transition

A change from one situation, form, or stage to another.

• The transition took six months.
• Moving abroad was a difficult transition for her.
• We want a smooth transition to the new system.

How to use it: transition from A to B (The transition from school to work can be difficult.); transition to something (The transition to clean energy will take time.)

Similar words: change, shift

Common phrases: smooth transition, transition period, transition to something

A word or phrase that connects ideas or sections in speech or writing.

• This paragraph needs a transition.
• She added transitions to connect her ideas.
• The phrase works as a transition between the two sections.

How to use it: transition between A and B (Use a transition between the introduction and the main argument.)

Similar words: linking expression, connector

Common phrases: clear transition, paragraph transition, transition between paragraphs

To change, or help something change, from one situation or stage to another.

• The team transitioned to online meetings.
• She is transitioning into a management role.
• They transitioned the factory from coal to electricity.

How to use it: transition from A to B (She transitioned from teaching to publishing.); transition to something (The company is transitioning to renewable energy.); transition someone/something to something (We transitioned the team to the new software.)

Similar words: change, shift, switch

Common phrases: transition to something, transition from something, transition into something