A transition or linking word is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between paragraphs or sections of a text or speech. Transitions provide greater cohesion by making it more explicit or signaling how ideas relate to one another. Transitions are, in fact, "bridges" that "carry a reader from section to section". Transitions guide a reader/listener through steps of logic, increments of time, or through physical space. Transitions "connect words and ideas so that [...] readers don't have to do the mental work for [themselves]."
Definition
In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of a text or spoken language. By using the imagery of a bridge, a person can see how these words take readers/listeners from one statement to another. By using these words, people can better build a sentence and convey what they are trying to say in a more concise manner.
Coordinating transitions
Elements in a coordinate relationship are equal in rank, quality, or significance. They help to show a link between equal elements. To show similarity or reinforce: also, and, as well as, by the same token, comparatively, correspondingly, coupled with, equally, equally important, furthermore, identically, in the light of, in the same fashion/way, likewise, moreover, not only ... but also, not to mention, similarly, to say nothing of, together with, too, uniquely To introduce an opposing point: besides, but, however, in contrast, neither, nevertheless, nor, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, yet To signal a restatement: in other words, in simpler terms, indeed, that is, to put it differently
Subordinating transitions
To introduce an item in a series: finally, first, for another, for one thing, in addition, in the first place, in the second place, last, next, second, then To introduce an example: for example, for instance, in particular, namely, specifically, that is To show causality: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for, hence, since, so, then, therefore, thus To introduce a summary or conclusion: actually, all in all, altogether, clearly, evidently, finally, in conclusion, of course, to sum up To signal a concession: certainly, granted, it is true, naturally, of course, to be sure To resume main argument after a concession: all the same, even though, nevertheless, nonetheless, still
Temporal transitions
To show frequency: again and again, day after day, every so often, frequently, hourly, now and then, occasionally, often To show duration: briefly, during, for a long time, minute by minute, while To show a particular time: at six o'clock, at that time, first thing in the morning, in 1999, in the beginning of August, in those days, last Sunday, next Christmas, now, then, two months ago, when To introduce a beginning: at first, before then, in the beginning, since To introduce a middle: as it was happening, at that moment, at the same time, in the meantime, meanwhile, next, simultaneously, then To signal an end (or beyond): afterward/afterwards, at last, eventually, finally, in the end, later
Spatial transitions
To show closeness: adjacent to, alongside, close to, facing, near, next to, side by side To show long distance: away, beyond, far, in the distance, there To show direction: above, across, along, away from, behind, below, down, in front of, inside, outside, sideways, to the left, to the right, toward/towards, up
Transition words of agreement, addition, or similarity
The transition words, such as also, in addition, and likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.