Transition Words and Phrases
(based on "TOEFL iBT Tips" - ETS)

Cause-and-effect
as a result, because, consequently, for this purpose, so, then, therefore, to this end

Emphasis
absolutely, always, certainly, definitely, emphatically, eternally, extremely, forever, in any case, in fact, indeed, naturally, never, obviously, perennially, positively, surprisingly, undeniably, unquestionably, without a doubt, without reservation

Examples
as an illustration, for example, for instance, in another case, in this case, in this situation, on this occasion, such as, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, to illustrate

Exception
despite, in spite of, however, nevertheless, of course, once in awhile, sometimes, still, yet

Sequence
afterward, again, also, and, and so forth, and then, before this, concurrently, consequently, finally, first (second, etc.), next, previously, simultaneously, still, subsequently, too

Time
after a few hours, and then, as long as, as soon as, finally, first (second, etc.), formerly, immediately, later, next, previously, soon, then, thereafter

To add
besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, in addition, lastly, moreover, nor, what's more

To compare and contrast
after all, although, although this may (not) be true, as opposed to, balanced against, but, by comparison, compared to, conversely, despite, however, in contrast, meanwhile, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand , still, though, up against, vis à vis, where, whereas, yet

To prove
because, besides, evidently, for, for the same reason, furthermore, in addition (to), in any case, in fact, indeed, moreover, obviously, since, that is

To summarize and conclude
accordingly, as a result, as has been demonstrated / shown / noted, as I have demonstrated / shown / tried to prove, as we have seen, consequently, hence, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, therefore, thus

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Last updated: 28 June 2007