NMR chemical shifts of d(0) transition metal compounds show the following trends: (1) For single-bonded ligands such as M-H, M-CR3, M <- NR3, M-SiR3 and M <- PR3, H-1, C-13, N-15, Si-29 and P-31 shifts of these alpha atoms in the complexes of both first- and third-row transition metals are typically downfield from (or at higher frequencies than) those of second-row analogs with a "V-shape" (Trend 1). (2) For multiple-bonded ligands including those with d-p pi bonds, such as M=CHR, M equivalent to CR, M=NR, M=O and M (<-) under barF, C-13, N-15, O-17 and F-19 shifts of the alpha atoms in the complexes of first-, second- and third-row transition metals move consecutively upfield (or to lower frequencies) (Trend 2). NMR shifts of lanthanum(III) complexes help interpret Trend 1 in Group 3 congeners. Scandide (d-block) and lanthanide (f-block) contractions and relativistic effects are believed to contribute to the NMR shifts, leading to the observed trends. Comparisons are made with NMR chemical shifts of d(n) complexes and organic compounds. Since many chemical properties of the second-and third-row congeners such as Zr and Hf are similar, as a result of lanthanide contraction, the NMR chemical shifts are a rare property to distinguish compounds of the otherwise nearly identical congeners. The current paper points out the trends with our narrative interpretations of the trends. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.