Transitional Words and Phrases for Writing

A water main downtown broke this morning, so several businesses had no water for hours.

• addition

• time

• comparison

• cause and effect

There are ways you can make boring tasks more pleasant. For instance, bring a portable radio and listen to music on the earphones while you work.

• contrast

• comparison

• illustration/example

• cause and effect

The lazy checkout clerk forced the six-pack of cola into the bottom of the bag, tearing it. Then she shrugged her shoulders and said, “I guess you’ll have to carry the bag from the bottom.”

• time

• contrast

• comparison

• illustration/example

Science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke correctly predicted that satellites would be used for communication. Moreover, in 1947 he correctly predicted that 1959 would be the year the first rocket to the moon was launched.

• addition

• time

• contrast

• cause and effect

Running can make people more aware of their physical surroundings, such as the scent of honeysuckle or the changing moods of the trees

• addition

• contrast

• illustration/example

• cause and effect

Residents complain bitterly about potholes in the streets and sloppy trash pick-up, yet these same people resist paying higher taxes for the improvement of these services.

• time

• contrast

• comparison

• illustration/example

______ his intense stage fright, Brian's act in the talent show was by far the most popular.

• Beyond
• Indeed
• Despite
• For instance

The paint spilled all over the floor; _________, the custodian had a big mess to clean up.

• moreover 
• as a result
• however 
• for example 

Mark failed Geometry B; _____, he will have to retake it during summer school. (select all that apply)

• however

• for example

• consequently

• therefore

Women's opportunity to take on new jobs during World War II drastically changed women's roles forever. ________, women after the war had better job opportunities thanks to the women before them who paved the way.

• Meanwhile

• Nevertheless

• On the contrary

• Without question