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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.
- College Essay
Emmett Lewis
Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.
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Transition words for cause and effect with examples
Transition words for cause and effect.
Have you ever read a piece of writing where the ideas felt scattered and disconnected? Often, the culprit is a lack of transition words . These little gems act like signposts, guiding your reader through the cause-and-effect relationships within your writing.
List of Transition words for cause
- On account of
- As a result of
- In consequence of
- For the reason that
- Seeing that
- In light of
- Considering that
- Considering
- As a result
- Consequently
- Accordingly
List of Transition words for effect
- For this reason
- This is why
- For that reason
- Because of this
- As a consequence
- On that account
- Resulting in
- Bringing about
Transition words for cause with examples
- Because : “She stayed indoors because it was raining heavily outside.”
- Since : “Since it was late, they decided to call it a night and head home.”
- As : “As the temperature dropped, people bundled up in warm clothing.”
- Due to : “The event was canceled due to inclement weather conditions.”
- Owing to : “Owing to his hard work and dedication, he received a promotion.”
- Thanks to : “Thanks to her support, the project was completed ahead of schedule.”
- On account of : “On account of his absence, the meeting was postponed.”
- As a result of : “As a result of the heavy traffic, they arrived late to the party.”
- In consequence of : “In consequence of the budget cuts, several programs were discontinued.”
- For the reason that : “They decided to cancel the trip for the reason that they couldn’t secure accommodation.”
- Seeing that : “Seeing that the store was closing soon, they hurried to finish their shopping.”
- Given that : “Given that it was a holiday, the roads were congested with traffic.”
- In light of : “In light of recent events, security measures have been increased.”
- Considering that : “Considering that it was his first attempt, he performed exceptionally well.”
- Considering : “Considering the circumstances, their decision was understandable.”
- As a result : “She missed the bus, and as a result, she was late for work.”
- Consequently : “They overslept; consequently, they missed their flight.”
- Thus : “They ran out of fuel; thus, they couldn’t continue their journey.”
- Therefore : “The bridge was closed for repairs; therefore, they had to find an alternate route.”
- Hence : “He forgot his keys at home; hence, he couldn’t unlock the door.”
- Accordingly : “The company’s profits declined; accordingly, cost-cutting measures were implemented.”
- So : “He didn’t study for the exam; so, he didn’t perform well.”
Transition words for effect with examples
- Therefore : “She missed the bus; therefore, she was late for work.”
- Thus : “The road was closed; thus, they had to take a detour.”
- Consequently : “He didn’t study for the exam; consequently, he failed.”
- As a result : “The team worked hard; as a result, they won the championship.”
- Hence : “He forgot his umbrella; hence, he got wet in the rain.”
- Accordingly : “The project was completed ahead of schedule; accordingly, they received bonuses.”
- So : “He missed his flight; so, he had to take the next one.”
- For this reason : “She had a sore throat; for this reason, she couldn’t sing at the concert.”
- This is why : “He didn’t pay attention in class; this is why he failed the test.”
- For that reason : “She was allergic to seafood; for that reason, she couldn’t eat sushi.”
- Because of this : “He forgot to set the alarm; because of this, he overslept.”
- As a consequence : “The store was closed; as a consequence, they had to find another place to shop.”
- So that : “She wore a jacket so that she wouldn’t catch a cold.”
- On that account : “The food was spicy; on that account, he drank lots of water.”
- Resulting in : “The heavy rain caused flooding, resulting in traffic congestion.”
- Bringing about : “His hard work brought about positive changes in his life.”
Transition words for effect
Transition words for cause
So, the next time you write, remember the power of transition words for cause and effect! They’ll help you build a strong logical flow within your writing, guiding your reader on a clear journey from reasons to results.
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Cause and effect transition words for results and reasoning
Cause and effect transition words are important parts of speech when you want to link two actions or occurrences together and describe how one affects the other.
You may also hear these words and phrases referred to as ‘ discourse markers of reason ‘ or ‘ result transition words ‘ because they help with expressing the reason why a particular result will or will not occur.
Below you can find some of the most common transition words for cause and effect used in English, as well as some less common ones that may be reserved for formal writing such as essays and academic papers.
In each section we will explain how to structure sentences correctly using these words. We have also included lots of example sentences to help you understand how they might be used in everyday English.
Cause and effect transition words
When learning new reasoning transition words, it’s important to know not just what they are, but how to use them in a sentence.
Each of the words and phrases listed below can generally accompany either the cause or the effect in a clause, but not both.
Additionally, some of these discourse markers can only be used to state the effect before the cause; others only work when stating the cause before the effect. A few can be used either way.
Therefore, it’s important to consider which type of sentence you are forming, and structure it with an appropriate cause and effect transition word.
You might also want to describe conditional results, and we cover how to do this at the end of the article.
Simple transition words for cause and effect
Let’s begin with some of the most simple cause and effect transition words:
- Because (of)
- As a result of
- In order to/that
These are simple to learn because they all function in the same way. You just need to pay attention to which ones come before the cause, and which ones come before the effect.
“The class achieved excellent grades as a result of their teacher’s dedication.” “I’m going to be late because I missed my bus.” “ Thanks to an anonymous donor, the charity has been able to build a new animal shelter.” “ Due to unforeseen circumstances, the cafe will be closed today.” “ Since it’s your birthday, you may choose anything you like for breakfast.” “ As there is rain forecast today, we’d better not go to the zoo.” “ In order to make our guests more comfortable, we have introduced ergonomic seating.”
It doesn’t matter whether you are stating the cause or the effect first; you just move the position of the discourse marker accordingly. Here are the same statements, arranged the other way around:
“ As a result of their teacher’s dedication, the class achieved excellent grades.” “ Because I missed my bus, I’m going to be late.” “The charity has been able to build a new animal shelter thanks to an anonymous donor.” “The cafe will be closed today due to unforeseen circumstances.” “You may choose anything you like for breakfast, since it’s your birthday.” “We’d better not go to the zoo as there is rain forecast today. “We have introduced ergonomic seating in order to make our guests more comfortable.”
Note that it is not so common to use ‘because’ to begin a sentence, but it is still correct.
More advanced cause and effect transition words
There are other expressions which are not so forgiving and cannot so easily move position in a sentence.
Words and phrases that accompany the result or effect
The following transition words for cause and effect are used in the clause which states the result or effect:
- As a result [note: this is different to ‘as a result of’]
- Consequently
- Accordingly
- In that case
- With the result that
- Under those/these circumstances
- With this in mind
- With this intention
- To this/that end
- For this reason
- For this purpose
- With this purpose in mind
- For the same reason
- This/which means that
- In the hope that
“You’ve done an excellent job during your first three months at the company. Therefore , we’re awarding you a permanent contract.” “Manufacturing costs have increased a lot in the past year. As a result , we’ll have to raise our prices if we want to maintain a steady profit.” “We all had to work overtime at the office so that we could finish the project on time.” “I know there have been a lot of rumors going around the office lately. With this in mind , I want to set the record straight.” “Over half of our staff are off sick. Under these circumstances , we have no choice but to close the business temporarily.” “You must wash your hands regularly so as to avoid the spread of infections.” “One lane of the road is closed for repairs, with the result that the traffic is backed up for miles.” “They spent the day busking in the hope that they would have enough money to buy dinner.”
‘In that case’ is used to respond to information from someone else:
Giles: I’m going to order chocolate cake for dessert. Nicola: In that case , I’ll get a dessert too.
Note that hence and thus are not often used as conjunctions in spoken English, or in everyday writing. You may still see them used in traditional storytelling or in formal writing such as essays and papers. Overall, though, these words are being used less and less.
See also: Affect or effect – what’s the difference?
Words and phrases that accompany the cause or reason
Next, we have transition words which are placed in the clause that states the cause or reason:
- For fear that
- For the purpose of
- On account of
- In light of
- Seeing that/as
“Hannah never walks under a ladder, for fear that it will bring her bad luck.” “The store is closed today for the purpose of staff training.” “ In view of the recent attacks, we have increased the number of police on the street.” “ Seeing as Christmas is only a few weeks away, I’d better start shopping for gifts.” “ Owing to the recession, we are having to lay off some staff.” “We have stopped accepting cash on account of the high number of forged bills we were receiving.” “ Based on the evidence provided, we must presume this man is guilty.”
See also: Presume vs assume
Cause and effect transition words with conditions
Sometimes you need to state that a certain result will occur IF a certain condition applies. In this case, you need conditional result transition words .
The most common way to express conditions is with ‘If… then…’:
“If it’s sunny tomorrow then I’ll walk to work.”
And often we replace ‘then’ with a comma:
“If it’s sunny tomorrow, I’ll walk to work.”
We can also reverse this structure:
“I’ll walk to work if it’s sunny tomorrow.” “I’ll walk to work tomorrow if it’s sunny.”
We have a separate article about if vs whether , in case you’re wondering about the difference.
However, there are many more varied cause and effect transition words for conditional results. If an outcome is based on a condition that may or may not be met (in the future), try using one of these:
- In the event that/of
- Assuming that
- On the condition that
- Provided that
“ In the event that it rains, we’ll have to perform the concert in the hall instead of the garden.” “ Assuming that there are no objections, we will proceed.” “I’ll come with you to the movies, as long as I can choose the film.” “ Unless we receive this payment by the end of the week, your account will be put on hold.” “ Whenever it’s sunny, we walk along the beach.” “You may go out with your friends, provided that you are home by 8pm.” “ Only if I make a profit on this novel will I consider writing another.” “Remember to bring your coat, otherwise you’ll be cold.”
‘Otherwise’ can also be used to present the alternative option in a scenario:
“If it’s sunny tomorrow, I’ll walk to work. Otherwise , I’ll take the bus.”
We have covered a lot of cause and effect transition words here! Can you think of any others? Feel free to leave a comment below to share them.
If you found this article useful, take a look at these other articles which cover different kinds of discourse markers:
Addition transition words Compare and contrast transition words Similarity transition words Discourse markers for giving examples Discourse markers for order and structure Discourse markers for concluding
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Common Transitions to Use in Cause and Effect Essay
We should probably start by asking ourselves what are transition words and what value do they add to an essay. You need to connect ideas in your essay to improve readability. If your points are isolated and unrelated, then reading becomes difficult and boring.
As a matter of fact, most software that checks for the readability of texts looks for the correct usage of transition words. Some people recommend that you can add transition words when you are revising the paper. However, you have to get a good flow from the beginning. This means that you should be adding these words as you write. Transition words are very many. Using them might be confusing and that is why this article breaks them down into 4 major types depending on how and where you can use them.
Transition words for essays help to ensure a smooth flow of ideas throughout the paper. They help readers understand the relationships between different parts of the text and navigate through the essay easily. However, sometimes it can be hard to find the right transition words for essays. Fortunately, there are services that provide cheap custom essays that use the right transition words and provide excellent structure to help you get the highest grade. Also, if you can’t do it yourself, we can help with college essays .
These are the kind of words that you will want to use when writing about a list of points in prose.
The words in this category are:
- Firstly, secondly, thirdly
- To begin with, initially, to start with, finally
- Subsequently, afterward, previously
The list is by no means endless. However, what you should know about words in this category is that they help you in introducing sentences of paragraphs that follow a sequence in prose. Using lists or numbers in an essay might be inappropriate and appear untidy. However, you might need to introduce related points and demonstrate that they are related. For instance, you want to write down three factors that lead to global warming. You might use “to begin with” for the first point, “secondly” for the second point, and “finally” for the third point. This will not only make it easy to read but show the reader that the points are related. Using transition words for essays is important to make your written work more professional, and to make your points clear and easy to follow. In addition, do your essays in a relevant way by adding new information that connects the text and the phrase. This will ensure that the essay flows effectively while making make the writing process smoother.
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Casual transition words show the relationship between sentences and paragraphs, where the proceeding point emerges as a cause or effect of the previous.
Some words in this category are:
- Consequently, as a result, due to the fact that
- Therefore, thus, otherwise
- For, since, unless
You can easily identify casual transition words by looking at the relationship they create between two sentences or paragraphs. For instance, you can have two independent sentences like: I was late for school. I was punished by the head teacher. You can improve readability by showing that the second action was as a result of the first. Your sentence can look something like this: “Due to the fact that I was late for school, I was punished by the head teacher. When using casual transitions, you should always be keen on establishing the nature of the relationship between sentences and paragraphs.
If you are stuck with writing your essay, you can even opt to hire an online academic writing service to write academic assignments for you . These services can provide you with a professional writer that can help you to create an essay that is well-written, concise, and equipped with the perfect transition words.
These are the kind of transitions you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous. You should not confuse additive with sequential. In the case of additive, the current point is only directly related to the previous. However, in the case of sequential, there is a relationship between all the points mentioned in the sequence.
Examples of additive transitions are:
- In addition to, furthermore, similarly, likewise
- In other words, to illustrate, for instance
You can use these words to explain in detail the previous point. They can be used to avoid run-on sentences where the reader is forced to read a long sentence without a pause.
For instance, let us consider the following sentences:
- Technology has made life easier through the introduction of gadgets such as smartphones and technology has also promoted peace
- Technology has made life easier through the introduction of gadgets such as smartphones. Furthermore, it has also promoted peace.
Adversative
These transitions accomplish the task opposite to additive transitions. Instead of adding, they show conflict between ideas.
Examples in this category are:
- Regardless, nonetheless, however
- Otherwise, regardless, on the other hand
The words in this category are mostly used when writing an analysis or argumentative essay. This is because you will mostly find that explaining opposing views will provide a better analysis or argument. You can also use these transitions to provide alternative, not necessarily opposing, views. The list of transition words is long because there are many examples. You will hear most students asking for examples of transition words. However, it is important to understand the different types and how they are used first. Once you are conversant with the types, you will only need to look at an example within a sentence to be able to use the same in an essay. When it comes to transition words, you will definitely need to improve your reading habits. With time they will sink in and you will find using them easy.
When you are writing an essay, it is important to use transition words to help the flow of your paper. Transition words help to make the essay more structured and offer a smoother reading experience. Transition words can be used in the introduction paragraph, in the body paragraphs, and in the conclusion paragraph. For example, you can use the words ‘first of all’ or ‘in order to’ at the beginning of your essay. In the body paragraphs, you can use transition words such as ‘moreover’, ‘furthermore’, or ‘in addition’. Finally, in the conclusion paragraph, you can use words such as ‘to conclude’ or ‘in conclusion’. In addition, you can order essay writing to get a professionally written paper.
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Cause and Effect Transition Words
What are cause and effect transition words?
Transition words also referred to as linking or connecting words, are tools used to create coherence and consistency (known as ‘flow’) in a piece of writing. Transition words (or phrases) link different points together to improve readability. Without these words, the relationship between ideas may be unclear to the reader. Transition words add logic, order, and structure to the writing. They help the reader to follow the points by showing the connection between different phrases, sentences, or paragraphs. To learn about cause and effect transition words, keep reading!
Types of transition words
There are four different types of transition words, which should be used depending on what the writer is trying to portray. Each transition word has different meanings and implications. So before inserting a word into a paper, it’s critical to fully understand meaning and usage. Most transition words and phrases can appear in three places in a sentence: at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end. Some transitions can also be placed between two sentences.
Transition words fall into one of these categories:
Cause and effect transition words
Also referred to as causation, these connect a reason to a consequence. Examples include “therefore”, and “because”.
Sequential transition words
These connect ideas or events to when they occur, chronologically. Examples include “first of all” and “second”.
Additive transition words
These are used to add information. Examples include “furthermore” and “such as”.
Adversative transition words
These are used to show contrast or conflict. Examples include “however” and “even though”.
Cause and effect
Cause and effect transition words make a certain type of text, a cause and effect essay, easier to read. A cause and effect essay shows how two or more events are related. The transition words help to provide either a reason or a consequence and give the reader a better idea of where to find the connection between two separate things.
Transition words to show cause (reason)
These are words and phrases that introduce a cause or reason. They should be used at the beginning of a cause and effect essay. Some of these can be used interchangeably.
- Because/Since: Since can also be used to express time, for example, I have worked at the factory since 2010 .
- As a result of
- Because of/Due to can be followed by “the fact that”
It is important to note that when these are used at the beginning of a sentence, an effect or consequence must be included at the end of the sentence. Depending on which transition is used, it will be followed by either a verb phrase or a noun phrase.
Because + [noun phrase]: Because it rained for days, the basement flooded.
Since + [verb phrase]: Since learning how to drive, she was always out.
As a result of + [noun phrase]: As a result of the bad weather, the party was cut short.
**As a result of + [independent clause]: She was late; as a result, we missed the beginning of the lecture.
As + [verb phrase]: As I was tired, I made several mistakes.
Because of + [noun phrase]: Because of the depression, many people relied on food pantries.
Due to + [noun phrase]: Due to the traffic, he was late for work.
Owing to + [noun phrase]: Owing to the national holiday, she had the day off from work .
Transition words to show effect (consequence)
The following are words and phrases that introduce an effect or consequence. They should be used after a sentence or paragraph that describes a cause. Some of these can be used interchangeably.
- So/Therefore/As a result
- Consequently/Accordingly/As such
- On account of
- For that reason
How to properly use transitions
- Make sure the word or phrase matches the connection being made. It is unhelpful to throw transition words into an essay without proper use.
- Certain transitions are considered relatively formal, such as “hence”, and “thus”. Therefore, these should be used only in formal writing.
- It’s important that transition words are not overused or the reader may feel like the relationship is over explaining relationships that are already clear.
- If the transition is at the beginning of the sentence, you must use a comma. If the transition is not at the beginning a comma is not necessary.
- Words like “because”, “since”, and “as” are known as subordinating conjunctions. They start clauses that cannot exist on their own. If a clause is introduced by a word like this it should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.
- Example 1: Because it rained. This is incorrect.
- Example 2: Because it rained, I did not go to the beach. This is correct.
Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not all interchangeable. Understanding the meaning of the word or phrase before use is crucial.
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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.
Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
---|---|---|
Addition | We found that the mixture was effective. , it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. | indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both and , not only but also , , in fact |
Introduction | Several researchers have previously explored this topic. , Smith (2014) examined the effects of … | such as, like, particularly, including, as an illustration, for example, for instance, in particular, to illustrate, especially, notably |
Reference | The solution showed a high degree of absorption. , it is reasonable to conclude that … | considering , regarding , in regard to , as for , concerning , the fact that , on the subject of |
Similarity | It was not possible to establish a correlation between these variables. , the connection between and remains unclear … | similarly, in the same way, by the same token, in like manner, equally, likewise |
Clarification | The patient suffered several side effects, increased appetite, decreased libido, and disordered sleep. | that is (to say), namely, specifically, more precisely, in other words |
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.
Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
---|---|---|
Conflict | The novel does deal with the theme of family. , its central theme is more broadly political … | but, however, although, though, equally, by way of contrast, while, on the other hand, (and) yet, whereas, in contrast, (when) in fact, conversely, whereas |
Concession | Jones (2011) argues that the novel reflects Russian politics of the time. this is correct, other aspects of the text must also be considered. | even so, nonetheless, nevertheless, even though, on the other hand, admittedly, despite , notwithstanding , (and) still, although, , regardless (of ), (and) yet, though, granted |
Dismissal | It remains unclear which of these hypotheses is correct. , it can be inferred that … | regardless, either way, whatever the case, in any/either event, in any/either case, at any rate, all the same |
Emphasis | The chemical is generally thought to have corrosive properties. , several studies have supported this hypothesis. | above all, indeed, more/most importantly |
Replacement | The character of Godfrey is often viewed as selfish, self-absorbed. | (or) at least, (or) rather, instead, or (perhaps) even, if not |
Causal transition words
Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.
Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
---|---|---|
Consequence | Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. | therefore, because (of ), as a result (of ), for this reason, in view of , as, owing to x, due to (the fact that), since, consequently, in consequence, as a consequence, hence, thus, so (that), accordingly, so much (so) that, under the/such circumstances, if so |
Condition | We qualified survey responses as positive the participant selected “agree” or “strongly agree.” , results were recorded as negative. | (even/only) if/when, on (the) condition that, in the case that, granted (that), provided/providing that, in case, in the event that, as/so long as, unless, given that, being that, inasmuch/insofar as, in that case, in (all) other cases, if so/not, otherwise |
Purpose | We used accurate recording equipment our results would be as precise as possible. | to, in order to/that, for the purpose of, in the hope that, so that, to the end that, lest, with this in mind, so as to, so that, to ensure (that) |
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.
Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
---|---|---|
Enumeration | This has historically had several consequences: , the conflict is not given the weight of other conflicts in historical narratives. , its causes are inadequately understood. , … | first, second, third… |
Initiation | , I want to consider the role played by women in this period. | in the first place, initially, first of all, to begin with, at first |
Continuation | , I discuss the way in which the country’s various ethnic minorities were affected by the conflict. | subsequently, previously, eventually, next, before , afterwards, after , then |
Conclusion | , I consider these two themes in combination. | to conclude (with), as a final point, eventually, at last, last but not least, finally, lastly |
Resumption | my main argument, it is clear that … | to return/returning to , to resume, at any rate |
Summation | Patel (2015) comes to a similar conclusion. , the four studies considered here suggest a consensus that the solution is effective. | as previously stated/mentioned, in summary, as I have argued, overall, as has been mentioned, to summarize, briefly, given these points, in view of , as has been noted, in conclusion, in sum, altogether, in short |
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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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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Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List
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Are you tired of reading essays that feel disjointed and difficult to follow? Do you find yourself struggling to connect your ideas smoothly and effectively?
If so, then you're in luck, because today we're going to take a closer look at the magic of transition words.
In this blog, we'll cover different types of transition words and their precise usage, and how they can elevate your writing. By the end, you'll have the tools to captivate your readers and leave a lasting impression.
Let's dive in!
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What are Transition Words?
Transition words are linking words used to connect sentences and ideas in the content. They help the audience move from one idea to another, building a coherent relationship within the document.
When writing an essay , it is essential to make sure that the information provided is readable and understandable by the readers. For this purpose, explicit language, transition words, and phrases are used.
Moreover, these words set a base for the idea that is going to be discussed next.
Transition words can either make or break the entire essay. It is mandatory to keep in view that not every sentence in your essay needs a transitional phrase.
Types of Transitions
Generally, there are three types of transitions that are used while drafting a piece of document. Depending on the length, complexity, and kind of text, transitions can take the following form:
- Transition Between Sections - When your document is lengthy, transition paragraphs are used to summarize a particular section for the readers. In addition to this, it also links the information that is to be shared next.
For example:
"In the following section..." "Moving on to..." "Now, let's explore..." "Turning our attention to..." "To delve deeper, we will now examine..."
- Transition Between Paragraphs - The transition between paragraphs is when you logically connect the two paragraphs. This connection summarizes the paragraphâs primary concern and links it to the next idea of the other paragraph.
"Furthermore..." "On the other hand..." "Similarly..." "In contrast..." "Moreover..." "Additionally..." "In addition to..." "Conversely..." "Likewise..." "In a similar vein...
- Transition Within Paragraphs - They act as cues for the readers to prepare them for what is coming next. They are usually single words or small phrases.
"For instance..." "In particular..." "To illustrate..." "Additionally..." "Moreover..." "Furthermore..." "On the contrary..." "However..." "In contrast..." "In other words..."
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Types of Transition Words
Here's a table showcasing different types of transition words and their corresponding functions:
Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally, In addition to | Adds information or ideas | |
However, On the other hand, In contrast, Conversely | Shows a difference or contradiction | |
Similarly, Likewise, In the same way, Just as | Draws a parallel or similarity between ideas | |
Consequently, Therefore, As a result, Thus | Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship | |
Firstly, Next, Meanwhile, Subsequently | Orders ideas chronologically or in a sequence | |
For example, For instance, To illustrate, Specifically | Provides specific examples or illustrations | |
Indeed, Certainly, Without a doubt, Undoubtedly | Highlights or reinforces a particular point or idea | |
In conclusion, Overall, To summarize, All in all | Summarizes the main points or ideas | |
Namely, That is to say, In other words, Specifically | Provides further clarification or explanation | |
Consequently, Accordingly, Hence, Thus | Shows the outcome or result of a previous statement or action |
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:
Starting a Paragraph | Firstly, To begin with, Initially, In the first place |
First Body Paragraph | Firstly, To start, To begin with, Initially |
Second Body Paragraph | Secondly, Next, Additionally, Furthermore |
Third Body Paragraph | Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Another key point |
Last Body Paragraph | Lastly, Overall, Ultimately, As a final point |
In conclusion, To summarize, Overall, Wrapping it up |
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!
Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)
Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.
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How to Use Transition Words for Essays + Examples
Transition words play a key role in essay writing. They connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, helping readers follow your text easily. These words do many jobs, from comparing things to showing cause and effect. They turn scattered thoughts into a clear story.
Learning to use transition words for essays isn't just about making your writing sound better. It's about making your ideas clearer and easier for readers to understand. Let's look at transition words and how to use them well in your essays.
Understanding Transition Words for Essays
Transition words for essays are like road signs. They guide readers through your ideas. They help show how your thoughts connect, making your writing easier to follow.
The Purpose and Placement of Transition Sentences
Transition sentences do several important things:
- They make your ideas flow better
- They help readers grasp your main point
- They link sentences and paragraphs
- They show how ideas relate to each other
- They make your writing easier to read
Where you put transitions matters. They're often used:
- Between parts of an essay to sum up or introduce new ideas
- Between paragraphs to show connections or changes in focus
- Within paragraphs to link related thoughts
Here's an example:
"The Industrial Revolution brought many new technologies. On the other hand, it also caused social problems."
In this case, "On the other hand" shows a contrast between the good and bad effects of the Industrial Revolution.
Putting transitions in the right places helps your ideas flow smoothly. For instance, transition words to start a paragraph in an essay can signal a new point or a shift in focus, preparing the reader for what's next.
Types of Transitions Words
There are different types of transition words for essays, each with its own job. Knowing these types can help you pick the right words for different parts of your writing.
- Adding information: "Also," "In addition," "Furthermore"
- Showing contrast: "But," "However," "On the other hand"
- Showing cause and effect: "So," "As a result," "Therefore"
- Showing order: "First," "Second," "Finally"
- Giving examples: "For example," "Such as," "To illustrate"
Using different transition words can make your essay flow better and be more coherent. Aithor can suggest good transition words based on what your essay is about, helping you improve your writing.
Creating Smooth Transitions in Your Writing
To make your transitions smooth:
- Use your essay's structure to find logical connections between sections.
- Put transitions where they best show how ideas relate.
- Don't use too many transition words, or your writing might sound forced.
- Try not to use the same few transitions over and over.
Remember, sometimes less is better. Using too many transition words can make your writing sound unnatural. Writing tools like Aithor can help you find places where transitions might make your essay flow better, suggesting good transition words based on your essay's content.
List of Transitions
Let's look at different types of transition words and phrases you can use in your essays:
1. Addition
Transition words to start a paragraph in an essay that add information include:
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- In addition
Example: "The new policy aims to cut down on carbon emissions. Also, it encourages the use of energy from renewable sources."
2. Contradiction
To show contrast, you can use:
- Nevertheless
- On the other hand
- In contrast
- Despite this
Example: "Many people thought the project would fail. On the other hand, it did better than anyone expected."
3. Condition
Conditional transitions include:
- Provided that
- In the event that
Example: "The company will grow bigger if the market stays good."
4. Emphasis
To highlight important points, use:
- Undoubtedly
Example: "The experiment gave surprising results. In fact, it made people question many old theories in the field."
5. Similarity
Transition words for the second body paragraph showing similarity include:
- In the same way
Example: "The novel explores themes of love and loss. In the same way, the author's previous work dealt with complex human emotions."
To show outcomes or consequences, use:
- As a result
- Consequently
Example: "The team worked very hard on the project. As a result, they finished it early."
7. Conclusion Transitions
Transition words for the conclusion paragraph include:
- In conclusion
- To summarize
Example: "In conclusion, the study shows that social media greatly affects how consumers behave."
8. Sequence
To show order or progression, use:
- First, Second, and Third
- Subsequently
Example: "First, we'll look at the data. Then, we'll explain what it means. Finally, we'll make conclusions based on what we found."
9. Location
Spatial transitions include:
- Adjacent to
- In the vicinity of
Example: "The rare plant was found growing nearby the river bank."
As you start writing, remember this important tip: use transition words carefully. While these words help make your writing easy to read, using too many can confuse your reader. Think of transition words like spices in food — they make it taste better, but too much can ruin the dish.
Your goal is to help your reader easily follow your ideas, not to create a maze of connecting words. So, when you write your next essay, remember: when it comes to transitions, often using fewer is better. Use them thoughtfully to make your argument clear, and your writing will be easy to understand and follow.
If you want to get even better at writing essays, Aithor has special features that can help you choose the best transitions for what you're writing about, making sure your essays flow smoothly from start to finish.
Happy writing!
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Transitional Words and Phrases
One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.
While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.
In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.
Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.
Categories of Transition Words and Phrases
Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example
Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession
Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary
Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships
Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).
accordingly as a result and so because
consequently for that reason hence on account of
since therefore thus
Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.
after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime
later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes
soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while
Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.
additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more
finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place
last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too
Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.
after all although and yet at the same time but
despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding
on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet
Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.
as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)
for example for instance specifically that is
to demonstrate to illustrate
Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.
chiefly critically
foundationally most importantly
of less importance primarily
Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.
above adjacent to below beyond
centrally here nearby neighboring on
opposite to peripherally there wherever
Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.
by the same token in like manner
in similar fashion here in the same way
likewise wherever
Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification
i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words
that is that is to say to clarify to explain
to put it another way to rephrase it
granted it is true
naturally of course
finally lastly
in conclusion in the end
to conclude
Intensification
in fact indeed no
of course surely to repeat
undoubtedly without doubt yes
for this purpose in order that
so that to that end
to this end
in brief in sum
in summary in short
to sum up to summarize
Improving Your Writing Style
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Clear, Concise Sentences
Use the active voice
Put the action in the verb
Tidy up wordy phrases
Reduce wordy verbs
Reduce prepositional phrases
Reduce expletive constructions
Avoid using vague nouns
Avoid unneccessarily inflated words
Avoid noun strings
Connecting Ideas Through Transitions
Using Transitional Words and Phrases
- How to Order
Cause And Effect Essay Guide
Cause And Effect Essay Examples
Best Cause and Effect Essay Examples To Get Inspiration + Simple Tips
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How To Write A Cause and Effect Essay - Outline & Examples
230+ Cause and Effect Essay Topics to Boost Your Academic Writing
How to Create a Cause and Effect Outline - An Easy Guide
You need to write a cause and effect essay for your assignment. Well, where should you start?
Establishing a relationship between causes and effects is no simple task. You need to ensure logical connections between variables with credible evidence.
However, don't get overwhelmed by the sound of it. You can start by reading some great cause and effect essay examples.
In this blog, you can read cause and effect essays to get inspiration and learn how to write them. With these resources, you'll be able to start writing an awesome cause and effect paper.
Let’s dive in!
- 1. What is a Cause and Effect Essay?
- 2. Cause and Effect Essay Examples for Students
- 3. Free Cause and Effect Essay Samples
- 4. Cause and Effect Essay Topics
- 5. Tips For Writing a Good Cause and Effect Essay
What is a Cause and Effect Essay?
A cause and effect essay explores why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). This type of essay aims to uncover the connections between events, actions, or phenomena. It helps readers understand the reasons behind certain outcomes.
In a cause and effect essay, you typically:
- Identify the Cause: Explain the event or action that initiates a chain of events. This is the "cause."
- Discuss the Effect: Describe the consequences or outcomes resulting from the cause.
- Analyze the Relationship: Clarify how the cause leads to the effect, showing the cause-and-effect link.
Cause and effect essays are common in various academic disciplines. For instance, studies in sciences, history, and the social sciences rely on essential cause and effect questions. For instance, "what are the effects of climate change?", or "what are the causes of poverty?"
Now that you know what a cause and effect is, let’s read some examples.
Cause and Effect Essay Examples for Students
Here is an example of a well-written cause and effect essay on social media. Let’s analyze it in parts to learn why it is good and how you can write an effective essay yourself.
Do you know that the average person now spends over two hours a day on social media platforms? Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, these platforms have revolutionized the way we connect, communicate, and share our experiences with the world. However, while they offer many advantages, the excessive use of social media can have detrimental effects on our mental health. In this essay, we will explore the causes and effects of this relationship, shedding light on the profound influence social media has on our well-being. |
The essay begins with a compelling hook that grabs the reader's attention. It presents a brief overview of the topic clearly and concisely. The introduction covers the issue and ends with a strong thesis statement , stating the essay's main argument – that excessive use of social media can negatively impact mental health.
The rise of social media has led to an unprecedented increase in screen time. According to recent statistics, the average person spends over two hours per day on social media platforms. This surge is largely due to the addictive nature of these platforms, which are designed to keep us engaged. Endless scrolling, constant notifications, and the desire for likes and comments contribute to a compulsive need to check social media. This excessive use of social media is the first point to examine. |
The first body paragraph sets the stage by discussing the first cause - excessive social media use. It provides data and statistics to support the claim, which makes the argument more compelling. The analysis highlights the addictive nature of social media and its impact on users. This clear and evidence-based explanation prepares the reader for the cause-and-effect relationship to be discussed.
As social media usage has surged, so too has the number of people reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown a significant correlation between the time spent on social media and the likelihood of experiencing these mental health issues. Constant exposure to carefully curated, idealized representations of others' lives can lead to unfavorable social comparisons. We start to measure our worth by the number of likes and followers we have, and we often fall short, which leads to anxiety and depression. |
The second body paragraph effectively explores the effect of excessive social media use, which is increased anxiety and depression. It provides a clear cause-and-effect relationship, with studies backing the claims. The paragraph is well-structured and uses relatable examples, making the argument more persuasive.
A second cause of the negative impact of social media on mental health is the phenomenon of social comparison. When we scroll through our feeds and see our friends and acquaintances posting photos of their exotic vacations, happy relationships, and personal achievements, we can't help but compare our own lives. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a real and growing concern in today's digital age. We are constantly bombarded with images and stories that make us feel like we are missing out on the excitement and fulfillment that others seem to be experiencing. |
The third body paragraph effectively introduces the second cause, which is social comparison and FOMO. It explains the concept clearly and provides relatable examples. It points out the relevance of this cause in the context of social media's impact on mental health, preparing the reader for the subsequent effect to be discussed.
Social comparison and FOMO have tangible effects on our mental health. People who engage in these comparisons often feel isolated and alone. The constant exposure to others' seemingly perfect lives can lead to a sense of inadequacy and decreased self-esteem. We start to question our own choices and accomplishments, believing that we are falling short in comparison to our peers. |
The fourth body paragraph effectively explores the second effect of social comparison and FOMO, which is isolation and decreased self-esteem. It provides real-world consequences and uses relatable examples.
In conclusion, the impact of social media on our mental health is undeniable. The excessive use of social media leads to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, while the fear of missing out amplifies these negative emotions. It's crucial to acknowledge these challenges and their effect on our well-being. As we navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, finding a healthier balance in the digital age becomes essential. We must consider limiting our social media use, curating our online experiences, and promoting digital detox. By taking these steps, we can protect our mental health and ensure that the benefits of social media are enjoyed without the accompanying harm. |
The conclusion effectively summarizes the key points discussed in the essay. It restates the thesis statement and offers practical solutions, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of the topic. The analysis emphasizes the significance of the conclusion in leaving the reader with a call to action or reflection on the essay's central theme.
This essay follows this clear cause and effect essay structure to convey the message effectively:
Read our cause and effect essay outline blog to learn more about how to structure your cause and effect essay effectively.
Free Cause and Effect Essay Samples
The analysis of the essay above is a good start to understanding how the paragraphs in a cause and effect essay are structured. You can read and analyze more examples below to improve your understanding.
Cause and Effect Essay Elementary School
Cause and Effect Essay For College Students
Short Cause and Effect Essay Sample
Cause and Effect Essay Example for High School
Cause And Effect Essay IELTS
Bullying Cause and Effect Essay Example
Cause and Effect Essay Smoking
Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Wondering which topic to write your essay on? Here is a list of cause and effect essay topic ideas to help you out.
- The Effects of Social Media on Real Social Networks
- The Causes And Effects of Cyberbullying
- The Causes And Effects of Global Warming
- The Causes And Effects of WW2
- The Causes And Effects of Racism
- The Causes And Effects of Homelessness
- The Causes and Effects of Parental Divorce on Children.
- The Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction
- The Impact of Technology on Education
- The Causes and Consequences of Income Inequality
Need more topics? Check out our list of 150+ cause and effect essay topics to get more interesting ideas.
Tips For Writing a Good Cause and Effect Essay
Reading and following the examples above can help you write a good essay. However, you can make your essay even better by following these tips.
- Choose a Clear and Manageable Topic: Select a topic that you can explore thoroughly within the essay's word limit. A narrowly defined topic will make it easier to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- Research and Gather Evidence: Gather relevant data, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Strong evidence enhances the credibility of your essay.
- Outline Your Essay: Create a structured outline that outlines the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This will provide a clear roadmap for your essay and help you present causes and effects clearly and coherently.
- Transitional Phrases: Use transitional words and phrases like "because," "due to," "as a result," "consequently," and "therefore" to connect causes and effects within your sentences and paragraphs.
- Support Each Point: Dedicate a separate paragraph to each cause and effect. Provide in-depth explanations, examples, and evidence for each point.
- Proofread and Edit: After completing the initial draft, carefully proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Additionally, review the content for clarity, coherence, and flow.
- Peer Review: Seek feedback from a peer or someone familiar with the topic to gain an outside perspective. They can help identify any areas that need improvement.
- Stay Focused: Avoid going off-topic or including irrelevant information. Stick to the causes and effects you've outlined in your thesis statement.
- Revise as Needed: Don't hesitate to make revisions and improvements as needed. The process of revising and refining your essay is essential for producing a high-quality final product.
To Sum Up ,
Cause and effect essays are important for comprehending the intricate relationships that shape our world. With the help of the examples and tips above, you can confidently get started on your essay.
If you still need further help, you can hire a professional writer to help you out. At MyPerfectWords.com , we’ve got experienced and qualified essay writers who can help you write an excellent essay on any topic and for all academic levels.
So why wait? Contact us and request ' write an essay for me ' today!
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How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Full Guide
Ever wondered how things are connected in our world? Think of the butterfly effect—where a butterfly's wings in Brazil can set off a tornado in Texas. It's a quirky idea, but it shows how events are intertwined. Writing a cause and effect essay is like unraveling these connections, connecting the dots to reveal how things influence each other and shape our experiences.
In this guide, experts from our paper writing service will explore the concept of causality and share practical tips for creating great cause and effect essays. These essays won't just provide information—they'll leave a lasting impression on your readers.
What Is a Cause and Effect Essay
A cause and effect essay is a form of writing that aims to explore and explain the relationships between different events, actions, or circumstances. The central idea is to investigate why certain things happen (causes) and what results from those occurrences (effects). It's like peeling back the layers to reveal the interconnectedness of events, understanding the domino effect in the narrative of life.
Here's a breakdown of the key components:
- Causes: These are the factors or events that initiate a particular situation. They are the reasons behind why something occurs. For instance, if you're exploring the cause of obesity, factors like unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity could be identified as causes.
- Effects: The effects are the outcomes or consequences that result from the identified causes. Following the obesity example, effects could include health issues, reduced quality of life, or increased healthcare costs.
- Connection: The heart of a cause and effect essay lies in demonstrating the link between causes and effects. It's not just about listing events but explaining how one event leads to another in a logical and coherent manner.
When crafting such an essay, you're essentially acting as a storyteller and investigator rolled into one. Your goal is to guide the reader through the web of interconnected events, providing insights into the 'why' and 'what happens next.'
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay with Easy Steps
Understanding how to write a cause and effect essay is like putting together a puzzle. Here are ten simple steps to help you write an engaging essay that looks into how things are connected.
1. Select a Specific Topic
- Choose a cause and effect relationship that sparks your interest.
- Ensure your topic is focused and manageable for a thorough exploration.
2. Explore Causal Links
- Conduct thorough research to uncover hidden connections and supporting evidence.
- Look beyond the obvious to identify intricate relationships between causes and effects.
3. Craft a Clear Thesis Statement
- Develop a precise thesis that clearly articulates the main cause and the resulting effects.
- Your thesis serves as the roadmap for your essay, guiding readers through your analysis.
4. Organize Chronologically or by Significance
- Structure your essay in a logical order, either chronologically or by the significance of events.
- This organization enhances clarity and helps readers follow the cause-and-effect progression.
5. Utilize Transitional Phrases
- Employ transition words and phrases to ensure seamless flow between causes and effects.
- Clear transitions enhance readability and strengthen the coherence of your essay.
6. Support Arguments with Credible Evidence
- Back up your claims with relevant data, examples, and statistics.
- Strong evidence adds credibility to your analysis and reinforces the cause-and-effect relationships you present.
7. Illustrate Chain Reactions
- Show how a single cause can trigger a chain of effects, and vice versa.
- Illustrate the ripple effects to emphasize the complexity of the relationships.
8. Analyze Root Causes
- Move beyond surface-level explanations and explore the underlying factors contributing to the cause-and-effect scenario.
- Deep analysis adds depth and nuance to your essay.
9. Consider Alternative Causes
- Address potential counterarguments to showcase a comprehensive understanding.
- Acknowledging alternative causes strengthens your essay's overall credibility.
10. Conclude with Impact
- Summarize key points and emphasize the broader significance of your analysis.
- Leave your readers with a thought-provoking conclusion that ties together the cause-and-effect relationships explored in your essay.
Cause and Effect Essay Structure Types
When setting up your essay, you can choose from different structures to make it organized. Let's look at two common types of cause and effect essay structures:
- Block Structure:
The block structure is a clear and organized way to present causes and effects in your essay. Here, you dedicate one section to discussing all the causes, covering multiple causes within each category. After that, you have another section to explore all the effects. This separation makes your ideas easy to understand.
Using the block structure allows you to dive deep into each category, thoroughly looking at causes and effects separately. It's handy when you want to give a detailed analysis and show the importance of each part of the causal relationship. This way, readers can fully grasp each element before moving on.
- Chain Structure:
On the other hand, the chain structure focuses on how events are connected and create ripple effects. It highlights how one cause leads to a specific effect, and that effect becomes the cause of more effects in an ongoing chain. This method is potent for illustrating the complexity of causal relationships.
The chain structure works well when you want to emphasize the sequence of events or deal with intricate cause-and-effect scenarios. It allows you to show how actions trigger a series of reactions, displaying the domino effect that leads to a specific outcome.
Regardless of the structural style you choose, if you require assistance with your academic paper, reach out to us with your ' write my paper for me ' request. Our experienced team is ready to tailor your paper to your specific requirements and ensure its excellence.
Cause and Effect Essay Outline
Creating an effective cause and effect essay begins with a well-structured outline. This roadmap helps you organize your thoughts, maintain a logical flow, and ensure that your essay effectively conveys the causal relationships between events. Below, we'll outline the key components of the essay along with examples:
I. Introduction
- Hook: Start with an engaging statement or fact. Example: 'Did you know that stress can significantly impact your overall health?'
- Background Information: Provide context for your topic. Example: 'In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an increasingly prevalent issue.'
- Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main cause and its corresponding effects. Example: 'This essay will explore the causes of stress and their profound negative effects on physical and mental health.'
II. Body Paragraphs
- Topic Sentence: Introduce the first cause you'll discuss. Example: 'One major cause of stress is heavy workload.'
- Supporting Details: Provide evidence and examples to support the cause. Example: 'For instance, individuals juggling multiple job responsibilities and tight deadlines often experience heightened stress levels.'
- Transition: Link to the next cause or move on to the effects.
- Topic Sentence: Introduce the first effect. Example: 'The effects of chronic stress on physical health can be devastating.'
- Supporting Details: Present data or examples illustrating the impact. Example: 'Studies have shown that prolonged stress can lead to cardiovascular problems, including hypertension and heart disease.'
- Transition: Connect to the next effect or cause.
C. Causes (Continued)
- Topic Sentence: Introduce the next cause in a new cause and effect paragraph. Example: 'Another significant cause of stress is financial strain.'
- Supporting Details: Explain how this cause manifests and its implications. Example: 'Financial instability often results in anxiety, as individuals worry about bills, debts, and their financial future.'
- Transition: Prepare to discuss the corresponding effects.
D. Effects (Continued)
- Topic Sentence: Discuss the effects related to financial strain. Example: 'The psychological effects of financial stress can be profound.'
- Supporting Details: Offer real-life examples or psychological insights. Example: 'Depression and anxiety are common consequences of constant financial worries, affecting both mental well-being and daily life.'
III. Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: Summarize the main cause and effects. Example: 'In summary, the heavy workload and financial strain can lead to stress, impacting both physical and mental health.'
- Closing Thoughts: Reflect on the broader significance of your analysis. Example: 'Understanding these causal relationships emphasizes the importance of stress management and financial planning in maintaining a balanced and healthy life.'
Cause and Effect Essay Examples
To help you grasp cause and effect essay writing with clarity, we have prepared two distinct essay examples that will guide you through the intricacies of both block and chain structures. Additionally, should you ever find yourself requiring assistance with academic writing or descriptive essays examples , simply send us your ' write my research paper ' request. Our expert writers are here to provide the support you need!
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Cause and Effect Essay Topics
Choosing a good topic starts with recognizing cause and effect key words. Here are 10 interesting topics that let you dig into fascinating connections and their important consequences:
- The Relationship Between Lack of Exercise and Mental Health in Older Adults
- Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Workplace Productivity
- The Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescents' Emotional Well-being
- Influence of Social Media Advertising on Consumer Purchasing Decisions
- Consequences of Oil Spills on Coastal Ecosystems
- How Noise Pollution Affects Concentration and Academic Performance in Schools
- The Connection Between Fast-Food Marketing and Childhood Obesity
- Effects of Urbanization on Water Quality in Local Rivers
- The Relationship Between Indoor Plants and Air Quality in Homes
- Impact of Plastic Pollution on Wildlife in Urban Environments
- The Effect of Meditation on Stress Reduction in College Students
- How Increased Screen Time Affects Teenagers' Attention Span
- The Impact of Single-Use Plastics on Marine Microorganisms
- The Relationship Between Smartphone Use and Sleep Quality in Adults
- Effects of High-Fructose Corn Syrup on Metabolic Health
- The Consequences of Deforestation on Local Biodiversity
- Influence of Social Media Comparison on Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescents
- The Connection Between Air Pollution and Respiratory Health in Urban Areas
- Effects of Excessive Gaming on Academic Performance in High School Students
- The Impact of Fast Food Consumption on Childhood Obesity Rates
Final Words
Knowing what a cause and effect essay is and how to write it helps you uncover connections in different topics. With this guide, you can share your ideas in a clear and impactful way.
Meanwhile, if you're in need of a reaction paper example , rest assured we have you covered as well. So, seize this opportunity, put your thoughts on paper logically, and witness your essays leaving a lasting and influential mark.
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Essay Writing Guide
Transition Words For Essays
Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024
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.
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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.
To begin with | To show | By contrast | One alternative is |
Chiefly | Mainly | To put it more simply | At the same time |
On the contrary | Even if ‘A’ is true | Afterall | With this in mind |
All things considered | As a result | To clarify | Generally speaking |
Another way to view this | That is to say | Yet another | Another possibility is |
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:
Despite | In contrast | Nevertheless | On the contrary |
On the other hand | Otherwise | As an illustration | That is |
Conversely | In spite of | Similarly | At the same time |
Likewise | Still | In a similar fashion | Equally |
Also | Yet | But | Simultaneously |
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:
As a result | Under those circumstances | Thus | In effect |
For this reason | Thereupon | Henceforth | Accordingly |
Consequently | Because | Since | Otherwise |
Due to | So | As a | Hence |
In order to | If…then | For | Afterward |
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:
Generally speaking | In the first place | To begin with | To be sure |
Assuredly | Earlier | First of all | The next step |
As you can see | For now | In time | Once and for all |
First... second... third... | To put it differently | Foundationally | In addition |
Basically | Furthermore | Besides | In the meantime |
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:
Firstly | To start off | Primarily | Another important factor is |
To begin with | In the beginning | Above all | It is worth mentioning |
Initially | At the outset | Most importantly | An additional aspect to consider is |
In the first place | For a start | Essential to note | What's more |
First and foremost | As a first step | One key point is | Furthermore |
Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph
Here is a list of transition words for the second body paragraph of an essay:
Additionally | Likewise | Furthermore, it is essential to consider | Correspondingly |
Moreover | Similarly | Moreover, it should be noted that | In the same way |
Furthermore | Equally important | In a similar vein | As well as |
In addition to | Another key point is | Alongside this | Similarly, it can be argued that |
Besides | Not only... but also | Coupled with this | Furthermore, evidence suggests |
Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph
Another significant point is | Likewise | Moreover, it should be highlighted that |
Notably | Correspondingly | Furthermore, it is crucial to consider |
Besides | Equally important | Alongside this |
Furthermore, it is important to note | Furthermore, evidence supports | In a similar fashion |
Similarly | Additionally, research shows | Lastly, it is worth noting |
Transition Words for Essays Last Body Paragraph
In light of this | Coupled with this insight | Furthermore, it is imperative to address | As an extension of this |
Building upon that | Adding to the discussion | Another notable factor is | Digging deeper into the topic |
Moreover, it is crucial to mention | Expanding on this idea | In a related vein | In a similar line of thought |
In a similar fashion | Taking a step further | Similarly, it is worth considering | Elaborating on this concept |
Not to mention | Additionally, it is important to highlight | In the same breath | Correspondingly, it is crucial to explore |
Transition Words for Essays Conclusion
Here is a list of ending transition words for essays:
All things considered | Given these points | In summary | To summarize |
In short | Briefly | After all | That is to say |
Finally | All in all | In the final analysis | As previously stated |
In essence | Ultimately | To sum up | On the whole |
By and large | Overall | Everything considered | Taking everything into account |
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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Transition words for essays
The right transition words can transform a mediocre essay into a great paper. In this post, we discuss why effective transitions can substantially improve the quality and readability of your essay and provide examples of commonly used transition words.
What are transitions?
Transitions are the places in your paper where you move on to a new idea or paragraph. They may also be points at which you want to add to, expand upon, or conclude a previous statement.
The best transitions are signaled clearly by keywords and phrases that let the reader know that you’re moving on. Transition words typically occur at the beginning of a sentence.
How do transition words improve your essay?
Quality transitions are often the difference between a decent essay and a strong one. Transition words give clear signals to the reader that you are moving on to a new idea and this enables them to more easily follow your argument.
When a reader can efficiently follow the main threads of your paper, then they are more likely to be persuaded by your argument, which is the point of papers like argumentative essays .
Types of transition words
The transition words that you use in your paper will naturally depend on what kind of transition you’re making. In this section, we break down the main types of transitions that you might use in your essay and provide examples of common transition words.
Adding a point
There may be multiple times throughout a paper where you want to add to a point that you made or that came from one of your sources. To signal this, you might use one of the following phrases:
- additionally
- furthermore
- in addition
Elaborating on a point
At other times, you may need to expand, or elaborate upon, a previously stated idea. In that case, you may utilize one of these keywords:
- by extension
- in other words
- put differently
Introducing examples
Sometimes you may want to introduce an example that illustrates a previous point. To introduce examples, you can use one of the following phrases:
- for example
- for instance
- specifically
- to take a case in point
Indicating comparisons and contrasts
Some types of essays, like position papers, require you to introduce contrasting points of view. In order to transition from one perspective to another, you may want to use a transition word or phrase that signals a comparison or contrast:
Comparison :
- along the same lines
- in the same way
- in the same vein
- by contrast
- even though
- in contrast
- nevertheless
- nonetheless
- on the contrary
- on the other hand
Showing cause and effect
If you’re building an argument and you want to indicate that one point is dependent on another, you might want to employ one of these phrases to signal that transition:
- accordingly
- as a result
- consequently
When you are ready to conclude a point or prepare your reader for your paper’s conclusion, it’s important to signal that you’re at that stage. Consider using one of these transition words to do so:
- in conclusion
- to summarize
If you are transitioning between your own words and borrowed material from secondary sources, be sure to properly cite any ideas that aren’t your own. You can use the BibGuru citation generator to create instant, accurate citations for a range of source types, including books , articles , and websites .
Frequently Asked Questions about transition words for essays
Commonly used transition words include: additionally, although, as a result, for example, for instance, however, moreover, therefore, thus, and ultimately.
To link two points together, or to add to a previous point, you might use transition words like:
The most popular types of transitions are those that introduce examples or that add to, elaborate upon, compare or contrast, or conclude a previous point.
To signal a transition in an essay, use a transition word or phrase. Choose a phrase based on the kind of transition that you’re making.
Transition words give clear signals to the reader that you are moving on to a new idea and or that you want to add to, expand, or conclude a previous point. Transition words can also be used to introduce examples and to indicate a comparison or contrast.
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Transition Words: Cause & Effect
Learn how to use transition words in English to show cause and effect. In this free English lesson you will learn how to use because, since, as, because of and due to to show a cause or reason. You will also learn how to use so, therefore, thus, hence and as a result of to show an effect or result.
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Transition Words to Show Cause / Reason
Because & since.
Because and since are used to show a cause or reason .
We went to the beach because it was sunny.
We stayed home ** since it was raining.
( **Be careful: Since can also be used to show time, for example: I have lived in Miami since 2006.)
We sometimes use as to show a cause or reason. As is used in formal writing more often than in speech.
We went to the beach as it was sunny.
As it was raining, I stayed home and watched a movie.
Due to & Because of
Due to and because of are followed by a noun clause or ‘the fact that’ .
We were late due to the traffic. We were late due to the fact that there was a lot of traffic.
We were late because of the traffic. We were late because of the fact that there was a lot of traffic.
How to Use Transition Words & Commas
If the transition word comes at the beginning of the sentence, we use a comma; otherwise, we do not.
Because it was sunny , we went to the beach. → We went to the beach because it was sunny .
Since it was raining , we stayed home. → We stayed home since it was raining .
As I was late , I didn’t eat breakfast. → I didn’t eat breakfast as I was late.
Due to the traffic , we were late. → We were late due to the traffic.
Because of the traffic , we were late. → We were late because of the traffic.
Transition Words to Show Effect / Result
So & therefore.
So and therefore are used to show an effect or result .
It was raining, so we stayed home .
I woke up late ; therefore , I didn’t eat breakfas t.
I have a headache . Therefore , I will stay home tonight .
Thus & Hence
We sometimes use thus & hence to show an effect or reason . Thus and hence are used in formal writing more often than in speech.
It was sunny; hence , we went to the beach.
There was a lot of traffic; thus , we were late.
As a Result Of
As a result of is a transitional phrase and can be followed by a noun phrase or an independent clause.
We were late as a result of the traffic. (noun clause)
We were late as a result of driving through traffic. (noun clause)
We were late; as a result , we missed the beginning of the movie. (independent clause)
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Transition words ~ exercise and practice.
Transition Words and Phrases Combine the two sentences using an appropriate transition word or phrase. Do not repeat transition words or phrases! Each one may only be used once!
1. We stayed inside. There was a tropical storm.
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. Tracy failed the exam. She didn’t study.
3. Dave had a car accident. He was sending a text.
4. Mike is a good volleyball player. He wins many games.
5. My flight was delayed. I didn’t make it home in time for the wedding.
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33 Transition Words and Phrases
Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.
Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .
as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY
The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.
in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE
The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.
at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER
Afterward, she got a promotion.
even though : ALTHOUGH
She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.
in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made
They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.
in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE
I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.
as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY
The words are often confused and are consequently misused.
in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility
Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.
used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said
These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.
used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"
I'm planning to go even though it may rain.
in addition : MOREOVER
I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.
in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement
These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.
because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE
He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.
from this point on : starting now
She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.
in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement
I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.
as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement
The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.
all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement
He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.
for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension
He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.
in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement
She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.
at or during the same time : in the meantime
You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.
BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement
It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.
in spite of that : HOWEVER
It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.
in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS
The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.
without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true
Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.
if not : or else
Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.
more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said
We can take the car, or rather, the van.
in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true
I tried again and still I failed.
by that : by that means
He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.
for that reason : because of that
This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.
immediately after that
The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.
because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY
This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.
while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different
Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.
NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way
It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.
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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 ...
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.Additionally, essay transition words can connect new information to the previous statement so you don't have to say everything at once.
Transition words for cause with examples. Because: "She stayed indoors because it was raining heavily outside.". Since: "Since it was late, they decided to call it a night and head home.". As: "As the temperature dropped, people bundled up in warm clothing.". Due to: "The event was canceled due to inclement weather conditions.".
The following transition words for cause and effect are used in the clause which states the result or effect: "You've done an excellent job during your first three months at the company. Therefore, we're awarding you a permanent contract.". "Manufacturing costs have increased a lot in the past year.
Transition words can be used in the introduction paragraph, in the body paragraphs, and in the conclusion paragraph. For example, you can use the words 'first of all' or 'in order to' at the beginning of your essay. In the body paragraphs, you can use transition words such as 'moreover', 'furthermore', or 'in addition'.
Transition words fall into one of these categories: Cause and effect transition words. Also referred to as causation, these connect a reason to a consequence. Examples include "therefore", and "because". Sequential transition words. These connect ideas or events to when they occur, chronologically. Examples include "first of all ...
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.
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.
Common Transitional Words and Phrases. The following list, categorized by type of relationship, provides examples of some common and useful transitional words and phrases. cause and effect: consequently, therefore, accordingly, as a result, because, for this reason, hence, thus
Transition words are words that help writing move smoothly from one topic to another without confusing the reader. Words like however, next, or in conclusion prepare the reader by signaling that the topic is shifting. Transition words can introduce new or contrasting ideas, show cause-and-effect relationships, and form other connections between ...
Common Transition Words and Phrases. ... 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 ...
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 ...
Showing cause and effect: "So," "As a result," "Therefore". Showing order: "First," "Second," "Finally". Giving examples: "For example," "Such as," "To illustrate". Using different transition words can make your essay flow better and be more coherent. Aithor can suggest good transition words based on what your essay is about, helping you ...
A cause and effect essay is a type of expository essay that explores its topic by discussing the issue's causes and consequences. For example, a cause and effect essay about deforestation's role in climate change might discuss a few of deforestation's specific causes, like a demand for wood and the clearing of land for grazing pastures ...
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure…
Tips For Writing a Good Cause and Effect Essay. Reading and following the examples above can help you write a good essay. However, you can make your essay even better by following these tips. Choose a Clear and Manageable Topic: Select a topic that you can explore thoroughly within the essay's word limit. A narrowly defined topic will make it ...
Here are ten simple steps to help you write an engaging essay that looks into how things are connected. 1. Select a Specific Topic. Choose a cause and effect relationship that sparks your interest. Ensure your topic is focused and manageable for a thorough exploration. 2.
In argumentative essays, the effective use of transition words is essential for presenting a well-structured and coherent argument. To begin with. To show. By contrast. One alternative is. Chiefly. Mainly. To put it more simply. At the same time.
The best essays use transition words to guide the reader through the key points. Learn how to use transition words effectively in this blog post with examples. ... Showing cause and effect. ... What are some good transition words for essays? Commonly used transition words include: additionally, although, as a result, for example, for instance ...
Transitions give your writing coherence. They're like road signs, guiding readers through your thoughts. Below are some common transitions, categorized by the type of relationship they describe. While the examples within each category are similar, they are NOT interchangeable. Be sure the transition you're using suits your meaning.
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 ...
Transition Words ~ Exercise and Practice. Transition Words and Phrases Combine the two sentences using an appropriate transition word or phrase. Do not repeat transition words or phrases! Each one may only be used once! 1. We stayed inside. There was a tropical storm. _____ 2. Tracy failed the exam. She didn't study. _____ 3. Dave had a car ...
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...