Agreement / Addition / Similarity

The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement
with preceding material.
in the first place by the same token moreover
not only ... but also again as well as
as a matter of fact to together with
in like manner and of course
in addition also likewise
coupled with then comparatively
in the same fashion / way equally correspondingly
first, second, third identically similarly
in the light of uniquely furthermore
not to mention like additionally
to say nothing of as
equally important too

Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction

Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives,
and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).
although this may be true in reality although
in contrast after all instead
different from but whereas
of course ..., but (and) still despite
on the other hand unlike conversely
on the contrary or otherwise
at the same time (and) yet however
in spite of while rather
even so / though albeit nevertheless
be that as it may besides nonetheless
then again as much as regardless
above all even though notwithstanding

Cause / Condition / Purpose

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.
in the event that seeing / being that while
granted (that) in view of lest
as / so long as If in case
on (the) condition (that) ... then provided that
for the purpose of unless given that
with this intention when only / even if
with this in mind whenever so that
in the hope that while so as to
to the end that because of owing to
for fear that as inasmuch as
in order to since due to
Examples / Support / Emphasis
These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to indicate importance or as
an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.
in other words on the negative side surprisingly
to put it differently with this in mind frequently
for one thing notably significantly
as an illustration including particularly
in this case like in fact
for this reason to be sure in general
to put it another way namely in particular
that is to say chiefly in detail
with attention to truly for example
by all means indeed for instance
important to realize certainly to demonstrate
another key point surely to emphasize
first thing to remember markedly to repeat
most compelling evidence such as to clarify
must be remembered especially to explain
point often overlooked explicitly to enumerate
to point out specifically
on the positive side expressly

Effect / Consequence / Result

Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are time words that
are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect.
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the
consequences or effects.
as a result for therefore
under those thus thereupon
circumstances because the forthwith
in that case then accordingly
for this reason hence henceforth
in effect consequently

Conclusion / Summary / Restatement

These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general
statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.
as can be seen in a word in essence
generally speaking for the most part to summarize
in the final analysis after all on balance
all things considered in fact altogether
as shown above in summary overall
in the long run in conclusion ordinarily
given these points in short usually
as has been noted in brief by and large
 to sum up in either case Obviously
on the whole all in all Ultimately
in any event Definitely

Time / Chronology / Sequence

These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They can be used
either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.
at the present time finally shortly
from time to time after henceforth
sooner or later later whenever
at the same time last eventually
up to the present time until meanwhile
to begin with till further
in due time since during
as soon as then in time
as long as before prior to
in the meantime hence forthwith
in a moment since straightaway
without delay when by the time
in the first place once whenever
all of a sudden about until now
at this instant next now that
first, second now instantly
immediately formerly presently
quickly suddenly occasionally

Space / Location / Place

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or
qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial order or
spatial reference.
in the middle there around
to the left/right next between
in front of where before
on this side from alongside
in the distance over amid
here and there near among
in the foreground above beneath
in the background below beside
in the center of down behind
adjacent to up across
opposite to under
here further
beyond
nearby
wherever