Transition words for essays - wordscoach.com

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.”

Transition words for essays - wordscoach.com

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!

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Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays are those in which you must convince a reader that your position on an issue is the correct one. Thus, you may want to convince an audience that animal testing is immoral or that genetically modified foods are harmful. Perhaps you want to convince someone that the proposed Canadian pipeline or fracking poses dangers to our environment; maybe you believe that there is too much money spent on political campaigns. Whatever your topic and whatever your position, you must organize an essay that flows logically from one point to the next.

Good Transitions to Improve Logical Flow

You may have done great research and you may have great arguments in favor of our position. If they are not presented well, though, your essay will fall flat and your reader will not be convinced.

Part of a good presentation means than you understand how to use transition words for persuasive essays. So, let’s first look at what a transition is and then take a look at good transition words and phrases for essays .

Definition of Transitions: These are words or phrases that connect one thought or idea to the next. They can be used to connect thoughts in two sentences or to move the reader on to the next paragraph in a logical way. They can be single words, phrases, or complete sentences. Typical examples might include the following:

  • Words: Clearly, Definitely, Obviously, Furthermore, However, Notwithstanding, First (Second, etc.)
  • Phrases: Without question, What is more, In reality, In fact, Yet another, For example (instance), In other words, According to,
  • Sentences: These usually occur at the end of a paragraph as you are trying to move your reader into the point that will be covered in the next paragraph. For example, if you are writing a persuasive essay about money in politics, and you have just completed a paragraph on the Supreme Court “Citizens United” decision, you might end that paragraph with something like, “This decision has impacted campaign and elections in many ways.” Now, your reader is prepared for what is to come next – the ways in which that decision has affected campaigns/elections.
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Now, your next paragraph in such an essay will speak to one impact that the decision has had – perhaps the establishment of PAC’s into which donors can throw a much money as they wish. At the end of that paragraph, you will want to transition into the next point you will be making, so your transition sentence might read something like, “And once a campaign has been successful because of all of the donated money, the elected official will have certain obligations to those who have provided that campaign funding.” This sentence contains great a lead in to the next paragraph which will discuss how an elected official is then obligate to vote and make decisions based upon the desires of those who provided the funding.

Whether you are using persuasive essay transition words between sentences or entire phrases or sentences between paragraphs, your transitions connect your arguments and allow the reader to see where you are going next. If you don’t use these transitions, the reader cannot follow your argument!

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Primary Uses for Transition Words and Phrases of Essays that Attempt to Persuade

You have to think about the flow of your essay and what you are trying to do with your use of transitional words, phrases and sentences. Basically, the purposes of your transitions are any one of the following:

  • Adding to a Point You Have Made: You will use such words/phrases as: Furthermore, What is more, In addition to, Likewise, Moreover
  • Providing Examples: Use such phrases as, for instance, for example, in other words
  • Providing Lists: Use any of the following: First, second, third (etc.), yet another, the following.
  • Same Point Stated in a Different Way: Good phrases include, in other words, with this in mind, another way to look at this, etc.
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Transitions Can Be Tricky

You know that you need to use transitional words correctly, especially when you are trying to make points that will persuade someone to accept your point of view. Without them, your essay loses clarity and logic. If you are having trouble with transitions, you can get great help at GrabMyEssay, just ask us “ write an essay for me .” These pros can either write your persuasive essay in its entirety or provide a review and edit, adding the words, phrases, and/or sentences that should be included in order to achieve your persuasive purose.

Blog writer for GrabMyEssay

Andy Preisler

I’m Andy Preisler, and I’m super happy to be joining the blog team at GrabMyEssay.com!

While I hail from Fayetteville, Arkansas (I know, not the most progressive state!), I left the Southern life behind me many years ago when I went to college for my first degree. I’ve received it in University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and I’m really proud of this. Since then, I have studied in the U.S., and later on, continued my education in Loughborough University, UK, where I actually my second Bachelor’s Degree along the way.

With my perpetual studies (my parents wonder if it will ever stop), I have become a bit of an expert on college life – academic, social, and financial – and love sharing my experiences and my methods of “circumventing the system” with others.  I will be sharing all of these great tips and strategies with my readers, so stay tuned!

When I am not blogging or enrolling in some new course that interests me, I am backpacking through Europe and staying in hostels, working on my second novel (a riveting murder mystery), and pursuing my interest in music. Yes, I travel with my guitar, and you would be amazed at the amount of cash I can accumulate, just performing on the streets of European cities (they are so much more tolerant of vagabond musicians). 

My other passion is environmental. In my short 27 years of life on this planet, I have witnessed the extinction of species, the destruction of rain forests, and irreparable harm to our oceans. I contribute both time and money to several international environmental organizations, because we all must do our part to save Mother Earth.

But I digress! If you are interested in the “ins and outs” of college life, and want some great tales of navigating through the game of “degree attainment,” as well as tips for easing the pain of those pesky essay and paper assignments, follow my blog!

I would love to hear from you, to give you advice, and to lend a listening ear. You can contact me at  [email protected]  anytime! And follow my posts – you won’t be disappointed!

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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

transition sentences persuasive essay

Improving Your Writing Style

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Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Change will not be effected, say some others, unless individual actions raise the necessary awareness.

While a reader can see the connection between the sentences above, it’s not immediately clear that the second sentence is providing a counterargument to the first. In the example below, key “old information” is repeated in the second sentence to help readers quickly see the connection. This makes the sequence of ideas easier to follow.  

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change.

You can use this same technique to create clear transitions between paragraphs. Here’s an example:

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change. According to Annie Lowery, individual actions are important to making social change because when individuals take action, they can change values, which can lead to more people becoming invested in fighting climate change. She writes, “Researchers believe that these kinds of household-led trends can help avert climate catastrophe, even if government and corporate actions are far more important” (Lowery).

So, what’s an individual household supposed to do?

The repetition of the word “household” in the new paragraph helps readers see the connection between what has come before (a discussion of whether household actions matter) and what is about to come (a proposal for what types of actions households can take to combat climate change).

Sometimes, transitional words can help readers see how ideas are connected. But it’s not enough to just include a “therefore,” “moreover,” “also,” or “in addition.” You should choose these words carefully to show your readers what kind of connection you are making between your ideas.

To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be

  • making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal comparison, ask these questions: Do your readers need another example of the same thing? Is there a new nuance in this next point that distinguishes it from the previous example? For those relationships between ideas, you might try this type of transition: While x may appear the same, it actually raises a new question in a slightly different way. 
  • expressing agreement or disagreement When you are making an argument, you need to signal to readers where you stand in relation to other scholars and critics. You may agree with another person’s claim, you may want to concede some part of the argument even if you don’t agree with everything, or you may disagree. Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless .
  • showing cause and effect Transitional phrases that show cause and effect include therefore, hence, consequently, thus, so. Before you choose one of these words, make sure that what you are about to illustrate is really a causal link. Novice writers tend to add therefore and hence when they aren’t sure how to transition; you should reserve these words for when they accurately signal the progression of your ideas.
  • explaining or elaborating Transitions can signal to readers that you are going to expand on a point that you have just made or explain something further. Transitional words that signal explanation or elaboration include in other words, for example, for instance, in particular, that is, to illustrate, moreover .
  • drawing conclusions You can use transitions to signal to readers that you are moving from the body of your argument to your conclusions. Before you use transitional words to signal conclusions, consider whether you can write a stronger conclusion by creating a transition that shows the relationship between your ideas rather than by flagging the paragraph simply as a conclusion. Transitional words that signal a conclusion include in conclusion , as a result, ultimately, overall— but strong conclusions do not necessarily have to include those phrases.

If you’re not sure which transitional words to use—or whether to use one at all—see if you can explain the connection between your paragraphs or sentence either out loud or in the margins of your draft.

For example, if you write a paragraph in which you summarize physician Atul Gawande’s argument about the value of incremental care, and then you move on to a paragraph that challenges those ideas, you might write down something like this next to the first paragraph: “In this paragraph I summarize Gawande’s main claim.” Then, next to the second paragraph, you might write, “In this paragraph I present a challenge to Gawande’s main claim.” Now that you have identified the relationship between those two paragraphs, you can choose the most effective transition between them. Since the second paragraph in this example challenges the ideas in the first, you might begin with something like “but,” or “however,” to signal that shift for your readers.  

  • picture_as_pdf Transitions

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Transitions

What this handout is about.

In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively.

The function and importance of transitions

In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues:

  • Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers.
  • Your readers (instructors, friends, or classmates) tell you that they had trouble following your organization or train of thought.
  • You tend to write the way you think—and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly.
  • You wrote your paper in several discrete “chunks” and then pasted them together.
  • You are working on a group paper; the draft you are working on was created by pasting pieces of several people’s writing together.

Organization

Since the clarity and effectiveness of your transitions will depend greatly on how well you have organized your paper, you may want to evaluate your paper’s organization before you work on transitions. In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or short phrase what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order of and connection between your ideas more clearly.

If after doing this exercise you find that you still have difficulty linking your ideas together in a coherent fashion, your problem may not be with transitions but with organization. For help in this area (and a more thorough explanation of the “reverse outlining” technique described in the previous paragraph), please see the Writing Center’s handout on organization .

How transitions work

The organization of your written work includes two elements: (1) the order in which you have chosen to present the different parts of your discussion or argument, and (2) the relationships you construct between these parts. Transitions cannot substitute for good organization, but they can make your organization clearer and easier to follow. Take a look at the following example:

El Pais , a Latin American country, has a new democratic government after having been a dictatorship for many years. Assume that you want to argue that El Pais is not as democratic as the conventional view would have us believe.

One way to effectively organize your argument would be to present the conventional view and then to provide the reader with your critical response to this view. So, in Paragraph A you would enumerate all the reasons that someone might consider El Pais highly democratic, while in Paragraph B you would refute these points. The transition that would establish the logical connection between these two key elements of your argument would indicate to the reader that the information in paragraph B contradicts the information in paragraph A. As a result, you might organize your argument, including the transition that links paragraph A with paragraph B, in the following manner:

Paragraph A: points that support the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

Transition: Despite the previous arguments, there are many reasons to think that El Pais’s new government is not as democratic as typically believed.

Paragraph B: points that contradict the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

In this case, the transition words “Despite the previous arguments,” suggest that the reader should not believe paragraph A and instead should consider the writer’s reasons for viewing El Pais’s democracy as suspect.

As the example suggests, transitions can help reinforce the underlying logic of your paper’s organization by providing the reader with essential information regarding the relationship between your ideas. In this way, transitions act as the glue that binds the components of your argument or discussion into a unified, coherent, and persuasive whole.

Types of transitions

Now that you have a general idea of how to go about developing effective transitions in your writing, let us briefly discuss the types of transitions your writing will use.

The types of transitions available to you are as diverse as the circumstances in which you need to use them. A transition can be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire paragraph. In each case, it functions the same way: First, the transition either directly summarizes the content of a preceding sentence, paragraph, or section or implies such a summary (by reminding the reader of what has come before). Then, it helps the reader anticipate or comprehend the new information that you wish to present.

  • Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.
  • Transitions between paragraphs: If you have done a good job of arranging paragraphs so that the content of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.
  • Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.

Transitional expressions

Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical relationship.

Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Understanding Transition Sentences (For Essays and Writing with Examples)

transition sentences

What are transition sentences? And how do they work? Is there a correct way to use them? And an incorrect way? Understanding transition sentences is critical when writing essays, articles, or any type of logical flow.

Learn what transitional sentences are in this short guide…

What are transition sentences?

When you write an article, essay (or anything), you’ll want to write it in a logical sequence. You start with an introduction, highlight your points, and then end with a conclusion. Throughout your writing, you would be using sentences to express your thought. To make your writing effective, you need to link the sentences together in a logical way .

This is where transition sentences can be helpful.

As the name suggests, a transition sentence links the thoughts you are expressing in your writing. They make use of words and phrases that act as a bridge between different parts of your writing.

Transition sentences allow your reader to move smoothly from one section to another. Without transition sentences, your reader might not be able to understand the link between different parts of your writing.

What makes a good transition sentence?

Look at this example:

The CEO was very clear that productivity and efficiency were the two key things he would focus on. However , the legacy systems followed by the company acted as a detriment. Tech modernization was the solution that would enhance productivity and efficiency.

Sentences one and three make sense by themselves. But it is important to establish a relationship between the two. This is what the second sentence does . It acts as a bridge (or transition) between the first and third sentences. By doing so, it helps the writer communicate their ideas more effectively.

A good transition sentence would bring clarity by linking ideas expressed in the sentences before and after it. Words and phrases like ‘however,’ ‘in contrast,’ ‘for instance,’ ‘in fact,’ and ‘therefore’ can get used to help make the transition.  

Transition sentence example

Many transition words are available to use. Choose the appropriate word for the situation.

For example, if you want to show the sequence between two sentences, you can use a word like ‘then’ or ‘after.’ If you want to emphasize a point through the transition, you can use ‘indeed,’ ‘especially,’ or ‘particularly.’

Transition words can be used at the start of the sentence ( e.g. , Surely , you are not going to go now!). It can also be used within the sentence (e.g., I rejected the job offer because the salary was lesser than my present pay ).

Here are a few tips that will help you use transition words correctly:

  • When sentences within a paragraph sound abrupt or awkward, you need to use transition words to link them.
  • Choose the correct transition word that is appropriate to the situation. A wrong selection can make your reader confused.
  • When moving from one idea to another, use a transition word to let the reader know.
  • Don’t make the mistake of overusing transition words. Too many transition words can end up making your writing look messy.

List of words for transition sentences

Some common words used in transition sentences are:

  • Furthermore
  • Nevertheless
  • Specifically

List of phrases for transition sentences

Transition sentences would use both words and phrases as the bridge. A few phrases that are used include:

  • In other words
  • On the contrary
  • As a result
  • In the long run
  • As you can see
  • In the following
  • In the previous
  • Having established
  • Most importantly
  • For example/instance
  • By the time

5 Examples of Transitions (Types of Transitions)

Conjunctive adverbs can be used to establish the logical link between ideas. They can be classified under five heads. It must be noted some words appear in multiple categories.

Of addition

  • Additionally
  • In addition
  • In the same way

The following example will make this clear.

First , put a pan on the stove and heat it. Next , add oil to the pan.

In the above, first and next act as the transition and are adding on to what is being said previously.

Transition sentence example

Of contrast

These words establish a contrast or difference while making the transition.

  • In contrast
  • Even though
  • At any rate
  • In spite of that
  • On the other hand

The island was not the paradise we were hoping for. On the contrary , it was dirty, noisy, and had unmanageable traffic.

The above example brings out a contrast between expectations and reality.

Of comparison

  • By comparison
  • In the same manner

Jonathan is crazy about chess. His daughter is similarly a big fan of the board game.

In this example, the word similarly shows a comparison between father and daughter. You may note the transition word need not be at the start of the sentence. It can be placed anywhere.

These transition words are indicative of a result. It shows the result of the previous sentence/idea.

  • Consequently

Their star player was suffering from a hamstring injury and could not play. Hence , their team faced a humiliating defeat on match day.

The star player’s absence resulted in the team’s defeat. The transition word ‘Hence’ in the example is the bridge between the cause/event and the result.

Transition sentence example

Some transition words show relationships in time. They include:

  • Simultaneously
  • Subsequently

The speaker will be a bit late for the talk. Meanwhile , let’s ask the participants to share their views on the program .

As the speaker will be late, there is time left. So, the participants are asked to share their views and opinions. In this example, ‘Meanwhile’ is a transition word that shows relationship to time.

Subordinating conjunctions and transition sentences

You can use a subordinating conjunction in a sentence to join a dependent clause to an independent clause .

Example: When the postman came, my dog greeted him with a volley of barks.

In this example, the word ‘when’ is the subordinating conjunction that joins ‘the postman came’ and ‘my dog greeted him …’

The subordinating conjunction serves a special purpose here. It acts as a transition between two ideas. The use of the coordinating conjunction provides a logical flow.

Example: He is smarter than you are.

In this example, “than” is the subordinating conjunction that connects ‘He is smarter’ and ‘you are.’ It provides the bridge or transition between the two clauses .

Let’s look at another example to understand this. There are two clauses – ‘The spring arrives’ and ‘my hay fever gets aggravated. A subordinating conjunction can link the two. We can use ‘As’ here. So, the sentence would now read – ‘ As the spring arrives, my hay fever gets aggravated.’

Correlative conjunctions and transition sentences

The correlative conjunction shows a correlation between two words or phrases within a sentence. They play a key role in transition sentences. The use of a correlative conjunction ensures a smooth flow between two sentences or ideas.

Example: My boss totally ignored my work. Neither my hard work nor my punctuality impressed him. So, I decided to move on and look for a new job.

In the above example, sentences one and three are independent and convey the meaning clearly. However, the second sentence acts as a transition explaining why sentence one leads to sentence two.

In the second sentence, we see the use of neither … nor. This combination of words acts as correlative conjunctions in this example.

Some other words that work as correlative conjunctions are:

  • Either … or
  • Neither … nor
  • Whether … or
  • Not only … Also

Whether you want to have dinner or prefer to skip it is entirely left to you.

The above example uses Whether … or as correlative conjunctions in the sentence.

Examples of transition sentences

Examples of transition sentences:

Communicate similarities

To communicate similarities, you can use transitional words like:

Examples of sentences where the transition word communicates similarities:

  • He decided to join the army just as his brother had done five years back.
  • You can fly this plane the same way you flew the trainer jet; there is no real difference.
  • All the employees in the Production department come from the neighboring town . Similarly , the store staff is also from that town.

Express emphasis

Words like ‘especially,’ ‘above all,’ ‘particularly’, ‘indeed,’ in fact,’ and ‘in particular’ can be used to express emphasis. When used in transition sentences, they emphasize the idea express previously.

  • She was overweight. In fact , it won’t be wrong to say she was grossly obese.
  • I liked the blue dress in particular .
  • Indeed , it won’t be wrong to say that her arrogance led to the engagement’s breakup.
  • There is a lot of focus on improving public services, especially education.

Cause and effect

Transition sentences can be very helpful in showing cause and effect or result. The following words can be used for this:

  • Accordingly
  • At that time
  • They spent the entire semester binge-watching shows. Consequently , they failed to obtain pass marks on any of the papers.
  • There are just ten items left in stock. Hence , it would be better if we suspend taking new orders at present.
  • The tests revealed that his blood pressure and cholesterol levels were very high. As a result , the doctor decided that he had to increase the dosage of his medicines.

Position or place can be indicated through the use of transition words like:

  • At the back

Here are some example sentences:

  • Walk towards the bookshelf. Adjacent to the shelf is a table, that’s where you will find the money.
  • The house was located a few yards from the river. Next to the house was the scary-looking tree.
  • You will see the building with the red flag. The storeroom is at the back of this building.

Describe a sequence

Transition words are perfect to use while describing a sequence. The words that can be used are:

  • Followed by
  • First , write down all the numbers in the form of a list. Next , add all the numbers. Finally , write down the total.
  • Initially , three employees were working on the project. Subsequently , the project grew the numbers rise to twenty.
  • The private plane owned by the CEO was the first to land. This was followed by the helicopter containing the crew.

To show examples

Transition words can be used to show examples or illustrate a particular point. Some words to use are:

  • For example
  • For instance
  • Illustrated by
  • As an example
  • In this case
  • On this occasion
  • To illustrate
  • To demonstrate
  • The speaker displayed the blueprint of the equipment on the screen. To illustrat e its working, he showed a video.
  • There are seven tools you can use to solve this problem. As an example , I will talk about the fishbone diagram.
  • Different essential oils can help you feel relaxed. For instance , using lavender oil makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

How to use transition sentences between paragraphs

Transition sentences can get used within a paragraph. It also can get used between paragraphs.

This is important since the transition sentence provides a flow between paragraphs . It allows the readers to understand the relationship between the ideas expressed in those two different paragraphs.

When you start writing a paragraph , show a link to the previous paragraph in the first sentence. This establishes a bridge between both paragraphs.

Here’s an example:

There is no doubt that the effects of pollution by industries. This is why activists call for a ban on industries to stop pollution.

Despite the previous argument , we must also think about the economy. Banning industries will bring the economy to a standstill.

This example, ‘despite the previous argument’ is used to transition between the two paragraphs.

In contrast, the first part calls for a ban on industries, and the second discusses the economic effect. Using a transition allows for a smooth flow between the two.

Examples of transition sentences for essays

The use of transitions is very important in essays. An essay is written to convey an idea, opinion, or viewpoint. To ensure its effectiveness, transition sentences are needed at different parts of the essay. Transition sentences are needed between sentences, between sections, and at the conclusion of the essay.

A few examples of this:

  • Having established that a large majority of students have internet access, we can conclude t hat e-learning is a distinct possibility.
  • All the employees have a smartphone. In fact , most of them connect to the company’s Wi-Fi using their phone.

Examples of transition words for concluding sentences

Transition sentences are used throughout a write-up. It is imperative that the conclusion also has a transition. Your write-up needs to end with a summary of what you are trying to say. Or with a call-to-action. Using transition words in the conclusion can help you achieve this.

A few transition words you can consider using are:

  • In conclusion
  • As shown above
  • On the whole
  • Generally speaking
  • To summarize
  • To summarize , sustained use of this medicine offers significant benefits to patients.
  • In summary, democracy has many limitations but no other acceptable alternative.
  • Ultimately , it all boils down to the decision taken by the customer.
  • In short , the best option available is to get funds from a new investor.

Sentence structure

More on sentence structure:

  • Dangling modifier
  • Transition sentences
  • Active voice
  • Passive voice
  • Adverbial clause
  • Parallelism
  • Transition Sentences Tips and Examples for Clear Writing
  • Transitional devices
  • How to Use Transition Sentences for Smoother Writing
  • Transition Words: Examples in Sentences, Paragraphs & Essays

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transition sentences persuasive essay

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transition sentences persuasive essay

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Writing Studio

Common transition words and phrases.

In an effort to make our handouts more accessible, we have begun converting our PDF handouts to web pages. Download this page as a PDF: Transitions Return to Writing Studio Handouts

Transitions clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. These tools should alert readers to shifts in your argument while and also maintain the smoothness and clarity of your prose. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly used transition categories and examples of each. Depending on the example, these suggestions may be within sentences or at the beginning of sentences.

Transitions by Category

1. addition.

Use when presenting multiple ideas that flow in the same direction, under the same heading/ idea also, another, finally, first, first of all, for one thing, furthermore, in addition, last of all, likewise, moreover, next, and, second, the third reason

2. Sequence/ Order

Use to suggest a temporal relationship between ideas; places evidence in sequence first, second (etc.), next, last, finally, first of all, concurrently, immediately, prior to, then, at that time, at this point, previously, subsequently, and then, at this time, thereafter, previously, soon, before, after, followed by, after that, next, before, after, meanwhile, formerly, finally, during

3. Contrast

Use to demonstrate differences between ideas or change in argument direction but, however, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, yet, differ, difference, balanced against, differing from, variation, still, on the contrary, unlike, conversely, otherwise, on the other hand, however

4. Exception

Use to introduce an opposing idea however, whereas, on the other hand, while, instead, in spite of, yet, despite, still, nevertheless, even though, in contrast, but, but one could also say…

5. Comparison

Use to demonstrate similarities between ideas that may not be under the same subject heading or within the same paragraph like, likewise, just, in a different way / sense, whereas, like, equally, in like manner, by comparison, similar to, in the same way, alike, similarity, similarly, just as, as in a similar fashion, conversely

6. Illustration

Use to develop or clarify an idea, to introduce examples, or to show that the second idea is subordinate to the first for example, to illustrate, on this occasion, this can be seen, in this case, specifically, once, to illustrate, when/where, for instance, such as, to demonstrate, take the case of, in this case

7. Location

Use to show spatial relations next to, above, below, beneath, left, right, behind, in front, on top, within

8. Cause and Effect

Use to show that one idea causes, or results from, the idea that follows or precedes it because, therefore, so that, cause, reason, effect, thus, consequently, since, as a result, if…then, result in

9. Emphasis

Use to suggest that an idea is particularly important to your argument important to note, most of all, a significant factor, a primary concern, a key feature, remember that, pay particular attention to, a central issue, the most substantial issue, the main value, a major event, the chief factor, a distinctive quality, especially valuable, the chief outcome, a vital force, especially relevant, most noteworthy, the principal item, above all, should be noted

10. Summary or Conclusion

Use to signal that what follows is summarizing or concluding the previous ideas; in humanities papers, use these phrases sparingly. to summarize, in short, in brief, in sum, in summary, to sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, finally

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .” 

Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

Transitions are the rhetorical tools that clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. The ability to integrate sentence transitions into your prose, rather than simply throwing in overt transition signals like “in addition,” indicates your mastery of the material. (Note: The visibility of transitions may vary by discipline; consult with your professor to get a better sense of discipline or assignment specific expectations.)

Transition Signals

Transition signals are words or phrases that indicate the logic connecting sets of information or ideas. Signals like therefore, on the other hand, for example, because, then, and afterwards can be good transition tools at the sentence and paragraph level. When using these signals, be conscious of the real meaning of these terms; they should reflect the actual relationship between ideas.

Review Words

Review words are transition tools that link groups of sentences or whole paragraphs. They condense preceding discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just completed a detailed discussion about the greenhouse effect. To transition to the next topic, you could use review words like “this heat-trapping process” to refer back to the green house effect discussion. The relative ability to determine a cogent set of review words might signal your own understanding of your work; think of review words as super-short summaries of key ideas.

Preview words

Preview words condense an upcoming discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just explained how heat is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. Transitioning to the theory that humans are adding to that effect, you could use preview words like “sources of additional CO2 in the atmosphere include” to point forward to that discussion.

Transition Sentences

The strongest and most sophisticated tools, transition sentences indicate the connection between the preceding and upcoming pieces of your argument. They often contain one or more of the above transition tools. For example: You’ve just discussed how much CO2 humans have added to the atmosphere. You need to transition to a discussion of the effects. A strong set of transition sentences between the two sections might sound like this:

“These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere may lead to a number of disastrous consequences for residents of planet earth. The rise in global temperature that accompanies the extra CO2 can yield effects as varied as glacial melting and species extinction.”

In the first sentence, the review words are “These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere”; the preview words are “number of disastrous consequences”; the transition signals are “may lead to.” The topic sentence of the next paragraph indicates the specific “disastrous consequences” you will discuss.

If you don’t see a way to write a logical, effective transition between sentences, ideas or paragraphs, this might indicate organizational problems in your essay; you might consider revising your work.

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program  and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .”

Last revised: 07/2008 | Adapted for web delivery: 05/2021

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Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

220 Best Transition Words for Essays

By: Nova A.

15 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jul 9, 2019

Transition Words for Essays

Writing essays can be hard, and making sure your transitions are smooth is even harder. 

You've probably heard that good essays need good transitions, but what are they? How do you use them in your writing? Also, your essays are assessed according to particular criteria and it is your responsibility to ensure that it is being met.

But don't worry, we are here to help. This blog will give you transition words for essays, including how to choose the right ones and where to place them for maximum impact. Essay writing is a technical process that requires much more effort than simply pouring your thoughts on paper.

If you are new to the concept of transition words and phrases, deep dive into this article in order to find out the secret to improving your essays.

Transition Words for Essays

On this Page

What Are Transition Words 

Transition words are essential elements in essay writing that create smooth transitions between ideas. 

Think of a transition as a conjunction or a joining word. It helps create strong relationships between ideas, paragraphs, or sentences and assists the readers to understand the word phrases and sentences easily.

As writers, our goal is to communicate our thoughts and ideas in the most clear and logical manner. Especially when presenting complex ideas, we must ensure that they are being conveyed in the most understandable way.

To ensure that your paper is easy to understand, you can work on the sequencing of ideas. Break down your ideas into different sentences and paragraphs then use a transition word or phrase to guide them through these ideas.

Why Should You Use Transitions

The purpose of transition words goes beyond just connectivity. They create a cohesive narrative , allowing your ideas to flow seamlessly from one point to another. These words and phrases act as signposts and indicate relationships. 

These relations could include:

  • Cause and Effect
  • Comparison and Contrast
  • Addition and Emphasis
  • Sequence and Order
  • Illustration and Example
  • Concession and Contradiction
  • Summary and Conclusion

They form a bridge and tie sentences together, creating a logical connection. In addition to tying the entire paper together, they help demonstrate the writer’s agreement, disagreement, conclusion, or contrast.

However, keep in mind that just using or including transitional words isn’t enough to highlight relationships between ideas. The content of your paragraphs must support the relationship as well. So, you should avoid overusing them in a paper.

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Types of Transitions

Transitions in essays can be classified into different types based on the relationships they indicate between ideas. Each type serves a specific purpose in guiding readers through your arguments. 

Let's explore some common types of transitions and their examples:

Additive Transitions 

These transitions are used to add information or ideas. They help you expand on your points or provide additional supporting evidence. Examples:

  • In addition
  • Furthermore
  • Additionally
  • Not only... but also
  • Coupled with

Adversative Transitions

Adversative transitions show contrast or contradiction between ideas. They are used to present opposing viewpoints or highlight differences. Examples:

  • Nevertheless
  • On the other hand
  • In contrast

Causal Transitions

Causal transitions explain cause-and-effect relationships. They help you establish the reasons behind certain outcomes or actions. Examples:

  • As a result
  • Consequently
  • Resulting in
  • For this reason

Sequential Transitions

Sequential transitions indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas. They help you present your thoughts in a logical and organized manner. Examples: 

  • Subsequently
  • In the meantime
  • Simultaneously

Comparative Transitions

Comparative transitions highlight similarities or comparisons between ideas. They help you draw connections and illustrate relationships. Here are some transition words for essays examples: 

  • In the same way
  • Compared to
  • In comparison
  • Correspondingly
  • By the same token
  • Equally important
  • Analogous to

Getting started on your essay? Check out this insightful read on essay writing to make sure you ace it!

List of Good Transition Words for Essays

As mentioned above, there are different categories of transitions that serve a unique purpose. Understanding these different types will help you pick the most suitable word or phrase to communicate your message.

Here we have categorized the best transition words for essays so you can use them appropriately!

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

In argumentative essays , the effective use of transition words is essential for presenting a well-structured and coherent argument. 

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

In compare and contrast essays , transition words play a crucial role in highlighting the similarities and differences between the subjects being compared. 

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in compare and contrast essays:

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In cause and effect essays , transition words help illustrate the relationships between causes and their corresponding effects. 

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in cause-and-effect essays:

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essays

Transition words are valuable tools that can be used throughout different parts of an essay to create a smooth and coherent flow. By understanding the appropriate transition words for each section, you can logically connect your ideas. 

Introduction Transition Words for Essays

Introductions are one of the most impactful parts of the essay. It's important that it connects logically with the rest of the essay. To do this, you can utilize different transition words for essays to start. Here are some starting transition words for essays:

Transition Words for Essays Body Paragraph

In an essay, body paragraphs play a crucial role in presenting and developing your ideas. To ensure a logical flow within each body paragraph, the strategic use of transition words is essential.

Here are lists of transitions for essays for different body paragraphs:

Transition Words for Essays for First Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words that you can use for the first body paragraph of an essay:

Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words for the second body paragraph of an essay:

Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph

Transition words for essays last body paragraph, transition words for essays conclusion .

Here is a list of ending transition words for essays:

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Essay Transitions

When it comes to using transitions in your essay, there are certain do's and don'ts that can help you effectively enhance the flow of your writing. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Add transitions only when introducing new ideas.
  • Go through the paper to make sure they make sense.
  • Start by creating an outline, so you know what ideas to share and how.
  • Use different transitions for each idea.
  • Don’t overuse them.
  • Don’t keep adding transitions in the same paragraph.
  • Don’t completely rely on transitions to signal relationships.
  • Don’t incorporate it into your content without understanding its usage.

By now, you have probably understood how transition words can save you from disjointed and directionless paragraphs. They are the missing piece that indicates how ideas are related to one another. You can also generate more essays with our AI powered essay writer to learn the art of transitioning smoothly from one paragraph to another. 

If you are still unable to distinguish transitions to open or conclude your essays, don’t be upset - these things require time and practice.

If you are looking for the perfect essay-writing service, get in touch with the expert writers at 5StarEssays.com. We will include the right transitions according to the type of paper, ensuring a coherent flow of ideas.

Just say ‘ write my essay ’ now and let our essay writer create quality content at the most pocket-friendly rates available.

Nova A.

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Rafal Reyzer

45 Best Transition Words and Phrases For Essays

Author: Rafal Reyzer

Your essay needs to be coherent and written in a way where one idea flows naturally to the other, and for that, you need transition words.

But how to make sure that everything ties together, and that you present your arguments in a logical, smooth manner? It’s simple. You do it by using transition words and phrases, which can turn your scattered thoughts into a well-organized, and neatly looking piece of prose. “Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.” – Tom Stoppard It is common knowledge that the ability to write a great essay is tremendously helpful to those who are pursuing higher education. So, it wouldn’t hurt to add all the weapons you can find to your essay-writing arsenal, like these transition words.

What are transition words?

Transition words and phrases are a part of speech , and they’re used to create coherent relationships between ideas in the text. The ones you might be familiar with are ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘so’, and ‘because’. They’re applied to maintain a logical, uninterrupted stream of thought and a smooth flow of paragraphs and sentences. Their goal is to show your reader the relationship between phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs. When you use them, you make it easier for your readers to understand how your thoughts and ideas are connected. There are around 200 of them in the English language. Example: Regular exercise leads to improved cardiovascular performance. It improves the function of the brain.

Here are the main rules for the usage of transitional words:

5 rules of transition words

Using transitional words in essays

Your regular essay will comprise five paragraphs – an introduction, three paragraphs to present your points, and a conclusion. Your job is to make the prose consistent, and that’s why you need words and phrases to create links between the ideas. The words and phrases below are mostly used in persuasive (argumentative) essays where you need to convince the readers of your opinion confidently. But in fact, they’re useful in almost any type of writing (such as expository essays ) simply to keep the structure intact. If you use them well, they can emphasize contrast, highlight a similarity, and solidify your conclusion. Transition, a formal definition: the process of changing from one situation, form, or state to another.

Transition words are used at the beginning of each new paragraph. For Example:

  • To begin with
  • In the first place
  • To summarize

They can also be used when you present a new point in the same paragraph. For Example:

There’s a multitude of transition words that will contribute to a sleeker essay.

Many students make the mistake of repeating the same words repeatedly. This causes them to lose impact and meaning. Among grammarians, this phenomenon is called grammar saturation. The important thing to know is that there are several categories to transition words depending on the type of impact you’d like to create in your writing . Often, there are several words suitable for one transition. Just remember that they don’t always mean the same and you might need some practice to recognize the subtle differences between them. To avoid this, look up synonyms and never use the same transition word more than once in a single piece of prose (especially in the same paragraph). If you need a more in-depth course on this topic, you may read A Writer’s Guide To Transitional Words and Expressions.

Here’s a list of the best transition words that’ll come to your rescue:

When you want to indicate similarity or addition:.

  • Incidentally
  • More important
  • For instance
  • Furthermore
  • In addition
  • In the same fashion

Examples of use:

  • A diet based mostly on carbohydrates can cause massive weight gain. Furthermore, it can cause mental fog and a lack of energy in adult humans.
  • Small steps can lead to huge gains. For instance, if you write one page a day, you’ll have a whole book within one year.

When you want to indicate dissimilarity, contrast, or contradiction:

  • By contrast
  • On the other hand
  • On the contrary
  • All the same
  • At any rate
  • At the same time
  • Nonetheless
  • Despite this
  • By comparison
  • In comparison
  • In place of
  • Nevertheless
  • Notwithstanding
  • Unfortunately
  • A ban on the possession of firearms would vastly improve the safety of the civilian population. In spite of this, the politicians won’t push it through because of the powerful gun lobby.
  • Everyone knows that eating excessive amounts of sugar causes health problems. Yet, the consumption of “white poison” is higher than ever.

When you want to indicate similarity:

  • In the same way
  • In like manner
  • Learning computer languages serves as a competitive advantage in the job market. Likewise, the ability to speak Chinese or Japanese can be beneficial.
  • The cost of mobile devices around the world dropped significantly. In the same manner, laptops and TVs became more affordable.

When you want to indicate cause, effect, purpose, consequence, or result:

  • Accordingly
  • As a result
  • Knowing this
  • With this object
  • With this end
  • To this end
  • With this in mind
  • In many cases
  • In this way
  • Consequently
  • For this reason
  • Fortunately
  • In any case
  • Provided that
  • Excessive time spent at the desk at work can lead to coronary disease. Sitting for a long time is more harmful than the regular consumption of fast foods.
  • Becoming a self-employed digital nomad isn’t easy. Fortunately, there are many guides and forums on this topic.

When you want to emphasize something:

  • Specifically
  • In particular
  • More specifically
  • In other words
  • To illustrate
  • Drinking a lot of water raises your levels of energy. In particular, filtered and purified water is the best thing to drink.
  • The player dropped the ball at the very last moment. Truly, this was the reason the team was defeated.

When you want to indicate the time or sequence of events:

  • In the meantime
  • Immediately
  • In the same instant
  • Subsequently
  • At that point
  • The children were starving and without water. Finally, the international convoy came to help them.
  • The politician angered the crowds. Immediately, you could hear boos from every direction.

When you want to indicate spatial order or reference:

  • On the opposite side
  • On the right
  • On the left
  • In a corner
  • In front of
  • The huge mountain covered the horizon. Beneath it, there were kilometers of caverns.
  • The table stood in the center of the room. On the right, you could find a few scattered pieces of furniture.

How do these words relate to the format of your essay?

If you focus on academic writing you’ll need to adhere to a specific essay format. Use the following words to create comprehensive transitions between paragraphs:

Introductory transitions

These come in handy when you craft your first supporting paragraph (the one after the introductory one). Here you usually start building on your thesis and start giving arguments in its favor.

Words to use in an introductory paragraph:

  • The first reason

Connecting the second paragraph to the third:

  • Additionally
  • Another reason why
  • Pursuing this further

Connecting the third paragraph to the fourth:

  • Yet another reason why
  • One last reason why

Connecting the body to the conclusion:

  • In conclusion
  • To sum it all up
  • In the final analysis
  • You can see why
  • To wrap it all up

Pro tip: Words like ‘for’, ‘and’, ‘nor’, ‘but’, ‘or’, ‘yet’, and ‘since’ shouldn’t be used at the beginning of a sentence if you’re writing a formal essay. “The best part of your story is when it changes.” – Bella Bloom Bonus material – a printable PDF chart with link words (always keep it beside you): A complete list of transition words and conjunctions.

Now it’s your turn to use these transition words

Starting an essay is always challenging, even for advanced writers. Hopefully, by reading this article, I made your task easier by adding a valuable tool to your writer’s toolbox. Just remember to use these phrases originally, and without repetition. The last thing you want to do is to sound mechanical as if you’re writing from a template. Next up, you may want to check a list of amazing short pretty words in English .

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Rafal Reyzer

Rafal Reyzer

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Nova A.

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

11 min read

Published on: Oct 30, 2017

Last updated on: Apr 22, 2024

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Do you find it challenging to make your essays flow smoothly and hold your readers' attention from start to finish? Are your paragraphs disjointed, leaving your writing feeling unpolished?

It can be frustrating when your ideas don't connect seamlessly. You might wonder how to make your writing shine and ensure it leaves a lasting impression on your professors.

Don't worry; we've got you covered! 

In this guide, we'll introduce you to transition words for essays. These words are your secret weapon for crafting well-structured, compelling essays that will impress your teachers and elevate your writing game.  Let's get started!

On This Page On This Page -->

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 write my essay service will make it flow without changing the entire content. Or, if you wish to write 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. 

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

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.

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Down and Dirty Tips: Persuasion Essay: Adding Transitions

  • Getting Started
  • Adding Transitions

Persuasion Transitions

  • << Previous: Persuasion
  • Last Updated: Oct 23, 2023 11:28 AM
  • URL: https://spcollege.libguides.com/persuasion

190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

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.

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The Role of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays

image

Table of contents

  • 1 Importance of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays
  • 2 Types of Transition Words and Phrases
  • 3.1 Introduction: Setting the Platform for an Argumentative Essay
  • 3.2 Body: Exploring Various Arguments
  • 3.3 Conclusion: Laying Your Verdict Smartly
  • 3.4 Addressing Arguments and Counterarguments
  • 4 General Mistakes to Avoid When Using Transition Sentences For Argumentative Essays
  • 5 Potential of Transition Phrases

Transitional expressions are words or phrases that help create a smooth connection in writing. In the same way, these transition words for argumentative essays are equally important as they help in structuring arguments and help maintain cohesion with persuasive words . Knowing how and where to use them will make the essay easier to read, understandable, and high quality.

After reading this article, you will get to know:

  • The importance of adding transitions in writing. Also, how it improves the writing by creating a logical connection.
  • Types of good transitional words for argumentative essay writing.
  • Learning how to use them in various parts of an essay, – introduction, body, conclusion.
  • How, with their help, construct solid counter-arguments.
  • A short list of typical mistakes.

So, keep reading to learn about these important connecting words and phrases.

Importance of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays

Transition words for an argumentative essay create a smooth flow of ideas. It binds the readers, allowing them to understand the text easily. Specifically, they are like a conjunction (linking words) that builds a logical connection between lines and paragraphs.

Apart from building an effective connection, they also help in:

Flow and Cohesion: They help maintain a smooth and logical flow in a piece of writing. It ensures that sentences and paragraphs are related and build on each other in a coherent relationship.

Guide Readers: A transition expression acts as a signpost. It guides readers through the text and helps them understand the relationship between ideas. This makes it easier for readers to follow the argument or narrative.

Clarity: They provide clarity by emphasizing, comparing, contrasting, or showing cause and effect. It helps the reader better grasp the meaning and significance of what is being said.

Reduce Ambiguity: By clearly linking sentences and ideas, they reduce the chance of misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Emphasis and Nuance: They can emphasize certain points or introduce nuances to an argument, making the writer’s stance or perspective clearer.

Enhance Readability: By effectively using transition words, writers can avoid abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas, making the content more fluid and accessible. This smooth progression of thoughts ensures that readers can easily follow the writer’s logic, thereby enhancing the overall readability of the essay.

Strengthen Arguments: In argumentative or persuasive writing, these words help strengthen the argument by clearly moving from one point to another.

Professionalism and Polish: Proper use of transition words can give writing a polished and professional look.

Types of Transition Words and Phrases

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In argumentative essays, using transition words is super important. They help our ideas connect smoothly and make our arguments stronger. There are many types of transition words, each doing a different job to help our essay sound better.

Addition: Also, known as supporting transition words, these are used to expand one idea with additional support. For example, it can be “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “In addition,” “Similarly, etc.”

Supporting a Claim: Knowing how to introduce evidence in an essay is important. But, strategically improving the evidence with transitions can make it even more impactful. Some of the transition words to prove a point are “To demonstrate,” “One study illustrates this point,” “Research indicates,” “For instance,” “In fact,” “Notably,” etc.

Example: It’s one alternative to support the idea with an example. Some of the words to use are “For instance,” “Such as,” “In this case,” Namely,””Including,” etc.

Comparison: Creating a comparison with the help of these flow words for essays makes the writing more understandable. Some of the words to use are “In comparison,” Compared to,” “In the same way,” “Just as,” etc.

Contrast: The contrast words help to highlight differences in viewpoints or ideas. It can be like, “On the other hand,” Conversely,” etc.

Causation: The transition words for cause and its effects draw a meaningful relationship between two sentences. Some of its examples are “Therefore,” “As a result,” “Consequently,” “Because,” “Since,” etc.

Conclusion: The transition words for the final body paragraph summarize any writing piece, wrap up ideas, and lead readers to the conclusion. You can use examples like “In summary,” “To sum up,” “In conclusion,” “To summarize,” “Overall,” “All in all,” etc.

Use of Transitional Phrases in Different Sections of Argumentative Essay

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By using these connectors strategically, one can effectively introduce new ideas, emphasize critical points, contrast differing viewpoints, and lead the reader towards a coherent conclusion. It’s essential to choose the right transition for each part of the argumentative essay , keeping in mind the specific purpose it serves.

Introduction: Setting the Platform for an Argumentative Essay

The introduction of the writing sets the stage for what to expect from the essay. In this, transition words for introduction paragraph emphasize certain points or introduce nuances to an argument. It makes the writer’s stance or perspective more explicit.

An example of the use of transition words for introduction:

“In today’s ever-evolving world, technology has become integral to our daily lives. From the convenience of smartphones to the power of artificial intelligence, innovations have changed how we live, work, interact, and socialize.

In this essay , we will explore the dual impact of technology on our lives, considering its positive and negative effects. To begin with , we will delve into the beneficial aspects of technological advancements, highlighting how they have enhanced efficiency and connectivity. Subsequently , we will transition to the darker side of this digital revolution, discussing the challenges and potential pitfalls of our growing reliance on technology. Finally , we will conclude by discussing the delicate balance that must be struck between embracing innovation and safeguarding our humanity .”

Some other transition words for essays to start a paragraph are:

  • In the first place
  • To begin with
  • Furthermore
  • In the meantime

Body: Exploring Various Arguments

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To add transition words for body paragraphs, you can address various views, comparisons, and results in the essay. Then, divide it into multiple sections. It can add support for evidence, complex ideas, exceptions, rays of hope, etc.

In the body paragraph, you can also use transition words for compare-contrast essays with comparative words like, “In contrast, it’s a necessary evil for economic interests.”

For a better understanding of body paragraph transition words, see the following example:

“ Moreover , technology has significantly improved our access to information. Previously, obtaining knowledge was often limited to physical libraries and printed materials. First and foremost , search engines have revolutionized how we research and learn. Additionally, online libraries and academic databases have made scholarly articles and research papers accessible globally. In conclusion , the transformative impact of technology on information access cannot be overstated, as it has opened doors to a wealth of knowledge that was once beyond our reach, fostering a more informed and educated society.”

Examples of transition words to start a body paragraph:

  • To start off
  • Another important factor is
  • First and foremost

In the middle of an essay, are usually presented both the main points and opposing views. Using transition words, such as “Additionally,” “Contrastingly,” and “Furthermore,” helps in smoothly guiding the reader from one idea to the next. These words act as signposts, highlighting shifts in thought or emphasizing a continuation of a point, making the narrative cohesive and easily digestible. Later, we take a look at this in more detail.

Example of transition words for the last body paragraph:

  • In light of this
  • Coupled with this insight
  • Furthermore, it is imperative to address
  • As an extension of this
  • Moreover, it is crucial to mention
  • Expanding on this idea

Conclusion: Laying Your Verdict Smartly

The conclusion of an argumentative essay provides the final insights. It’s where you sum up essential takeaways and main points. It also encourages readers to ponder the discussed issues, leaving a lasting impact. Using transition words for closing statements enhances clarity and flow in this section.

“ To sum up , we have seen how technology has reshaped our daily lives, offering convenience, connectivity, and access to information like never before. However , this transformative power comes with its fair share of challenges, from concerns about privacy and security to the potential erosion of face-to-face interactions. In the grand scheme of things , technology is a tool that can be harnessed for the greater good, but it is up to us, as a society, to wield it responsibly.”

Some of the transition words to start a conclusion paragraph:

  • All things considered
  • Given these points
  • To summarize
  • In the final analysis

Addressing Arguments and Counterarguments

Transition words in an argumentative essay serve as bridges that smoothly connect different points, ensuring that the arguments presented are coherent and logically structured.

However , while many believe that technology is causing a decline in face-to-face interaction, there is ample evidence to suggest the contrary. For instance , video conferencing tools have bridged geographical gaps, enabling face-to-face conversations despite physical distance. Furthermore , social media platforms facilitate connections between people who might never have met in person.

The counterarguments discussing both aspects of the topics make the writing more informative. You can enhance the counterarguments by using transition words for rebuttal paragraph.

Example of transition words for counterclaim:

On the other hand , it’s crucial to note that an overreliance on technology can lead to isolation. Therefore , it’s all about finding a balance between digital connections and real-world interactions. In conclusion , while there are valid concerns about technology reducing face-to-face communication, it can also foster and enhance human connections when used judiciously.

You must have noticed that transition words appear at the beginning of the sentence. This means we mostly use transition words to start a counterclaim.

Some of the transition words for opposing arguments are:

  • On the other hand
  • In spite of
  • In contrast

Some other transition words for opposing claim are: but, nevertheless, even though, despite, and the list goes on.

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General Mistakes to Avoid When Using Transition Sentences For Argumentative Essays

The basic idea of implementing transitions in argumentative essays will help you write your college essays and even school essays easily. As a writer, you should know basic transition phrases, where to enter them, and how not to overdo them.

To guide you further, here are some common mistakes to avoid while adding transitions in an argumentative essay:

Overuse: Relying too heavily on transition words can make the entire essay sound forced and artificial. It’s essential to strike a balance.

Misuse: Using them incorrectly can confuse the reader. For instance, using “therefore” (which implies causation) when you merely mean to add information can mislead the reader.

Being Redundant: Some writers use transitional words when the relationship between ideas is already clear, which can be redundant. For example, starting a sentence with “in addition” after you’ve already used “also” in the previous sentence.

Using the Same Transitions: Repeatedly using similar fashion transitions, like “however” or “furthermore,” can make writing monotonous. Variety is essential to evidence additionally in the essay.

Overlooking Relationships: Using a transition word without ensuring a logical relationship between the ideas can confuse the reader. For instance, using “on the contrary” when not presenting an opposing viewpoint.

Reading good argumentative essay examples can help to understand how to strike the right balance when adding transitions. There is no pre-mix formula for transitions. As a writer, you will learn to add them with reading and practice perfectly.

Potential of Transition Phrases

Transition phrases for argumentative essays are simple yet revolutionary, linking expressions to craft compelling essays. They enhance the effective connection, comparison, and conclusions and create a persuasive stance. Moreover, the writing stays in the reader’s mind for long.

You can explore argumentative essay guides, college essay tips, and more at PapersOwl . Our writers feature various writing tools and principles that help you enhance your literary and grammar skills. So, explore different types of short phrases and similarly use them with the help of the main points mentioned above.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay

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A List of Transition Words to Use for Argumentative Essays

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Writing an argumentative essay requires a lot of effort aside from research. Besides grammar and structure, you definitely need to make sure your essay is coherent by using transitions.

Argumentative essay transition words allow you to wrap up a piece of evidence to support your main point and then move on to another. Keep reading for tips and an exhaustive list of transition words I put together for your argumentative essays.

What Is a Transition Word?

transition sentences persuasive essay

A transition word is critical to producing quality content. Also known as linking words, transition words make basic connections between sentences and paragraphs to show a relationship between ideas.

A strong transition is crucial when writing an essay. It’s not enough that you provide complete information about your main points and supporting details. You also have to make your argument attractive and logical by using transitions in your academic essay.

The absence of transition words will make your paper less readable and understandable. But too many transitions can also ruin your piece. Use them in moderation to avoid confusion about your document.

Function and Importance of Transitions

The goal of transition words is to convey ideas clearly and concisely to your readers. If you’re writing an argumentative paper, you want to make logical connections in your document to prove your central point.

Transitional phrases and words help you produce a logical flow from one sentence or paragraph to another. In other words, they introduce what the following information will be. Some transitions come in single words, while others come in complete phrases and sentences.

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There are many categories of transitions, including those that present counterarguments and others that build on your arguments. Be careful about using the wrong transition. Otherwise, you won’t achieve your goal of clarity and conciseness. Consider these examples.

  • “ For instance , an anonymous TikTok user reports having a shorter attention span because of its over-swiping feature.” (In this sentence, for instance is used to provide an example).
  • “ Here’s an exception to my previous point. ” (This entire sentence is a transition, showing a logical connection between the previous and following sentences).

Transition can also be a sentence to a paragraph long. I’ll show you an example.

Paragraph A: A point that supports co-sleeping as a parenting method.

Transition: Despite this, there are many reasons that prove co-sleeping leads to sleep-related accidents.

Paragraph B: Points that oppose co-sleeping.

Types of Transition Words

There are several types of transitions you can use for making high-quality essays.

Transition Between Paragraphs

A type of transition required for a well-written essay is one you can find between paragraphs. Once you’ve arranged each paragraph according to your outline, it’s important to start each with an effective transition. This word or phrase is usually present in the topic sentence of the body.

Some examples include however, similarly, and for example. But these transition expressions cannot be a single sentence long. The initial sentence of every paragraph should be clear and substantial instead of simply connecting ideas.

Transition Within Paragraphs

Creating a powerful transition within every paragraph of your academic papers avoids choppy sentences. It provides a sense of connection between complex ideas to help readers anticipate what is coming.

These are usually single words or short phrases like in addition, since, and if.

Transition Between Sections

The last type of transition phrases and sentences are those between sections. You’ll find them all over the entire paper to summarize the information. They can be restatements of arguments or a short closing sentence to ensure the flow of ideas.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

It’s a type of essay that requires you to research a subject matter and establish a position for or against it.

Aside from researching and evaluating evidence, showing a relationship between sentences and sections is essential when writing a paper. This will allow you to wrap up an idea and then start another. You must cite different sources to support your point of view, then show counterarguments.

The entire essay should include an introduction, a conclusion, and at least three body paragraphs.

How Do You Start an Argumentative Essay?

Every type of paper starts with an introduction, which usually includes a hook, background, and thesis statement.

The common essay introduction piques the reader’s interest through a surprising statistic or an interesting question. Provide readers with a background of your entire content piece, then state your main argument in a clear sentence.

Transition expressions are not yet essential in this stage of essay writing. Focus on setting up your point and discussing how you will argue it throughout the paper.

Common Transitions for Argumentative Essay Writing

Take a look at this list of transitional words and phrases commonly used to make strong arguments.

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

Counterargument Transition Words

Here’s a transition word list for essays showing different sides of an argument.

  • While it is true that
  • Nevertheless
  • Despite this
  • On the other hand
  • Be that as it may
  • Even though
  • Although this may be true

Transition Words and Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting

Here’s a breakdown of transition words and phrases you can use when comparing and contrasting.

  • In spite of
  • On the contrary
  • Different from
  • In contrast

Transition Words to Include in Your College Essay

Here are some examples of transition words you can use when applying for college admission or scholarship.

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

Transition Words for Cause and Effect

Consider this transition word list when showing cause and effect.

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

Transition Words for Essay Paragraphs

  • At the present time
  • In due time
  • To begin with
  • All of a sudden
  • Immediately
  • In a moment

Transitions to Emphasize a Point

  • Most of all
  • The main problem/issue is
  • Without question
  • More importantly
  • Most important of all

Transition Words for Additional Support or Evidence

Transition words for sequence or order, transition words for space or place.

  • In the middle of
  • In the distance
  • In the background
  • Here and there
  • On the side

To Cite a Source or Paraphrase

  • According to
  • This means that
  • Put it more simply

Transition Words to Begin a Body Paragraph

  • What is more
  • Beyond that

Transition Words to Introduce Details

  • For example
  • As an example
  • For instance
  • A case in point
  • Specifically
  • In particular
  • More specifically

Transition Words for Conclusion

  • As can be seen
  • By and large
  • On the whole
  • To summarize
  • In the final analysis
  • Generally speaking

More Transition Words

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

Tips for Using Argumentative Essay Transitions

transition sentences persuasive essay

Follow these tips to improve your use of transitions in your essay.

Know What the Transitions Mean

Non-native speakers may need help knowing the meaning of every transition expression, so research every term before using it.

There are also many categories of transition words. You can use them to summarize points, show contradictions, express sequence, or begin a paragraph.

Start Your Essay with an Outline

Writing an outline will make it easier to map your ideas and move them around. This strategy will help you transition between paragraphs.

Don’t Overuse Transitions

The last mistake you shouldn’t make is overuse. Instead of making connections between sentences, you’ll make your paper more difficult to read. It creates more incoherence and distraction in your writing, contradicting its intended purpose in your paper.

Use Transition Words Properly

Now you know how to use transition words and phrases for your argumentative essay through this guide and list. These expressions will help you produce a coherent relationship between every idea.

Mastering transitions for your essay may not be a piece of cake, but practice makes perfect. Don’t forget to revise and proofread your argumentative before submitting it to your professor.

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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.

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Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

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Logical and Smooth Transitions

The importance of smooth transitions in persuasive essays, related blog posts from category "writing an essay".

This type of essay means that the writer’s task is to make readers change their stance on a certain issue. Thus, the topic for persuasive essays must always be debatable enough. For example, you may want to argue that being a vegetarian is healthy or that euthanasia is morally unacceptable. Perhaps you’d like to prove that modern factories harm the environment instead of making profit or that the authorities spend too much money on their political campaigns. Regardless of the topic you opt for, you must define your own opinion on the matter and follow a clear structure of the essay with the help of certain language devices.

However good your arguments could be, without a well-organized presentation you will fail to bring the reader to your point of view. Using proper transitions is a vital part of writing a good persuasive essay. The definition of the term goes as follows: these are the words that make the essay more coherent and cohesive. Oftentimes they are used to connect different ideas expressed in separate sentences or to make the transition to the next paragraph more smooth and logical. In such a way, the text becomes more easy-to-follow and interesting for readers. In fact, transitions are linking elements that can be represented as separate words, word groups, or full sentences. Here are some typical examples of the above-mentioned transitions:

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  • Words: definitely, despite, certainly, obviously, additionally, undoubtedly, however, firstly, etc.
  • Word groups: in addition to this, regardless of, what is more, in reality, for instance, in other words, according to, etc.
  • Sentences (serve as topic sentences that prepare the reader for the layout of the further points): “Many people claim that genetically modified food is harmful in many ways.” This example implies that the writer is going to present his/her arguments and examples why it is harmful. At the end of the paragraph you can summarize the most important points specifying particular examples that you’ve mentioned. For instance, “Thus, GMOs are not only unhealthy to humans and animals but also dangerous to the environment.”

Transition words are crucially important for the readers to be able to follow the writer’s thoughts. Otherwise, they won’t be convinced that the writer is right. Transitions might be used for the following purposes:

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  • To elaborate on the point that you’ve made: further, what is more, apart from, in addition to, similarly, etc.
  • To give examples: for instance, for example, to illustrate this, etc.
  • To put a couple of points in a list: first, second, third, etc.
  • To restate the same idea in a different manner: in other words, with this in mind, etc.

In conclusion, transition words help the writers to convey his/her ideas in a logical manner, which appeals to the readers and ideally makes them change their position on certain topics or at least think about alternative ways of the arguable point at hand.

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    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.

  15. Down and Dirty Tips: Persuasion Essay: Adding Transitions

    Transitional expressions can help tie ideas together and show relationships. They also reveal organization patterns to help your reader follow along. Try out a few in your paper. Be sure that any transition you use makes logical sense. To add an idea: first, second, third, next, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides, as well.

  16. 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 ...

  17. The Role of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays

    Transitional expressions are words or phrases that help create a smooth connection in writing. In the same way, these transition words for argumentative essays are equally important as they help in structuring arguments and help maintain cohesion with persuasive words.Knowing how and where to use them will make the essay easier to read, understandable, and high quality.

  18. A List of Transition Words to Use for Argumentative Essays

    Transition can also be a sentence to a paragraph long. I'll show you an example. Paragraph A: A point that supports co-sleeping as a parenting method. Transition: Despite this, there are many reasons that prove co-sleeping leads to sleep-related accidents. Paragraph B: Points that oppose co-sleeping.

  19. 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 ...

  20. Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

    Using proper transitions is a vital part of writing a good persuasive essay. The definition of the term goes as follows: these are the words that make the essay more coherent and cohesive. Oftentimes they are used to connect different ideas expressed in separate sentences or to make the transition to the next paragraph more smooth and logical.