ECHO: Transitional Words and Expressions

Different
kinds of
conjunctions
,
phrases
, and
other words
are used to
show transitions
from idea to idea, to
make connections clearer
, or to
signal that certain relationships exist
. The following list indicates the transitions and situations when they are the most appropriate.

1. To show when more of the same idea is coming, use
   
   and, also, additionally, in addition, another as well, besides, equally, important, further, furthermore, next, finally
2. To show a sequence, use
   
   first, second, third, and so forth, meanwhile, soon, soon after, afterward, later, after a while, immediately, yesterday, today, tomorrow
3. To show time, use
   
   first, second, third, and so forth, meanwhile, soon, soon after, afterward, later, after a while, immediately, yesterday, today, tomorrow
4. To show a place or location, use
   
   adjacent to, above, across, beyond, below, under, on the opposite side, to the left or right, in the background, in the foreground, nearby, close at hand
5. To show comparison or similarity, use
   
   like, likewise, similarly, in the same manner, also
6. To show contrast or difference, use
   
   but, however, nevertheless, yet, on the contrary, although, at the same time, even so, even though, conversely, on the other hand, still
7. To draw a conclusion, use
   
   so, therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, finally, accordingly, as a consequence, in conclusion, due to, for these reasons, because of
8. For emphasis, use
   
   to repeat, in fact, truly, again, indeed, to this end, with this in mind, for this purpose
9. To emphasize an example, use
   
   for example, for instance, a case in point, as an illustration
10. For summarizing, use
    
    clearly, it is clear that, therefore, consequently, it can be seen that, in any event, as a result, to sum up, in summary, this, in brief, in short, as I have said, as has been noted (Try not to use "In conclusion")

With transitions, the following rules of punctuation are the ones most commonly used:

1. Use a comma
   before a coordinating conjunction (but, or, yet, for, and, nor, so).
2. Place a comma
   after an introductory word, phrase, or clause. (Yes, I know. With to or three geese as sentries, the flock fed peacefully. After you leave, I'm going shopping.)
3. Place a semi-colon
   before and a comma
   after an adverbial conjunction which is used as a connector between two complete sentences. (I shouted; as a result, her ran.)
4. Place a comma
   before and after a word or phrase which interrupts the flow of a sentence. (This information, you understand, will be required wherever you apply.)