If you’re a WordPress blogger, content writer, or SEO enthusiast, chances are you’ve used or at least heard of Yoast SEO. It’s one of the most popular SEO plugins available, helping millions of users optimize content for better visibility in search engines.

One of Yoast SEO’s standout features is its Readability Analysis, which evaluates how easy your content is to read. Among various metrics, it specifically checks for the use of transition words—a subtle yet powerful tool to improve content flow and user engagement.

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Why Are Transition Words Important in SEO and Readability?

Search engines aim to deliver helpful content, and readability plays a role in ranking since it affects user engagement metrics (like time spent on page and bounce rate).

Transition words help guide readers from one idea to another. They act as bridges that connect thoughts, paragraphs, and sections, creating logical flow and reducing confusion.

So, what do the current readability checks include? Are those Transition Words?

Yoast SEO recognizes this and includes Transitional Words as one of its key readability factors:

Flesch Reading Ease
Passive Voice
Consecutive Sentences
Subheading Distribution
Paragraph Length
Sentence Length
Transition Words

There are several standards that Yoast SEO marks to check and today, in this blog, we are going to find out one of those standards is Transition Words in Yoast SEO’s readability.

Note: If you’re new to SEO, our guide on how to make your website more SEO-friendly offers a comprehensive overview.

What Are Transition Words?

Transition words (or linking words) are terms like however, for example, therefore, and in conclusion that show relationships between phrases, sentences, or paragraphs. They help readers:

Navigate through complex ideas easily
Understand your message clearly
Follow your argument or narrative

How Yoast SEO Evaluates Transition Words?

There is an algorithm in Yoast SEO’s readability analysis to determine whether your post is easy to understand.

Green bullet (Good): Over 30% of sentences contain a transition word
Orange bullet (Needs improvement): 20% to 30%
Red bullet (Poor): Below 20%

Top Good Transition Words Turning WordPress Dot to “Green”

types of transition words — Types of transition words

To boost the Yoast SEO readability analysis in WordPress and avoid the difficulty in finding these linking words, I have handpicked here the list of transitional words that obviously support you a lot divided into each category.

Let’s check it out:

First

Firstly, In the first place, First thing to remember
Before
To begin with

Last/Summary

Lastly
Afterward
Eventually
Finally, In the final analysis
In conclusion/To conclude
Thereafter
Until
To summarize/In summary/To sum up
Altogether
In short
In brief

Addition

Also
In addition, additionally
Further
Furthermore
Besides
Moreover
Not only … but also
Then
Again
As well as

Contrast

Unlike
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Despite
In contrast
Conversely
Even so
Different from
Instead
Otherwise
However
While
Such as
In this case
For example/For instance/For one thing
To clarify/To demonstrate

Emphasis

Undoubtedly
Unquestionably
Obviously
Particularly/ In particular
Especially
Without a doubt
Indeed
In fact
In general
In detail
Above all

Cause and Effect

Because
Since
So
Consequently
Therefore
Thus
Hence
As a result

Time and Sequence

Before
After all/After that
Then
Firstly/Secondly/Finally
Soon
Later
Meanwhile
Subsequently

Comparing

Similarly
Likewise
Equally
To put it another way
Compared to/By comparison/Comparatively

Tips for Using Transition Words Effectively

For a deeper dive into structuring your content, explore our article on internal link building techniques for SEO. Here are some tips for using transition words effectively:

Avoid Overusing Transition Words

While they are important, overuse can make sentences cumbersome.

Aim for natural flow rather than forcing in transitions.

Place Transitions Wisely

Use transition words at the beginning of sentences to link ideas clearly, or within sentences to bridge complex thoughts.

Mix Different Types of Transitions

Vary the types of transition words you use (e.g., cause and effect, contrast, sequence) to keep the text dynamic and maintain reader interest.

Focus on Natural Flow

Transition words should sound natural and should not interrupt the overall flow.

Practice reading sentences aloud to check if transitions improve the flow.

Example Sentence Includes Transition Words

In Blog Introductions. Use transitions like Firstly, or To start with, to introduce the main points.

In Comparisons or Contrasts. Insert However, On the other hand, or Conversely to show contrasts within your article.

When Summarizing. Wrap up sections or posts with In summary, To sum up, or In conclusion to signal the end of a discussion or argument.

For example:

Cause and Effect: The storm raged all night, therefore, the power lines were down in the morning.
Contrast: I love going to the beach, but the sand gets everywhere!
Sequence: First, gather your ingredients. Next, preheat the oven. Finally, bake for 20 minutes.
Similarity: This movie was just as thrilling as the book.
Emphasis: We need a solution, and we need it fast!
Addition: She is a talented writer, and she is also a gifted musician.
Example: There are many benefits to exercise, such as increased energy levels and improved mood.
Concession: Although the hike was challenging, the view from the top was worth it.
Conclusion: In conclusion, a healthy diet and regular exercise are key to a long life.
Restatement: In other words, effective communication requires clear and concise language.

Final Thoughts

Transition words are more than just filler—they improve user experience, help readers follow your thoughts, and enhance SEO performance. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or new to content writing, understanding and applying transition words effectively is essential.

Remember: Yoast SEO’s readability score isn’t just for show. It’s a valuable guide to making your content more engaging, accessible, and search-engine friendly.

For advanced strategies, check out our insights on top SEO tactics to dominate your competitors.

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TOP Yoast SEO Transition Words In WordPress