause, condition, or purpose transitions

This group of transition words is all about showing cause-and-effect relationships, conditions, or intent/purpose. They answer questions like why? under what circumstances? or for what purpose? If you want to explain the reason something happened, or state a condition under which something will happen, these transitions are your go-to. Likewise, if you're explaining the aim of an action, purpose transitions are helpful (e.g., "so that," "in order to").

Common cause-and-effect transitions include "because," "since," "therefore," and "thus." Conditional words include "if," "unless," "provided that." Purposeful transitions often use infinitive structures or phrases like "in order to," "so that," and "for the purpose of."

Examples of cause/condition/purpose transition words in sentences:

because: "The event was postponed because the venue was double-booked."
since (as cause): "Since it's raining, the picnic will be rescheduled."
as (because): "As the project was behind schedule, we allocated extra resources to it."
therefore: "The demand exceeded supply; therefore, prices went up."
thus: "He broke the curfew; thus, he was grounded for a week."
hence: "The engine overheated, hence the warning light on the dashboard."
so (as a result): "My phone battery died, so I couldn’t call you."
consequently: "She didn’t submit her assignment on time. Consequently, her grade suffered."
in order to: "He worked two jobs in order to save money for a new car."
so that: "I arrived early so that I could get a good seat."
for the purpose of: "They hired an expert for the purpose of improving team performance."
with the intention of: "She moved to the city with the intention of finding better job opportunities."
to this end: "The company wanted to reduce waste. To this end, they started a recycling program."
if: "If it stops raining, we will continue the outdoor event."
unless: "We’ll be on schedule unless there are unexpected delays."
provided that: "You can borrow my car provided that you drive carefully."
on the condition that: "They agreed to fund the project on the condition that results are shared with them."
in the event that: "In the event that I am late, start the meeting without me."
as long as: "You can take a break as long as you finish your work afterward."
otherwise (implying or else): "We should leave now, otherwise we’ll hit rush hour traffic."
in case: "Take an umbrella in case it rains later."
lest: "She backed up the data lest it be lost during the update."
given that: "Given that he is new to the job, he's doing quite well."
granting (that): "Granting that this method works, we should still prepare a backup plan."
even if: "Even if the odds are slim, it's worth trying."
with this in mind: "She explained the theory first. With this in mind, the experiment procedures became clearer."
in view of: "In view of recent events, the policy has been revised."

(These transitions clarify why something happens (cause), under what conditions it happens (condition), or what the goal is (purpose). They are essential for explaining logic and reasoning in writing.)

4. Examples, support, or emphasis transitions

This category of transition words helps when you are providing examples, offering support/evidence, or emphasizing a point. These transitions tell the reader, "here comes an example" or "this is important" or "let me illustrate that point further." They are useful for backing up claims with evidence, highlighting key arguments, or adding illustrative details.

Common example signals include "for example," "for instance," "to illustrate," and "such as." To add emphasis or reinforce a point, you might use phrases like "indeed," "in fact," "notably," "important to realize," or "as a matter of fact." Some of these phrases can overlap with addition transitions, but their main function is to draw attention to the significance of what follows or to show that it exemplifies the preceding statement.

Examples of example/support/emphasis transition words in sentences:

for example: "There are many ways to improve your health. For example, you can start by walking 30 minutes a day."
for instance: "Many musicians have day jobs. For instance, my guitar teacher is also a software developer."
such as: "Wild berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants."
to illustrate: "Global temperatures are rising; to illustrate this, scientists point to the increasing frequency of heatwaves."
to demonstrate: "Our product is very durable. To demonstrate its strength, we ran it over with a car and it still worked."
to clarify: "He was late to the meeting—to clarify, I mean he arrived an hour after the start time."
in other words: "She has a very selective palate. In other words, she's a picky eater."
that is to say: "The patient has bradycardia; that is to say, a slower than normal heart rate."
namely: "Three students, namely John, Sarah, and Lee, were chosen for the exchange program."
indeed: "The artist’s work is stunning. Indeed, his latest exhibit attracted global attention."
in fact: "She is a known advocate for environmental protection. In fact, she founded a conservation charity."
as an illustration: "The science is complex. As an illustration, consider how quantum particles behave unpredictably."
particularly: "Volunteer work can be very rewarding, particularly when you see the positive impact on others."
specifically: "The campaign targeted young adults, specifically those aged 18 to 24."
notably: "Several candidates performed well in the interview, notably the two with prior experience."
in particular: "I love outdoor activities; in particular, hiking is my favorite."
especially: "Dark leafy greens are very nutritious, especially spinach and kale."
indeed: "He has traveled to over 50 countries. Indeed, he spent the last decade living abroad."
truly: "The team’s performance was truly exceptional this season."
certainly: "She is certainly the most qualified candidate for the job."
to put it another way: "Our revenue has doubled this quarter. To put it another way, the company is growing at an unprecedented rate."
in simpler terms: "The legislation is quite complex. In simpler terms, it's a law that will change how we pay taxes."
what's more: "The new smartphone is very fast. What's more, its battery lasts twice as long as the previous model."
on the positive side: "We didn't win the contract. On the positive side, we gained valuable experience from the bidding process."
on the negative side: "The project was delivered on time. On the negative side, it went over budget."
with this in mind: "The teacher explained the theory first. With this in mind, the lab exercise made more sense."
important to realize: "It’s important to realize that success often requires persistence as much as talent."
another key point: "The data shows a sales increase. Another key point is that customer satisfaction also improved."
first and foremost: "We have many priorities. First and foremost, we must meet the project deadline."
above all: "Above all, remember to stay calm during the interview."
by all means (as an emphasis "go ahead"): "If you want to lead the project, by all means, feel free to do so."
indeed (repeated for emphasis, ensure unique example): "She is an expert in her field; indeed, her opinions are highly respected."
to be sure: "We have more funding this year. To be sure, budget constraints could still arise."
of course (emphasizing an obvious point): "We must, of course, adhere to the safety guidelines during the experiment."
must be remembered: "It must be remembered that every contestant has worked very hard to get here."
point often overlooked: "A point often overlooked in debates about education is the importance of parental involvement."
not to mention (emphasis/addition): "The movie was fun, not to mention the soundtrack was fantastic."

(These transitions let you provide evidence or examples to back up your statements, or to underscore why a point is important. They act like arrows pointing at your idea, saying "look at this closely" or "here's what I mean.")

5. Effect, consequence, or result transitions

Use these transition words to show the results or outcomes of a previous statement. They help you explain what happened because of something else. This category is closely related to cause-and-effect, but here we focus on the effect or consequence part of the relationship.

For example, if you make a statement and then want to describe its impact, you'd likely start the next sentence with a word like "therefore," "as a result," or "consequently." These words signal that what follows is a consequence of the prior discussion. They are essential when drawing conclusions or explaining implications.

Examples of effect/consequence transition words in sentences:

therefore: "She had all the necessary qualifications; therefore, she was offered the job."
as a result: "It snowed heavily overnight. As a result, school was cancelled in the morning."
consequently: "He forgot to set his alarm. Consequently, he overslept and missed the meeting."
thus: "The evidence was inadmissible, thus the case was dismissed by the judge."
hence: "The company grew rapidly in the last quarter; hence, they're hiring more staff now."
accordingly: "The client requested changes; accordingly, we revised the design."
resultingly: "The experiment failed to produce the expected chemical reaction, resultingly leading the team to revisit their hypothesis."
so (therefore): "I was the most junior employee, so I got assigned the tedious tasks."
then (as a logical result): "If the patient does not respond to treatment, then we will consider surgery."
because of this: "The city invested in public transport. Because of this, traffic congestion has eased."
as a consequence: "The factory neglected safety protocols. As a consequence, it had to shut down temporarily."
for this reason: "His work performance has been excellent. For this reason, he earned a promotion."
in effect: "The new regulations come into play next month; in effect, this means all employees must undergo training."
thusly: "The team analyzed the data and thusly concluded that the hypothesis was correct." (Note: "thusly" is less common in formal writing, often "thus" suffices.)
thereupon: "The CEO resigned, and thereupon the company announced a restructuring."
henceforth: "The software license expired; henceforth, users will need to renew to continue access."
wherefore (archaic/formal for "for which reason"): "The contract was breached, wherefore the client sought legal remedy." (Rarely used in modern writing, but you might see it in legal or literary contexts.)

(These transitions clearly signal that you're explaining outcomes. They help when drawing conclusions or pointing out the implications of the points you've made.)

6. Conclusion, summary, or restatement transitions

When it's time to wrap up your thoughts, summarize the key points, or restate an idea for emphasis, conclusion transitions come into play. These words and phrases indicate that you're about to conclude or summarize what has been said. They help the reader know that this is a wrapping-up moment or a reiteration of important insights.

Common conclusion or summary transitions include "in conclusion," "to sum up," "in summary," "overall," and "ultimately." Restatement phrases like "in other words" or "to put it differently" rephrase a point for clarity (we saw some of those in the emphasis category as well, since they can both emphasize and clarify).

Using these at the end of a paragraph or piece of writing helps reinforce your message and ensure the reader didn't miss the main takeaways.

Examples of conclusion/summary transition words in sentences:

in conclusion: "In conclusion, implementing renewable energy sources can significantly reduce operational costs."
to sum up: "To sum up, exercise, diet, and sleep are all essential to maintaining good health."
in summary: "In summary, the research confirms that early education has lasting positive effects."
to summarize: "To summarize, we achieved our quarterly targets despite the challenges."
in closing: "In closing, I want to thank everyone who helped make this project a success."
overall: "Overall, customer feedback has been very positive about the new product."
all in all: "All in all, it was a rewarding experience for everyone involved."
on the whole: "On the whole, our company has had a successful year."
in the end: "In the end, what matters most is that we learned from our mistakes."
ultimately: "Ultimately, the decision rests with the board of directors."
therefore (as a concluding inference): "The data shows a clear trend; therefore, we will adjust our strategy accordingly."
thus (summing up): "Thus, it is evident that early intervention can improve outcomes for students."
as can be seen: "As can be seen from these examples, even small savings can add up over time."
given these points: "Given these points, it's clear that we need to invest more in cybersecurity."
in light of this: "In light of this analysis, the committee has decided to revise the proposal."
all things considered: "All things considered, our trip was a success despite a few minor issues."
generally speaking: "Generally speaking, handheld devices have become more powerful than computers of the past."
on balance: "On balance, the benefits of the policy outweigh the disadvantages."
by and large: "By and large, novice writers struggle with the same issues of organization."
in a nutshell: "In a nutshell, we have to work harder and spend smarter to increase profits."
in the final analysis: "In the final analysis, what matters is customer satisfaction."
ultimately: "Ultimately, good communication is key to the success of the project." (reiterating ultimately to ensure it's represented; avoid in final text duplicate or ensure context differs if needed.)
lastly: "Lastly, remember to proofread your essay for any grammatical errors."

(Conclusion transitions help signal closure. They are very useful in essay writing or reports when you want to neatly wrap up a section or the entire piece.)

7. Time, chronology, or sequence transitions

Time transitions help readers understand when something happened or the order of events. They are essential in narrative writing, process descriptions, or any context where chronology is important. They answer when? or in what sequence? and keep events or ideas organized in a timeline.

Common time transitions include words like "first," "next," "then," "finally" for sequence, and other terms like "before," "after," "meanwhile," "subsequently," "eventually," etc., to indicate timing or simultaneity. Some can indicate frequency ("often," "occasionally," "from time to time") or duration ("temporarily," "forever").

Using these words helps the reader follow the progression of time or steps in your writing, which is crucial for clarity in storytelling, instructions, or historical accounts.

Examples of time/sequence transition words in sentences:

first, second, third...: "First, wash your hands. Second, chop the vegetables. Third, heat the pan."
to begin with: "To begin with, introduce yourself to the group."
next: "We finished the initial design. Next, we will test the prototype."
then: "Mix the dry ingredients, then add the eggs and milk."
finally: "Finally, after months of planning, the event took place successfully."
lastly: "Lastly, double-check all the calculations before submission."
before: "Before you leave the house, make sure all the lights are off."
after: "After the meeting, we will send out a summary of decisions."
earlier: "She mentioned the plan earlier in the meeting, but we discussed it in detail later."
previously: "Previously, he worked as a teacher before moving into administration."
prior to: "Prior to the advent of the internet, information spread much more slowly."
afterward: "We had a brief training session. Afterward, everyone felt more prepared."
meanwhile: "The main course is baking in the oven. Meanwhile, let's prepare the salad."
in the meantime: "The new equipment will arrive next week. In the meantime, we’ll use the old setup."
simultaneously: "The orchestra played while the dancers simultaneously performed on stage."
at the same time: "The two debates took place at the same time in different venues."
eventually: "It took some time, but eventually, we found a solution to the problem."
gradually: "Gradually, the days became longer as spring approached."
soon: "Soon, the results of the election will be announced."
later: "She decided to take a gap year and continue her studies later."
immediately: "When the fire alarm rang, everyone exited the building immediately."
suddenly: "The sky was clear, but suddenly, a storm rolled in."
shortly: "The CEO will speak shortly, please take your seats."
at the present time / currently: "Currently, we are not accepting new applications due to high demand."
now: "Now is the time to review what we've learned."
in a moment: "I’ll explain the next steps in a moment."
from time to time: "He likes to travel to the countryside from time to time for some peace and quiet."
occasionally: "Occasionally, the software updates might cause minor disruptions."
sooner or later: "Sooner or later, you will have to finish that project you’ve been putting off."
once: "Once the data is verified, we can publish the report."
until: "We waited until everyone arrived before starting the meeting."
till: "I’ll be here till 5 PM if you need any help."
when: "When the timer goes off, take the cake out of the oven."
whenever: "Whenever I visit my grandparents, we bake cookies together."
while: "While I was on the phone, the dog jumped over the fence."
as soon as: "Call me as soon as you get any news."
by the time: "By the time we got to the theater, the movie had already begun."
temporarily: "The service will be temporarily unavailable during maintenance."

(Time transitions keep your writing chronological. They are especially useful in narratives, procedural writing (like recipes or how-to guides), and historical writing.)

8. Space or location transitions

Space or location transitions help describe where things are in relation to each other. They are particularly useful in descriptive writing, allowing you to guide the reader through physical space. If you're describing a scene, the layout of a place, or the position of objects, these transitions provide spatial clarity.

Common spatial transitions include words like "above," "below," "next to," "behind," "in front of," "nearby," and "beyond." They tell the reader where something is situated. For example, in a descriptive paragraph about a room, you might say "To the left of the doorway, a bookshelf stood tall. In the corner, an old rocking chair sat empty."

Using location transitions creates a mental map for the reader, making your descriptions easier to visualize.

Examples of space/location transition words in sentences:

above: "The painting hung above the fireplace, drawing all eyes as you entered the room."
below: "Below the deck, we could hear the sound of waves against the hull."
beneath: "The children hid beneath the large oak table during hide-and-seek."
under: "He found his shoes under the bed where his cat had dragged them."
on top of: "A stack of papers lay on top of the printer."
underneath: "She kept a spare key underneath the welcome mat."
beside: "The hospital is beside the park on Main Street."
next to: "He sat next to his best friend during the ceremony."
adjacent to: "Our office is adjacent to a quaint coffee shop."
behind: "Behind the old wooden shed, they discovered a hidden garden."
in front of: "A tall oak tree stands in front of the house, providing shade."
to the left/right of: "To the left of the stage, the band waited for their cue."
on the other side of: "On the other side of the river, wild horses were grazing."
in the middle of: "There was a fountain in the middle of the plaza."
at the end of: "At the end of the corridor, you'll find the conference room."
in the distance: "In the distance, mountains rose against the horizon."
farther: "Farther down the road, you will see a big red barn."
further (on): "Further along the trail, we encountered a beautiful waterfall."
beyond: "Beyond the hills, a small village comes into view."
near: "They live near the coast, enjoying cool breezes every evening."
nearby: "I realized I was lost, but luckily a park ranger station was nearby."
in the background: "In the background of the photo, you can see the skyline of the city."
in the foreground: "In the foreground of the painting, a family is having a picnic."
throughout: "Trees are scattered throughout the meadow."
around: "She wrapped a scarf around her neck to keep warm."
between: "There is a small garden between the two buildings."
amid: "Amid the chaos of the city, there are pockets of tranquility."
among: "The cabin was hidden among the trees."
where (as a spatial connector): "This is where the two paths converge into one."
wherever: "Wherever you look in this town, there are flowers blooming."

(Spatial transitions guide the reader's eye through a scene. They are perfect for any writing that needs to describe locations or give directions, ensuring the reader can picture the layout or setting being described.)

Note

Some transition words can fall into more than one category depending on context. For example, "while" can indicate time ("while I was cooking, the phone rang") or contrast ("while it’s true that the product is expensive, it lasts much longer than cheaper models"). The lists above cover the most common usage for each transition.

Now, let's look at full transition sentence examples to see how these words work in context, and how changing a transition word can alter the meaning of a sentence.

Transition sentence examples (with variations)

Transition sentences often come in pairs: the sentence that comes before sets up an idea, and the transition sentence follows, starting with a transition word or phrase to show how it relates.

Below are some examples of transition sentences in action. Each example shows two sentences — the second sentence begins with a transition that connects it to the first.

I make it a priority to wake up an hour early every day. Yet, I still end up being late to work twice a week.
Explanation: The transition "Yet" at the start of the second sentence signals a contrast. Despite the effort mentioned in the first sentence, an unexpected outcome (being late) is described in the second.
Most of the team agreed on the plan. However, a few members voiced concerns.
Explanation: "However" introduces a contradiction to the first sentence. The transition sentence indicates that in spite of general agreement, there is an opposing point (some concerns).
The first experiment showed promising results with the new drug. Similarly, the second trial confirmed its effectiveness.
Explanation: "Similarly" signals that the second sentence will describe something in line with the first. It emphasizes that the outcome of the second trial was like the first, reinforcing the point.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, mix the dry ingredients while the oven heats.
Explanation: "Then" indicates a sequence in time. The transition sentence here tells the reader the next step in the process, following the instruction in the first sentence.
Our guests arrived 15 minutes late. Therefore, we couldn't let them in to see the show.
Explanation: "Therefore" introduces a result. The second sentence explains the consequence (not being allowed in) that directly follows from the situation in the first sentence (the guests were late).
She always finds creative ways to entertain her party guests. For instance, her last party featured a live magic show for everyone to enjoy.
Explanation: "For instance" signals an example. The second sentence provides a specific example (a live magic show) to support the general statement in the first sentence about her creativity in entertaining.

In each of the pairs above, the transition word in the second sentence makes the relationship clear: contrast, addition, sequence, cause-and-effect, or example.

Now, consider how changing the transition word can change the meaning of the transition sentence. Below is a single idea presented with different transition words to show various relationships:

Base idea: We love trying new restaurants and cuisines. (first sentence)

Recently, we tried two new Italian restaurants downtown.
Therefore, we tried two new Italian restaurants downtown.
In fact, we tried two new Italian restaurants downtown.

In the examples above, the first sentence is the same, but the transition at the beginning of the second sentence changes the nuance:

"Recently" indicates a time frame (when we tried the restaurants – it happened recently).
"Therefore" implies a cause-and-effect (perhaps implying that because we love trying new food, the result is that we went to two new restaurants).
"In fact" adds a point of emphasis or confirmation (it emphasizes or confirms the extent of how much we love trying new restaurants by giving a real example).

As you can see, choosing a different transition word can slightly or dramatically alter the message of your transition sentence. It's important to pick a transition that accurately reflects the relationship you intend to convey between the two sentences or ideas.

Best practices for using transition words effectively

Transition words are powerful tools for clarity, but like any tool, they need to be used correctly. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when integrating transition words and sentences into your writing:

Use transitions to clarify relationships, not obscure them: Choose a transition that matches the logical relationship you want to convey. If you're adding information, use addition transitions (e.g. also, moreover). For contrast, use opposing transitions (e.g. however, on the other hand). The transition should make it easier for the reader to understand your point, not confuse them.
Avoid overusing transition words: While transitions are helpful, too many can make writing feel mechanical or overly formal. You don't need a transition in every single sentence. Use them at key points — for example, at the start of a new paragraph or when introducing a significant new idea — rather than in every line. Overuse can also come across as repetitive or may even be seen as keyword stuffing if you're writing for SEO. Make sure each transition word earns its place.
Vary your transition words: If you find yourself using "however" or "for example" repeatedly, mix it up. There are many options to choose from (as this guide demonstrates with 200+ examples). Using a variety of transitions keeps your writing engaging and prevents it from sounding monotonous. It also ensures that the reader doesn't gloss over them due to repetition.
Pay attention to punctuation: When a transition word or phrase starts a sentence, it is often followed by a comma (e.g. "However, the results were inconclusive."). Conjunctive adverbs like however, therefore, moreover, etc., and longer transitional phrases usually require a comma after them when they begin a sentence. If a transition word connects two independent clauses in one sentence, a semicolon + comma may be needed (e.g. "The deadline was tight; however, we managed to finish on time."). Always check the grammatical usage to ensure your sentence is correctly punctuated.
Use transition sentences to link paragraphs: Beyond individual words, remember that a whole sentence can serve as a transition. Often, the first sentence of a new paragraph will reference the previous paragraph's idea while introducing a new one. This technique is especially useful in essays and articles. For instance, a transitional sentence might begin, "Despite the challenges discussed in the previous section, there are clear benefits to the new policy..." This signals to the reader that you're shifting from challenges (earlier paragraph) to benefits (new paragraph) while maintaining continuity.
Ensure transitions are contextually appropriate: Some transition words have very similar meanings (e.g. nevertheless vs. nonetheless, or for example vs. for instance). In most cases, they can be used interchangeably, but slight differences in formality or context might make one a better choice. Be mindful of the tone of your piece. For instance, "to illustrate" might fit better in a formal essay, while "for instance" works well in both formal and informal contexts.
Practice using transitions for a smoother flow: One way to test your use of transitions is to read your writing out loud. If you find that ideas jump abruptly without clear signals, consider adding a transition. Conversely, if the writing sounds overly padded, see if any transitions are unnecessary. With practice, you'll get a feel for how much transitioning your writing needs.
Revise for clarity: After writing a draft, review how each paragraph and sentence connects to the next. Transition words are often added during revisions to improve clarity. Ensure that each transition word or sentence clearly points to the preceding idea and the next idea, forming a logical bridge. If something feels off, try a different transition or reword the sentence.

By following these best practices, you can make your use of transition words nearly seamless, so the reader almost doesn't notice the transitions — they simply appreciate how easily they are able to follow your train of thought.

Conclusion

Transition words and transition sentences are essential ingredients of coherent writing. They guide readers through the labyrinth of your ideas, ensuring no one gets lost along the way.

By understanding the different types of transition words and how to use them (as we've covered with our extensive examples above), you can elevate the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Whether you need to show contrast, add an example, emphasize a point, or indicate sequence, there's a transition word or phrase ready to do the job. Remember to use them thoughtfully and sparingly, and your writing will flow smoothly from one idea to the next.

With over 200 transition word examples at your fingertips, you're now equipped to create clear, cohesive, and compelling content. Happy writing!