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Transitional words and phrases are just one way to connect your ideas. Use these expressions only when necessary, usually between two related independent clauses. In most cases, you should explain the relationship between ideas.
While some of these words and phrases may have the same meaning, they are not all used in the same way. For example, “but” is a coordinating conjunction, but “however” is a conjunctive adverb.
This difference matters for punctuation and sentence structure. To help you use these words correctly, sentence patterns and grammar notes have been provided in these pages.
Videos
Watch this 4-minute video for an introduction to transitional words and phrases.
The Learning Portal. (2016, November 29). Transitional words and phrases [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMhLlnES28A
Watch this 4-minute video for more detailed information about making transitions within paragraphs.
WUWritingCenter. (2017, November 9). Types of transitions Part 2: Transitions within paragraphs [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRkphTxHlME
