Transitional words allow ideas to flow from one sentence to the next. They are used extensively in Japanese, but in scientific English care should be taken not to overuse them.

Transitions may:

1. add information (in addition, furthermore, moreover);

2. show an effect or a result (therefore, thus);

3. contrast ideas (however, in contrast, whereas, although);

or:

4. summarise ideas (in conclusion, in summary).

Some transitions that are used in more casual conversation should be avoided.

avoid:

- Indeed,	- In fact,
- On the other hand,	- As a matter of fact,
- Accordingly	- For instance,
- Nevertheless	- Additionally