From Here to There

Transitional words create powerful links in your story, taking the reader from one idea to the next.  Here are some common categories and examples of transitional words and phrases gathered from The Writer's Handbook.

Addition

furthermore, moreover, too, also, in the second place, again, in addition, even more, next, further, last, lastly, finally, besides, and, or, nor, first, second, secondly

Time

while, immediately, never, after, later, earlier, always, when, soon, whenever, meanwhile, sometimes, in the meantime, during, afterwards, now, until now, next, following, once, then, at length, so far, simultaneously, this time, subsequently

Place

here, there, nearby, behond, wherever, opposite to, adjacent to, neighboring on, above, below

Exemplification or Illustration

to illustrate, to demonstrate, specifically, for instance, as in illustration, for example

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Comparison
in the same way, by the same token, similarly, in like manner, likewise, in similar fashion

Contrast

yet, and yet, nevertheless, nonetheless, after all, but, however, though, otherwise, on the contrary, in contrast, notwithstanding, on the other hand, at the same time

Clarification

that is to say, in other words, to explain, that is, to clarify, to rephrase it, to put it another way

Cause

because, since, on account of, for that reason

Effect

therefore, consequently, accordingly, thus, hence, as a result

Purpose

in order that, so that, to that end, to this end, for this purpose

Qualification

almost, nearly, probably, never, always, frequently, perhaps, maybe, although

Intensification

indeed, to repeat, by all means, of course, doubtedly, certainly, without doubt, yes, no, undoubtedly, in fact, surely, in fact