Transition words are the small signposts that tell a reader how one idea connects to the next: however warns of a turn, therefore announces a result, for example promises proof. Pick the wrong one and a perfectly good argument starts to feel off, even if the reader cannot say why.
This hub groups linking words by the job they do, gives the best replacements for the most overused ones, and explains the punctuation and grammar that trip people up. Each linked word has its own page with a fuller list and examples.
Swatch at a glance
Also called
linking words, connectors, signal words, transitionsMain jobs
add, contrast, give a reason, show a result, give an example, order, sum upMost overused
however, also, so, additionallyMost formal
moreover, consequently, conversely, thusMost casual
so, plus, anyway, then againAntonyms
None. Linking words have jobs, not oppositesWatch out
However needs a semicolon or a period before it when it joins two sentences
Transition words grouped by what they do
Every linking word does one main job. Find the job first, and the list of possible swaps gets much shorter.
| Job | Words with their own page |
|---|---|
| Adding a point | also, additionally, furthermore, moreover, in addition, as well as |
| Showing contrast | however, but, although, even though, on the other hand, despite, conversely |
| Giving a reason | because, since, due to |
| Showing a result | therefore, so, thus, consequently, as a result |
| Giving an example | for example, such as, including, in other words, specifically |
| Ordering steps | first, next, then, finally, eventually, at the same time |
| Wrapping up | in conclusion, overall, ultimately |
Best swaps for the words people overuse
A handful of connectors carry most student essays and office emails. These are the replacements that usually fit.
- However: but, yet, still, even so, that said, nevertheless (formal).
- Also: too, as well, plus (casual), in addition, besides.
- Additionally: also, further, what is more, on top of that (casual).
- So: therefore, as a result, which means, that is why.
- Because: since, as, given that, owing to (formal, before a noun).
- For example: for instance, such as, say, to illustrate.
- In conclusion: to sum up, in short, all in all, overall.
Notice that some swaps change the grammar. Such as comes before a noun, not a full sentence, and owing to needs a noun after it as well.
Before and after: smoother paragraphs
Most weak paragraphs either have no connectors or repeat the same one. A few swaps fix both problems.
- The plan was cheap. It was slow. becomes The plan was cheap; however, it was slow.
- Also, the survey was short. Also, it was online. becomes The survey was short, and it was also online.
- Sales fell, so we cut costs, so profits held. becomes Sales fell, so we cut costs; as a result, profits held.
- Many fruits have vitamin C, for example oranges. becomes Many fruits, such as oranges, have vitamin C.
An email to a manager: "The client approved the design. However, they want a new color. However, the deadline stays the same." The second however is not a contrast at all. Rewritten: "The client approved the design but wants a new color, and the deadline stays the same."
Contrast words: which one fits?
Contrast connectors cause the most mistakes because they look alike but follow different grammar.
| Word | What follows it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although, even though | a full clause | Although it rained, we played. |
| despite, in spite of | a noun or a verb ending in ing | Despite the rain, we played. |
| however | a new sentence or clause | It rained. However, we played. |
| but, yet | a clause in the same sentence | It rained, but we played. |
| whereas, while | a clause that compares | Ana likes tea, whereas Ben likes coffee. |
Never write "despite it rained". Use although it rained or despite the rain.
Punctuation around linking words
- Joining two full sentences with however, therefore or moreover needs a semicolon or a period before the word and a comma after it: The trial worked; therefore, we will expand it.
- Short connectors such as and, but, so and yet join clauses with a comma before them, or none if both clauses are short.
- Starting a sentence with and or but is fine in most modern writing, though some teachers still prefer you avoid it in formal essays.
- Middle placement softens a word: The second test, however, failed.
Formal or relaxed: matching the setting
Connectors carry tone just like nouns and verbs. In an academic essay, moreover, consequently and conversely sound at home. In a work email, also, so and that said sound natural without being sloppy. In a chat, plus, anyway and then again are normal, and moreover would sound like a joke.
A simple test is to read the sentence aloud. If the linking word is the only stiff thing in the line, choose a plainer one. Academic tone gets fuller treatment under essay and academic words, while business writing is handled under resume and work words.
How many connectors is too many?
A connector at the start of every sentence makes text sound mechanical. Good writers rely on order and repeated key nouns for much of the flow, then use a linking word where the relationship would not be obvious without it. As a rough guide, two or three clear signposts per paragraph is plenty. If you find additionally, furthermore and moreover in three sentences running, try merging two of the points into one sentence with and.
For the basics of word swapping in general, see what a synonym is, or use the finder on the home page.
Frequently asked questions
What are transition words?
They are words and phrases that show how two ideas connect, such as however, because, therefore and for example. They guide the reader through an argument or a story.
What is a good transition word to start a paragraph?
It depends on the job. Use furthermore or in addition to add a point, however or on the other hand to turn, and as a result to show what followed.
Is it wrong to open a sentence with because?
No, provided a main clause follows: Because the bus was late, I missed the first class. The problem is a fragment, where the because clause stands alone with nothing after it.
Which formal word can replace so?
Therefore, thus and consequently are the most formal. As a result sits in the middle and suits most reports.
Is moreover the same as furthermore?
They are close. Moreover often adds a stronger or more surprising point, while furthermore simply adds the next one. Either works in formal writing.
Do transition words have antonyms?
Not really. They express relationships, not qualities, so there is no opposite of therefore. You can only swap a contrast word for an adding word, which changes the logic.