Using transition words in your writing can help you enhance the readability of your content. These words help your text flow and show readers the relationship between phrases and paragraphs. That’s why the readability check in Yoast SEO provides feedback on your use of transition words. But what are they exactly? Why are they so important? And how should you use them?Table of contentsWhat are transition words?Exploring transition words with an exampleTypes of transition wordsWhy are they important for SEO?What does the transition words check in Yoast SEO do?How to improve your use of transition words1. Know the words2. Be aware of how your thoughts and ideas relate to each otherConclusion Did you get a red or orange bullet for your use of transition words? Jump to the section about the Yoast SEO transition words check. Or go straight to learning how you can improve your use of transition words. What are transition words? Transition words are words like ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘so’ and ‘because’. They show your reader the relationship between phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs. When you use them, youmake it easier for your readers to understand how your thoughts and ideas are connected. What is more, they prepare your reader for what’s coming. Let’s consider an example.I pushed the domino. As a result, it fell over. When you start a sentence with ‘as a result’, your reader will immediately know two things:What happened in the first sentence caused something;The second sentence is going to describe the effect. By using the phrase ‘as a result’ here, you show that the two separate sentences are part of one process. Without having even read the rest of the sentence, your reader can already guess what’s coming. In a way, transition words are the glue that holds your text together. Without them, your text is a collection of sentences. With them, the individual parts come together to form one whole. Transition words don’t always have to be placed at the beginning of a sentence. Consider the following examples.He’s a very nice guy. He took us out to dinner yesterday, for instance. In this example, ‘for instance’ is placed at the end of the sentence. Nonetheless, it still provides the reader with information as to how the two sentences are related.I enjoy his company because he always tells interesting stories. In this example, ‘because’ doesn’t connect two sentences, but two clauses. Transition words can connect anything from short phrases to entire paragraphs. Exploring transition words with an example Let’s use a more concrete example. Below, you see Text A and Text B. Text A contains no transition words. On the surface, Text B is the exact same, only we’ve added transition words to make it easier to read.Text A I’m going to discuss a few reasons why practice is important to learning skills. The only way to truly master a skill is by actually doing what you’ll have to do in the real world. I think practice can be a fun way of putting in the necessary hours. There are some people who will disagree. It is said that people tend to remember only 10-20% of what they’ve heard or read. That number rises to as much as 90% when you put theory to practice. Following up explanation with practice is key to mastering a skill.Text B In this paragraph, I’m going to discuss a few reasons why practice is important to mastering skills. Firstly, the only way to truly learn a skill is by actually doing what you’ll have to do in the real world. Secondly, I think practice can be a fun way of putting in the necessary hours. There are, however, some people who will disagree. Thirdly, and most importantly, it is said that people tend to remember only 10-20% of what they read or hear. Moreover, that number rises to as much as 90% when you put theory to practice. In conclusion, following up explanation with practice is key to mastering a skill. Text A is not a terrible paragraph. However, the differences are clear as day. Text B does a better job of showing there are three separate arguments to support the statement with a definite conclusion. The reader never has to wonder whether a sentence still belongs to the previous argument or a new one. Moreover, it even shows the relationship between sentences within one argument. Therefore, people are going to find it easier to read this text and will stay on the page longer. And this is just one short, conveniently arranged paragraph! Types of transition words Transition words can be divided into several categories, based on the type of transition you want to make. There are often several words available for one transition. Sometimes they mean exactly the same, sometimes there are slight differences. If you’re not a native speaker or struggle with language in general, you’ll have to study and practice their use so that you can make better choices. TransitionExample word/phraseExample sentenceCause and effectTherefore, as a result, so, consequentlyI’m tired. Therefore, I’m going to bed.ClarificationThat is to say, in other words, to clarifyWe’re letting you go. In other words, you’re fired.ContrastBut, however, on the other handI am not fond of fruit. However, I do like bananas.ExampleFor example, for instanceIn the evening, I like to relax. For instance, I enjoy watching TV.EmphasisAbove all, most importantly, certainlyThere are many reasons to exercise regularly. Above all, it keeps you healthy.EnumerationFirstly/secondly, further, and, moreover, in additionToday, I’m going to write a post. In addition, I’m recording some video lessons.TimeMeanwhile, during, subsequently, after thatI’ll start by telling you what transition words are. After that, I’ll tell you why you should always use them.SimilarityLikewise, similarly, in the same veinShe tried really hard to entertain her guests. Similarly, he put all his heart and soul in cooking a great dinner.Summarize/concludeIn conclusion, to sum up, in shortIn conclusion, transition words are an important aspect of SEO copywriting.Table 1: transition words with example sentences Check out this article for transition words in Read More
