A good transition is like a bridge that takes you from one side to the other. Without it, your readers may miss the connection.

These tiny titans of clarity take on many roles in business writing.

• Transition words and phrases link ideas
• They clear the way for comparisons
• And help readers draw conclusions

Transition words and phrases keep your business writing simple.

And we love simple.

So here we go (catch that transition?) Your very own transition-packed guide to better business communication.

Transition Words by Function

As noted, transition words and phrases can serve different functions. To make this simple, I divided the list into eight functions. Depending on your context, some of these words and phrases are multi-functional.

The following infographic lists the eight functions, along with an example of each.

The following offers examples of transition words or phrases, as well as additional examples.

1. Add Information

• Additionally, again, also, and, and then, as well
• Besides, but
• Finally, further, furthermore
• In addition, in fact
• Moreover, much less
• Nor, not only
• Too
• What’s more

Examples

Not only are the conclusions misleading, but the report also has questionable sources.

2. Cause

• Because, being that
• Due to
• For that reason
• Inasmuch, in light of the fact, in that
• Owing to the fact
• Seeing that

Examples

Because the company did not perform quality control, the product failed to function properly.

Due to the loss of hours, the project did not meet its targeted deadline.

3. Comparison/Contrast

• After all, although true
• But, by comparison, by the same token
• Compared to, conversely
• However
• In contrast, instead, in the same way, in a similar fashion, instead
• Likewise
• Meanwhile
• Otherwise
• Similarly

Examples

The company did not use that shipping carrier. Instead, it used its competitor.

4. Establish Time/Sequence

• After, after awhile (a few minutes), afterwards, always, and then, at this point
• Before this (then)
• Concurrently, consequently
• During
• Earlier
• Finally, first (second, third), formerly, following
• Immediately, in the meantime
• Later
• Meanwhile
• Next, never, now
• Once
• Previously
• Simultaneously, soon, subsequently
• Then, thereafter

Examples

Earlier in the day, the carrier experienced some delays. However, the shipments were delivered on time. 

First, set up a time for a call. Next, send out an email to the team. Then let me know how many will be on the call.

5. For Emphasis

• Above all, absolutely, actually, always
• By all means
• Certainly
• Definitely
• Emphatically, eternally, extremely
• Forever
• Indeed, in fact
• Naturally
• Of course
• Positively
• Surely
• Undeniably, unquestionably
• Without a doubt, without reservation

Examples

The results showed a decrease in production. In fact, the results were the lowest of the year.

Surely, you understand my position.

6. For Illustration

• As an illustration
• For example, for instance
• In another example, in this case, in particular, in this situation
• To demonstrate, to illustrate

Examples

Survey results revealed significant improvement. To illustrate, Mark prepared a graph depicting the growth from the last two years.

7. To Qualify

• Almost, always, although
• Frequently
• In part
• Maybe, mostly
• Nearly, never
• Perhaps, probably

Examples

The Los Angeles office almost always exceeds sales goals.

8. To Summarize

• Accordingly, as mentioned, as noted, as stated, as shown
• Briefly
• Hence
• In brief, in conclusion, in short, in summary, in a word
• On the whole
• Summing up
• Therefore, to summarize

Examples

In conclusion, the marketing campaign far exceeded expectations.

Transition Words and Phrases Galore

The words provided are a small sample of word bridges for simple, clear, and unique business writing.

When you find yourself in need of a little help, transition back to this post and choose a word or two. Or better yet, download the attached PDF that has the “Beyond 120 Transition Words and Phrases”.

• How many more can you come up with?
• What categories would you add?

 

Note: This November 3, 2020 post updates the original that published on October 13, 2014.

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours

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