Transition Words and Phrases

Examples

• and not only . . .
• but also
• also
• moreover (more formal)
• furthermore (more formal) in
• addition (more formal)

• We have seen the movie twice, and now we want to see it again.
• Not only did my brother break his leg, but he also bruised his rib.
• My friend speaks Korean and English. She also speaks Chinese.
• Cheating is dishonest. Moreover, it hinders students from learning.
• Students should be on time. Furthermore, they must be prepared.
• You must complete this essay by 5 p.m. In addition, you must do the exercises on page 47.

• for example
• for instance
• specifically
• in particular
• The first (second, another, etc.) example/reason is . . .

• I have been to many countries. For example, I have been to Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Spain.
• He often eats strange foods. For instance, he once ate cow brains.
• I like to travel. Specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.
• I love fruit. In particular, I like bananas, pineapple, and berries.
• My friend hates skiing for several reasons. The first reason is that she dislikes being cold. Another reason is that she often falls.

• but
• however
• on the other hand
• otherwise
• instead
• in contrast (more formal)

• Bill earned an A on his essay,but Susan got a B.
• We wanted to leave at 8:00. However, Mike arrived too late.
• She hates housecleaning. On the other hand, she doesn’t mind cooking.
• Students should attend class. Otherwise, they may lose their status.
• I am not going out tonight. Instead, I will stay home and watch a video.
• Women usually enjoy shopping. In contrast, men often dislike it.

• yet
• nevertheless (more formal)
• even so
• however
• although
• even though
• despite the fact that . . .
• despite

• He knows that he should do his homework, yet he never does it.
• I need to wear reading glasses. Nevertheless, I hate how I look in them.
• I know you don’t like to study. Even so, you must pass your exam.
• There are many benefits to exercising. However, you must take some precautions to avoid injury.
• Even though the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.
• Although the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.
• Despite the fact that Kate is good at tennis, she lost the match.
• Despite Kate’s skill at tennis, she lost the match.

• likewise (more formal)
• similarly (more formal)
• in the same way

• Math was hard for me in high school. Likewise, it is hard in college.
• Houseplants require much care and attention. Similarly, outdoor plants must be cared for properly.
• Rock climbing takes much practice and skill. In the same way, learning to write well requires a great deal of practice.

• so
• as a result
• therefore
• thus (more formal)
• as a consequence
• consequently (more formal)

• Janet passed her exam, so she is very happy.
• Tim was late. As a result, we could not go to the concert.
• James is not feeling well. Therefore, he will not be here today.
• The committee voted against the proposal. Thus, we must consider another idea.
• I forgot that the cake was in the oven. As a consequence, it burned.
• Tina lost her keys. Consequently, she could not drive home.

• first
• second
• finally
• in conclusion
• in summary
• meanwhile

• First, I think that she is studying hard.
• Second, I believe that she is a bright student.
• Finally, I know that she has great potential.
• In conclusion, I feel that she deserves to win the scholarship.
• In summary, we should offer her some financial help.
• Jeff was working hard to clean the house. Meanwhile, his brother was watching television.

• or
• whether . . . or
• if . . . (then)

• I must study hard, or I will fail my exam.
• Whether you are coming or not, I am still going to Amy’s party.
• If you want to get good grades, then you must do your homework.

• in fact
• actually
• in other words
• namely (more formal)

• The bookstore sells cards. In fact, they have the best cards around.
• James is actually the first person I have known who has been to Africa.
• He was late to class again. In other words, he didn’t wake up on time.
• The plan needed only two things to succeed—namely, time and money.

• or
• either . . . or
• neither . . . nor (more formal)

• We can go to the beach, or we can go to the mountains.
• You can either ride the bus or walk to my apartment.
• I like neither that person nor his brother.