How to Use Transition Words to Improve Readability
If you want to level up your content, learning how to properly use transition words (and phrases) is a simple but effective way to improve your writing. In this blog, we will define what transition words are, explain why they are so important, and explore how to use them in your content.
What Are Transition Words?
Transition words, also known as linking words, help the writer or speaker show the relationship between parts of text or speech. They help writing flow more smoothly and prevent confusion as you move from one topic to another.
They commonly appear at the start of the sentence:
Eventually, Jack managed to get through to customer services.
However, they can also be found elsewhere in the sentence:
Jack eventually managed to get through to customer services.
Although they’re called transition words, they can also be phrases: “such as,” “in other words,” “given that,” etc.
Types of Transition Words and Phrases
There are different types of transition words that express different relationships between words. Here are some examples:
| Type | Example Words | Example Sentence |
| Adding information | Indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, also, and, both x and y | You should go to the party. Both George and Harriet are going. |
| Introducing information | Such as, like, particularly, including, for example, notably | Please bring proof of your identity. For example, you could bring your passport or driver’s license. |
| Similarity | Similarly, equally, likewise, by the same token | Similarly, energy prices have risen. |
| Clarification | Namely, specifically, more precisely, in other words | I specifically told you that was a bad idea. |
| Contrast | But, however, although, while, conversely, on the other hand | On the other hand, it might be better if Danielle leads the meeting. |
| Dismissal | Regardless, whatever the case, in any/either event, all the same | Whatever the case, he missed his flight and had to rebook, which cost him a fortune. |
| Emphasis | Above all, indeed, more/most importantly | More importantly, can we see the budget for next year? |
| Consequence | Therefore, because, since, consequently, due to, accordingly, hence | Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to cancel the concert. |
| Condition | if/when, on (the) condition that, given that, unless, otherwise, being that | Unless Harriet can find her keys soon, she won’t make it to work on time. |
| Order | First, second, third | First, let’s go see Mom, and then we’ll go into town. |
| Summation | As previously mentioned, overall, in conclusion, altogether | As previously mentioned, we will need to conduct more keyword research before we create more content. |
| Continuation | Subsequently, previously, eventually, next, afterwards | They eventually decided that they wanted to visit the museum. |
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other transition words you can use to more effectively make your point.
Why Are Transition Words Important?
You might be wondering why transition words are so important because you could, in theory, remove these words and the sentences would still make sense (and be grammatically correct). However, they are crucial to good writing.
Without transition words, your content might seem like a series of unrelated statements. It might be hard or confusing for readers to follow your line of thought. They improve readability (how easy or difficult it is to read a piece of text) by making it easier for readers to work out how different sentences or paragraphs relate to those around them.
Search engines prioritize readability in their search results, so using transition words can help you rank higher on search engine results pages. If you feel like you need some help with search engine optimization (SEO), we’ve compiled a list of 17 online writing tools to help you with writing, research, organization, and SEO.
How to Use Transition Words
Now that we’ve discussed what transition words are and why they’re important, let’s look at some advice on how to use them in your writing.
Choose the Appropriate Word for the Context
Each transition word has a different meaning, so it’s important to choose one that’s appropriate for the context. Using an incorrect transition word might confuse your reader. There are plenty of resources for this online, but online dictionaries are your best bet.
Don’t Overuse Them
We’ve talked a lot about how transition words improve the flow of your writing, so it might be tempting to use one in every sentence. However, we don’t recommend this because overusing transition words can actually have the opposite effect. Using a few well-placed examples is a much better idea. When in doubt, read your writing aloud.
Vary Your Use
Flow is an essential part of good writing. You can experiment with different sentence structures to naturally incorporate transition words. For instance, you could start one sentence with a transition word and then use another in the middle of a later sentence. Doing this will improve the rhythm of your writing.
Avoid Incorrect Use
It’s easy to make mistakes when using transition words, especially if you’re not familiar with them. The most common mistakes are using transition words that are either too formal or too informal for the context, confusing similar transition words, and creating sentence fragments. Read your writing carefully to minimize the chances of mistakes (or use a professional editor).
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