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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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
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
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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Transition Words for Essays
What are Transition Words and how Do I use Transition Words for Essays? Transition words and phrases help make your essay flow smoothly from paragraph to paragraph. You can use them at the ends and beginnings of paragraphs, as well as in your introduction and conclusion. Transition words and phrases can be used in every type of essay, but they are most appropriate in expository or argumentative essays in which it’s important to present your ideas in a clear, logical flow. Read on for more insight into transition words for essays, including lists, examples and descriptions of how to use them in your writing.
Transition Words for Essays that Compare and Contrast
Comparison and contrast transition words are obviously helpful when writing a compare/contrast essay, but you can also use them to compare two different pieces of information in an expository or argumentative essay. You may also use comparison and contrast transition words to contrast two different experiences in a narrative essay or to compare two different people, places or objects in a descriptive essay.
Here are some of the most common comparison transition words for essays, followed by examples:
- in the same way
Comparison Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:
- In the same way , Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech inspired a generation.
- Similarly , my vacation to the beach was also peaceful and fun, just like my week at summer camp.
Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples:
- in spite of
- on the one hand/on the other hand
- in contrast
- on the contrary
Contrast Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:
- However , this delicious breakfast was not as memorable as the dinner my family shared that evening.
- In contrast , my grandmother is always cracking jokes while my grandfather stays serious.
Sequence/Order Transition Words for Essays
Sequence words are especially important in narrative essays, where you must guide your reader through the events of your story. Sequence words can be used at the start of each paragraph to clearly mark out what happened first, next and so on. In addition, you can also use sequence transition words for essays that are informational and communicate historical events. It is also helpful to use sequence transition words for essays where you are writing about a book or movie and need to briefly summarize the plot. Here are some sequence/ordering words, followed by examples:
- First , my mom dropped me off at school that fateful morning.
- Then , I saw an unbelievable sight!
- Finally , the zookeepers showed up and led the baby elephant into the back of a hay-filled truck.
Transition Word for Essays Examples
Example transition words can help you provide evidence in argumentative essays and add interesting detail in descriptive and narrative essays. There are many different kinds of example words and phrases you can use to keep your writing interesting and avoid repetition in a longer essay. Here are some of the most common example transition words for essays:
- for example
- for instance
- specifically
- to illustrate
Here are some additional example transition words for essays you may use in your writing, followed by examples:
- additionally
- equally important
- furthermore
- in addition
- For example , one study explained that students who participate in extracurricular activities have a higher overall homework completion rate.
- Furthermore , engagement in nonacademic activities has been shown to increase confidence in children between the ages of 11 and 14.
Conclusion Transition Words for Essays
Conclusion words help signal to the reader that you are coming to the end of your essay. A strong conclusion paragraph will begin with a clear conclusion word or phrase that will help to sum up your overall points. Here are some of the most common conclusion words and phrases, followed by examples:
- in conclusion
- on the whole
- to conclude
- to summarize
- In conclusion , school uniforms can help improve students’ focus in the middle school classroom.
- In sum , voting is an important part of our democracy and something we shouldn’t take for granted.
Learn more about Transition Words
Essay Writing Guide
Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List
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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!
- 1. What are Good Transition Words for Essays?
- 2. Examples of Different Types of Transition Words
- 3. Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
- 4. Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
- 5. Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays
- 6. Transition Words for Informative Essays
- 7. Transition Words for Expository Essays
- 8. Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays
- 9. Transition Words for Synthesis Essays
- 10. Transition Words for Analysis Essays
- 11. Conclusion Transition Words for Essays
- 12. Beginning Transition Words for Essays
- 13. Paragraph Transition Words for Essays
- 14. Transition Words for Quotes in Essays
- 15. Transition Words for Essays Middle School
- 16. Transition Words for Essays High School
- 17. Transition Words for Essays College
- 18. Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words
What are Good Transition Words for Essays?
Transition words are essential tools in essay writing , providing a clear path for your readers to follow. They serve the crucial purpose of connecting words, phrases, sentences, or even entire paragraphs.
By using these transitions effectively, you can effortlessly convey your ideas and thoughts in a coherent and easily understandable manner.
However, it's crucial to exercise moderation when using transition words. Overusing them can clutter your essay, making it confusing and difficult to read.
On the other hand, omitting them entirely can result in a piece that lacks flow and direction. Striking the right balance ensures that your essay is both engaging and comprehensible.
Purpose of Transition Words
Let’s take a look at the purpose of using transitions in essays:
- Enhance Readability: Transition words improve the overall flow and coherence of your writing.
- Clarify Relationships: They signal connections between ideas, whether it's adding, contrasting, or summarizing.
- Improve Comprehension: Readers can follow your argument or narrative more easily.
- Smooth Transitions: They act as bridges, seamlessly guiding your audience from one point to the next.
- Manage Change: They prepare the reader for shifts in topic or perspective.
- Enhance Engagement: Well-placed transitions keep readers interested and invested in your content.
- Encourage Flow: They maintain a logical progression, aiding in the overall structure of your work.
Examples of Different Types of Transition Words
Here are some common types of transitions for essays that can be used in almost any situation.
Addition Transitions
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- In addition
- Not only...but also
Comparison Transitions
- In the same way
- Comparable to
- Correspondingly
- In comparison
- By the same token
Contrast Transitions
- On the other hand
- In contrast
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Even though
Cause and Effect Transitions
- Consequently
- As a result
- For this reason
- Accordingly
Time Transitions
- Simultaneously
- In the meantime
- Subsequently
- At the same time
Illustration Transitions
- For example
- For instance
- Specifically
- To illustrate
- In particular
- In this case
- As an illustration
Emphasis Transitions
- Undoubtedly
- Without a doubt
Summary Transitions
- To summarize
- To conclude
Sequence Transitions
Example transitions.
- As an example
- To demonstrate
- For one thing
- As evidence
- As an instance
For Showing Exception
- At The Same Time
- Nevertheless
- On The Other Hand
- But At The Same Time
- Conversely
For Proving
- For This Reason
- Certainly
- To Demonstrate
- In Fact
- Clearly
- As A Result
This transition words for essays list will make it easier for you to understand what words to use in which kind of essay or for which purpose.
Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
- To begin with
- By contrast
- One alternative is
- To put more simply
- On the contrary
- With this in mind
- All things considered
- Generally speaking
- That is to say
- Yet another
Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
- furthermore
- Moreover
- Because
- Besides that
- Pursuing this further
Transition Words for Essays PDF
Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays
- Althoughyhtjyjum,u
- Notwithstanding
Transition Words for Informative Essays
- After all
- As can be expected
- Obviously
Transition Words for Expository Essays
- Equally important
- Another reason
- Not long after that
- Looking back
Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays
- In order to
- Provided that
- Because of this
Transition Words for Synthesis Essays
- As noted earlier
- Consequently
- Whereas
- This leads to
- Another factor
- This lead to
- The underlying concept
- In this respect
Transition Words for Analysis Essays
- (once) again
- Primarily
- Due to
- Accordingly
- That is to say
- Subsequently
- To demonstrate
- However
Conclusion Transition Words for Essays
- In any event
- As mentioned
- In other words
- As you can see
Beginning Transition Words for Essays
These are some introduction transition words for essays to start writing:
- In the first place
- First of all
- For the most part
- On one hand
- As a rule
Paragraph Transition Words for Essays
- To put it differently
- Once and for all
Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph
- To start with
- First and foremost
- In the beginning
Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph
- In addition to this
- Furthermore
Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph
- In conclusion
- Finally
- Last but not least
- To sum up
- Altogether
Transition Words for Quotes in Essays
- Acknowledges
Transition Words for Essays Middle School
- In conclusion
- For instance
Transition Words for Essays High School
- Today
- In addition
- To summarize
- On the other hand
- As well as
- Although
Transition Words for Essays College
Here are some college level transition words for essay:
- Pursuing this
- Similarly
- What’s more
- As much as
- In a like manner
- In the same fashion
Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words
So, now you have some strong transition words for essays at hand. But how do you use these transition words?
Here are the basic dos and don’ts of using transition words for essays.
- Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
- Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
- Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
- Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.
So, now you have an extensive list of transition words. These are some of the best transition words for essays that you can add to your essays.
If your essay seems redundant because you used similar transition words, you can always have a look at this list to find some good replacements.
So, whenever you’re writing an essay, refer back to this list and let your words flow!
If you still feel that your essay is not properly conveying your ideas, turn to our expert essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com.
If you have some write-up, our essay writing service will make it flow without changing the entire content. Or, if you wish to have an essay from scratch, we will write a paper for you!
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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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Are you tired of reading essays that feel disjointed and difficult to follow? Do you find yourself struggling to connect your ideas smoothly and effectively?
If so, then you're in luck, because today we're going to take a closer look at the magic of transition words.
In this blog, we'll cover different types of transition words and their precise usage, and how they can elevate your writing. By the end, you'll have the tools to captivate your readers and leave a lasting impression.
Let's dive in!
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What are Transition Words?
Transition words are linking words used to connect sentences and ideas in the content. They help the audience move from one idea to another, building a coherent relationship within the document.
When writing an essay , it is essential to make sure that the information provided is readable and understandable by the readers. For this purpose, explicit language, transition words, and phrases are used.
Moreover, these words set a base for the idea that is going to be discussed next.
Transition words can either make or break the entire essay. It is mandatory to keep in view that not every sentence in your essay needs a transitional phrase.
Types of Transitions
Generally, there are three types of transitions that are used while drafting a piece of document. Depending on the length, complexity, and kind of text, transitions can take the following form:
- Transition Between Sections - When your document is lengthy, transition paragraphs are used to summarize a particular section for the readers. In addition to this, it also links the information that is to be shared next.
For example:
"In the following section..." "Moving on to..." "Now, let's explore..." "Turning our attention to..." "To delve deeper, we will now examine..."
- Transition Between Paragraphs - The transition between paragraphs is when you logically connect the two paragraphs. This connection summarizes the paragraphâs primary concern and links it to the next idea of the other paragraph.
"Furthermore..." "On the other hand..." "Similarly..." "In contrast..." "Moreover..." "Additionally..." "In addition to..." "Conversely..." "Likewise..." "In a similar vein...
- Transition Within Paragraphs - They act as cues for the readers to prepare them for what is coming next. They are usually single words or small phrases.
"For instance..." "In particular..." "To illustrate..." "Additionally..." "Moreover..." "Furthermore..." "On the contrary..." "However..." "In contrast..." "In other words..."
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Types of Transition Words
Here's a table showcasing different types of transition words and their corresponding functions:
Transition Words For Different Types of Essays
Transitional words depend on the relationship you want to convey to the audience about the ideas and paragraphs. Below is a list of words and phrases that can be used to link different sentences, paragraphs, and sections.
Identify which transition expression you want to share for your logical relationship.
Transition Words for Argumentative Essay
- In the same way
- Equally important
- Furthermore
- Comparatively
- Additionally
- In addition
- Not only...but also
Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essay
- In contrast
- Different from
- On the contrary
- In spite of
Transition Words for Informative Essay
- Provided that
- With this in mind
- For the purpose of
- In the hope that
- In order to
- With this intention
Transition Words for College Essays
- In other words
- By all means
- To demonstrate
- As in illustration
- To put it another way
Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essay
- As a result
- For this reason
- Because the
- Under those circumstances
- Accordingly
- Consequently
Transition Words for Expository Essay
- Not long after that
- Specifically
- To begin with
- Without doubt
- Undoubtedly
- Due to circumstances
- In similar fashion
Transition Words for Different Parts of Essay
Here's a table listing transition words for different parts of an essay:
How Transitions work
Transitions work by creating a bridge between ideas, sentences, paragraphs, or sections in your essay. They help to establish logical connections and guide the reader through the flow of your writing.
Here's how transitions work:
- Coherence : Transitions create smooth connections between ideas, ensuring a coherent flow in your writing.
- Signal Relationships: Transitions clarify how ideas are related, such as cause and effect, comparison, contrast, or sequence.
- Guide the Reader: It acts as signpost, guiding readers through your essay and indicating the direction of your thoughts.
- Enhance Clarity: Transitions improve clarity by organizing ideas and helping readers understand logical progression.
- Improve Flow: It ensures a seamless flow between sentences, paragraphs, and sections, preventing choppiness.
- Emphasize Key Points: Transitions can be used strategically to highlight important ideas and make them more impactful.
Let's consider an example:
In the above example, transitions like " one such source " connect the idea of solar power to renewable energy sources. " Similarly " then introduces the concept of wind power, creating a logical progression. These transitions help readers follow the flow of ideas and understand the relationships between different energy sources.
Tips to Use Transition Words in your Essay
Here are some tips to effectively use transition words in your essay:
- Understand the Purpose: Familiarize yourself with the different types and functions of transition words, phrases, or sentences. Recognize how they connect ideas, provide structure, and indicate relationships between different parts of your essay.
- Plan your Essay Structure: Before you start writing, outline the main sections, paragraphs, and points you want to cover. Consider where transition words can be used to improve the flow and coherence of your essay.
- Use Transition Words Appropriately: Ensure that the transition word you choose accurately reflects the relationship between ideas. Don't force a transition where it doesn't fit naturally.
- Vary Transition Words: Avoid repetitive or excessive use of the same transition word throughout your essay. Use a variety of transition words to maintain reader interest and enhance overall readability.
- Pay Attention to Placement: Place transition words at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences, depending on the desired effect. Consider the logical flow of your ideas and choose the appropriate placement for each transition word.
- Use Transitional Phrases: Instead of using single transition words, consider incorporating transitional phrases or clauses. These can provide more context and clarity, strengthening the connection between ideas.
- Revise and Edit: After completing your essay, review it for the effectiveness and smoothness of transitions. Ensure that they serve their purpose in guiding the reader and enhancing the overall coherence of your writing.
- Seek Feedback: Share your essay with others and ask for feedback, specifically on the use of transition words. Others' perspectives can help you identify any areas that need improvement or where transitions could be strengthened.
To sum it up! While mastering transition words may require time and practice, it is a skill well worth developing. These words are crucial for creating coherence and flow in your essays. Throughout this blog, we have explored various transition words and phrases that can greatly enhance your writing.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to apply these newfound skills in your future essays. You can utilize an AI essay writer to enhance and refine your writing skills.
If you still need assistance or have further inquiries, our team at CollegeEssay.org is available to provide legit essay writing service .
Contact us today, and let us be a part of your journey toward academic excellence!
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Expository Essay Transition Words: Effective Usage
Published : November 14, 2023
Updated : December 08, 2023
By | MyPremiumEssay 12 mins read
Expository essays are beacons of knowledge, shedding light on unexplored realms. Transition words, the unsung heroes of communication, guide our minds through a maze of facts and insights with elegance. These academic cornerstones aim to clarify and inform readers about specific topics. They stand out for their objectivity, presenting information without personal bias clouding the narrative.
As connective tissue in writing, transition words establish links and ensure smooth flow. In expository essays, these unsung heroes play a pivotal role in transforming informative text into captivating prose. They bridge ideas, guiding readers through components while maintaining clarity and coherence.
This blog post delves into the transformative power of transition words in expository essays. It explores their diverse forms and offers practical guidance on incorporating them effectively for impactful written work.
Why Transition Words are Important in Expository essays?
Types of transition words, how to use transition words effectively in expository essays, examples of transition words in expository essays, tips for using transition words effectively.
Transition words are indispensable in expository essays , serving as the architects of clarity, coherence, continuity, and emphasis.
Clarity: Transition words serve as lighthouses, illuminating the connections between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, escorting readers through the text like steady stars in the night sky
Coherence: They intricately interlace a fabric of cohesion, ensuring that every point effortlessly melds into the next, constructing a meticulously structured and effortlessly navigable narrative.
Continuity: Transition words function as sturdy bridges, averting abrupt shifts that might startle readers from their engrossment.
Emphasis: Similar to focused searchlights on a grand stage, transition words accentuate pivotal junctures, directing attention to essential concepts and their relevance to the core message of the essay .
Here are some types of transition words along with examples that incorporate engaging writing style, active tense, emotions, unique words, synonyms, and metonymy:
Infuse your expository essays with transition words to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. Signal the relationships between ideas with carefully chosen words that guide readers through your argument.
Emphasize Connections
When introducing an additional point, use words like "Additionally" or "In addition." To highlight contrasts, employ phrases like "Conversely" or "In contrast."
Engaging Example: "Additionally, the research reveals a compelling link between exercise and mental well-being. Conversely, it's crucial to consider other factors that may also impact our mental health."
Create a Smooth Flow Between Paragraphs
Bridge the gaps between paragraphs with transition words, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas and arguments. When shifting topics, employ phrases like "Shifting gears" or "Transitioning to..."
Engaging Example: "Shifting gears to economic considerations, we discover that globalization has profoundly impacted international trade."
Avoid Overusing Transition Words
Harness the power of transition words without overdoing it. Too many transitions can clutter your writing, while judiciously placed ones will guide readers smoothly through your arguments.
Engaging Example: "In the pursuit of clear and compelling communication, precision is key. An excessive reliance on transition words can muddle your message and distract readers."
Need Help With Your Expository Essay?
Avail our expert assistance to transform your ideas into compelling narratives.
Choose the Right Tool for the Job
Select transition words that accurately reflect the relationship between your ideas. For instance, to highlight cause and effect, use "Consequently" or "Hence." When presenting examples, employ "To illustrate" or "For instance."
Engaging Example: "Driven by the growing demand for sustainable energy sources, solar power technology has undergone remarkable advancements in recent years."
By adhering to these principles, you can seamlessly integrate transition words into your expository essays, enhancing the overall structure and coherence of your writing.
1 The first reason I support this proposal is that it will save the company money.
2 In addition, it will improve employee morale.
1 While some people believe that artificial intelligence is a threat to humanity, others believe that it has the potential to solve many of the world's problems.
2 However, it is important to use AI responsibly and ethically.
Cause and effect
1 The use of fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change.
2 As a result, we are seeing more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
1 For example, a study by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of Americans believe that climate change is happening.
1 After the stock market crash of 1929, the United States entered a period known as the Great Depression.
2 During this time, millions of Americans lost their jobs and homes.
1 In conclusion, I believe that we need to take action to address climate change.
2 Otherwise, we face the risk of catastrophic consequences.
To use transition words effectively in expository essays while maintaining an engaging and human writing style, consider the following tips:
Embrace Transitional Phrases: Instead of single words, employ transitional phrases for context and natural flow. For instance, use "Conversely" instead of just "However."
Parallelism for Smoothness: Maintain parallel sentence structures when using transitions. Similar grammatical forms ensure a smoother reading experience.
Emotional Impact: While maintaining a professional tone, evoke emotions or emphasize points with transitions. For example, "Sadly, this problem remains," or "Remarkably, the solution lies within our grasp."
Unique Vocabulary: Replace predictable words with engaging synonyms and unique vocabulary. This enhances your essay's appeal and reduces repetition.
Consistency Matters: Ensure consistent transition word usage throughout your essay. Consistency maintains readability and flow.
Grammar and Style: As you incorporate transitions, pay attention to grammar and style. Ensure they integrate naturally and don't disrupt the flow.
Proofread for Excellence: A well-edited essay with effective transitions will have a more significant impact on your readers. Proofread for spelling and stylistic issues.
By incorporating these tips, you can harness the power of transition words to elevate your expository essays. These versatile tools enhance readability, guide readers smoothly through your arguments, and maintain engagement, all while adhering to proper grammar and style.
Transition words are trusty allies that clarify points, emphasize key ideas, and contrast opposing perspectives. Don't underestimate their potential to transform your essay from ordinary to extraordinary. Choose MyPremiumEssay for outstanding results in this field. Entrust us with bridging your ideas using impactful words and buy essays online that will make the difference. Our expertise will turn your essay into something extraordinary.
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Transition Words and Phrases for Writing
Use this list of 100+ high school transition words and phrases for instances where you need to provide comparison/contrast, summarization, conclusion, or to indicate more information., transition words for high school essays.
In this guide, we explore high school transition words. Transition words play a crucial role in structuring and bridging ideas in writing. They are the glue that binds sentences and paragraphs together, ensuring a smooth flow of thoughts and concepts.
The importance of these words cannot be underestimated, especially in high school writing, where complexity and cohesiveness of ideas start to play a more significant role.
This guide will provide an in-depth look into various categories of transition words and how to use them effectively in your writing.
What are transition words?
Transition words are functional parts of speech that writers use to help readers move easily and clearly from one idea to another. They add necessary organization and structure to a text, and they are critical for creative, expository, or academic writing.
Successful writers use common transition words and phrases in both fiction and non-fiction works.
Why do we use transition words?
Also called connecting or linking words, transition words and phrases help establish clear connections between ideas and ensure that sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly , making them easier to read.
Examples of high school transition words
Using transitional words properly is crucial to the development of good writing composition skills. By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays.
Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances.
Cause, purpose, or intent transition words
Here is a list of transition words/linking words and phrases when you want to indicate cause, intent, or condition. They can be coordinating conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs, etc.
Example: "We can probably finish this hike in less than two hours, as long as we stick to the marked trails and don't stop too often to rest."
Types of transition words for cause, purpose, and intent:
- For the reason that
- For the purpose of
- In order to
- In light of
- On condition of
- Out of fear of
- On account of
- Provided that
Effect, consequence, or result transition words
These connecting words and phrases demonstrate effects or results, cause and effect, and are sometimes used to denote consequences that occur after the fact (using time words like "after" and "then"). They are predominantly conjunctive adverbs and are mostly used when starting a new paragraph.
Example: "Kevin never changed the oil in his car - as a result , the engine seized and he had to pay $2000 to get it replaced."
Use transition words for better accessibility. Below are some examples of transitional expressions:
- Accordingly
- Consequently
- In that case
- As a result
- Due to circumstances
- Because of that
- In light of that
- For that reason
Comparison or agreement transition words
These transition phrases and words reinforce the concepts and ideas directly preceding them, or enable the reader to directly compare two preceding statements, previous arguments, ideas, or concepts.
Example: "Needing to gain only 2 yards for a critical first down, the coach was faced with going for it or kicking the ball away. Calling a pass play seemed the safest bet. Moreover , the quarterback hadn't thrown an incomplete pass all game."
Check the following examples:
- Comparatively
- In similar fashion
- Identically
- Furthermore
- In addition
- In the same vein
- Additionally
- As a matter of fact
- First of all
- In the first place
- Compared to
- In the same way
- In addition to
- Part and parcel of
- By the same token
Contrast or contradiction words & phrases
Use these transition words and phrases to point out differences in ideas, or suggest to the reader that there are alternative ideas to consider.
Example: "The coach decided to go for it on 4th down, albeit with a very simple quarterback sneak."
- In spite of
- Nonetheless
- Nevertheless
- Be that as it may
- On the contrary
- Even though
- Rather than
- At the same time
- In contrast with
Sequence and time transition words
Convey a sequence of events or the structure and limits of time with these transition words.
Example: "Attention, passengers: At the present time , the subway is delayed because of a signal issue at the Ashmont station."
- At the present time
- Immediately
- Simultaneously
- Subsequently
- To begin with
- All of a sudden
- In an instant
- Once in awhile
- Right this minute
- Not a second too soon
Transition words for place and location
Indicate location, presence, and state with these transition words.
Example: "The town finally voted to build a new high school adjacent to the old railway station."
- In the background
- To the right/left
- In the back/front
- In front of
- In proximity to
- Kitty-corner to/from
- Across from
- In the vicinity of
- On the horizon
- In the distance
Summarizing and concluding transition words
Use these connecting words and phrases to summarize ideas and concepts, convey conclusions to readers, or restate particular ideas and concepts.
Example: " Generally speaking , commuting into the city usually takes me an hour, except on rainy or snowy days, when it can take as many as 3 hours to get to work."
- To summarize
- In the final analysis
- For the most part
- At the end of the day
- After all is said and done
- By and large
- In the short run
- All things considered
- In conclusion
- To conclude
- As demonstrated
- As discussed
- As indicated
Transition words for examples, emphasis, and more information
This group of linking words and phrases will help illustrate, add more information, and provide examples for readers.
Example: "There were a number of accidents and breakdowns on the highway today - surprisingly , I still made it to school on time."
- For example
- For instance
- In particular
- Particularly
- Specifically
- To illustrate
- To demonstrate
- For this reason
- In this case
- Putting it another way
- By all means
- Hypothetically
- Putting it differently
- Significantly
Keep practicing!
Transition words are essential tools for enhancing the cohesiveness and flow of your writing. Learning and effectively using these high school transition words will not only improve your writing skills but also increase your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and logically.
Keep practicing and enriching your writing with these high school transition words and phrases.
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How To Write An Essay
Transition Words For Essays
Last updated on: Apr 9, 2024
Good Transition Words for Essays - A Detailed 2024 List
By: Cordon J.
10 min read
Reviewed By: Melisa C.
Published on: Mar 22, 2023
Writing an essay is all about expressing ideas. But ideas must be logically connected to each other to make sense.
That’s where transition words come in!
Transition words and phrases are used to maintain a coherent relationship between ideas.
Students with excellent skills often fail to present their ideas effectively. It is because they do not use transitional phrases and words properly.
But worry no more! Here’s a comprehensive list of transition words for essays that will help you out!
Read on to find a list of useful transition words and create well-written content.
On this Page
What are Transition Words for Essays?
Transition words are linking words used to connect ideas and thoughts cohesively. They are important to maintain a logical flow within the content. Moreover, they are written to show the relationship between ideas and thoughts.
While writing the essay, transitioning from one idea to another using linking phrases makes it easier for the readers to understand.
If a paper is written without these sentence connectors, it would be difficult for people to know how ideas fit together.
They can either make or break the entire essay. However, overusing these transitions can make the document even more confusing. It can also cause the audience to lose direction.
Below is a comprehensive list of transition words to help you out!
Transition Words for Parts of Essay
Transition words and phrases connect different parts of an essay together. These phrases enable the essay to act as a whole. Below is a list of transition words that will help you connect different parts of an essay.
Beginning Transition Words for Essays
These introduction transition words for essays will help you start your essay effectively.
- In the first place
- First of all
- To begin with
- For the most part
- On one hand
- To start off
- Initially
- In the beginning
- Primarily
- To introduce the topic
Transition Words for Essays First Body Paragraph
- In the beginning
- To start with
- For starters
- At first glance
- At the outset
- First and foremost
Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph
- Additionally
- Furthermore
- Besides
- Moreover
- In addition
- Likewise
- Similarly
- Not only...but also
- As well as
- Apart from that.
Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph
- Furthermore
- Consequently
- Subsequently
- Accordingly
- Specifically
Transition Words for Essays Conclusion
Here’s a list of conclusion transition words for essays to help you writing an efficient conclusion.
- In any event
- As mentioned
- In other words
- As you can see
Transition Words According to Purpose
Transition words and phrases can be used for various purposes. The following are the common transition words and phrases that have different meanings according to their purpose:
Transition Words for Sequence / Order
- First of all
- Secondly
- In the second place
- Subsequently
- Afterward/Afterwards
- Thirdly/Finally
- To conclude
- Ultimately
- In the end
- Prior to this/that
- Thereafter
- At this point
Transition Words for Similarity
- By the same yoken
- In like manner
- Just as much
- Not unlike
- Correspondingly
- In the same way
- Identically
- Equally Ss
- Equivalently
- Analogously
- As with
Transition Words Used for Contradiction / Opposition
- Nonetheless
- Nevertheless
- On the other hand
- In contrast
Transition Words Used for Cause and Effect
- For the reason that
- On account of
- Owing to
- As a result of
- As a consequence of
Transition Words Used for Emphasis
- Notably
- Specifically
- In particular
- Above all
- Indeed
- Obviously
- Certainly
- Positively
- Unquestionably
- Absolutely
- Unambiguously
- Emphatically
- Definitely
- Importantly
List of Transition Words for Different Types of Essays
You must be wondering, “ What are some good transition words for an essay? ” Here we have categorized a list of best transition words for essays. So continue reading on!
Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
- By contrast
- One alternative is
- To put more simply
- At the same time
- On the contrary
- With this in mind
- All things considered
- As a result
- Generally speaking
- That is to say
- Yet another
Transition Words for Expository Essays
- For one thing
- In addition
- Equally important
- Another reason
- Not long after that
- Looking back
Transition Words for Analysis Essays
- (once) again
- Due to
- Accordingly
- That is to say
- To demonstrate
- However
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 Cause and Effect Essays
- In order to
- Provided that
- Because of this
Transition Words for Informative Essays
- As can be expected
- Obviously
Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays
- In the same way
- Notwithstanding
Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
- furthermore
- Additionally
- Because
- Besides that
- Pursuing this further
Transition Words for Various Academic Levels
The following transition words and phrases are divided into different academic levels.
Good Transition Words for Essays - Middle School
- In conclusion
- For instance
Transition Words for Essays - High School
- Today
- To summarize
- On the other hand
- As well as
- Although
Transition Words for Essays College
Here are some college-level transition words for essays.
- To begin with
- That is
- The next step
- There is no doubt
- Therefore
- Thereupon
- Usually
- Wherefore
- While
- Especially
- Corresponding to
- In the long run
Professional Tips for Using Transition Words & Phrases
It is highly important to choose the right transition word while writing any type of essay or paper. Therefore, a writer must analyze how and where to use these transitions. Here are a few professional tips for using transition words effectively:
Pay Attention to Context:
Transition words should be used in a way that makes sense within the context of a sentence or paragraph. When transitioning from one idea to another, using a transition can help make clear how the ideas are related.
Use Transition Words to Create Flow:
Transition words can help create smooth transitions between ideas in a text. By using these words, writers can show how their ideas are connected and make the text flow better. This can help readers understand the overall point more clearly.
Vary Your Transition Word Usage:
Using the same word too often can make a text sound repetitive and monotonous. To avoid this, try to mix up the transitions you use and look for different ones that could fit with your ideas.
Insert Transition Words in the Appropriate Place:
Placement of transition words is important. Moreover, avoid overusing transition sentences.
Proofread for Correct Usage:
Always double-check your text when you have finished to make sure that all transition words are used correctly. This can help ensure that your text is well-structured and flows smoothly.
The list of transitional words mentioned above will give you an idea to organize your thoughts logically. It might take some time for you to learn to use these words. But if you still feel that the essay is not conveying the information properly, hire a professional essay writing service at MyPerfectPaper.net.
MyPerfectPaper.net is known and trusted for being a reliable paper writing service for students.
The team of experts will help you guide through the necessary steps to write a perfect paper without any confusion. Reach out to us today and let our essay writer fulfill your writing request for you in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the 5 examples of transitions.
Although there are many transition words, 5 major types are:
- Addition - also, moreover, in addition to, etc.
- Comparison - similarly, similar to, in the same way, etc.
- Concession - granted, provided, given that, etc.
- Sequence - firstly, secondly, finally, etc.
- Example - for instance, for example, etc.
How do you transition to a new paragraph?
You can transition to a new paragraph by adding a transition word or transitional phrase at the start or end of the topic sentence. It may or may not be added to the topic sentence of all paragraphs. Some can make a logical transition as well.
Literature, Marketing
Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.
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- 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays
To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.
Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.
It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.
If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.
General explaining
Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.
1. In order to
Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”
2. In other words
Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”
3. To put it another way
Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”
4. That is to say
Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”
5. To that end
Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”
Adding additional information to support a point
Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.
6. Moreover
Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”
7. Furthermore
Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”
8. What’s more
Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”
9. Likewise
Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”
10. Similarly
Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”
11. Another key thing to remember
Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”
12. As well as
Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”
13. Not only… but also
Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”
14. Coupled with
Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”
15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…
Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.
16. Not to mention/to say nothing of
Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”
Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast
When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.
17. However
Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”
18. On the other hand
Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”
19. Having said that
Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”
20. By contrast/in comparison
Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”
21. Then again
Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”
22. That said
Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”
Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”
Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations
Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.
24. Despite this
Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”
25. With this in mind
Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”
26. Provided that
Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”
27. In view of/in light of
Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”
28. Nonetheless
Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”
29. Nevertheless
Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”
30. Notwithstanding
Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”
Giving examples
Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.
31. For instance
Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”
32. To give an illustration
Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”
Signifying importance
When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.
33. Significantly
Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”
34. Notably
Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”
35. Importantly
Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”
Summarising
You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.
36. In conclusion
Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”
37. Above all
Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”
38. Persuasive
Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”
39. Compelling
Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”
40. All things considered
Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”
How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.
At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine and engineering .
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Expository essay transition words
Expository essay transition words - mastering the craft of essay writing for higher grades, the ultimate essay writing solution for busy students- essay transition words for second paragraph, elevate your academic writing.
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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 ...
Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: They show the reader how different parts of your essay, paper, or thesis are connected. Transition sentences can be used to structure your text and link together paragraphs or sections. Example of a transition sentence for a new paragraph. In this case, the researchers concluded that the method ...
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure…
Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.
Transitions. Transitions help your readers move between ideas within a paragraph, between paragraphs, or between sections of your argument. When you are deciding how to transition from one idea to the next, your goal should be to help readers see how your ideas are connected—and how those ideas connect to the big picture.
The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It's worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline. A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
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 ...
Transitions Between Paragraphs When linking two paragraphs, the writer must explain how the two paragraphs are connected logically. Transitional words or phrases sometimes will be precisely what you need to underscore for your readers the intellectual relationship between paragraphs—to help them navigate your essay. Very often, such transitions:
Transition words and phrases can be used in every type of essay, but they are most appropriate in expository or argumentative essays in which it's important to present your ideas in a clear, logical flow. Read on for more insight into transition words for essays, including lists, examples and descriptions of how to use them in your writing.
Transition Words for Argumentative Essays. 4. Transition Words for Persuasive Essays. 5. Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays. 6. Transition Words for Informative Essays. 7. Transition Words for Expository Essays.
Vary Transition Words: Avoid repetitive or excessive use of the same transition word throughout your essay. Use a variety of transition words to maintain reader interest and enhance overall readability. Pay Attention to Placement: Place transition words at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences, depending on the desired effect. Consider the ...
In expository essays, these unsung heroes play a pivotal role in transforming informative text into captivating prose. They bridge ideas, guiding readers through components while maintaining clarity and coherence. This blog post delves into the transformative power of transition words in expository essays.
Transition words for high school essays. In this guide, we explore high school transition words. Transition words play a crucial role in structuring and bridging ideas in writing. ... They add necessary organization and structure to a text, and they are critical for creative, expository, or academic writing. Successful writers use common ...
Beginning Transition Words for Essays. These introduction transition words for essays will help you start your essay effectively. In the first place. First of all. To begin with. Generally. For the most part. On one hand. To begin with.
4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
BASIC TRANSITION WORDS PERSUASIVE ESSAYS EXPOSITORY ESSAYS To connect first paragraph to second: To connect first paragraph to second: To begin with, To begin with, ... Microsoft Word - BASIC TRANSITION WORDS.docx Author: Jo Ann Nahirny Created Date: 10/12/2008 4:44:57 PM ...
example. What transition is used in this sentence? In conclusion, success is achieved by following goals and putting forth persistent effort. conclusion/summary. What transition is used in this sentence? Likewise, when attempting a learning goal, a person needs to plan and use self-discipline to follow that plan. Similarity/comparsion.
Essay about how the culture of fashion has evolved over time. The private papers of the late Justice John Paul Stevens, opened to the public this month by the Library of Congress, offer fresh insights into how the U.S. Essay transition words for second paragraph, scientist's has proven that the constant increase of heat in the atmosphere is caused by humans.
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The lesson, while focusing on the way to make an expository essay using the "how-to" format, also introduces transitional (connecting) words for the students to begin to use. Subjects: English Language Arts, Writing ... "Expository Transitional Phrases and Words Indicating Additional Information Workbook and Test Set 1" to help utilize the task ...