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 & Phrases | List & Examples
Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples
Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.
Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.
The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.
For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.
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Table of contents
When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.
Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.
Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.
Example text with and without transition words
The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.
If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.
Don’t overuse transition words
While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.
In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.
The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.
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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.
Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.
Additive transition words
Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.
Adversative transition words
Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.
Causal transition words
Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.
Sequential transition words
Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.
Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.
Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.
Confused use of therefore
“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.
- We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.
The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”
- We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.
Starting a sentence with also , and , or so
While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.
- Also , a second round of testing was carried out.
To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.
- A second round of testing was also carried out.
- Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.
Transition words creating sentence fragments
Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.
The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.
- Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.
We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”
- Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
- Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.
And vs. as well as
Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.
- Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”
- Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
- Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.
Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”
- Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
- Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.
Use of and/or
The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.
First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.
- Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
- Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.
Archaic transition words
Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.
- Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.
These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.
- Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.
Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing
With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.
If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
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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
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Connecting Ideas Through Transitions
Using Transitional Words and Phrases
Complete List of Transition Words
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Once you have completed the first draft of your paper, you will need to rewrite some of the introductory sentences at the beginning and the transition statements at the end of every paragraph . Transitions, which connect one idea to the next, may seem challenging at first, but they get easier once you consider the many possible methods for linking paragraphs together—even if they seem to be unrelated.
Transition words and phrases can help your paper move along, smoothly gliding from one topic to the next. If you have trouble thinking of a way to connect your paragraphs, consider a few of these 100 top transitions as inspiration. The type of transition words or phrases you use depends on the category of transition you need, as explained below.
Additive Transitions
Probably the most common type, additive transitions are those you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous one, notes Edusson , a website that provides students with essay-writing tips and advice . Put another way, additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding to an idea and/or your ideas are similar, says Quizlet , an online teacher and student learning community. Some examples of additive transition words and phrases were compiled by Michigan State University writing lab. Follow each transition word or phrase with a comma:
- In the first place
- Furthermore
- Alternatively
- As well (as this)
- What is more
- In addition (to this)
- On the other hand
- Either (neither)
- As a matter of fact
- Besides (this)
- To say nothing of
- Additionally
- Not to mention (this)
- Not only (this) but also (that) as well
- In all honesty
- To tell the truth
An example of additive transitions used in a sentence would be:
" In the first place , no 'burning' in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover , volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore , the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks..." – Fred Bullard, "Volcanoes in History, in Theory, in Eruption"
In this and the examples of transitions in subsequent sections, the transition words or phrases are printed in italics to make them easier to find as you peruse the passages.
Adversative Transitions
Adversative transitions are used to signal conflict, contradiction, concession, and dismissal, says Michigan State University. Examples include:
- In contrast
- But even so
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- (And) still
- In either case
- (Or) at least
- Whichever happens
- Whatever happens
- In either event
An example of an adversative transition phrase used in a sentence would be:
" On the other hand, professor Smith completely disagreed with the author's argument."
Causal Transitions
Causal transitions—also called cause-and-effect transitions—show how certain circumstances or events were caused by other factors, says Academic Help . The website that offers assistance with academic writing adds: "They [causal transitions] make it easier for the reader to follow the logic of the arguments and clauses represented in paper." Examples include:
- Accordingly
- As a result
- Consequently
- For this reason
- Granting (that)
- On the condition (that)
- In the event that
- As a result (of this)
- Because (of this)
- As a consequence
- In consequence
- So much (so) that
- For the purpose of
- With this intention
- With this in mind
- Under those circumstances
- That being the case
An example of a causal transition used in a sentence would be:
"The study of human chromosomes is in its infancy, and so it has only recently become possible to study the effect of environmental factors upon them." –Rachel Carson, "Silent Spring"
Sequential Transitions
Sequential transitions express a numerical sequence, continuation, conclusion , digression , resumption, or summation, says Michigan State, which gives these examples:
- In the (first, second, third, etc.) place
- To begin with
- To start with
- Subsequently
- To conclude with
- As a final point
- Last but not least
- To change the topic
- Incidentally
- To get back to the point
- As was previously stated
An example of a sequential transition would be:
"We should teach that words are not the things to which they refer. We should teach that words are best understood as convenient tools for handling reality... Finally , we should teach widely that new words can and should be invented if the need arises." –Karol Janicki, "Language Misconceived"
In sum , use transition words and phrases judiciously to keep your paper moving, hold your readers' attention, and retain your audience until the final word.
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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.
One useful way to do this is to start with old information and then introduce new information. When you begin a sentence or a paragraph with information that is familiar to your readers, you help your readers make connections between your ideas. For example, consider the difference between these two pairs of sentences below:
Sentence pair #1: Ineffective 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. 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.
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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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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.
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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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Transitional Words
Transitional words are like bridges between parts of your essay. They are cues that help the reader interpret your ideas. Transitional words or phrases help carry your thoughts forward from one sentence to another and one paragraph to another. Finally, transitional words link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.
Here is a list of common transitional words and the categories to which they belong.
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)
To Compare:
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true
because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is
To Show Exception:
yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes
To Show Time:
immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then
in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted
To Emphasize:
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation
To Show Sequence:
first, second, third, and so forth, next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon
To Give an Example:
for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration
To Summarize or Conclude:
in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently
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
As a "part of speech" transition words are used to link words, phrases or sentences. They help the reader to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text.
Transitional Words
This structured list of commonly used English transition words — approximately 200, can be considered as quasi complete. It can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression. English transition words are essential, since they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion, etc. in the line of argument. The transition words and phrases have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although some words belong to more than one category.
There is some overlapping with prepositions and postpositions, but for the purpose of usage and completeness of this concise guide, I did not differentiate.
Linking & Connecting Words — Part 1/2
Agreement / Addition / Similarity
Opposition / limitation / contradiction, examples / support / emphasis, cause / condition / purpose, effect / consequence / result, conclusion / summary / restatement, time / chronology / sequence, space / location / place.
The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise , add information , reinforce ideas , and express agreement with preceding material.
in the first place
not only ... but also
as a matter of fact
in like manner
in addition
coupled with
in the same fashion / way
first, second, third
in the light of
not to mention
to say nothing of
equally important
by the same token
identically
together with
comparatively
correspondingly
furthermore
additionally
Transition phrases like but , rather and or , express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives , and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning ( contrast ).
although this may be true
in contrast
different from
of course ..., but
on the other hand
on the contrary
at the same time
in spite of
even so / though
be that as it may
(and) still
even though
nevertheless
nonetheless
notwithstanding
These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions .
in the event that
granted (that)
as / so long as
on (the) condition (that)
for the purpose of
with this intention
with this in mind
in the hope that
to the end that
for fear that
in order to
seeing / being that
provided that
only / even if
inasmuch as
These transitional devices (like especially ) are used to introduce examples as support , to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.
in other words
to put it differently
for one thing
as an illustration
in this case
for this reason
to put it another way
that is to say
with attention to
by all means
important to realize
another key point
first thing to remember
most compelling evidence
must be remembered
point often overlooked
to point out
on the positive side
on the negative side
specifically
surprisingly
significantly
particularly
in particular
for example
for instance
to demonstrate
to emphasize
to enumerate
Some of these transition words ( thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth ) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect .
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects.
as a result
under those circumstances
in that case
because the
consequently
accordingly
These transition words and phrases conclude , summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general statement . Also some words (like therefore ) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.
as can be seen
generally speaking
in the final analysis
all things considered
as shown above
in the long run
given these points
as has been noted
for the most part
in conclusion
to summarize
by and large
on the whole
in any event
in either case
These transitional words (like finally ) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time . They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions .
at the present time
from time to time
sooner or later
up to the present time
to begin with
in due time
in the meantime
in a moment
without delay
all of a sudden
at this instant
first, second
immediately
straightaway
by the time
occasionally
Many transition words in the time category ( consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever ) have other uses.
Except for the numbers ( first, second, third ) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples . Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.
These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or qualify space . Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.
in the middle
to the left/right
in front of
on this side
in the distance
here and there
in the foreground
in the background
in the center of
adjacent to
opposite to
List of Transition Words
Transition Words are also sometimes called (or put in the category of) Connecting Words. Please feel free to download them via this link to the category page: Linking Words & Connecting Words as a PDF. It contains all the transition words listed on this site. The image to the left gives you an impression how it looks like.
Usage of Transition Words in Essays
Transition words and phrases are vital devices for essays , papers or other literary compositions. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. They thus give the text a logical organization and structure (see also: a List of Synonyms ).
All English transition words and phrases (sometimes also called 'conjunctive adverbs') do the same work as coordinating conjunctions : they connect two words, phrases or clauses together and thus the text is easier to read and the coherence is improved.
Usage: transition words are used with a special rule for punctuation : a semicolon or a period is used after the first 'sentence', and a comma is almost always used to set off the transition word from the second 'sentence'.
Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile.
Example 2: however, transition words can also be placed at the beginning of a new paragraph or sentence - not only to indicate a step forward in the reasoning, but also to relate the new material to the preceding thoughts..
Use a semicolon to connect sentences, only if the group of words on either side of the semicolon is a complete sentence each (both must have a subject and a verb, and could thus stand alone as a complete thought).
Further helpful readings about expressions, writing and grammar: Compilation of Writing Tips How to write good ¦ Correct Spelling Study by an English University
Are you using WORD for writing professional texts and essays? There are many easy Windows Shortcuts available which work (almost) system-wide (e.g. in every programm you use).
Essay Writing Guide
Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List
11 min read
Published on: Oct 30, 2017
Last updated on: Dec 30, 2023
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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!
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What are Good Transition Words for Essays?
Transition words are essential tools in essay writing , providing a clear path for your readers to follow. They serve the crucial purpose of connecting words, phrases, sentences, or even entire paragraphs.
By using these transitions effectively, you can effortlessly convey your ideas and thoughts in a coherent and easily understandable manner.
However, it's crucial to exercise moderation when using transition words. Overusing them can clutter your essay, making it confusing and difficult to read.
On the other hand, omitting them entirely can result in a piece that lacks flow and direction. Striking the right balance ensures that your essay is both engaging and comprehensible.
Purpose of Transition Words
Let’s take a look at the purpose of using transitions in essays:
- Enhance Readability: Transition words improve the overall flow and coherence of your writing.
- Clarify Relationships: They signal connections between ideas, whether it's adding, contrasting, or summarizing.
- Improve Comprehension: Readers can follow your argument or narrative more easily.
- Smooth Transitions: They act as bridges, seamlessly guiding your audience from one point to the next.
- Manage Change: They prepare the reader for shifts in topic or perspective.
- Enhance Engagement: Well-placed transitions keep readers interested and invested in your content.
- Encourage Flow: They maintain a logical progression, aiding in the overall structure of your work.
Examples of Different Types of Transition Words
Here are some common types of transitions for essays that can be used in almost any situation.
Addition Transitions
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- In addition
- Not only...but also
Comparison Transitions
- In the same way
- Comparable to
- Correspondingly
- In comparison
- By the same token
Contrast Transitions
- On the other hand
- In contrast
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Even though
Cause and Effect Transitions
- Consequently
- As a result
- For this reason
- Accordingly
Time Transitions
- Simultaneously
- In the meantime
- Subsequently
- At the same time
Illustration Transitions
- For example
- For instance
- Specifically
- To illustrate
- In particular
- In this case
- As an illustration
Emphasis Transitions
- Undoubtedly
- Without a doubt
Summary Transitions
- To summarize
- To conclude
Sequence Transitions
Example transitions.
- As an example
- To demonstrate
- For one thing
- As evidence
- As an instance
For Showing Exception
- At The Same Time
- Nevertheless
- On The Other Hand
- But At The Same Time
- Conversely
For Proving
- For This Reason
- Certainly
- To Demonstrate
- In Fact
- Clearly
- As A Result
This transition words for essays list will make it easier for you to understand what words to use in which kind of essay or for which purpose.
Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
- To begin with
- By contrast
- One alternative is
- To put more simply
- On the contrary
- With this in mind
- All things considered
- Generally speaking
- That is to say
- Yet another
Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
- furthermore
- Moreover
- Because
- Besides that
- Pursuing this further
Transition Words for Essays PDF
Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays
- Althoughyhtjyjum,u
- Notwithstanding
Transition Words for Informative Essays
- After all
- As can be expected
- Obviously
Transition Words for Expository Essays
- Equally important
- Another reason
- Not long after that
- Looking back
Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays
- In order to
- Provided that
- Because of this
Transition Words for Synthesis Essays
- As noted earlier
- Consequently
- Whereas
- This leads to
- Another factor
- This lead to
- The underlying concept
- In this respect
Transition Words for Analysis Essays
- (once) again
- Primarily
- Due to
- Accordingly
- That is to say
- Subsequently
- To demonstrate
- However
Conclusion Transition Words for Essays
- In any event
- As mentioned
- In other words
- As you can see
Beginning Transition Words for Essays
These are some introduction transition words for essays to start writing:
- In the first place
- First of all
- For the most part
- On one hand
- As a rule
Paragraph Transition Words for Essays
- To put it differently
- Once and for all
Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph
- To start with
- First and foremost
- In the beginning
Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph
- In addition to this
- Furthermore
Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph
- In conclusion
- Finally
- Last but not least
- To sum up
- Altogether
Transition Words for Quotes in Essays
- Acknowledges
Transition Words for Essays Middle School
- In conclusion
- For instance
Transition Words for Essays High School
- Today
- In addition
- To summarize
- On the other hand
- As well as
- Although
Transition Words for Essays College
Here are some college level transition words for essay:
- Pursuing this
- Similarly
- What’s more
- As much as
- In a like manner
- In the same fashion
Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words
So, now you have some strong transition words for essays at hand. But how do you use these transition words?
Here are the basic dos and don’ts of using transition words for essays.
- Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
- Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
- Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
- Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.
So, now you have an extensive list of transition words. These are some of the best transition words for essays that you can add to your essays.
If your essay seems redundant because you used similar transition words, you can always have a look at this list to find some good replacements.
So, whenever you’re writing an essay, refer back to this list and let your words flow!
If you still feel that your essay is not properly conveying your ideas, turn to our expert essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com.
If you have some write-up, our essay writing service will make it flow without changing the entire content. Or, if you wish to have an essay from scratch, we will write a paper for you!
Simply contact us and place your order now. Our writers will take care of everything to help you ace your assignment.
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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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- October 22, 2020
- By Homework Help Global
200 Transition Words For Essays That Will Help Your Writing Flow Better
Need some transition words for essays that will really help your paper flow? We’ve got you covered.
You always hear professors and educators talk about including transition words within your paragraphs, but it can be tricky to figure out which words to use and where to put them. It’s also difficult to come up with new ones off the top of your head instead of using “however,” “but,” or “and” over and over again.
Fortunately, we’re always here to help you out with the right tools and resources. We know all about transitional words and phrases, how to use them in every part of your essay, and how to make sure you make the right impression in your writing.
This master list of 200 transition words for essays will give you some great ideas for your next writing assignment, and we’ve got some great tips and tricks you can use along the way.
What Are Transition Words?
Let’s start with the basics. What are transition words, anyway?
Transitional words and phrases are used to link sentences together. They are similar to conjunctions in that they make connections and help your writing flow smoothly. You don’t talk to people in choppy sentences, so why would you write that way?
A transition word is almost always followed by a comma. You can also use a semicolon to join the two sentences instead of separating them with a period if they are both complete sentences. This adds a little more connection between your thoughts. Here is an example : “Michael didn’t go to school on Wednesday; therefore, he missed the pop quiz.”
If you’re not sure whether your sentences are complete and should be joined with a semicolon, check out our blog on the types of sentences in English . This will help you get a sense of how to structure your writing properly so you don’t lose marks on technical things.
When using transition words for essays, you should also include them at the beginning of each of your body paragraphs. This not only helps you transition into the next thought, but introduces the next point you’re going to make.
Why Should I Use Transition Words?
Even though it seems like your sentences would be fine without including transition words, they make a really big difference in your writing.
Transitional words and phrases make sentences flow together more effectively, adding that sense of connection between two thoughts or ideas. This makes essays easier to read, and more cohesive for your professor.
For example, take a look at these sentences: “Leanna did not do any homework during the entire semester. She failed her history class.” Now, here are these sentences with a transition word included: “Leanna did not do any homework during the entire semester. As a result, she failed her history class.” As you can see, adding that transition word between the two sentences makes them flow together and connects the idea that one thing has led to another.
When you use transition words for essays, you make your writing flow a lot better and can easily connect one point to another. This is especially important at the end of your body paragraphs, where you need to go from one point to the next in a way that sounds natural.
Think of your sentences like a stack of bricks. Without the mortar to glue the bricks together, you just have a pile of bricks. But with mortar, you have something holding those bricks together to build something more solid – a house or a structure. Transition words are just like that mortar. Sure, your sentences can hold up on their own, but transition words hold your sentences together to create a more cohesive text as a whole.
Types of Transition Words
There are actually a few different categories that transitional words and phrases fall into. These categories are determined by the purpose and use of the word. For example, if you are using a transition word to add on to a point you’ve already made, you would use something from the “agreement, addition, or similarity” category.
Here are the main categories of transition words for essays:
● Agreement, Addition, or Similarity
● Sequence or Order
● Contradiction or Opposition
● Cause and Effect
● Examples, Support, or Emphasis
● Location, Space/Place, or Time
● Conclusion, Clarification, or Summary
Of course, you can use transitional words and phrases however you see fit and don’t have to stick to just these categories and lists. However, these lists are meant to be a guideline to help you choose the right word to complete your thought and idea. Using the wrong transition word in the wrong context can cause your paper to take a complete turn in a different direction.
It’s All About Relationships
Ultimately, what you need to remember about transition words is that they are based on the relationship between two sentences or ideas. Just like there are different types of relationships between people, there are different types of relationships between words. This is where those different categories come in.
When you use transition words at the end of one body paragraph before the next one, you are using them to show how one idea can lead into another. Further, this could be a cause and effect situation, where one point is the result of the previous point, or an agreement relationship where one factor adds on to another.
Here is an example of a cause and effect relationship between sentences: “My grandmother smoked cigarettes for over 50 years. As a result, she developed lung cancer when she was in her 60s.” “As a result” is used as a transitional phrase here to indicate that the grandmother’s lung cancer was the result of her smoking cigarettes for a long time.
200 Powerful Transition Words For Essays
When it comes to using transition words for essays, it’s important to make sure you’re using the right ones in the right place. Penn State recommends using them in “pivotal positions” where the meaning of the sentence shifts.
Your professor is going to be grading your essays based on your ability to present your points, ideas, and arguments in a logical or cohesive way. No matter what type of paper you’re writing, from argumentative essays to personal reflections , you always need to be able to articulate your thoughts in a way that makes it easy for your reader to follow.
If you’re out of ideas or need some new inspiration, you’re in the right place. Follow this list of 200 transition words for essays to find the right words to use in your own papers, assignments, and speeches.
Agreement, Addition, or Similarity
1. In addition to 2. As a matter of fact 3. Moreover 4. Similarly 5. Furthermore 6. Equally important 7. Also 8. In the same way 9. Comparatively 10. Correspondingly 11. Again 12. Not only… but also 13. In like manner 14. As well as 15. Thus 16. Therefore 17. In the same fashion 18. In the light of 19. Not to mention 20. Equally 21. Let alone 22. Too 23. Even more 24. And 25. Likewise 26. Just like 27. By the same token 28. Indeed 29. Another 30. Including
Sequence or Order
1. Firstly… secondly… thirdly 2. After 3. Simultaneously 4. Next… then… finally 5. Later 6. In the first place… in the second place 7. Formerly… presently 8. Since 9. Once 10. To begin with 11. Sooner… later 12. As soon as 13. Shortly 14. By the time 15. Now that 16. Immediately following 17. Preceding 18. Afterwards 19. Earlier 20. Both… and
Contradiction or Opposition
1. In spite of 2. While it may be true 3. However 4. On the one hand… on the other hand 5. Nonetheless 6. In contrast 7. Notwithstanding 8. On the contrary 9. Nevertheless 10. Yet 11. Still 12. As much as 13. Although this may be true 14. Even though 15. Rather 16. Be that as it may 17. Above all 18. Despite 19. Admittedly 20. Instead 21. Though 22. Conversely 23. Regardless 24. Different from 25. At the same time 26. Albeit 27. Although 28. But 29. That said 30. Granted
Cause and Effect
1. As a result 2. Consequently 3. Thus 4. Accordingly 5. Therefore 6. Hence 7. So 8. With this in mind 9. Owing to 10. Inasmuch as 11. Due to 12. To the end that 13. In order to 14. In light of 15. While 16. In the event that 17. Unless 18. Provided that 19. Seeing that 20. Being that 21. Since 22. As 23. Because 24. Subsequently 25. In the event that
Examples, Support, or Emphasis
1. For example 2. For instance 3. Specifically 4. Namely 5. Of course 6. Again 7. Truly 8. To illustrate 9. To demonstrate 10. As an example 11. Especially 12. Particularly 13. Also 14. Equally important 15. Besides 16. Including 17. To include 18. Certainly 19. Truly 20. More importantly 21. In fact 22. For the purpose of 23. Another key point 24. Surely 25. In particular 26. To put it another way 27. Namely 28. As an illustration 29. Above all 30. So that
Location, Space/Place, or Time
1. After 2. Afterwards 3. At last 4. Meanwhile 5. Then 6. Subsequently 7. Before 8. Currently 9. Simultaneously 10. Nearby 11. Adjacent 12. Immediately after 13. Back then 14. Nowadays 15. Sometimes 16. This time 17. Following 18. Soon 19. While 20. Today 21. In the future 22. Previously 23. Above 24. Below 25. During 26. Now 27. Beyond 28. Earlier 29. Here 30. There
Conclusion, Clarification, or Summary
1. In conclusion 2. To sum up 3. In summary 4. Finally 5. In a word 6. Briefly 7. In brief 8. In the end 9. To conclude 10. To summarize 11. On the whole 12. In other words 13. Altogether 14. In short 15. Ultimately 16. In a nutshell 17. After all 18. All things considered 19. In sum 20. Given these points 21. In either case 22. As shown above 23. To clarify 24. To put it another way 25. Actually 26. That is 27. To rephrase 28. With this in mind 29. On the subject of 30. Regarding 31. As for 32. Concerning 33. In consideration of 34. With regard to 35. Considering this result
Where to Use Transition Words in Your Essays
Now that you understand which words you should use to transition between points and ideas, you may still have a few questions. For starters, you’re probably wondering where to use transition words in your writing and how they fit in with your overall message.
There are a few different spots where you can use transition words within your essays or writing assignments:
● In your topic sentences at the start of each paragraph.
● To create connections between the evidence presented and the result or argument.
● In your closing sentence at the end of each paragraph to segway into the next one.
● At the beginning of your introduction or summary paragraphs.
● Within your conclusion to make summarized points.
For more help with this, take a look at our blog on essay format . In this article, we show you exactly what should be included in each section of your essay so you can make sure you’re on the right track for success.
Important Things to Remember
If you have even more questions, here are some important things to remember when using transition words that will help you as you write your essay.
● Don’t overuse transition words in your essay. You need them in key places, but you don’t need them in every single sentence. If you use too many transitions, your reader might feel like you’re not giving them enough credit to make obvious connections.
● Make sure you understand the word you’re using. The point of a transition word is to make a logical connection, so when you use the wrong word, the logic becomes lost entirely.
● Understand how to start your sentences. Many transition words are used at the beginning of sentences, but some are too casual and should be avoided in an academic essay. For example, never start a sentence with “and,” “but,” or “because.” Find a better and more formal word to replace these.
● Watch your sentence fragments. It’s easy to write sentence fragments with transition words and not realize they aren’t complete sentences because we are so accustomed to saying them in casual language. Make sure all of your sentences can stand on their own.
● Use an essay outline to help organize your writing. This way, you get a clear idea of exactly where you should be including transition words, and can avoid overusing them wherever they aren’t necessary. For more help with your essay outline, check out Episode 47 of The Homework Help Show .
Still Not Sure How to Use Transition Words for Essays? Let us Help.
If you’ve gone through this list of transition words for essays and still aren’t really sure how to use them, it’s time to turn to the experts.
At Homework Help Global , we can take care of your essays and papers for you so you don’t have to spend so much time thinking about the right words to use. From argumentative essays to research papers , PhD dissertations , and more, we can handle any assignment you need completed. We’ll find all the words to get the point across, and you won’t have to write a single one of them yourself!
Order now through our easy and quick form , or get a free custom quote now for your next assignment.
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How To Write An Essay
Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List
12 min read
Published on: Jan 1, 2021
Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024
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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!
On This Page On This Page -->
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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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.
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How To Write An Essay
Transition Words For Essays
Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023
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.
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 " paper for me " 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.
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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
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.
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.
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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A List of Transition Words to Use for Argumentative Essays
Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.
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?
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
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 '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.
Updated on November 7, 2023 Students Abruptly switching topics in essays can be jarring; however, transition words can smooth the change for the convenience of the reader. Moreover, you can use essay transition words to start a paragraph, sentence, or clause more naturally.
Knowledge Base Academic writing Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.
Transitional Words and Phrases 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.
Complete List of Transition Words 100 Words and Phrases to Use Between Paragraphs Viorika Prikhodko / E+ / Getty Images By Grace Fleming Updated on February 03, 2020
Lindsay Kramer Updated on June 20, 2023 Writing Tips Think back to when you were first taught how to write essays. You were probably taught to organize your writing by starting each paragraph with a word like first, additionally, further, secondly, or third. These words are transition words. Not all transition words are individual words.
Many transitional words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses. Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further, they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons.
Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless. showing cause and effect
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
A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence that connects two paragraphs or sections of your essay. Transition words help readers understand the logical connection between the ideas in your essay. For example, if you are discussing the use of color in a work of art, you might use the following transition: "However, when used excessively ...
"Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline." — Lynn O'Shaughnessy Nationally Recognized College Expert Buy Now Transition words for essays can help improve flow and enhance the quality of your writing. Includes transition words for college essays.
Transitional words are like bridges between parts of your essay. They are cues that help the reader interpret your ideas. Transitional words or phrases help carry your thoughts forward from one sentence to another and one paragraph to another. Finally, transitional words link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.
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 ...
Transitional Words This structured list of commonly used English transition words — approximately 200, can be considered as quasi complete. It can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression.
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.
October 22, 2020 By Homework Help Global 200 Transition Words For Essays That Will Help Your Writing Flow Better Need some transition words for essays that will really help your paper flow? We've got you covered.
A Complete List of 200+ Transition Words for Essays Home > Blog > How To Write An Essay > Transition Words For Essays Written by Barbara P Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List 12 min read Published on: Jan 1, 2021 Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024 Are you tired of reading essays that feel disjointed and difficult to follow?
Where do transitional words and phrases belong? Between paragraphs Example: ... Students who take clear, detailed notes are likely to retain information from class and succeed on assessments.
word, a phrase, or a sentence. This handout will provide a list of commonly used transitional words and phrases that can be used in essays and paragraphs , and it will discuss when it is appropriate to use them. The charts in this handout will also designate when a comma should be used after specific transition words or phrase s.
Watch on 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.
Nevertheless. On the contrary. Example: Still, it would be a terrible waste of tomatoes, so we won't pelt the politicians. Along with the argument for or against something, is the expansion of an idea. These transitions help lay the foundation for taking an idea or thought, then adding more to it.
100 Good Transition Words for Essays by Experts - 2021. Transitions help give a coherent flow to your overall paper and present logical relationships among ideas. Check out this list of transition words for 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.