transition words list for high school essays

33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

Word of the Day

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Games & Quizzes

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Usage Notes

Prepositions, ending a sentence with, is 'irregardless' a real word, 8 more grammar terms you used to know: special verb edition, point of view: it's personal, 31 useful rhetorical devices, grammar & usage, a list of most commonly confused words, more commonly misspelled words, 10 words you see but don't hear, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, 9 other words for beautiful, rare and amusing insults, volume 2, etymologies for every day of the week, 10 scrabble words without any vowels, 12 more bird names that sound like insults (and sometimes are).

70+ Transition words for essays with examples

Transition words for essays.

Ever stared at a blank page, your thoughts swirling like a disorganized storm? Crafting a compelling essay often hinges on smooth transitions between ideas. Fear not, fellow writer! Here’s your guide to essential transition words , those linguistic gems that bridge the gaps in your essay and create a clear, logical flow.

List of Transition words for essays

Additionally
Furthermore
In addition
In the same way
In other words
That is to say
For example
For instance
Specifically
To illustrate
In particular
Without a doubt
Essentially
In conclusion
To conclude
On the whole
Consequently
Accordingly
As a result
For this reason
Because of this
Due to this
In light of this
Considering that
Seeing that
As a matter of fact
Nonetheless
Nevertheless
Even though
In spite of
On the contrary

Transition words for essays with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for cause:

Additionally : “She enjoys playing the piano. Additionally, she is proficient in playing the guitar.”
Furthermore : “The research indicated a positive correlation between exercise and mental health. Furthermore, it suggested that regular physical activity reduces stress levels.”
Moreover : “The company reported an increase in sales for the third quarter. Moreover, profits also saw a significant rise.”
In addition : “He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. In addition, he is passionate about photography.”
Also : “He enjoys playing tennis. Also, he participates in swimming competitions.”
Likewise : “She volunteered at the local shelter. Likewise, her brother also dedicated his time to community service.”
Similarly : “The team implemented new strategies to improve productivity. Similarly, other departments adopted similar approaches.”
In the same way : “She excels in academics. In the same way, her siblings also achieve high grades.”
Equally : “Both candidates possess strong leadership skills. Equally, they demonstrate excellent communication abilities.”
Besides : “She enjoys reading novels. Besides, she also enjoys writing short stories.”
In other words : “The product received mixed reviews due to its functionality issues. In other words, customers experienced difficulties with its performance.”
That is to say : “She loves traveling to exotic destinations. That is to say, she prefers exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.”
Namely : “The research focused on several key areas, namely, customer satisfaction, product quality, and market trends.”
For example : “Many countries have implemented strict environmental policies. For example, Denmark has achieved significant progress in renewable energy.”
For instance : “Some popular social media platforms, for instance, Facebook and Instagram, have millions of active users.”
Specifically : “The training program focuses specifically on enhancing leadership skills and fostering teamwork.”
To illustrate : “To illustrate the concept further, let’s consider a real-life example.”
In particular : “The company aims to expand its operations globally. In particular, it plans to target emerging markets in Asia.”
In fact : “Contrary to popular belief, exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. In fact, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
Indeed : “The company’s efforts to promote diversity have yielded positive results. Indeed, diversity has been linked to increased innovation and creativity.”
Actually : “Contrary to what many people believe, the situation is actually quite different.”
Truly : “She was truly dedicated to her work and always gave her best effort.”
Certainly : “The results of the study certainly support the hypothesis.”
Of course : “Of course, you are welcome to join us for dinner.”
Without a doubt : “Without a doubt, she is one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met.”
In essence : “The policy change, in essence, aims to improve customer satisfaction.”
Essentially : “The project, essentially, involves redesigning the user interface.”
In summary : “In summary, the findings suggest a need for further research in this area.”
In conclusion : “In conclusion, it is evident that climate change poses significant challenges.”
To sum up : “To sum up, the main points of the argument are as follows.”
In brief : “In brief, the report highlights key areas for improvement.”
To conclude : “To conclude, let’s consider the implications of these findings.”
Overall : “Overall, the project was a success.”
All in all : “All in all, it was a memorable experience.”
On the whole : “On the whole, the feedback has been positive.”
Therefore : “The traffic was heavy; therefore, they arrived late to the meeting.”
Thus : “The factory implemented new safety measures; thus, the number of accidents decreased.”
Hence : “The flight was canceled; hence, they had to make alternative travel arrangements.”
Consequently : “He missed the deadline; consequently, he faced disciplinary action.”
Accordingly : “The instructions were unclear; accordingly, many participants made mistakes.”
As a result : “The market demand increased; as a result, prices rose.”
For this reason : “She forgot her umbrella; for this reason, she got wet in the rain.”
Because of this : “He missed the train because of this, he couldn’t attend the meeting.”
Due to this : “Due to this unforeseen circumstance, the event had to be postponed.”
In light of this : “In light of this new information, we need to reconsider our strategy.”
Since : “Since it was raining heavily, they decided to stay indoors.”
Because : “He didn’t study for the exam because he was feeling unwell.”
For : “He received a promotion for his outstanding performance.”
As : “As the temperature dropped, people bundled up in warm clothing.”
Owing to : “Owing to his persistent efforts, he achieved success.”
Given that : “Given that she had prior experience, she was appointed as the team leader.”
Considering that : “Considering that it was his first attempt, he performed exceptionally well.”
Seeing that : “Seeing that the store was closing soon, they hurried to finish their shopping.”
In view of : “In view of the current situation, we need to take immediate action.”
As a matter of fact : “As a matter of fact, he was the first to arrive at the party.”
Regardless : “He continued with the project regardless of the challenges he faced.”
Nonetheless : “The weather was unfavorable; nonetheless, they decided to go ahead with the outdoor event.”
Nevertheless : “The plan faced criticism; nevertheless, it was implemented successfully.”
However : “She forgot her passport; however, she managed to board the flight with a temporary permit.”
Although : “Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.”
Though : “Though she was tired, she continued working late into the night.”
Even though : “Even though he was warned about the risks, he proceeded with the plan.”
Despite : “Despite the challenges, they remained committed to their goal.”
In spite of : “In spite of the obstacles, they persevered and succeeded.”
On the contrary : “The results were contrary to expectations; on the contrary, they were favorable.”
Conversely : “He expected to feel relieved; conversely, he felt even more anxious.”
But : “The weather was sunny, but they decided to cancel the picnic due to other commitments.”
Yet : “He had a busy schedule, yet he managed to find time for his hobbies.”
Whereas : “She preferred coffee, whereas her sister preferred tea.”

By mastering the art of transition words, you’ll transform your essay from a disjointed collection of ideas into a powerful and persuasive piece of writing. So, the next time you sit down to write, remember these transition words and watch your essay flow majestically!

Download the Word of the day

200+ Sentences with Besides
Conjunctive Adverbs
Transition Phrases
Ways to Say “I Really Appreciate It”
Happy Promise Day 2024: Wishes, Quotes, and Messages
Transition words for sequencing with examples
The Power of Transition Words and Phrases
Transition words for contrast and compare with examples

Download the Word coach App on your Android phone

Word Coach - IELTS and GRE Vocabulary Builder & word coach Quiz (10 Words a Day) application helps, you and your friends to improve English Vocabulary and help you become the smartest among your group.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

Knowledge Base
Academic writing
Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

The only proofreading tool specialized in correcting academic writing - try for free!

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts and by native English editors. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students.

transition words list for high school essays

Try for free

There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

A second round of testing was also carried out.
Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”

Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Academic Writing

Avoiding repetition
Effective headings
Passive voice
Taboo words
Deep learning
Generative AI
Machine learning
Reinforcement learning
Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

(AI) Tools

Grammar Checker
Paraphrasing Tool
Text Summarizer
AI Detector
Plagiarism Checker
Citation Generator

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, August 23). Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 11, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/transition-words/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, using conjunctions | definition, rules & examples, transition sentences | tips & examples for clear writing, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, what is your plagiarism score.

Transition Words

As a "part of speech" transition words are used to link words, phrases or sentences. They help the reader to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text.

Transitional Words

This structured list of commonly used English transition words — approximately 200, can be considered as quasi complete. It can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression. English transition words are essential, since they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion, etc. in the line of argument. The transition words and phrases have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although some words belong to more than one category.

There is some overlapping with prepositions and postpositions, but for the purpose of usage and completeness of this concise guide, I did not differentiate.

Linking & Connecting Words — Part 1/2

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

Opposition / limitation / contradiction, examples / support / emphasis, cause / condition / purpose, effect / consequence / result, conclusion / summary / restatement, time / chronology / sequence, space / location / place.

The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise , add information , reinforce ideas , and express agreement with preceding material.

in the first place

not only ... but also

as a matter of fact

in like manner

in addition

coupled with

in the same fashion / way

first, second, third

in the light of

not to mention

to say nothing of

equally important

by the same token

identically

together with

comparatively

correspondingly

furthermore

additionally

Transition phrases like but , rather and or , express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives , and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning ( contrast ).

although this may be true

in contrast

different from

of course ..., but

on the other hand

on the contrary

at the same time

in spite of

even so / though

be that as it may

(and) still

even though

nevertheless

nonetheless

notwithstanding

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions .

in the event that

granted (that)

as / so long as

on (the) condition (that)

for the purpose of

with this intention

with this in mind

in the hope that

to the end that

for fear that

in order to

seeing / being that

provided that

only / even if

inasmuch as

These transitional devices (like especially ) are used to introduce examples as support , to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.

in other words

to put it differently

for one thing

as an illustration

in this case

for this reason

to put it another way

that is to say

with attention to

by all means

important to realize

another key point

first thing to remember

most compelling evidence

must be remembered

point often overlooked

to point out

on the positive side

on the negative side

specifically

surprisingly

significantly

particularly

in particular

for example

for instance

to demonstrate

to emphasize

to enumerate

Some of these transition words ( thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth ) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect .

Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects.

as a result

under those circumstances

in that case

because the

consequently

accordingly

These transition words and phrases conclude , summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general statement . Also some words (like therefore ) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.

as can be seen

generally speaking

in the final analysis

all things considered

as shown above

in the long run

given these points

as has been noted

for the most part

in conclusion

to summarize

by and large

on the whole

in any event

in either case

These transitional words (like finally ) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time . They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions .

at the present time

from time to time

sooner or later

up to the present time

to begin with

in due time

in the meantime

in a moment

without delay

all of a sudden

at this instant

first, second

immediately

straightaway

by the time

occasionally

Many transition words in the time category ( consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever ) have other uses.

Except for the numbers ( first, second, third ) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples . Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or qualify space . Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.

in the middle

to the left/right

in front of

on this side

in the distance

here and there

in the foreground

in the background

in the center of

adjacent to

opposite to

List of Transition Words

Transition Words are also sometimes called (or put in the category of) Connecting Words. Please feel free to download them via this link to the category page: Linking Words & Connecting Words as a PDF. It contains all the transition words listed on this site. The image to the left gives you an impression how it looks like.

Usage of Transition Words in Essays

Transition words and phrases are vital devices for essays , papers or other literary compositions. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. They thus give the text a logical organization and structure (see also: a List of Synonyms ).

All English transition words and phrases (sometimes also called 'conjunctive adverbs') do the same work as coordinating conjunctions : they connect two words, phrases or clauses together and thus the text is easier to read and the coherence is improved.

Usage: transition words are used with a special rule for punctuation : a semicolon or a period is used after the first 'sentence', and a comma is almost always used to set off the transition word from the second 'sentence'.

Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile.

Example 2: however, transition words can also be placed at the beginning of a new paragraph or sentence - not only to indicate a step forward in the reasoning, but also to relate the new material to the preceding thoughts..

Use a semicolon to connect sentences, only if the group of words on either side of the semicolon is a complete sentence each (both must have a subject and a verb, and could thus stand alone as a complete thought).

Further helpful readings about expressions, writing and grammar: Compilation of Writing Tips How to write good ¦ Correct Spelling Study by an English University

Are you using WORD for writing professional texts and essays? There are many easy Windows Shortcuts available which work (almost) system-wide (e.g. in every programm you use).

Try for free

Transition Words and Phrases for Writing

Use this list of 100+ high school transition words and phrases for instances where you need to provide comparison/contrast, summarization, conclusion, or to indicate more information., transition words for high school essays.

In this guide, we explore high school transition words. Transition words play a crucial role in structuring and bridging ideas in writing. They are the glue that binds sentences and paragraphs together, ensuring a smooth flow of thoughts and concepts.

The importance of these words cannot be underestimated, especially in high school writing, where complexity and cohesiveness of ideas start to play a more significant role.

This guide will provide an in-depth look into various categories of transition words and how to use them effectively in your writing.

What are transition words?

Transition words are functional parts of speech that writers use to help readers move easily and clearly from one idea to another. They add necessary organization and structure to a text, and they are critical for creative, expository, or academic writing.

Successful writers use common transition words and phrases in both fiction and non-fiction works.

Why do we use transition words?

Also called connecting or linking words, transition words and phrases help establish clear connections between ideas and ensure that sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly , making them easier to read.

Examples of high school transition words

Using transitional words properly is crucial to the development of good writing composition skills. By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays.

Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances.

Cause, purpose, or intent transition words

Here is a list of transition words/linking words and phrases when you want to indicate cause, intent, or condition. They can be coordinating conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs, etc.

Example: "We can probably finish this hike in less than two hours, as long as we stick to the marked trails and don't stop too often to rest."

Types of transition words for cause, purpose, and intent:

For the reason that
For the purpose of
In order to
In light of
On condition of
Out of fear of
On account of
Provided that

Effect, consequence, or result transition words

These connecting words and phrases demonstrate effects or results, cause and effect, and are sometimes used to denote consequences that occur after the fact (using time words like "after" and "then"). They are predominantly conjunctive adverbs and are mostly used when starting a new paragraph.

Example: "Kevin never changed the oil in his car - as a result , the engine seized and he had to pay $2000 to get it replaced."

Use transition words for better accessibility. Below are some examples of transitional expressions:

Accordingly
Consequently
In that case
As a result
Due to circumstances
Because of that
In light of that
For that reason

Comparison or agreement transition words

These transition phrases and words reinforce the concepts and ideas directly preceding them, or enable the reader to directly compare two preceding statements, previous arguments, ideas, or concepts.

Example: "Needing to gain only 2 yards for a critical first down, the coach was faced with going for it or kicking the ball away. Calling a pass play seemed the safest bet. Moreover , the quarterback hadn't thrown an incomplete pass all game."

Check the following examples:

Comparatively
In similar fashion
Identically
Furthermore
In addition
In the same vein
Additionally
As a matter of fact
First of all
In the first place
Compared to
In the same way
In addition to
Part and parcel of
By the same token

Contrast or contradiction words & phrases

Use these transition words and phrases to point out differences in ideas, or suggest to the reader that there are alternative ideas to consider.

Example: "The coach decided to go for it on 4th down, albeit with a very simple quarterback sneak."

In spite of
Nonetheless
Nevertheless
Be that as it may
On the contrary
Even though
Rather than
At the same time
In contrast with

Sequence and time transition words

Convey a sequence of events or the structure and limits of time with these transition words.

Example: "Attention, passengers: At the present time , the subway is delayed because of a signal issue at the Ashmont station."

At the present time
Immediately
Simultaneously
Subsequently
To begin with
All of a sudden
In an instant
Once in awhile
Right this minute
Not a second too soon

Transition words for place and location

Indicate location, presence, and state with these transition words.

Example: "The town finally voted to build a new high school adjacent to the old railway station."

In the background
To the right/left
In the back/front
In front of
In proximity to
Kitty-corner to/from
Across from
In the vicinity of
On the horizon
In the distance

Summarizing and concluding transition words

Use these connecting words and phrases to summarize ideas and concepts, convey conclusions to readers, or restate particular ideas and concepts.

Example: " Generally speaking , commuting into the city usually takes me an hour, except on rainy or snowy days, when it can take as many as 3 hours to get to work."

To summarize
In the final analysis
For the most part
At the end of the day
After all is said and done
By and large
In the short run
All things considered
In conclusion
To conclude
As demonstrated
As discussed
As indicated

Transition words for examples, emphasis, and more information

This group of linking words and phrases will help illustrate, add more information, and provide examples for readers.

Example: "There were a number of accidents and breakdowns on the highway today - surprisingly , I still made it to school on time."

For example
For instance
In particular
Particularly
Specifically
To illustrate
To demonstrate
For this reason
In this case
Putting it another way
By all means
Hypothetically
Putting it differently
Significantly

Keep practicing!

Transition words are essential tools for enhancing the cohesiveness and flow of your writing. Learning and effectively using these high school transition words will not only improve your writing skills but also increase your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and logically.

Keep practicing and enriching your writing with these high school transition words and phrases.

Featured High School Resources

Related Resources

Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

11 min read

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

Transition words are essential tools in essay writing , providing a clear path for your readers to follow. They serve the crucial purpose of connecting words, phrases, sentences, or even entire paragraphs.

By using these transitions effectively, you can effortlessly convey your ideas and thoughts in a coherent and easily understandable manner.

However, it's crucial to exercise moderation when using transition words. Overusing them can clutter your essay, making it confusing and difficult to read.

On the other hand, omitting them entirely can result in a piece that lacks flow and direction. Striking the right balance ensures that your essay is both engaging and comprehensible.

Purpose of Transition Words

Let’s take a look at the purpose of using transitions in essays:

Enhance Readability: Transition words improve the overall flow and coherence of your writing.
Clarify Relationships: They signal connections between ideas, whether it's adding, contrasting, or summarizing.
Improve Comprehension: Readers can follow your argument or narrative more easily.
Smooth Transitions: They act as bridges, seamlessly guiding your audience from one point to the next.
Manage Change: They prepare the reader for shifts in topic or perspective.
Enhance Engagement: Well-placed transitions keep readers interested and invested in your content.
Encourage Flow: They maintain a logical progression, aiding in the overall structure of your work.

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

Here are some common types of transitions for essays that can be used in almost any situation.

Addition Transitions

Furthermore
Additionally
In addition
Not only...but also

Comparison Transitions

In the same way
Comparable to
Correspondingly
In comparison
By the same token

Contrast Transitions

On the other hand
In contrast
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Even though

Cause and Effect Transitions

Consequently
As a result
For this reason
Accordingly

Time Transitions

Simultaneously
In the meantime
Subsequently
At the same time

Illustration Transitions

For example
For instance
Specifically
To illustrate
In particular
In this case
As an illustration

Emphasis Transitions

Undoubtedly
Without a doubt

Summary Transitions

To summarize
To conclude

Sequence Transitions

Example transitions.

As an example
To demonstrate
For one thing
As evidence
As an instance

For Showing Exception

At The Same Time
Nevertheless
On The Other Hand
But At The Same Time
Conversely

For Proving

For This Reason
Certainly
To Demonstrate
In Fact
Clearly
As A Result

This transition words for essays list will make it easier for you to understand what words to use in which kind of essay or for which purpose.

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

To begin with
By contrast
One alternative is
To put more simply
On the contrary
With this in mind
All things considered
Generally speaking
That is to say
Yet another

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

furthermore
Moreover
Because
Besides that
Pursuing this further

Transition Words for Essays PDF

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Althoughyhtjyjum,u
Notwithstanding

Transition Words for Informative Essays

After all
As can be expected
Obviously

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Equally important
Another reason
Not long after that
Looking back

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In order to
Provided that
Because of this

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

As noted earlier
Consequently
Whereas
This leads to
Another factor
This lead to
The underlying concept
In this respect

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

(once) again
Primarily
Due to
Accordingly
That is to say
Subsequently
To demonstrate
However

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

In any event
As mentioned
In other words
As you can see

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

These are some introduction transition words for essays to start writing:

In the first place
First of all
For the most part
On one hand
As a rule

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

To put it differently
Once and for all

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

To start with
First and foremost
In the beginning

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

In addition to this
Furthermore

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

In conclusion
Finally
Last but not least
To sum up
Altogether

Transition Words for Quotes in Essays

Acknowledges

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

In conclusion
For instance

Transition Words for Essays High School

Today
In addition
To summarize
On the other hand
As well as
Although

Transition Words for Essays College

Here are some college level transition words for essay:

Pursuing this
Similarly
What’s more
As much as
In a like manner
In the same fashion

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

So, now you have some strong transition words for essays at hand. But how do you use these transition words?

Here are the basic dos and don’ts of using transition words for essays.

Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.

So, now you have an extensive list of transition words. These are some of the best transition words for essays that you can add to your essays.

If your essay seems redundant because you used similar transition words, you can always have a look at this list to find some good replacements.

So, whenever you’re writing an essay, refer back to this list and let your words flow!

If you still feel that your essay is not properly conveying your ideas, turn to our expert essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com.

If you have some write-up, our essay writing service will make it flow without changing the entire content. Or, if you wish to have an essay from scratch, we will write a paper for you!

Simply contact us and place your order now. Our writers will take care of everything to help you ace your assignment.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

No products in the cart.

October 22, 2020
By Homework Help Global

200 Transition Words For Essays That Will Help Your Writing Flow Better

Woman looking at transition words for essays on her laptop

Need some transition words for essays that will really help your paper flow? We’ve got you covered.

You always hear professors and educators talk about including transition words within your paragraphs, but it can be tricky to figure out which words to use and where to put them. It’s also difficult to come up with new ones off the top of your head instead of using “however,” “but,” or “and” over and over again.

Fortunately, we’re always here to help you out with the right tools and resources. We know all about transitional words and phrases, how to use them in every part of your essay, and how to make sure you make the right impression in your writing.

This master list of 200 transition words for essays will give you some great ideas for your next writing assignment, and we’ve got some great tips and tricks you can use along the way.

Young woman working on her essays with her back turned to the camera

What Are Transition Words?

Let’s start with the basics. What are transition words, anyway?

Transitional words and phrases are used to link sentences together. They are similar to conjunctions in that they make connections and help your writing flow smoothly. You don’t talk to people in choppy sentences, so why would you write that way?

A transition word is almost always followed by a comma. You can also use a semicolon to join the two sentences instead of separating them with a period if they are both complete sentences. This adds a little more connection between your thoughts. Here is an example : “Michael didn’t go to school on Wednesday; therefore, he missed the pop quiz.”

If you’re not sure whether your sentences are complete and should be joined with a semicolon, check out our blog on the types of sentences in English . This will help you get a sense of how to structure your writing properly so you don’t lose marks on technical things.

When using transition words for essays, you should also include them at the beginning of each of your body paragraphs. This not only helps you transition into the next thought, but introduces the next point you’re going to make.

Student desk with notepad taking down transition words

Why Should I Use Transition Words?

Even though it seems like your sentences would be fine without including transition words, they make a really big difference in your writing.

Transitional words and phrases make sentences flow together more effectively, adding that sense of connection between two thoughts or ideas. This makes essays easier to read, and more cohesive for your professor.

For example, take a look at these sentences: “Leanna did not do any homework during the entire semester. She failed her history class.” Now, here are these sentences with a transition word included: “Leanna did not do any homework during the entire semester. As a result, she failed her history class.” As you can see, adding that transition word between the two sentences makes them flow together and connects the idea that one thing has led to another.

When you use transition words for essays, you make your writing flow a lot better and can easily connect one point to another. This is especially important at the end of your body paragraphs, where you need to go from one point to the next in a way that sounds natural.

Think of your sentences like a stack of bricks. Without the mortar to glue the bricks together, you just have a pile of bricks. But with mortar, you have something holding those bricks together to build something more solid – a house or a structure. Transition words are just like that mortar. Sure, your sentences can hold up on their own, but transition words hold your sentences together to create a more cohesive text as a whole.

Female student writing down transition words on a tablet

Types of Transition Words

There are actually a few different categories that transitional words and phrases fall into. These categories are determined by the purpose and use of the word. For example, if you are using a transition word to add on to a point you’ve already made, you would use something from the “agreement, addition, or similarity” category.

Here are the main categories of transition words for essays:

● Agreement, Addition, or Similarity

● Sequence or Order

● Contradiction or Opposition

● Cause and Effect

● Examples, Support, or Emphasis

● Location, Space/Place, or Time

● Conclusion, Clarification, or Summary

Of course, you can use transitional words and phrases however you see fit and don’t have to stick to just these categories and lists. However, these lists are meant to be a guideline to help you choose the right word to complete your thought and idea. Using the wrong transition word in the wrong context can cause your paper to take a complete turn in a different direction.

It’s All About Relationships

Ultimately, what you need to remember about transition words is that they are based on the relationship between two sentences or ideas. Just like there are different types of relationships between people, there are different types of relationships between words. This is where those different categories come in.

When you use transition words at the end of one body paragraph before the next one, you are using them to show how one idea can lead into another. Further, this could be a cause and effect situation, where one point is the result of the previous point, or an agreement relationship where one factor adds on to another.

Here is an example of a cause and effect relationship between sentences: “My grandmother smoked cigarettes for over 50 years. As a result, she developed lung cancer when she was in her 60s.” “As a result” is used as a transitional phrase here to indicate that the grandmother’s lung cancer was the result of her smoking cigarettes for a long time.

Female college student sitting in the kitchen writing argumentative essays

200 Powerful Transition Words For Essays

When it comes to using transition words for essays, it’s important to make sure you’re using the right ones in the right place. Penn State recommends using them in “pivotal positions” where the meaning of the sentence shifts.

Your professor is going to be grading your essays based on your ability to present your points, ideas, and arguments in a logical or cohesive way. No matter what type of paper you’re writing, from argumentative essays to personal reflections , you always need to be able to articulate your thoughts in a way that makes it easy for your reader to follow.

If you’re out of ideas or need some new inspiration, you’re in the right place. Follow this list of 200 transition words for essays to find the right words to use in your own papers, assignments, and speeches.

Agreement, Addition, or Similarity

1. In addition to 2. As a matter of fact 3. Moreover 4. Similarly 5. Furthermore 6. Equally important 7. Also 8. In the same way 9. Comparatively 10. Correspondingly 11. Again 12. Not only… but also 13. In like manner 14. As well as 15. Thus 16. Therefore 17. In the same fashion 18. In the light of 19. Not to mention 20. Equally 21. Let alone 22. Too 23. Even more 24. And 25. Likewise 26. Just like 27. By the same token 28. Indeed 29. Another 30. Including

Sequence or Order

1. Firstly… secondly… thirdly 2. After 3. Simultaneously 4. Next… then… finally 5. Later 6. In the first place… in the second place 7. Formerly… presently 8. Since 9. Once 10. To begin with 11. Sooner… later 12. As soon as 13. Shortly 14. By the time 15. Now that 16. Immediately following 17. Preceding 18. Afterwards 19. Earlier 20. Both… and

Contradiction or Opposition

1. In spite of 2. While it may be true 3. However 4. On the one hand… on the other hand 5. Nonetheless 6. In contrast 7. Notwithstanding 8. On the contrary 9. Nevertheless 10. Yet 11. Still 12. As much as 13. Although this may be true 14. Even though 15. Rather 16. Be that as it may 17. Above all 18. Despite 19. Admittedly 20. Instead 21. Though 22. Conversely 23. Regardless 24. Different from 25. At the same time 26. Albeit 27. Although 28. But 29. That said 30. Granted

Cause and Effect

1. As a result 2. Consequently 3. Thus 4. Accordingly 5. Therefore 6. Hence 7. So 8. With this in mind 9. Owing to 10. Inasmuch as 11. Due to 12. To the end that 13. In order to 14. In light of 15. While 16. In the event that 17. Unless 18. Provided that 19. Seeing that 20. Being that 21. Since 22. As 23. Because 24. Subsequently 25. In the event that

Examples, Support, or Emphasis

1. For example 2. For instance 3. Specifically 4. Namely 5. Of course 6. Again 7. Truly 8. To illustrate 9. To demonstrate 10. As an example 11. Especially 12. Particularly 13. Also 14. Equally important 15. Besides 16. Including 17. To include 18. Certainly 19. Truly 20. More importantly 21. In fact 22. For the purpose of 23. Another key point 24. Surely 25. In particular 26. To put it another way 27. Namely 28. As an illustration 29. Above all 30. So that

Location, Space/Place, or Time

1. After 2. Afterwards 3. At last 4. Meanwhile 5. Then 6. Subsequently 7. Before 8. Currently 9. Simultaneously 10. Nearby 11. Adjacent 12. Immediately after 13. Back then 14. Nowadays 15. Sometimes 16. This time 17. Following 18. Soon 19. While 20. Today 21. In the future 22. Previously 23. Above 24. Below 25. During 26. Now 27. Beyond 28. Earlier 29. Here 30. There

Conclusion, Clarification, or Summary

1. In conclusion 2. To sum up 3. In summary 4. Finally 5. In a word 6. Briefly 7. In brief 8. In the end 9. To conclude 10. To summarize 11. On the whole 12. In other words 13. Altogether 14. In short 15. Ultimately 16. In a nutshell 17. After all 18. All things considered 19. In sum 20. Given these points 21. In either case 22. As shown above 23. To clarify 24. To put it another way 25. Actually 26. That is 27. To rephrase 28. With this in mind 29. On the subject of 30. Regarding 31. As for 32. Concerning 33. In consideration of 34. With regard to 35. Considering this result

A set of eyeglasses placed on top of an open book of essays

Where to Use Transition Words in Your Essays

Now that you understand which words you should use to transition between points and ideas, you may still have a few questions. For starters, you’re probably wondering where to use transition words in your writing and how they fit in with your overall message.

There are a few different spots where you can use transition words within your essays or writing assignments:

● In your topic sentences at the start of each paragraph.

● To create connections between the evidence presented and the result or argument.

● In your closing sentence at the end of each paragraph to segway into the next one.

● At the beginning of your introduction or summary paragraphs.

● Within your conclusion to make summarized points.

For more help with this, take a look at our blog on essay format . In this article, we show you exactly what should be included in each section of your essay so you can make sure you’re on the right track for success.

Female student writing a paper at her desk with closeup of her arm

Important Things to Remember

If you have even more questions, here are some important things to remember when using transition words that will help you as you write your essay.

● Don’t overuse transition words in your essay. You need them in key places, but you don’t need them in every single sentence. If you use too many transitions, your reader might feel like you’re not giving them enough credit to make obvious connections.

● Make sure you understand the word you’re using. The point of a transition word is to make a logical connection, so when you use the wrong word, the logic becomes lost entirely.

● Understand how to start your sentences. Many transition words are used at the beginning of sentences, but some are too casual and should be avoided in an academic essay. For example, never start a sentence with “and,” “but,” or “because.” Find a better and more formal word to replace these.

● Watch your sentence fragments. It’s easy to write sentence fragments with transition words and not realize they aren’t complete sentences because we are so accustomed to saying them in casual language. Make sure all of your sentences can stand on their own.

● Use an essay outline to help organize your writing. This way, you get a clear idea of exactly where you should be including transition words, and can avoid overusing them wherever they aren’t necessary. For more help with your essay outline, check out Episode 47 of The Homework Help Show .

Young woman sitting at living room table writing down sentences

Still Not Sure How to Use Transition Words for Essays? Let us Help.

If you’ve gone through this list of transition words for essays and still aren’t really sure how to use them, it’s time to turn to the experts.

At Homework Help Global , we can take care of your essays and papers for you so you don’t have to spend so much time thinking about the right words to use. From argumentative essays to research papers , PhD dissertations , and more, we can handle any assignment you need completed. We’ll find all the words to get the point across, and you won’t have to write a single one of them yourself!

Order now through our easy and quick form , or get a free custom quote now for your next assignment.

How To Use Chat GPT For Studying, Research, and More!

December 14, 2023

college students learn what is a capstone project

What Is A Capstone Project and How To Write One

Graduating college students learned what is APA

What is APA Style Formatting and How To Do It Right

April 19, 2023
How it Works
Terms of Service
Refer a Friend
Privacy Policy
Free Revisions Policy

First time visitor?

Submit your first order and receive 10% off using this coupon code: NEWCLIENT **For first-time clients only

Complete List of Transition Words

100 Words and Phrases to Use Between Paragraphs

Viorika Prikhodko / E+ / Getty Images

Writing Essays
Writing Research Papers
English Grammar
M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Once you have completed the first draft of your paper, you will need to rewrite some of the introductory sentences at the beginning and the transition statements at the end of every paragraph . Transitions, which connect one idea to the next, may seem challenging at first, but they get easier once you consider the many possible methods for linking paragraphs together—even if they seem to be unrelated.

Transition words and phrases can help your paper move along, smoothly gliding from one topic to the next. If you have trouble thinking of a way to connect your paragraphs, consider a few of these 100 top transitions as inspiration. The type of transition words or phrases you use depends on the category of transition you need, as explained below.

Additive Transitions

Probably the most common type, additive transitions are those you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous one, notes Edusson , a website that provides students with essay-writing tips and advice . Put another way, additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding to an idea and/or your ideas are similar, says Quizlet , an online teacher and student learning community. Some examples of additive transition words and phrases were compiled by Michigan State University writing lab. Follow each transition word or phrase with a comma:

In the first place
Furthermore
Alternatively
As well (as this)
What is more
In addition (to this)
On the other hand
Either (neither)
As a matter of fact
Besides (this)
To say nothing of
Additionally
Not to mention (this)
Not only (this) but also (that) as well
In all honesty
To tell the truth

An example of additive transitions used in a sentence would be:

" In the first place , no 'burning' in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover , volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore , the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks..." – Fred Bullard, "Volcanoes in History, in Theory, in Eruption"

In this and the examples of transitions in subsequent sections, the transition words or phrases are printed in italics to make them easier to find as you peruse the passages.

Adversative Transitions

Adversative transitions are used to signal conflict, contradiction, concession, and dismissal, says Michigan State University. Examples include:

In contrast
But even so
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
(And) still
In either case
(Or) at least
Whichever happens
Whatever happens
In either event

An example of an adversative transition phrase used in a sentence would be:

" On the other hand, professor Smith completely disagreed with the author's argument."

Causal Transitions

Causal transitions—also called cause-and-effect transitions—show how certain circumstances or events were caused by other factors, says Academic Help . The website that offers assistance with academic writing adds: "They [causal transitions] make it easier for the reader to follow the logic of the arguments and clauses represented in paper." Examples include:

Accordingly
As a result
Consequently
For this reason
Granting (that)
On the condition (that)
In the event that
As a result (of this)
Because (of this)
As a consequence
In consequence
So much (so) that
For the purpose of
With this intention
With this in mind
Under those circumstances
That being the case

An example of a causal transition used in a sentence would be:

"The study of human chromosomes is in its infancy, and so it has only recently become possible to study the effect of environmental factors upon them." –Rachel Carson, "Silent Spring"

Sequential Transitions

Sequential transitions express a numerical sequence, continuation, conclusion , digression , resumption, or summation, says Michigan State, which gives these examples:

In the (first, second, third, etc.) place
To begin with
To start with
Subsequently
To conclude with
As a final point
Last but not least
To change the topic
Incidentally
To get back to the point
As was previously stated

An example of a sequential transition would be:

"We should teach that words are not the things to which they refer. We should teach that words are best understood as convenient tools for handling reality... Finally , we should teach widely that new words can and should be invented if the need arises." –Karol Janicki, "Language Misconceived"

In sum , use transition words and phrases judiciously to keep your paper moving, hold your readers' attention, and retain your audience until the final word.

Definition and Examples of a Transition in Composition
How to Teach Topic Sentences Using Models
Cohesion Strategies: A List of Transitional Words and Phrases
Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
What You Need to Know About Conjunctive Adverbs
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Spanish
Conjugating the Verb 'To Be'
Paragraph Transition: Definition and Examples
Beef Up Critical Thinking and Writing Skills: Comparison Essays
Persuasive Writing: For and Against
How to Say "And" in Chinese
The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
Revising a Paper
Definition and Examples of Paragraphing in Essays
Paragraph Writing
Objects in English Grammar

Transition Words (List for Essays, Paragraphs, and Writing)

In grammar , transition words play a very important role. If used correctly, they can link your ideas, make your paragraphs more coherent, and enhance your writing.

But first – what exactly are transition words and how should you use them ?

What exactly are transition words?

Simply put, transition words are words that basically act as the powerful link that holds your sentences together. They are used to show the relationship between two (or more) phrases, sentences, and even paragraphs.

Transition words improve the flow of your writing, and make it more sensible and easier to read . Words like “and,” “additionally,” “because,” “therefore,” etc. are all transition words. Along with transition words, we also have transition phrases like “as well as,” “for example,” “after all,” etc.

Why are transition words used in a sentence?

1. they are link builders.

Using transition words helps you connect your ideas and thoughts clearly. It helps the reader understand how different ideas logically are related and not get confused. In addition, these words also prepare the readers for what they should expect next.

Let’s consider the following example:

Shannon couldn’t sleep well last night. Therefore , she drank two cups of coffee before starting her day.

Now, using the transition word “therefore” helped you achieve two things here:

It told the reader the cause-and-effect relationship between two things
It described how these sentences are connected and are a part of one process.

From the above example, the reader will understand that Shannon requires two cups of coffee because she couldn’t sleep well last night. These are two different sentences, but they are glued together with the transition word. Remove the transition word and both of these sentences will lose coherency.

2. Transition words help you put your thoughts in a logical order

Organized thoughts are essential elements of clear and concise writing. Writers should ensure that all the points mentioned in a sentence have a logical flow and there should not be any abrupt pauses between them.

Transition words help in introducing sequence or order to your writing. Here’s how:

First , we will go shopping. Then , we will go to a movie.

Here, we have used two transition words (“first” and “then”) at the beginning of two different sentences. They are used to denote a particular order in which two actions are to be performed.

3. Transition words make your work logical and easy to read

High-quality writing is always clear and easy to understand. It has a logical structure and helps the reader move from one thought to another effortlessly. The simpler the writing, the better the readability!

Transition words are the magic connectors that help you write in clear and plain English.

In both the above-mentioned examples, we have used the transition word at the beginning of the sentences. However, these words can also be used in the middle or at the end of a sense or phrase.

Consider the following sentence, for example:

I love watching the TV show F.R.I.E.N.D.S because it makes me laugh.

Here, the transition word “because” helps in joining two clauses . It helps the reader understand two things clearly:

Which TV show does the writer loves watching
Why do they love watching that particular show

Different categories of transition words

Depending upon their usage and the types of transition a writer wishes to make, transition words are usually divided into multiple categories. There are transition words to show contrast, similarity, examples, and whatnot!

Generally, we have more than one transition word for a particular situation/ transition and so writers can pick the ones according to their liking.

Most of the time, these words mean the same things. However, sometimes they have slightly different meanings. Thus, it is important to understand the meaning and use-case of these words before making your final choice.

Here are some transition word examples according to different categories:

When it comes to displaying contrast “but” is the most common transition word. However, it is not the only word. There are several other transition words that you can use to display contrast in your sentences. Some of the common words include:

On the contrary
On the other hand
Despite this
Nevertheless

Cause and effect

These transition words are used for denoting the cause-and-effect relationship between two sentences. The common transition words you can use for this are as follows:

Accordingly

Another common use of transition words is to show the similarity between sentences and phrases. Here are some commonly used transition words for denoting the similarity between two sentences:

In the same way

For showing different periods, the following transition words should be used:

Immediately
Subsequently

These transition words also define sequence or time. Here are some common sequence-based transition words that writers can include in their work:

These transition words are used to connect things based on their location or where they are placed to each other. Here are some of them:

Adjacent to

As the name suggests, emphasis transition words help you in stressing an important point and accentuate your argument. Here are some common emphasis transition words:

These transition words offer huge help when you are drafting the conclusion of your work . Whether you are working on a school essay, summing up an idea, or working on your blog, conclusion transition words are an integral part of all kinds of writing.

Here are some common conclusion transition words that writers can use to simplify their writing:

In conclusion
To sum it up
On the whole

Do transition words actually make a difference?

The main purpose of transition words is to make clunky, confusing, and disjointed sentences smooth , logical, and coherent. These words must be used to improve the flow of sentences and make your paper more engaging.

When trying to write in plain English, using appropriate transition words wherever possible can make a significant positive impact.

Writers must avoid making abrupt pauses or jumping from one sentence to another illogically. Instead, it is recommended to use transition words to establish an organizational flow in your work.

But the question is – do transition words actually work?

Let’s consider the following sentences – with and without the transition word – and see the difference:

Jess is going back home for three months. He needs two big bags to carry all his belongings.

While there is nothing wrong with these two sentences, they lack a logical flow. Here’s how using a transition word can improve it.

Jess is going back home for three months therefore he needs two big bags to carry all his belongings.
Robin decided to stop studying. She failed high school .

Again, while both of these sentences are grammatically correct, they neither sound good nor logical, There’s an abrupt pause between them. Let’s see how they’ll sound after adding a transition word.

Robin decided to stop studying. Consequently , she failed high school.
I could go home. I could stay at the office and finish my work.

Now, these two sentences don’t sound coherent at all. There is something off about them, they lack flow, and they don’t make any logical sense, right? However, once we add a simple transition word between them, they will become so much better. Here’s how:

I could go home, or I could stay at the office and finish my work.

By adding “or” (a contrast transition word), we linked the sentences. No need to rely on two awkward sentences that are better off as one.

How to use transition words correctly

In order to make a positive difference in your writing, the transition words must be used in a grammatically correct way.

When including transition words in their sentences, writers must remember the following important points:

1. The correct placement: When writing an essay, a blog, or an academic paper, the placement of the transition words plays a crucial role. Writers must plan where they want to place the transition words beforehand and then proceed with writing the sentences.

Generally, transition words can be placed –

At the beginning of the sentences
At the end of the sentences
In the middle of a sentence

2. Use a comma : When using a transition word in the middle of the sentence, it is important to always use a comma (,) before it. Doing so will separate the transition word from the rest of the sentence and give more clarity to your writing.

3. Consider the relationship between two sentences: It is another important tip that every writer must use while including transition words in their writing. Two sentences can have different kinds of relationships. They can be in agreement or disagreement with each other, there can be a cause-and-effect relationship, they can be in chronological order, etc.

Thus, it is crucial to have a clear idea about their relationship before deciding on a transition word.

Key takeaways

In English, using transition words can do wonders for your writing. It can make it more appealing, logical, and clear for the readers. Today, we have learned a lot about transition words and how writers should use them in their work.

Here is a quick summary of everything that we have learned in this article:

Transition words are words that are used when a writer is transitioning from one point to another.
They are commonly used as “linking words” that join two or more sentences, phrases, and paragraphs.
Some common and widely used transition words in English include “also,” “or,” “therefore,” and “thus.”
There are various categories of transition words and writers can use them depending on the relationship between sentences. Common categories of transition words include – cause-and-effect transition, similarity transition, emphasis transition, contrast transition, and more.

The 10 most commonly used transitional words include the following:

Furthermore
Consequently

When using transition words, it is important to strike the correct balance. Overusing transition words can make your work hard to read and reduce its quality.

While you can use multiple transition words in a paragraph, it is recommended to use just one transition word in a sentence.

With SEO becoming more and more important, using the right amount of transition words in your content has become all the more important. Following the best SEO practices and including the ideal amount of transition words in blogs and articles can help in increasing their Google ranking.

Ideally, a writer must ensure that at least 30% of their sentences include transition words. This will go a long way in improving the readability of their content and making it more engaging and simple.

There are several ways to write effective transition sentences . Here are some writing tips that can help writers write effective transition sentences:

Generally, it is advisable to use transition words at the beginning of your sentences. It helps you introduce the paragraph topic and logically connect the new sentence with the previous one.
As much as possible, it is advisable to avoid using the transition word “this.” It is because it can make your sentences confusing as it is not always clear what or who “this” refers to. Moreover, many people use pronouns like “this” or “that” as filler words.

The five most common types of transitions include the following:

Comparison – For example, “similarly”, “likewise,” “in the same way,” etc.
Contrast – For example, “on the contrary,” “or,” “otherwise,” “however,” etc.
Emphasis – For example, “in fact,” “above all,” etc.
Sequence – For example, “first,” “next,” “eventually,” etc.
Consequence – For example, “accordingly,” “as a result,” “consequently,” etc.
Wikipedia – Transition
Yoast SEO – Transition words: why and how to use them
Your Dictionary – How do I include transition words in my essay
Writer’s Room – Transition words and phrases

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

Core lessons

Abstract Noun
Accusative Case
Active Sentence
Alliteration
Adjective Clause
Adjective Phrase
Adverbial Clause
Appositive Phrase
Body Paragraph
Compound Adjective
Complex Sentence
Compound Words
Compound Predicate
Common Noun
Comparative Adjective
Comparative and Superlative
Compound Noun
Compound Subject
Compound Sentence
Copular Verb
Collective Noun
Colloquialism
Conciseness
Conditional
Concrete Noun
Conjunction
Conjugation
Conditional Sentence
Comma Splice
Correlative Conjunction
Coordinating Conjunction
Coordinate Adjective
Cumulative Adjective
Dative Case
Declarative Statement
Direct Object Pronoun
Direct Object
Dangling Modifier
Demonstrative Pronoun
Demonstrative Adjective
Direct Characterization
Definite Article
Doublespeak
Equivocation Fallacy
Future Perfect Progressive
Future Simple
Future Perfect Continuous
Future Perfect
First Conditional
Gerund Phrase
Genitive Case
Helping Verb
Irregular Adjective
Irregular Verb
Imperative Sentence
Indefinite Article
Intransitive Verb
Introductory Phrase
Indefinite Pronoun
Indirect Characterization
Interrogative Sentence
Intensive Pronoun
Inanimate Object
Indefinite Tense
Infinitive Phrase
Interjection
Intensifier
Indicative Mood
Juxtaposition
Linking Verb
Misplaced Modifier
Nominative Case
Noun Adjective
Object Pronoun
Object Complement
Order of Adjectives
Parallelism
Prepositional Phrase
Past Simple Tense
Past Continuous Tense
Past Perfect Tense
Past Progressive Tense
Present Simple Tense
Present Perfect Tense
Personal Pronoun
Personification
Persuasive Writing
Parallel Structure
Phrasal Verb
Predicate Adjective
Predicate Nominative
Phonetic Language
Plural Noun
Punctuation
Punctuation Marks
Preposition
Preposition of Place
Parts of Speech
Possessive Adjective
Possessive Determiner
Possessive Case
Possessive Noun
Proper Adjective
Proper Noun
Present Participle
Quotation Marks
Relative Pronoun
Reflexive Pronoun
Reciprocal Pronoun
Subordinating Conjunction
Simple Future Tense
Stative Verb
Subjunctive
Subject Complement
Subject of a Sentence
Sentence Variety
Second Conditional
Superlative Adjective
Slash Symbol
Topic Sentence
Types of Nouns
Types of Sentences
Uncountable Noun
Vowels and Consonants

Popular lessons

Stay awhile. Your weekly dose of grammar and English fun.

The world's best online resource for learning English. Understand words, phrases, slang terms, and all other variations of the English language.

Abbreviations
Editorial Policy

How To Write An Essay

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

12 min read

Published on: Jan 1, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

What are Transition Words?

Transition words are linking words used to connect sentences and ideas in the content. They help the audience move from one idea to another, building a coherent relationship within the document.

When writing an essay , it is essential to make sure that the information provided is readable and understandable by the readers. For this purpose, explicit language, transition words, and phrases are used.

Moreover, these words set a base for the idea that is going to be discussed next.

Transition words can either make or break the entire essay. It is mandatory to keep in view that not every sentence in your essay needs a transitional phrase.

Types of Transitions

Generally, there are three types of transitions that are used while drafting a piece of document. Depending on the length, complexity, and kind of text, transitions can take the following form:

Transition Between Sections - When your document is lengthy, transition paragraphs are used to summarize a particular section for the readers. In addition to this, it also links the information that is to be shared next.

For example:

"In the following section..." "Moving on to..." "Now, let's explore..." "Turning our attention to..." "To delve deeper, we will now examine..."

Transition Between Paragraphs - The transition between paragraphs is when you logically connect the two paragraphs. This connection summarizes the paragraphâs primary concern and links it to the next idea of the other paragraph.

"Furthermore..." "On the other hand..." "Similarly..." "In contrast..." "Moreover..." "Additionally..." "In addition to..." "Conversely..." "Likewise..." "In a similar vein...

Transition Within Paragraphs - They act as cues for the readers to prepare them for what is coming next. They are usually single words or small phrases.

"For instance..." "In particular..." "To illustrate..." "Additionally..." "Moreover..." "Furthermore..." "On the contrary..." "However..." "In contrast..." "In other words..."

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Types of Transition Words

Here's a table showcasing different types of transition words and their corresponding functions:

Transition Words For Different Types of Essays

Transitional words depend on the relationship you want to convey to the audience about the ideas and paragraphs. Below is a list of words and phrases that can be used to link different sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

Identify which transition expression you want to share for your logical relationship.

Transition Words for Argumentative Essay

In the same way
Equally important
Furthermore
Comparatively
Additionally
In addition
Not only...but also

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essay

In contrast
Different from
On the contrary
In spite of

Transition Words for Informative Essay

Provided that
With this in mind
For the purpose of
In the hope that
In order to
With this intention

Transition Words for College Essays

In other words
By all means
To demonstrate
As in illustration
To put it another way

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essay

As a result
For this reason
Because the
Under those circumstances
Accordingly
Consequently

Transition Words for Expository Essay

Not long after that
Specifically
To begin with
Without doubt
Undoubtedly
Due to circumstances
In similar fashion

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essay

Here's a table listing transition words for different parts of an essay:

How Transitions work

Transitions work by creating a bridge between ideas, sentences, paragraphs, or sections in your essay. They help to establish logical connections and guide the reader through the flow of your writing.

Here's how transitions work:

Coherence : Transitions create smooth connections between ideas, ensuring a coherent flow in your writing.
Signal Relationships: Transitions clarify how ideas are related, such as cause and effect, comparison, contrast, or sequence.
Guide the Reader: It acts as signpost, guiding readers through your essay and indicating the direction of your thoughts.
Enhance Clarity: Transitions improve clarity by organizing ideas and helping readers understand logical progression.
Improve Flow: It ensures a seamless flow between sentences, paragraphs, and sections, preventing choppiness.
Emphasize Key Points: Transitions can be used strategically to highlight important ideas and make them more impactful.

Let's consider an example:

In the above example, transitions like " one such source " connect the idea of solar power to renewable energy sources. " Similarly " then introduces the concept of wind power, creating a logical progression. These transitions help readers follow the flow of ideas and understand the relationships between different energy sources.

Tips to Use Transition Words in your Essay

Here are some tips to effectively use transition words in your essay:

Understand the Purpose: Familiarize yourself with the different types and functions of transition words, phrases, or sentences. Recognize how they connect ideas, provide structure, and indicate relationships between different parts of your essay.
Plan your Essay Structure: Before you start writing, outline the main sections, paragraphs, and points you want to cover. Consider where transition words can be used to improve the flow and coherence of your essay.
Use Transition Words Appropriately: Ensure that the transition word you choose accurately reflects the relationship between ideas. Don't force a transition where it doesn't fit naturally.
Vary Transition Words: Avoid repetitive or excessive use of the same transition word throughout your essay. Use a variety of transition words to maintain reader interest and enhance overall readability.
Pay Attention to Placement: Place transition words at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences, depending on the desired effect. Consider the logical flow of your ideas and choose the appropriate placement for each transition word.
Use Transitional Phrases: Instead of using single transition words, consider incorporating transitional phrases or clauses. These can provide more context and clarity, strengthening the connection between ideas.
Revise and Edit: After completing your essay, review it for the effectiveness and smoothness of transitions. Ensure that they serve their purpose in guiding the reader and enhancing the overall coherence of your writing.
Seek Feedback: Share your essay with others and ask for feedback, specifically on the use of transition words. Others' perspectives can help you identify any areas that need improvement or where transitions could be strengthened.

To sum it up! While mastering transition words may require time and practice, it is a skill well worth developing. These words are crucial for creating coherence and flow in your essays. Throughout this blog, we have explored various transition words and phrases that can greatly enhance your writing.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to apply these newfound skills in your future essays. You can utilize an AI essay writer to enhance and refine your writing skills.

If you still need assistance or have further inquiries, our team at CollegeEssay.org is available to provide legit essay writing service .

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, transition words for high school essays.

Yo, I need to up my essay game. What are some good transition words or phrases that I can use in my high school essays to make them flow better and sound more natural?

Hey there! Great to see you focused on improving your essay-writing skills. Using transitions effectively can definitely help your essays flow more smoothly and be easier to read. Here's a list of some transition words and phrases that you might find useful:

To add information or build on a point:

- Furthermore

- Additionally

- In addition

To compare or connect similar ideas:

- Similarly

- In the same way

To contrast or show differences:

- On the other hand

- In contrast

- Conversely

- Nevertheless

To show cause and effect or relationships:

- Therefore

- Consequently

- As a result

To provide examples:

- For instance

- For example

- Specifically

To show time or sequence:

- First, second, third, etc.

- Meanwhile

- Afterward

To summarize or conclude:

- In conclusion

- To sum up

- In summary

Make sure to use these words and phrases judiciously, as overusing transitions can make your writing sound formulaic, and be aware that depending on the context, some particular words might work much better than others. It's important to find a balance that works for your writing style and the essay's purpose. Good luck, and happy writing!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

good transitions words for essays, college

Essay writing consists of two primary procedures: coming up with the content we want to include and structuring that content. These procedures might take place in either order or they could occur simultaneously. When writing an essay it is important to think about the ways that content and structure complement one another. The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing.

When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page. You should put down as many ideas and trajectories as you can without worrying too much about phrasing or whether they will make it into the final draft. The key here is to be loose—to get ahead of our self-editors and expel everything we can from our minds.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

While this is a good strategy for beginning an essay it will likely leave you unsure how everything fits together. This is where transition words come in. As you will see in this list (which is necessarily incomplete) the range of transition words for essays is vast. Each transition word implies a different relation, often in subtle ways. After accumulating content, the next step is to figure out how the elements fit together towards an overall goal (this could be but is not necessarily an “argument”). Consulting this list of transition words for essays can provide a shortcut for determining how one piece might lead into another. Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing.

Transition Words for College Essays

While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays . The goal of a college essay is to give a strong overall sense of its author in the tight space of 650 words. As you might imagine, it’s not easy to encompass a life or convey a complex personality in such a space. When writing a college essay you are working with a huge amount of potential content. Students often want to squeeze in as much as they can. To this end, transition words for college essays are essential tools to have at our disposal.

Here is our list of transition words for college essays and other essays. It is organized by the different types of transition words/phrases and their functions. While this organization should be convenient, keep in mind that there’s plenty of overlap. Many of these words can function in multiple ways.

1) Additive Transitions

These words function in an additive manner, accumulating content to build upon what has already been stated. They can be used to construct an argument or establish a scene through the accumulation of details.

Additionally
In addition to
Furthermore
Not to mention
In all honesty
To tell the truth
Not only…but also
As a matter of fact
To say nothing of
What’s more
Alternatively
To go a step further

2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

These transition words draw a parallel or bring out a similarity between images or ideas. They can be used not only in a straightforward sense but also to establish relations of similarity between objects or ideas that might appear to be dissonant.

In the same way
In a similar vein
Along the lines of
In the key of

3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

While also functioning comparatively, the following words demonstrate difference between ideas or images. These transition words are useful when it comes to establishing contrasting points of view, an important component of any argument.

On the other hand
On the contrary
In contrast to
In contradiction
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
In any event
In any case
In either event

4) Sequential Transitions

The following are particularly effective transition words for college essays. They will allow you to order ideas chronologically or in a sequence, providing a sense of continuity over time. This is particularly useful when an essay leans into something more creative or involves telling a story.

Subsequently
At the same time
Concurrently
In the beginning
At the start
At the outset
Off the bat

5) Spatial Transitions

Rather than organizing ideas or images in regards to sequence, these transitions indicate spatial relationships. They are particularly useful when it comes to painting a scene and/or describing objects, but they can also be used metaphorically. Consider, for example, how you might use the transition, “standing in […’s] shadow.”

Standing in […’s] shadow
In front of
In the middle
In the center
To the left
To the right
On the side
Adjacent to
Around the bend
On the outskirts
In the distance
On the horizon
In the foreground
In the background
Underground
Through the grapevine

6) Causal Transitions

These transition words for essays indicate cause and effect relationships between ideas. They will be particularly useful when you are structuring a logical argument, i.e. using logos as a mode of persuasion . Causal transitions are an important element of academic, legal and scientific writing.

Accordingly
Resultingly
As a result
Consequently
In consequence
As a consequence
For this reason
So much that
Granting that
That being the case
Under those circumstances
With this in mind
For the purpose of
For all intents and purposes
In the event that
In the event of
In light of
On the condition that
To the extent that

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

These transition words for college essays can be used to introduce supporting evidence, emphasis, examples, and clarification. There is some overlap here with additive transitions and causal transitions. These transitions are also useful when it comes to building an argument. At the same time, they can signal a shift into a different linguistic register.

For example
For instance
In other words
As an illustration
To illustrate
To put it differently
To put it another way
That is to say
As the evidence illustrates
It’s important to realize
It’s important to understand
It must be remembered
To demonstrate
For clarity’s sake
To emphasize
To put it plainly
To enumerate
To speak metaphorically

8) Conclusory Transitions

These transition words for essays serve to bring an idea or story to a close. They offer a clear way of signaling the conclusion of a particular train of thought. They might be followed by a summary or a restatement of an essay’s argument. In this way they also provide emphasis, setting the reader up for what is about to come.

In conclusion
To summarize
To put it succinctly
To this end
At the end of the day
In the final analysis
By and large
On second thought
On first glance
That’s all to say
On the whole
All things considered
Generally speaking

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

Even when elements appear to be disparate on first glance, transition words are a great tool for giving your essay a smooth flow. They can also create surprising juxtapositions, relationships, and equivalences. The way a reader will understand a transition word depends on the context in which they encounter it.

Individual words and phrases can be used in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the literal to the figurative to the colloquial or idiomatic. “Through the grapevine” is an example of the colloquial or idiomatic. When we encounter this phrase we don’t interpret it literally (as hearing something “through” a grapevine) but rather as hearing news secondhand. There are, of course, a vast number of idioms that are not included in this list but can also function as transitional phrases.

This list of transition words for college essays (and really any form of writing you might be working on) is a resource that you can return to again and again in your life as a writer. Over years of writing we tend to fall into patterns when it comes to the transition words we use. Mixing things up can be exciting both as a writer and for your readers. Even if you don’t choose to stray from your trusted transitions, considering the alternatives (and why they don’t work for you) can offer a deeper understanding of what you are trying to say.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

As an exercise in self-understanding, you may want to try highlighting all of the transition words in a piece of your own writing. You can then compare this to the transition words in a piece of writing that you admire. Are they using similar transitions or others? Are they using them more or less often? What do you like or dislike about them? We all use transition words differently, creating different tonal effects. Keeping an eye out for them, not only as a writer but also as a reader, will help you develop your own aesthetic.

College Essay

Emmett Lewis

Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.

2-Year Colleges
Application Strategies
Best Colleges by Major
Best Colleges by State
Big Picture
Career & Personality Assessment
College Search/Knowledge
College Success
Costs & Financial Aid
Dental School Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
Graduate School Admissions
High School Success
High Schools
Law School Admissions
Medical School Admissions
Navigating the Admissions Process
Online Learning
Private High School Spotlight
Summer Program Spotlight
Summer Programs
Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

Transition Words

Transition words tie two thoughts together and add fluency to writing. They also help readers to understand location, similarities and differences, or main points. There are several categories of transition words and understanding each is important to choosing good transition words and phrases for a sentence or paragraph.

Scroll Directly to Printable Transition Words Worksheets .

Place and Space Transition Words

Comparison / contrast transition words, cause / purpose / condition transition words, conclusion / summary transition words, time / sequence transition words, effect / result / qualification transition words, addition / extension transition words, example / clarification / emphasis transition words.

As you can see, there are a great many choices when deciding which word best connects sentences or paragraphs. While not easy, understanding how these "connecting" words work will make writing much easier for students. Learn more about Transition Words and use our resources to practice incorporating them into the classroom or your personal studies!

Free, Printable Worksheets

Correct the transition words mistakes – worksheet.

Have your students revise sentences and correct transition word mistakes with this educational writing activity.

Identify the Transition Words

Help your students identify different transition words with this printable writing worksheet.

Transition Words: Complete the Sentence

Enhance your students’ writing skills with this “Complete the Sentence” transition words activity.

Transition Words: Connecting Ideas

Teach your students how to connect ideas with this helpful transition words classroom activity.

Using Transition Words

In this worksheet, your students will learn how to properly use transition words in a sentence.

Free Essays
Essay Typer
Grammar Checker
Plagiarism Checker
Citation Generator

Essay Writing

Transition Words For Essays

Complete List of Best Transition Words for Essays

21 min read

Published on: Nov 11, 2019

Last updated on: Jan 20, 2023

On This Page On This Page

Knowing the best transition words can help you write better essays. Essay writers use transition words to relate ideas. Normally, the transition words are used within or between the paragraphs to maintain the flow between sentences and paragraphs.

It helps the readers to progress from one idea to the next. With the help of the transition words, the reader easily understands the next idea to be discussed. Even teachers also advised the students to use transition words for essays.

Transitions are like the glue that holds your sentences together. They help make sense of what you're saying by connecting one thought to another. Without them, it would just be a bunch of disconnected words in an order none-the-wiser than anything related to each other.

However, if you don’t know which transition words are used and best for the essay. Take a look at this guide and get a complete list of the transition words.

What Are Transition Words?

Transitional words are used to link ideas, sentences, or phrases. They help your reader understand what is happening in the text. In addition, transitions can be used to build up relationships between ideas in the text.

Transition words are often followed by a comma, but you can use semicolons instead if they make sense in your sentence.

Moreover, transition words can be used to smoothly move from one point in an essay or paragraph to another. For example, you might use phrases like “and then” when transitioning between two different ideas instead of just saying "now".

Why Should You Use Transition Words?

Transitions are important in writing because they make sentences flow together and connect two thoughts or ideas. In addition, without these words, it would be difficult to read any sort of cohesive essay from start to finish.

Transition words are a great way to connect one point with the next in an essay. This is especially important at the end of body paragraphs, where you need your writing to flow naturally and seamlessly, so it sounds like there's no break between topics or sentences.

Types of Transition

Transitions are crucial to the drafting process because they help guide your audience through what you're trying to say. There can be three types of transitions that get used depending on the type of text.

Transition Between Paragraphs

The transition between paragraphs is an essential part of your writing that connects the two ideas together. It summarizes what you're trying to say in one paragraph and links it with the next point from another perspective so that people can understand better.

Transitions Within Paragraphs

The keywords act as cues for the readers to prepare them in advance. They are usually single words or short phrases that give an idea about what's coming next.

Transition Between Sections

In addition to summarizing each section, transition paragraphs are used as links so that the reader knows what information will be shared next.

Good Transition Words for Essays

The transition words are used to maintain a connection between sentences and ideas in the content. You must use these words in your essay. However, use it in a way that does not make your essay confusing. Also, choose the right type of transition for your essay.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job

For your help, we have gathered a list of the transition words you will use for your essay.

Transition Words for College Essays

An essay is a common academic assignment at the college level, and students have to write it perfectly to get good grades. Therefore, it is necessary that you use transition words in your essay and makes the essay more readable.

Here is a list of the transition words that you will easily include in your college essay.

Transition Words for High School Essays

Using transition words properly in the essay can increase the readability of your essay. These are the words that tie up your essay together and increase the coherence for the readers.

Below given are some words that you can use in your high school essay assignment.

Transition Words for Middle School Essays

The middle school essays are simple and quite easy as compared to high school and college. However, the use of transition words is essential for drafting a great essay.

Use the following words in your essay that are mentioned below and make your essay a great one.

Strong Transition Words for Essays

The transition words show the relationship between two portions of the text in the essay. Without them, the essay would not connect ideas, and the reader will not understand your purpose in writing.

Therefore we compiled some good transition words that you will use and make your essay a strong one.

Introduction Transition Words for Essays

An introduction is the first part of the essay, in which the writer introduces the topic to the readers. You must use the transition words in the essay introduction .

Here are some words for your ease.

Transition Words for Essay Paragraphs

The use of transition within paragraphs is necessary to maintain logical connections. You can use it at the start, between, or at the end of the paragraph. Use transition words, phrases, or sentences that link the paragraphs together.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Check some transition words that you can use in your easy paragraphs.

Transition Words for Essay Conclusion

The conclusion is the last section of the essay, in which you wrap up the entire essay. It is the part of the essay where you can also include transition words.

Take a look at these words and pick the right one for your essay conclusion.

Transition Words List for Different Types of Essays

We categorized the transition words for different types of essays for your ease. Choose those that match your essay content.

Best Transition Words for Essays

The key to writing an essay is using the right words. These special transition words will help you smoothly get from one point in your argument or description into another, with little confusion about what comes next.

Tips to Use Transition Words in your Essay

In order to use a transition word appropriately, professionals suggest first analyzing where and how it should be used in the content.

For your help, we gathered some tips that our professional writers recommend.

It's essential first to understand that transitional words are just as important in writing an essay. So use them wisely.
You can use these words to transition between ideas and make them related.
Avoid using too many transitions in your essay. Use them where they are needed and remove any that aren't necessary.
Never use a transition word at the end of your sentences.

Now you get a complete list of transition words and phrases for essays. If you still need help in writing the essay, consult FreeEssayWriter.net .

Our essay writer will help you, so you don’t have to spend so much time thinking about the right words to use.

Simply place your order now , and let our professional writers work on your assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of transition words in an essay.

The purpose of transition words is to help you follow subjects and ideas as you read. You can tell people what to do with the information. They might be single words, quick phrases, or full sentences.

Nathan D. (Education, Literature)

Nathan is a highly experienced writer and author. With a Ph.D. degree in journalism, he has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with the world. Nathan is passionate about writing, and his work has been featured in some of the most respected publications. His clients and colleagues respect him deeply for his knowledge and insight into the writing process.

Keep reading

Useful Links

If you have any queries please write to us

Join our mailing list

Please note that some of the content on our website is generated using AI and it is thoroughly reviewed and verified by our team of experienced editors. The essays and papers we provide are intended for learning purposes only and should not be submitted as original work.

all major debit / credit cards

I have read privacy policy and agree to the terms .

Forgot Password?

Send Password

We’ll research, write, and deliver a full-pro essay FREE to you under these easy terms:

We’ll provide 100% original research and writing to any new customer placing their initial order.
This is offer is available to new customers, one time only.
Your essay will be plagiarism-free, written by a seasoned writing professional.
Essay limited to 500 words (two pages). Additional pages at standard rates.
Policy changes upon written notice at the discretion of company.

Your first essay is FREE with a minimal admin fee of $20 that guarantees the security and prompt delivery of your order. Why an administrative fee?

To give you a 100% guaranteed Turnitin zero-plagiarism report.
To assure your total confidentiality and privacy behind our bullet-proof security firewall (which costs us a ton of money!).
To buy coffee for the amazing writer working on your essay (happy writers are better writers).
To make it possible to deliver QUALITY ESSAYS FOR FREE.

Original Price: $0

Offer 2 Pages Free: $0

Admin Fee: $20

Thank you for your order!

One of our agent will contact you shortly., if you have any other requirements or changes, please notify us immediately, as we are now working to deliver great writing that exceeds your expectations hard at work..

IMAGES

Transition Words: A Comprehensive List to Enhance Your Writing • 7ESL
17 Writing Transition Words Worksheet / worksheeto.com
Transition Words for 2nd and 3rd Grade Students
Transition Words & Phrases
Transition Words for Essays: Great List & Useful Tips • 7ESL
Transition Words Chart Pdf

VIDEO

Conclusions for literary High School Essays
Writing an essay I Best writing services
Transition words, phrases|Transitional devices in reading and writing|Complete Concept| examples

COMMENTS

33 Transition Words for Essays
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
70+ Transition words for essays with examples
Transition words for essays with examples. Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for cause: Additionally: "She enjoys playing the piano. Additionally, she is proficient in playing the guitar.". Furthermore: "The research indicated a positive correlation between exercise and mental health.
PDF transitional words and phrases
These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions. at the present time. from time to time. sooner or later. at the same time. up to the present time. to begin with.
Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure…
Transition Words & Phrases
Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.
Transition Words & Phrases
Usage of Transition Words in Essays. Transition words and phrases are vital devices for essays, papers or other literary compositions. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. They thus give the text a logical organization and structure (see also: a List of Synonyms).
Transitional Words & Phrases List and Examples
By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays. Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances. Cause, purpose, or intent transition words. Here is a list of transition words/linking words and phrases when you want to indicate cause, intent, or ...
A List of 200+ Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words for Essays High School; 17. Transition Words for Essays College; 18. Do's and Don'ts of Using Transition Words; What are Good Transition Words for Essays? Transition words are essential tools in essay writing, providing a clear path for your readers to follow. They serve the crucial purpose of connecting words, phrases ...
200 Transition Words For Essays
Here are the main categories of transition words for essays: Agreement, Addition, or Similarity. Sequence or Order. Contradiction or Opposition. Cause and Effect. Examples, Support, or Emphasis. Location, Space/Place, or Time.
Complete List of Transition Words
Additive Transitions . Probably the most common type, additive transitions are those you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous one, notes Edusson, a website that provides students with essay-writing tips and advice.Put another way, additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding to an idea and/or your ideas are similar, says Quizlet, an ...
Transition Words (List for Essays, Paragraphs, and Writing)
Here, we have used two transition words ("first" and "then") at the beginning of two different sentences. They are used to denote a particular order in which two actions are to be performed. 3. Transition words make your work logical and easy to read. High-quality writing is always clear and easy to understand.
A Complete List of 200+ Transition Words for Essays
Vary Transition Words: Avoid repetitive or excessive use of the same transition word throughout your essay. Use a variety of transition words to maintain reader interest and enhance overall readability. Pay Attention to Placement: Place transition words at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences, depending on the desired effect. Consider the ...
How to use Transition Words and Sentences in Essays
Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: they connect different parts of your essay and structure your text. This video will walk you through the use ...
PDF Using Transition Words & Phrases
As a result, transition words and phrases keep the writing smooth and give it continuity. Transition words and phrases for use in different parts of your essay are listed below. Note that some are repeated; they are appropriate for use in more than one part of your essay. Transitions Used Within Paragraphs Transitions Used from one Paragraph to ...
PDF Transitional Words and Phrases
Take a look in at an assignment you are working and fnd places where a transitional word or phrase might improve your writing. A good way to tell if you might need to add a transitional word of phrase is to read your work aloud. If an idea seems disjointed or if a shift in a description or idea is confusing, you might want to add a transitional ...
Transition Words for High School Essays
Hey there! Great to see you focused on improving your essay-writing skills. Using transitions effectively can definitely help your essays flow more smoothly and be easier to read. Here's a list of some transition words and phrases that you might find useful: To add information or build on a point: - Furthermore - Additionally - Moreover - Also - In addition To compare or connect similar ideas ...
Transition Words for Essays
Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples: but. however. in spite of. on the one hand/on the other hand. in contrast. on the contrary. still. yet.
Transition Words
Using editing marks, have students revise their writing using just the right transition words. Have students practice combining simple sentences into more complex ones using transition words. This activity reinforces the idea that transitions help connect ideas and improve overall sentence fluency. Learn more about sentence combining.
190 Good Transition Words for Essays
Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing. Transition Words for College Essays. While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays. The ...
Transition Words
In this worksheet, your students will learn how to properly use transition words in a sentence. Grade Levels: 4th and 5th Grade, 6th - 8th Grade, Grades K-12. CCSS Code (s): W.5.2.c, W.6.2.c, W.7.2.c. Use our information and resources surrounding transition words for classrooms and learners everywhere! Printable worksheets on each category are ...
270+ Transition Words for Essays Recommended by Experts
Check out the best 100+ transition words for essays recommended by our expert writers. Hire an expert essay writer today from the best essay writing service: Professional essay writers, 3-hour essay deadline and 100% secure payment. ... Transition Words for High School Essays. Using transition words properly in the essay can increase the ...
Transition Word List for Elementary and Middle School Students
Clarify: Transition words used to emphasize or further explain an idea. Conclude: Transition words used to summarize or restate ideas. Location: Transition words used to show the where something is located or the physical relationship between two things. Click the button below to download a FREE printable PDF list of over 100 transition words!

33 Transition Words and Phrases

Word of the Day

Games & Quizzes

Usage Notes

70+ Transition words for essays with examples

List of Transition words for essays

Transition words for essays with examples

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Download the Word coach App on your Android phone

Have a language expert improve your writing

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Table of contents

Example text with and without transition words

Don’t overuse transition words

The only proofreading tool specialized in correcting academic writing - try for free!

Additive transition words

Adversative transition words

Causal transition words

Sequential transition words

Confused use of therefore

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

Transition words creating sentence fragments

And vs. as well as

Use of and/or

Archaic transition words

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

Cite this Scribbr article

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Transition Words

Transitional Words

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

List of Transition Words

Usage of Transition Words in Essays

Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile.

Transition Words and Phrases for Writing

What are transition words?

Why do we use transition words?

Examples of high school transition words

Cause, purpose, or intent transition words

Effect, consequence, or result transition words

Comparison or agreement transition words

Contrast or contradiction words & phrases

Sequence and time transition words

Transition words for place and location

Summarizing and concluding transition words

Transition words for examples, emphasis, and more information

Keep practicing!

Featured High School Resources

Related Resources

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

Purpose of Transition Words

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

Addition Transitions

Comparison Transitions

Contrast Transitions

Cause and Effect Transitions

Time Transitions

Illustration Transitions

Emphasis Transitions

Summary Transitions

Sequence Transitions

For Showing Exception

For Proving

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Transition Words for Informative Essays

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph