What are transition words used for?

Transition words are used primarily to connect ideas and help the flow of writing. They serve as signposts, guiding the reader through the text by clarifying the relationships between different sentences and paragraphs. For instance, words like "however," "furthermore," and "consequently" indicate contrast, addition, and cause-and-effect relationships, respectively. This connection enhances coherence and ensures that the reader can follow the writer’s thought process smoothly.

While introducing new sections of a text can be a function of specific transition words, the primary and most significant role they play is in linking ideas. Making writing longer and more complex may occur as a result of using transitions effectively, but it is not their intended purpose. Substituting words for variety might contribute to a more engaging text, but it does not capture the essential purpose of transitions, which is to facilitate understanding and clarity in writing.