Transitional Words and Phrases

Why use them?  Transitional words and phrases are used to connect sentences and paragraphs so that the author’s ideas flow smoothly from one thought to the next.

Addition:
also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly

Illustration:
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, as an example, in this case

Consequence:
accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus

Comparison (Similarities):
comparatively, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similarly, moreover

Contrast (Differences):
however, on the contrary, in contrast, conversely, instead, on the other hand,  rather, nevertheless

Generalizing:
as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually

Restatement (Explaining):
in essence, in other words, namely, that is, in short, in brief, to put it differently

Sequence:
at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, in the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind

Summarizing:
after all, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, in summary, to summarize, finally

*Adapted from http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr6.htm