What are Transition Words? Learn How to Use Them for SEO Content
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Transition words are important. Think of them as a bridge. Here's an example:
I hit the snooze button this morning. <b>As a result,</b> I overslept and was late for work.
Starting a sentence with "as a result" tells the reader that what happens next is a direct outcome of the actions in the first sentence. It intrinsically ties the two sentences together into a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Let's take a closer look at the different categories for transition words to see what they can do:
- Addition: This type of transition is merging two or more ideas together and showing a corresponding relationship between them. Example Transition Words: again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, in addition, lastly, next, nor, moreover, what's more.
- Cause & Effect: When one event directly triggers another, this cause-and-effect transition lets the reader know that the two occurrences are directly linked. Example Transition Words: as a result, consequently, hence, next, therefore, thus.
- Clarification: Sometimes, we need to rephrase what we've already said in order to clarify an original statement. This might be to simplify a complicated point or provide emphasis. Example Transition Words: in other words, that is to say, to clarify.
- Compare & Contrast: This transition shows a relationship between two ideas that are being compared to each other based on similarities or differences. Example Transition Words: after all, although this may be true, but, compared to, conversely, however, in contrast, likewise, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, similarly, where, whereas, vis a vis, yet.
- Exception / Contradiction: Contradictory transitions happen when an action that had an anticipated outcome instead ends with a different result. Leading with a transition warns the reader to expect the unexpected. Example Transition Words: despite, however, nevertheless, in spite of, of course, once in a while, sometimes.
- Emphasis: An emphatic transition demonstrates the narrator's certainty and conviction. It establishes a sense of authority. Example Transition Words: absolutely, always, certainly, definitely, emphatically, in any case, in fact, indeed, never, surprisingly, undeniably, without a doubt, without reservation.
- Illustration: This transition connects a statement to a follow-up example that illustrates the point being made. Example Transition Words: as an illustration, for example, for instance, in another case, in this situation, on this occasion, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate.
- Repetition: Sometimes, especially when information is important, we repeat it to ensure the lesson sticks. A transition serves as a red flag to the reader so they comprehend the significance of the repetition rather than assume the writer wasn't paying attention and made the same point twice. Example Transition Words: again, as I have noted, as I said, I repeat, in brief.
- Time, Order, and Sequence: Transitions can help a reader grasp the passage of time, which is especially important in narrative works. These types of transitions also establish order and sequence. Instructional how-to articles often rely on sequential transitions to ensure the reader is following the steps in order. Example Transition Words: after, after a few hours, afterward, and then, at this time, before this, concurrently, eventually, finally, (first, second, third...), formerly, immediately, in a while, later, next, previously, soon, then, thereafter.
- Summarize or Conclude: A concluding transition signals the reader that they're nearing the end. It usually summarizes the most important points and leaves the reader with key takeaways. Example Transition Words: accordingly, as I have shown, as a result, consequently, in brief, in conclusion, in short, hence, therefore, thus.
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