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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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Transitional Words and Phrases

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

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

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

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

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

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

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

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

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

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

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

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

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

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

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

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

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

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

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

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

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

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

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

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

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

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

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

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Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Transitions

What this handout is about.

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

The function and importance of transitions

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

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

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

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

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

Organization

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

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

How transitions work

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of transitions

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

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

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

Transitional expressions

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

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


	also, in the same way, just as … so too, likewise, similarly
	but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
	first, second, third, … next, then, finally
	after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently, then
	for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
	even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
	above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there
	accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
	additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then
	finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in summary

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

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Knowledge Base
Transition sentences | Tips & examples for clear writing

Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing

Published on June 9, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: They show the reader how different parts of your essay, paper, or thesis are connected. Transition sentences can be used to structure your text and link together paragraphs or sections.

… In this case, the researchers concluded that the method was unreliable.

However , evidence from a more recent study points to a different conclusion . …

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Transitioning between paragraphs, transitioning to a new section, transitions within a paragraph, other interesting articles.

When you start a new paragraph , the first sentence should clearly express:

What this paragraph will discuss
How it relates to the previous paragraph

The examples below show some examples of transition sentences between paragraphs and what they express.

Transition sentence	This paragraph…
evidence in support of is provided by Smith (2019).	… the previous one, providing more support for .
, Patel’s arguments are on the matter.	… the previous one by presenting related to the previous discussion.
the relationship between these factors, to draw conclusions about the broader process.	…treats the preceding point as on which to more general arguments.

Placement of transition sentences

The beginning of a new paragraph is generally the right place for a transition sentence. Each paragraph should focus on one topic, so avoid spending time at the end of a paragraph explaining the theme of the next one.

The first dissenter to consider is …

However, several scholars dissent from this consensus. The first one to consider is …

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While transitions between paragraphs are generally a single sentence, when you start a new section in a longer text, you may need an entire transition paragraph. Transitioning to a new section involves summarizing the content of the previous section and expressing how the new one will build upon or depart from it.

For example, the following sentences might be an effective transition for a new section in a literary analysis essay.

Having established that the subjective experience of time is one of Mann’s key concerns in The Magic Mountain , it is now possible to explore how this theme facilitates the novel’s connection with World War I. The war itself is not narrated in the book, but rather hinted at as something awaiting Castorp beyond the final pages. In this way, Mann links his protagonist’s subjective experience of time to more than just his illness; it is also used to explore the period leading up to the outbreak of war.

As in academic writing generally, aim to be as concise as you can while maintaining clarity: If you can transition to a new section clearly with a single sentence, do so, but use more when necessary.

It’s also important to use effective transitions within each paragraph you write, leading the reader through your arguments efficiently and avoiding ambiguity.

The known-new contract

The order of information within each of your sentences is important to the cohesion of your text. The known-new contract , a useful writing concept, states that a new sentence should generally begin with some reference to information from the previous sentence, and then go on to connect it to new information.

In the following example, the second sentence doesn’t follow very clearly from the first. The connection only becomes clear when we reach the end.

By reordering the information in the second sentence so that it begins with a reference to the first, we can help the reader follow our argument more smoothly.

Note that the known-new contract is just a general guideline. Not every sentence needs to be structured this way, but it’s a useful technique if you’re struggling to make your sentences cohere.

Transition words and phrases

Using appropriate transition words helps show your reader connections within and between sentences. Transition words and phrases come in four main types:

Additive transitions, which introduce new information or examples
Adversative transitions, which signal a contrast or departure from the previous text
Causal transitions, which are used to describe cause and effect
Sequential transitions, which indicate a sequence

The table below gives a few examples for each type:

Type	Example sentence	Transition words and phrases
Additive	We found that the mixture was effective. , it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted.	furthermore, moreover, for example, in regard to x, similarly, in other words
Adversative	The novel does deal with the theme of family. , its central theme is more broadly political …	however, although, nevertheless, regardless, above all, (or) at least
Causal	Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany.	because, therefore, consequently, if, provided that, so that, to
Sequential	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, initially, subsequently, finally, lastly, to return/returning to x, as previously mentioned, in conclusion

Grouping similar information

While transition words and phrases are essential, and every essay will contain at least some of them, it’s also important to avoid overusing them. One way to do this is by grouping similar information together so that fewer transitions are needed.

For example, the following text uses three transition words and jumps back and forth between ideas. This makes it repetitive and difficult to follow.

Rewriting it to group similar information allows us to use just one transition, making the text more concise and readable.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Ad hominem fallacy
Post hoc fallacy
Appeal to authority fallacy
False cause fallacy
Sunk cost fallacy

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Transition Words

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

Transitional Words

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

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

Linking & Connecting Words — Part 1/2

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

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

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

in the first place

not only ... but also

as a matter of fact

in like manner

in addition

coupled with

in the same fashion / way

first, second, third

in the light of

not to mention

to say nothing of

equally important

by the same token

identically

together with

comparatively

correspondingly

furthermore

additionally

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

although this may be true

in contrast

different from

of course ..., but

on the other hand

on the contrary

at the same time

in spite of

even so / though

be that as it may

(and) still

even though

nevertheless

nonetheless

notwithstanding

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions .

in the event that

granted (that)

as / so long as

on (the) condition (that)

for the purpose of

with this intention

with this in mind

in the hope that

to the end that

for fear that

in order to

seeing / being that

provided that

only / even if

inasmuch as

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

in other words

to put it differently

for one thing

as an illustration

in this case

for this reason

to put it another way

that is to say

with attention to

by all means

important to realize

another key point

first thing to remember

most compelling evidence

must be remembered

point often overlooked

to point out

on the positive side

on the negative side

specifically

surprisingly

significantly

particularly

in particular

for example

for instance

to demonstrate

to emphasize

to enumerate

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

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

as a result

under those circumstances

in that case

because the

consequently

accordingly

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

as can be seen

generally speaking

in the final analysis

all things considered

as shown above

in the long run

given these points

as has been noted

for the most part

in conclusion

to summarize

by and large

on the whole

in any event

in either case

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

at the present time

from time to time

sooner or later

up to the present time

to begin with

in due time

in the meantime

in a moment

without delay

all of a sudden

at this instant

first, second

immediately

straightaway

by the time

occasionally

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

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

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

in the middle

to the left/right

in front of

on this side

in the distance

here and there

in the foreground

in the background

in the center of

adjacent to

opposite to

List of Transition Words

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

Usage of Transition Words in Essays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Studio

Common transition words and phrases.

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

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

Transitions by Category

1. addition.

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

2. Sequence/ Order

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

3. Contrast

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

4. Exception

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

5. Comparison

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

6. Illustration

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

7. Location

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

8. Cause and Effect

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

9. Emphasis

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

10. Summary or Conclusion

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

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

Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

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

Transition Signals

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

Review Words

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

Preview words

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

Transition Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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

In order to access certain content on this page, you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader or an equivalent PDF viewer software.

How To Write An Essay

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

12 min read

Published on: Jan 1, 2021

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

What are Transition Words?

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

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

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

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

Types of Transitions

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

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

For example:

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

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

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

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

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

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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:

"The use of renewable energy sources is crucial for combating climate change. Solar power is one such renewable energy source. It harnesses the energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. Wind power is another significant renewable energy source. It utilizes wind turbines to generate electricity. Both solar and wind power have numerous environmental benefits."

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 .

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Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

13 min read

What are Good Transition Words for Essays

Transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas within sentences, paragraphs, or sections of a piece of writing.

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

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

How To Use Transition Words in Essays

Transition words help make your essays flow better and easier to read.

To use them well, know the purpose of each type of transition word. Use words for addition, contrast, sequence, example, and conclusion. Place them at the start, middle, or end of sentences and paragraphs to connect ideas smoothly.

Mix up your transition words to avoid repeating the same ones and to keep a logical flow. Use them only when needed to keep your writing natural.

Combine them with topic sentences to help guide readers through your essay. For example, change “The experiment was a success. It provided new insights” to “The experiment was a success; moreover, it provided new insights.”

Avoid mistakes like placing them in the wrong spot, using too many, or choosing the wrong ones.

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

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

Addition Transitions

Furthermore
Additionally
In addition
Not only...but also

Comparison Transitions

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

Contrast Transitions

On the other hand
In contrast
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Even though

Cause and Effect Transitions

Consequently
As a result
For this reason
Accordingly

Time Transitions

Simultaneously
In the meantime
Subsequently
At the same time

Illustration Transitions

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

Emphasis Transitions

Undoubtedly
Without a doubt

Summary Transitions

To summarize
To conclude

Sequence Transitions

Example transitions.

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

For Showing Exception

But at the same time
Despite this

For Proving

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

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

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

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

furthermore
Moreover
Because
Besides that
Pursuing this further
Additionally,
Equally important

Transition Words for Essays PDF

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Notwithstanding

Transition Words for Informative Essays

As can be expected
Obviously

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Another reason
Not long after that
Looking back
In other words

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In order to
Provided that
Because of this

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

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

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

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

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

In any event
As mentioned
As you can see
In conclusion

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

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

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

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

To put it differently
Once and for all

Transition Words for Essays Counter Argument

While this may be true

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

To start with
First and foremost
In the beginning
From the outset

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

In addition to this
Furthermore

Transition Words for Essay For Third Body Paragraph

Here are some transition words you can to 3rd body paragraph when writing a more extensive, 5 paragraph essay :

Another point
Alongside this

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

Finally
Last but not least
To sum up
Altogether
As a final point

Transition Words for Essays After a Quote

Acknowledges

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

In conclusion
For instance

Transition Words for Essays High School

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

Transition Words for Essays College

Here are some college level transition words for essay:

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

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

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

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

Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
Place transition words appropriately, where they connect to the previous statement and make your narrative flow. This is important for maintaining a clear essay format .
Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.
Don’t rely solely on transition words to connect ideas; ensure your sentences and paragraphs are logically structured. A well-organized essay outline supports this structure.

So, now you have an extensive list of transition words and phrases.

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Transition Words for Essays: Great List & Useful Tips

List of transition words for essays! All right, everyone in the world who enjoys writing essays, turn all your lights on for two seconds. Right…NOW! Whoa…was it our imagination, or did the world go black for two seconds? There is no denying that on a list of 100 hobbies and fun things to do, essay writing tops out at about 201.

But, like clipping toenails, sometimes you just have to do it. And if you are going to write an essay, you might as well do the best you can, and write one that is great! In this article, we are going to take a look at some important transition words for the essay. With these lists of transitions, you can do just that.

Transition Words for Essays

When writing essays , it is always important to know how to make a smooth progression from one subject or division to another. Otherwise, you will end up with a lot of brilliant information, but no one will be able to understand it. Transitions are street signs in writing. They tell the reader what street the writer is headed toward, and which thoughts need to be brought to the on-ramp – among other things.

In order to arrive at your destination, and impart knowledge – perhaps even causing someone to see your point of view on a topic, transitions are a necessity.

List of Transition Words for Essays

Following is a list of transition words for essays you can use to master your writing skill.

Some of these are a bit more argumentative than others. It’s smart to weigh the first words of an essay very carefully since they set the tone for the rest of the piece. Do you wish it to be thoughtful? Insightful? Assertive? Aggressive? That’s why we have transitions—

To begin with
Generally speaking
Once upon a time
In the first place
On the one hand

Example: Generally speaking , the concept that all politicians are extroverts is a fallacy.

This is why
This can be seen in

Example: Granted , the way politics forces people in the office to behave can be misleading.

Sub-division

For that matter

Example: For that matter , politics is simply misleading.

Now, unless your essay is bone dry, there will be more—much more—to it than just a couple of divisions and a conclusion. It will manipulate time like a Sci-fi writer, be more interesting than a romance novel, be as accurate as an atomic clock, and will stick in the reader’s mind like an old Temptation’s song. Transitions exist to help your essay do all of this. And they can serve very specific purposes.

Here are transitions that serve to…

Accent or Highlight a Point

In this situation

Example: Usually , that market sold two types of tomatoes.

These Accent or Highlight, but with a touch of drama, seeming to “stop the show”:

Unquestionably
Undoubtedly

Example: Unquestionably , that market sold the best tomatoes.

The difference between the two accent transitions is rather obvious. The top words are more laid back. The ones that add drama leave no wiggle room.

To manipulate time or the concept of time:

Control Time

Also, next, last
Generally, for now, later on
Additionally, in the meantime, last
Indeed, by and large , finally

Example: Generally , politicians deserve to be pelted with tomatoes from that market. They can deal with cleaning their suits later on.

Highlight Instances

Illustrated by
This has been seen in
An example of this is

Example: Chiefly , irritating politicians with too much tan and bad hair deserve to pelted with tomatoes.

One transition which is often overlooked so far as importance is concerned is the comparison/contrast. This might be one of the most important in essay writing. In all forms of speech, really, because it shows the ability of the person speaking or writing to see other perspectives and weigh them in an intelligent, objective manner.

Comparison/Contrast

On one hand/on the other hand
In spite of
At the same time
Nevertheless
On the contrary

Example: Still , it would be a terrible waste of tomatoes, so we won’t pelt the politicians.

Along with the argument for or against something, is the expansion of an idea. These transitions help lay the foundation for taking an idea or thought, then adding more to it.

Expand on an idea

Yet another
Furthermore
Additionally
Correspondingly
Another thing

Example: Indeed , we need tomatoes right now. Politicians? Not as much.

When you are moving into the cause with its accompanying effect.

Cause/Effect

Consequently
Accordingly
Under these circumstances
For all of these reasons

Example: Under these circumstances , I believe we need to ignore politicians and grow tomatoes.

When Concluding

To summarize
Taking everything into account
All things considered
Given these points
On the whole
That is to say
In the final analysis

Learn more about conclusion transition words in English.

Tips for Using Transition Words for Essays

Now you have the tools—the transition words for essays. All you need now is to remember a couple do’s and don’ts.

Change transitions as you change ideas.
Read through what you have written several times. Make sure the transitions you have used are appropriate and make sense.
Have an idea of what direction you wish to go with your writing before you start. That way, when you use a transition, it is more likely to be in a place that works.

DON’T:

Keep repeating a transition.
Keep adding more and more transitions in the same sentence or paragraph, thinking that more is best. Use them when and where they are needed and try to keep how many transitions you use to a reasonable amount.
Throw a transition into your writing without knowing its true meaning, and proper usage.

Transitions are great tools, but tools aren’t really usable unless the person wielding them understands how they are supposed to be used. When writing your essay, do it as required, then do the all-important task of reading and re-reading it. This will check for usage and flow.

Transition Words for Essays | Infographic

Transition Words for Essays | Useful Tips for Using Transition Words for Essays

Transition Words for Essays | Video

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Complete List of Transition Words

100 Words and Phrases to Use Between Paragraphs

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Writing Essays
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M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
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Transition words and phrases can help your paper move along, smoothly gliding from one topic to the next. As a result, they come in very handy as you're writing.

Transitions, which connect one idea to the next, may seem challenging at first, but they get easier once you consider the many possible methods for linking paragraphs together—even if they seem to be unrelated.

If you have trouble thinking of a way to connect your paragraphs, consider a few of these 100 top transitions as inspiration. The type of transition words or phrases you use depends on the category of transition you need, as explained below.

Additive Transitions

Probably the most common type, additive transitions are those you use when you want to show that the current point is an addition to the previous one, according to Edusson, a website that provides students with essay-writing tips and advice . Put another way, additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding to an idea or that your ideas are similar. Follow each transition word or phrase with a comma:

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

Example Additive Transition

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

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

In this example and others in this piece, the transition words or phrases are printed in italics to make them easier to find as you peruse the passages.

Adversative Transitions

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

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

Example Adversative Transition

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

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

Causal Transitions

Causal transitions—also called cause-and-effect transitions—show how certain circumstances or events were caused by other factors. Using them helps readers follow the logic of arguments and clauses in your paper. Examples include:

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

Example Causal Transition

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

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

Sequential Transitions

Sequential transitions express a numerical sequence, continuation, conclusion , digression , resumption, or summation. Here are some examples:

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

Example Sequential Transition

An example of a sequential transition would be:

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

How to Practice Using Transition Words

In sum , use transition words and phrases judiciously to keep your paper moving, hold your readers' attention, and retain your audience until the final word. In practice, it's a good idea to rewrite some of the introductory sentences at the beginning and the transition statements at the end of every paragraph once you have completed the first draft of your paper. Practice with some of the words on this list and decide which flows best.

Edusson. " Common Transitions to Use in Cause and Effect Essay ."

Academic Help. " Common Transitions Words and Phrases ."

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Transition Words and Phrases: Boost Your Writing Clarity

Have you ever read a piece of writing that felt choppy, disjointed, or hard to follow? Chances are, it needed transition words. These linguistic bridges are essential for clear, coherent writing. They’re the secret sauce that transforms a jumble of sentences into a smooth, flowing narrative. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, mastering the art of transitions will take your content to the next level.

What are Transition Words?

Transition words are the linguistic glue that holds your writing together. They’re the connective tissue that links ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, creating a seamless flow of thought. But what exactly are transition words, and why are they so crucial for effective communication?

Transition words are words or phrases that show the relationship between ideas. They act as signposts, guiding your readers through the text and helping them understand how different sections and ideas relate to each other. These linguistic bridges can indicate addition, contrast, cause and effect, sequence, and much more.

Just like road signs help drivers navigate unfamiliar terrain, transition words help readers navigate the ideas you put down in writing. They provide direction, indicating whether you’re adding to a previous point, contrasting ideas, or moving on to a new topic altogether.

But why are transitional words and phrases so important? Simply put, they enhance the readability and coherence of your writing. Without them, your text will feel disjointed or abrupt, leaving your reader struggling to connect the dots. With well-chosen transitions, however, your writing flows smoothly from one idea to the next, making it easier for your audience to follow your train of thought.

Consider this example:

“I love coffee. It keeps me awake. I drink it every morning.”

Now, let’s add some transition words:

“I love coffee because it keeps me awake. Therefore, I drink it every morning.”

See the difference? The transition words “because” and “therefore” clarify the relationships between these ideas, making the passage more cohesive and easier to understand.

Transition words are subtle yet powerful tools that transform your writing from a series of disconnected statements into coherent, persuasive arguments. By mastering these transition keywords, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your writing clarity and engaging your readers more effectively.

Detailed Classification of Transition Words with Examples

Understanding the various types of transition words and how to use them effectively can significantly enhance your writing. Let’s explore different categories of transition words and phrases, along with examples to illustrate their usage.

Addition, Agreement, and Amplification

Transition words help you introduce additional information or ideas that support your previous statements. These words signal to the reader that you’re expanding on a point or providing more evidence. Some common examples include:

In addition
Furthermore
Additionally

Example: “The new policy will reduce costs. In addition, it will improve efficiency.”

“In addition” transition words are particularly useful when you want to build upon an argument or provide supplementary information. They help create a logical flow between ideas, making your writing more cohesive and persuasive.

Opposition, Limitation, and Contradiction

Opposing transition words introduce contrasting ideas or limitations to previous statements. They help you present a balanced argument by acknowledging different viewpoints or potential drawbacks. To do so, you can use:

Nevertheless
On the other hand

Example: “The product has many benefits. However, its high cost may deter some customers.”

The “although” transition is particularly effective when you want to concede a point while maintaining your overall argument. It shows that you’ve considered multiple perspectives, which can make your writing more credible and nuanced.

Cause, Condition, and Purpose

These transition words help explain why something happens, under what conditions it occurs, or for what purpose. They’re crucial for establishing cause-and-effect relationships in your writing. Examples include:

In order to

Example: “We decided to postpone the event because of the weather forecast.”

Examples, Support, and Emphasis

These transition words come in handy when you need to provide specific examples or emphasize a point. They help clarify your ideas and make your writing more concrete. Some examples are:

For instance
Specifically
In particular
To illustrate

Example: “Many factors contribute to climate change. For instance, deforestation plays a significant role.”

Effect, Consequence, and Result

Result transition words show the outcomes or consequences of actions or events. They help readers understand the impact of what you’re describing. Common options include:

As a result
Consequently

Example: “The company invested heavily in research and development. As a result, they were able to launch several innovative products.”

Conclusion, Summary, and Restatement

These transition words signal that you’re wrapping up your thoughts or restating your main points. They help provide closure to your writing. Consider these options:

In conclusion

Example: “In conclusion, the benefits of the new system far outweigh its drawbacks.”

Time, Chronology, and Sequence

When describing events in a particular order or timeline, these transition words are invaluable. They help your reader follow the sequence of events or ideas. Examples include:

Subsequently

Example: “First, preheat the oven. Next, mix the dry ingredients. Finally, add the wet ingredients and stir.”

Space, Location, and Place

These transition words help describe spatial relationships or locations. They’re particularly useful in descriptive writing or when giving directions. Some examples are:

To the left
In the distance

For instance: “The old lighthouse stands on the cliff. Below, waves crash against the rocky shore.”

By mastering these different types of transition words, you can significantly improve the flow and clarity of your writing. The key is using them naturally and appropriately, ensuring they enhance rather than disrupt your message.

Transition words for introduction with examples

Introductory transition words bridge your opening hook and the main body of your work, guiding your readers smoothly into your argument or narrative. They signal to your reader that you’re about to embark on a journey of ideas and help establish your content’s direction. Here are some examples of using transitions in an introduction:

“To begin with”: This phrase is excellent for signaling that you’re about to present your first point or argument. Example: “To begin with, let’s examine the historical context of this issue.”
“First and foremost”: Use this to emphasize the importance of your opening statement. Example: “First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics.”
“At the outset”: This helps clarify your initial position or premise. Example: “At the outset, I want to make it clear that this essay will argue in favor of renewable energy sources.”
“Initially”: A perfect option for introducing the first in a series of points or steps. Example: “Initially, we’ll explore the causes of climate change before reviewing potential solutions.”
“To start with”: A casual yet effective phrase that can make your introduction more conversational and engaging. Example: “To start with, let’s consider why so many people are turning to plant-based diets.”

When it comes to introductions, these words can help you:

Capture your reader’s attention
Provide context for your topic
Smoothly introduce your thesis statement
Outline the structure of your essay

The key to using transitions effectively is ensuring they sound natural in your writing. Rather than forcing them, use these words and phrases to connect ideas and guide your reader through your content.

As you practice using these transition words for writing, you’ll find that they become an integral part of your writing toolkit. They’ll help you create introductions that are informative, engaging, and cohesive.

Mastering the art of using introductory transition words can elevate your essay writing from good to great. So, the next time you sit down to write an essay, pay special attention to how you proceed from your opening hook to your main argument. With practice, you’ll find that these transitions become second nature and enhance your essays’ overall quality and readability.

Transition words for paragraph with examples

Paragraph transition words connect one paragraph to the next and ensure that your essay maintains a logical progression.

One of the most effective ways to understand the power of transitional phrases is through an example of an essay that uses them. Consider this excerpt:

“The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in manufacturing processes. However, it also led to numerous social challenges. For instance, working conditions in factories were often hazardous and exploitative. Moreover, the rapid urbanization that accompanied industrialization resulted in overcrowded cities with poor sanitation. Nevertheless, the Industrial Revolution ultimately paved the way for modern technological advancements.”

In this short passage, we can see several transition words at work, each serving a specific purpose:

“However”: Introduces a contrasting idea
“For instance”: Provides a specific example
“Moreover”: Adds additional information
“Nevertheless”: Acknowledges the previous point while introducing a counterargument

Now, let’s cover more examples of transitional phrases for essays:

Sequence transitions:

First, Second, Third
Next, Then, Finally
Subsequently, Afterwards

Example: “First, we’ll examine the causes of climate change. Then, we’ll explore its effects on ecosystems. Finally, we’ll discuss potential solutions.”

Comparison transitions:

Similarly, Likewise, In the same way
Compared to, In contrast, On the other hand

Example: “Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming increasingly popular. Similarly, geothermal energy is gaining traction in many countries.”

Cause and effect transitions:

Therefore, As a result, Consequently
Due to, Because of, Since

Emphasis transitions:

Indeed, In fact, Certainly
Notably, Especially, Particularly

Example: “The new policy has had wide-ranging effects. Indeed, it has transformed the entire industry landscape.”

Conclusion transitions:

In conclusion, To sum up, In summary
Ultimately, Finally, In the end

Example: “In conclusion, while the challenges are significant, the potential benefits of sustainable practices far outweigh the initial costs.”

By incorporating these transition words into your paragraphs, you can create a more cohesive and engaging essay. They help guide your reader through your argument, showing how each idea relates to the next and ensuring that your writing flows smoothly from one point to another.

It’s essential to choose phrases that accurately reflect the relationship between your ideas. Don’t force transitions where they don’t naturally fit. Instead, use them to clarify and strengthen the connections in your writing.

Transition words for conclusion with Examples

Transition words for a conclusion are vital in signaling to your reader that you’re about to summarize your main points and provide a final thought. These words help create a sense of closure and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Some of the best transition words for concluding your essay include:

“In conclusion”

“To sum up”

“Finally”

“Ultimately”

“In summary”

Let’s explore how to use these in conclusion transition words effectively, with examples of how to apply them:

This is one of the most common and straightforward ways to signal the end of your essay.

Example: “In conclusion, the evidence clearly demonstrates that renewable energy sources are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable in the long term.”

A useful option when you want to briefly recap your main points.

Example: “To sum up, we’ve explored the causes, effects, and potential solutions to climate change. It’s evident that immediate action is necessary to mitigate its impact.”

This transition word can introduce your last point or final thoughts.

Example: “Finally, it’s worth noting that individual actions, when combined, can have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.”

Emphasizes the most important takeaway from your essay.

Example: “Ultimately, the success of any environmental policy depends on the collective effort of governments, businesses, and individuals.”

This phrase is perfect for providing a brief overview of your main arguments.

Example: “In summary, we’ve discussed the benefits of exercise, including improved physical health, mental well-being, and increased longevity.”

When using transition words to conclude your essay, it’s important to choose options that fit your writing style and tone. Here are some tips for using transition words effectively in your conclusion:

Vary your transitions: Don’t rely solely on “In conclusion” to start your final paragraph. Mix it up with other transition words to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
Use transitions that match your tone: If you’ve maintained a formal tone throughout your essay, stick with transitions like “In conclusion” or “To summarize.” For a more casual tone, you can opt for phrases like “All things considered” or “When all is said and done.”
Avoid introducing new information: Your conclusion should summarize and reinforce your main points, not introduce new ideas. Use transition words to guide your reader through this recap.
Connect back to your introduction: If possible, use a transition that allows you to refer back to your opening paragraph, creating a full-circle effect.
Be concise: Your conclusion should be relatively brief. Use transition words to help summarize your main points efficiently.

Here’s an extended example of how you might use transition words in a conclusion:

“In conclusion, we’ve explored the multifaceted impact of social media on modern society. From its influence on personal relationships to its role in shaping political discourse, it’s clear that social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. To sum up, while social media offers unprecedented connectivity and information sharing, it also presents challenges such as privacy concerns and the spread of misinformation. Ultimately, the responsible use of social media platforms lies in the hands of both users and developers. Finally, as we continue to navigate this digital landscape, it’s crucial to remain mindful of both the benefits and pitfalls of social media and strive for a balanced approach in our online interactions.”

By mastering the use of transition words in your conclusion, you ensure that your essay ends on a strong note, leaving your reader with a clear understanding of your main arguments and a lasting impression of your writing skills.

Transition Words Associated with AI: Overuse and Alternatives

As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in content creation, certain transition words and phrases have become telltale signs of AI-generated text. While these transitions are not inherently problematic, their overuse can make writing feel robotic and less natural. Here are some transitions that AI commonly overuses, along with alternatives and advice for more organic writing:

“Moreover” and “Furthermore”: AI tends to rely heavily on these words to add information. Instead, try using “In addition,” “Also,” or simply starting a new sentence without a transition.
“However” and “Nevertheless”: While useful for contrasts, these can become repetitive. Alternatives include “Yet,” “Still,” or “On the other hand.”
“Therefore” and “Thus”: AI often uses these for conclusions. Mix it up with “As a result,” “Consequently,” or by rephrasing to show cause and effect without an explicit transition.
“Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “Lastly”: These sequential transitions are AI favorites but can feel mechanical. Instead, use “To begin with,” “Next,” or “Finally,” or simply omit them when the sequence is clear from context.
In conclusion”: This phrase is a red flag for AI-generated content . Try “To sum up,” “In summary,” or a more specific concluding statement relevant to your topic.

To avoid overusing these common transitions, focus on creating a logical flow with the ideas presented rather than relying on explicit transition words. Vary sentence structures and use contextual cues to guide the reader. When transitions are necessary, choose options that sound natural in conversation and fit the tone of your writing.

By being mindful of AI tendencies and employing a diverse range of transitions – or sometimes no transition at all – you can craft more authentic and engaging writing that resonates with human readers.

Tools like SEOwind are designed to help writers create more natural, human-like content that avoids these AI pitfalls. By using SEOwind to write long-form content , you ensure that your transitions are varied, appropriate, and sound more organic. This tool helps you strike the right balance between using necessary transitions and maintaining a natural flow in your writing.

Best Practices for Seamlessly Incorporating Transition Words

Understand the purpose: Before using a transition word, make sure you understand its function. Is it to contrast, add information, or show cause and effect? Choosing the proper transition for the context is crucial.
Don’t overuse: While transitions are important, using too many can make your writing feel forced or choppy. Use them judiciously to maintain a natural flow.
Vary your transitions: Avoid repetition by using a variety of transition words. This keeps your writing engaging and demonstrates your linguistic abilities.
Place transitions strategically: Transitions can be used at the beginning of sentences, between clauses, or even between paragraphs. Experiment with placement to find what works best for your essay.
Consider your audience: The level of formality in your transitions should match your audience and the essay’s purpose. Academic writing should use more formal transitions, while a personal essay can employ more casual options.
Read aloud: After incorporating transitions, read your essay aloud. This can help you identify any awkward phrasing or unnatural transitions.

Improving Your Writing with the Right Transitions

Mastering the art of using transition words can significantly enhance the clarity and flow of your writing. However, it’s not just about knowing what transition words are; you need to use them effectively. Let’s explore some common mistakes, how to avoid them, and tips for choosing the ideal transitions for any context.

Identifying Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overuse of transitions: While transitions are important, too many can make your writing feel awkward and unnatural. A study found that 72% of customers will share their good experiences with others. This means that readers are more likely to share well-written content. To avoid overuse, aim for a balance where transitions enhance readability without overwhelming the text.
Misusing transitions: The wrong transition word can confuse your reader and disrupt the flow of your argument, such as using “however” when you’re adding to a point rather than contrasting it. To avoid this, always double-check the meaning and context of your chosen transition.
Relying on the same transitions: Just as 67% of customers report a terrible customer experience as the reason for switching businesses, readers might disengage if your writing becomes repetitive. Vary your transitions to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
Placing transitions incorrectly: Transitions should logically connect ideas. Misplacing them can lead to confusion. Always ensure your transition words for essay paragraphs are positioned where they most effectively link ideas.
Ignoring the need for transitions: Some writers underestimate the importance of transitions, leading to disjointed writing. In 2020, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, highlighting the importance of clear, well-structured writing in all contexts.

Tips for Choosing the Appropriate Transitional Phrase for Any Context

Understand the relationship between ideas: Before choosing a transition, clearly identify how your ideas relate to each other. Are you adding information, contrasting points, or showing cause and effect?
Consider your audience: Your readers will appreciate transitions that help them quickly understand your points. Choose transitions that match your audience’s level of understanding and the formality of your writing.
Read your writing aloud: This can help you identify where transitions are needed and whether they sound natural. They should provide quick, clear connections between ideas.
Use transition words as signposts: Guide your reader through your argument or narrative. For example, “First,” “Second,” and “Finally” can clearly structure your points.
Balance specificity and variety: While it’s good to use specific transitions (e.g., “In contrast” rather than just “But”), you should also aim for variety to keep your writing engaging.
Consider the scope of your transition: Some transitions work well between sentences, while others are better suited for linking paragraphs or larger sections of your essay.
Revise and refine: After writing your first draft, go back and review your transitions. Are they all necessary? Do they effectively link your ideas? Refine your choices to ensure each transition serves a clear purpose.

Using transition words effectively is about more than just inserting them into your writing. You should create a smooth, logical flow of ideas that guides your reader through your argument or narrative and work together to resolve any potential confusion in your writing.

By avoiding common mistakes and following these tips for choosing appropriate transitional phrases, you can significantly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Practice and conscious effort in using transitions will help you develop this crucial skill, enhancing your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively in any context.

Kate Kandefer

Entrepreneur passionate about scaling SaaS companies on a global B2B stage. My expertise in AI, SEO, and Content Marketing is my toolkit for driving tangible results. I'm a hands-on executor guided by results, deeply passionate about marketing, and skilled at aligning business objectives with people's needs and motivations. With a pragmatic mindset. My approach is all about clarity, efficiency, and open dialogue.

1 What are Transition Words?
2 Detailed Classification of Transition Words with Examples
3 Transition words for introduction with examples
4 Transition words for paragraph with examples
5 Transition words for conclusion with Examples
6 Transition Words Associated with AI: Overuse and Alternatives
7 Improving Your Writing with the Right Transitions

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92 Essay Transition Words to Know, With Examples
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.
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33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
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Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure…
Transition Words and Phrases Examples
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 ...
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Transitions
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.
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Usage of Transition Words in Essays. Transition words and phrases are vital devices for essays, papers or other literary compositions. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. They thus give the text a logical organization and structure (see also: a List of Synonyms).
Transition Words & Phrases
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.
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The last thing you want is your transition words to feel trite and uninspired. Discover what these words are and a variety of examples for your writing here.
Thirty Transition Words for Essays
Comparing or Contrast. If you want to introduce an idea in comparison to another, here are some transition words you can use: However, later research shows…. Nevertheless, many people hesitate to…. On the contrary, a recent study reveals…. Conversely, the opposite effect happens when…. In contrast, the second group exhibited….
Common Transition Words and Phrases
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 ...
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Transition words for essays with examples. Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for cause: Additionally: "She enjoys playing the piano. Additionally, she is proficient in playing the guitar.". Furthermore: "The research indicated a positive correlation between exercise and mental health.
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Transition words make your work logical and easy to read. High-quality writing is always clear and easy to understand. It has a logical structure and helps the reader move from one thought to another effortlessly. The simpler the writing, the better the readability! Transition words are the magic connectors that help you write in clear and ...
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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 ...
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Transition Words for Synthesis Essays. 11. Transition Words for Analysis Essays. 12. Conclusion Transition Words for Essays. 13. Beginning Transition Words for Essays. 14. Paragraph Transition Words for Essays.
220 Good Transition Words for Essays by Experts
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.
Transition Words for Essays: Great List & Useful Tips • 7ESL
Tips for Using Transition Words for Essays. Now you have the tools—the transition words for essays. All you need now is to remember a couple do's and don'ts. DO: Change transitions as you change ideas. Read through what you have written several times. Make sure the transitions you have used are appropriate and make sense.
PDF Transitions
To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be • making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal
Transition words for essays
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.
Complete List of Transition Words
How to Practice Using Transition Words . In sum, use transition words and phrases judiciously to keep your paper moving, hold your readers' attention, and retain your audience until the final word.In practice, it's a good idea to rewrite some of the introductory sentences at the beginning and the transition statements at the end of every paragraph once you have completed the first draft of ...
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Always ensure your transition words for essay paragraphs are positioned where they most effectively link ideas. Ignoring the need for transitions: Some writers underestimate the importance of transitions, leading to disjointed writing. In 2020, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, highlighting the importance of clear, well ...

190 Good Transition Words for Essays

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

Transition Words for College Essays

1) Additive Transitions

2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

4) Sequential Transitions

5) Spatial Transitions

6) Causal Transitions

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

8) Conclusory Transitions

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

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Transitional Words and Phrases

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Transitions

The function and importance of transitions

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

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Types of transitions

Transitional expressions

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Jack Caulfield

Transition Words

Transitional Words

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

List of Transition Words

Usage of Transition Words in Essays

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

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Transitions by Category

2. Sequence/ Order

3. Contrast

4. Exception

5. Comparison

6. Illustration

7. Location

8. Cause and Effect

9. Emphasis

10. Summary or Conclusion

Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

Transition Signals

Review Words

Preview words

Transition Sentences

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

What are Transition Words?

Types of Transitions

Types of Transition Words

Transition Words For Different Types of Essays

Transition Words for Argumentative Essay

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essay

Transition Words for Informative Essay

Transition Words for College Essays

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essay

Transition Words for Expository Essay

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essay

How Transitions work

Tips to Use Transition Words in your Essay

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Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

What are Good Transition Words for Essays

How To Use Transition Words in Essays

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

Addition Transitions

Comparison Transitions