Transition Words
Link your ideas with precision — learn to use discourse connectors for addition, contrast, result, and concession, and master the punctuation rules that change depending on where they sit in a sentence.
Choose a function. A connector. A position.
Four semantic functions, three connectors each, two positions — 24 combinations. Buttons A, B, C reveal a different connector word. Watch how the punctuation shifts when position changes.
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Four functions, twelve connectors
Every connector belongs to a semantic category. Choose the right function first, then pick the appropriate word for the register.
Addition
- furthermore formal, academic
- moreover formal, adds weight
- in addition neutral, versatile
Contrast
- however most common at B2+
- nevertheless more formal
- on the other hand two-sided argument
Result
- therefore formal, logical
- consequently formal, cause-effect
- as a result neutral, versatile
Concession
- nonetheless formal, strong
- even so slightly informal
- that said conversational, B2+
Position changes the punctuation
Conjunctive adverbs can move. Where you place them affects the commas around them.
Sentence-initial
Connector + comma + main clause.However, the plan was not approved.
Therefore, we had to find a new supplier.
Furthermore, costs were rising rapidly.
A new sentence begins. Capital letter + connector + comma.
Mid-sentence (parenthetical)
Subject + comma + connector + comma + predicate.The plan, however, was not approved.
Costs were, therefore, rising rapidly.
The team, nonetheless, delivered on time.
The connector is bracketed by commas on both sides.
Same idea — different connector, different grammar
Sales fell. However, we met our targets.
Although sales fell, we met our targets.
Costs rose. Therefore, we cut the budget.
Because costs rose, we cut the budget.
It was late. Nevertheless, she continued working.
Despite the late hour, she continued working.
Register note
Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, furthermore) are the backbone of formal written English — essays, reports, academic writing, business emails. In conversation, prefer simpler words: but, so, also, still. Using “however” in casual speech sounds over-formal.
Practice: 10 questions
Five multiple choice + five gap-fill. Multiple connectors may be correct — choose the one that fits the context best.
The cost of the project increased significantly. ___, we decided to continue.
The new software is faster. ___, it costs half as much.
She didn’t revise for the exam. ___, she failed.
The hotel was expensive. ___, the service was disappointing.
We need to reduce costs. ___, we should consider working from home.
The report was well written. ___, it included strong visual data.
Hint: add another positive point (3 answers accepted)
She was exhausted. ___, she continued working until midnight.
Hint: she continued despite being tired (3 answers accepted)
The budget was cut by 30%. ___, several staff were made redundant.
Hint: what happened because of the budget cut?
The price is high. ___, the quality completely justifies it.
Hint: acknowledge the downside, then defend the product
He worked hard all year. ___, he didn’t receive a promotion.
Hint: unexpected contrast with the hard work
The rules to remember
Choose your connector by function first: addition (furthermore / moreover / in addition), contrast (however / nevertheless / on the other hand), result (therefore / consequently / as a result), concession (nonetheless / even so / that said). Then check the position: sentence-initial needs a comma after; mid-sentence needs commas on both sides. In formal writing, always prefer these over but, so, or also.