contrast transition words for essays

List of 30+ Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay

Posted on Last updated: July 17, 2019

Sharing is caring!

Contrast Transition Words! In this lesson, you will learn a list of useful contrast transition words in English. They have been chosen especially for ESL Learners.

Table of Contents

Contrast Transition Words

List of contrast words in English

On the contrary
On the one hand
In comparison
On the other hand
At the same time
Nevertheless
By contrast
In contrast
Notwithstanding
In spite of
Alternatively
Despite this
In contrast to
Even though

Contrast Transition Words with Examples

It wasn’t a good thing; on the contrary it was a huge mistake.

The tongue is not steel, yet it cuts.

It’s easy to fall into a trap, but hard to get out again.

On the one hand , a message of change was needed in order to win new voters.

Although I poured it carefully, I still managed to spill some.

In comparison, the female is stronger and more energetic than the male.

Success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan.

I want to go to the party, but on the other hand I ought to be studying.

Fairness, rather than efficiency, is the guiding principle.

Conversely , you might say that it is ridiculous.

I had mixed feelings about leaving home. I was excited but at the same time , I knew I would miss my family.

This is a cheap and simple process. However there are dangers.

He was very tired; nevertheless he went on walking.

Despite the bad weather, we enjoyed ourselves.

Wisdom is a good purchase though we pay dear for it.

Shut the window, otherwise it’ll get too cold in here.

By contrast , he was much cleverer.

He is too busy, let me go instead .

Some people like fat meat, whereas others hate it.

She was a small, dainty child, unlike her sister who was large and had big feet.

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

In contrast , the lives of girls in well-to-do families were often very sheltered .

He still went home, notwithstanding the midnight

In spite of their quarrel, they remain the best of friends.

Alternatively , manufacturers have recently produced a colour changer.

Because of the fire, hundreds of houses went up in smoke.

In contrast to her sister, she is very tall.

There are a lot of spelling mistakes; even so , it’s quite a good essay.

She hasn’t phoned, even though she said she would.

Contrast Words | Infographic

Wednesday 11th of May 2022

I like your site

Sunday 20th of February 2022

both topics....

Monday 2nd of November 2020

In general, I think it is all right, and quite usuful.

Wednesday 7th of October 2020

Hi I understand more about this

Tuesday 7th of July 2020

Compare and contrast transition words for essays, discussions and more

When you are trying to compare and contrast different things, it helps to have the right words and phrases to explain your ideas clearly. This is where compare and contrast transition words come in handy.

A transition word or phrase guides the listener or reader through what the speaker or writer is saying. We use transition words, also known as ‘ discourse markers ‘, or ‘signal words’, to help us structure what we say and make our meaning clearer.

So, let’s take a look at some common transition words for comparing and contrasting – as well as some which you may not be familiar with. We have included plenty of example sentences so you can understand how to use them correctly.

Compare and contrast transition words

Comparing and contrasting involves explaining how one thing is the same as or different to something else, and examining alternatives. You may get a compare and contrast essay assignment, for example, or you might need to write a business plan exploring different possible outcomes.

Whatever the situation, these transition words for comparing and contrasting will help you transition from one point to the next in a clear and logical way.

Transition words for comparing similarities

When you want to highlight the similarities between two things, or talk about how they are the same, these are the comparison transition words you should use.

The following signal words can be used to compare two things in the same sentence:

“Cats are as friendly as dogs.” “That cloud looks like a face.” “I look similar to my mother.”

The next group of comparing words are used after one point has been stated or mentioned, and they begin the following sentence that contains the second point:

in the same way

“The sales team need to work hard to meet their targets this month. Similarly , all warehouse staff must make an effort to despatch all orders on time.”

Find more examples of alternative words for ‘similarly’ here.

Transition words for contrast emphasis

When presenting something that contrasts with what was previously written or said, or what would be expected as a result of a previous point, we can use these contradictory transition words.

In a simple sentence when presenting the two pieces of information together, we can use:

“I’m really good at playing the guitar but I can’t play the flute.” “Alan is a great singer whereas Anna is an excellent painter.” “Spain is good for beach holidays, unlike Austria, which is good for skiing.”

To add information that contradicts or contrasts with what has previously been said in a separate sentence, we can use one of the following:

in contrast
on the contrary
On the one hand… On the other hand

Here are some sentences with discourse markers to express contrast:

“Our children’s products have performed very well this year. Conversely , sales of menswear have fallen slightly.” “It’s been sunny today; however , I think it’s going to rain tomorrow.” “I’m not sure if we should continue working with this supplier. On the one hand , they have the best pricing in the market and a good reputation. On the other hand , we have had many problems with their service recently.”

Find some more emphasis transition words here.

Transition words to signal contrast in an outcome

When talking about one thing happening in spite of another thing (in contrast to the expected outcome), we can use transition words and phrases such as:

all the same
in spite of this
nevertheless
nonetheless

“The away team fought really hard to secure a victory. Still , the home team eventually won 2:1.” “I will try to pick up some groceries on the way home. All the same , it would be nice if you had time to do the shopping this afternoon.” “It has been a very tough year for the hospitality sector. In spite of this , our restaurant has managed to turn a good profit.”

In the same situation as above, but with the two points joined in the same sentence, you can use these signal words:

in spite of
even though

“ Even though the kids hadn’t met before, they got on really well at the party.” “We managed to afford a holiday despite our financial problems.” “We had a great time at the beach, in spite of the clouds.”

Find some more transition words for ending and concluding here.

Transition words for contrasting solutions and suggestions

And finally, these signal words can be used when you’re making a suggestion or offering a solution that contrasts with another suggestion or solution:

alternatively
another option is to

“ Instead of cooking dinner tonight, why don’t we get a takeaway?” “We could hire a new staff member for this project. Alternatively we could just use a consultant on a temporary basis.”

And that concludes this list of compare and contrast transition words. If you have any other examples or are unsure how to use these compare and contrast words in a sentence, please leave a comment below.

If you found this article useful, take a look at these others which cover different categories of transition word:

Transition words for addition Transition words for cause and effect Transition words for giving examples Transition words for time order and sequence

Finally, if you have a compare and contrast essay assignment, this resource might help you structure it well and cover the topic in full.

Learn a new language from home - get Lifetime Access to Mondly with 95% OFF!

11 Comments

Is the word “while” one of the compare and contrast signal/transition words?

Yes, that’s another good one. ‘While’ is used in the same way as ‘whereas’ in the context of comparing and contrasting.

What about “other than”? Can it be considered a contrast and comparison word?

Good question! In some cases, yes, ‘other than’ could be used to contrast positive and negative points. For example: “Other than the broken taillight and faulty speedometer, this car is in perfect condition.”

Hi Amanda. Please help me with this.

He changed his mind about coming over even though we have prepared the meal and everything else for him.

I have a feeling the marker even though doesn’t quite work there. I’d like to emphasize the host great disappointment about the guest’s change of plan. Do you have another suggestion?

The sentence you proposed works well with ‘even though’. The only change you should make is to the tense, either:

“He changed his mind about coming over even though we had prepared the meal and everything else for him.” (reporting a past event)

“He has changed his mind about coming over even though we have prepared the meal and everything else for him.” (speaking about it as it happens).

An alternative would be to replace ‘even though’ with ‘despite the fact that’; that might hint at even stronger disappointment with the decision.

Hi Amanda, i want to ask you why ‘than’ is not part of signal words for comparison and contrast?

You’re right, this is an important word for comparing when paired with a comparative adjective.

Thank you Amanda, but i want to make sure gain that “than” is not a part of signal words in comparison and contrast, except “more than” or “less than”. Is that right?

You can use ‘than’ with any comparative adjective. For example, “Your dessert looks tastier than mine.” “This car is slower than when I bought it.” “Joshua is more intelligent than James.” I hope this helps!

Transition Words For A Compare And Contrast Essay

Table of contents

1 What Are Comparison Transition Words?
2.1 Comparison Words
2.2 Contrast Words
2.3 Universal Transition words for compare and contrast essays
3.1 Comparison
3.2 Contrast

Many students today have to deal with writing complex and time-consuming essays. These include topics where two different viewpoints have to be introduced and debated. For more professional essay help like this and plenty of other writing resources related to using transition words for compare and contrast essays.

So what do we mean by compare and contrast transition words? Before we delve into these two terms, let’s look at what a ‘transition word’ is. Simply put, transition words describe the relationship between two ideas; they are words for similarities and differences. If we were to dissect their purposes to a more nuanced degree, they can:

Show vague or strong similarities between one concept and another

Show a correlation between one concept and another

Show a causal relationship between one concept and the other

Show the opposing natures of one concept and another

What Are Comparison Transition Words?

As the name clearly implies, they are transition words that establish a comparison or a contrast between one thing and another. These are very useful and quite widely used in any form of writing. The overall effect of comparing and contrasting expressions is that they make your essays flow much better. Using them ensures that every point you introduce in the piece has a context for each other. It may seem confusing to some, so if you don’t want to go into detail, you can buy essays online and not worry about your grades.

Compare And Contrast Transition Words: Defined And Explained

Comparison words.

What are some ‘similarity transition words or transition words’ for explaining what two things have in common? Here are a few comparison transition words examples :

In the same way
In like manner
By the same token

Hence, for example, if you were describing the likeness between the speeds of two different subspecies of lions, you could word it like so: ‘subspecies A can reach speeds up to 40 mph. Similarly, subspecies B can achieve a maximum of 35 mph.

Could “in addition” transitions also fit into the domain of comparative phrases?

The answer is “yes.” It is possible to link multiple traits or features to one entity. For instance, if you want to discuss the multiple benefits of exercise but don’t want your sentences to be too lengthy. You could use compare transition words like ‘in addition’ and “furthermore” to list more benefits in a new sentence. Here are a few examples of these comparison transition signals in use:

“Keeping your tires properly inflated can help prevent random blowouts on the road. In addition, it will also mean that you don’t have to spend money as often to replace them.”
“A morning cup of coffee will give you the energy you need to start the day. Furthermore, it will make sure that you don’t get grumpy as the day progresses.”
“Learning to play instruments as a family will help you become much closer with each other. On top of that, you’ll have a really great time.”

Contrast Words

What is a comparison transition signal, and what would we do without transitions signifying contrast? There would be no way for us to articulate our polar, different, and conflicting ideas, so debates could not exist. Therefore, contrast words are very important to any essay.

Let’s take a look at some different “categories” of these contrasting words:

What are some “opposite” transition words or phrases?

In contrast
At the other end of the spectrum

What are some “difference” transition words or phrases?

Dissimilarly
A clear difference

What are some ‘conflict’ transition words or phrases?

Nevertheless
On the one hand
On the other hand

Transition words for compare and contrast essays are important for academic essay writers to include in their writing. They help connect ideas and points in a compare-and-contrast essay and make the argument or point more easily understood. Transition words for compare and contrast essays can help make an essay more effective and structured. They can link ideas and facts, create emphasis, and help to organize information.

Universal Transition words for compare and contrast essays

Not everything is black and white in terms of which words fit into which category of transition words. There are, in fact, grey areas where words can be used to both compare and contrast depending on the context. Let’s take a look at these grey areas.

Signal words for compare and contrast – what are they?

These are general words that fall under both contrast and comparative phrases. For example:

At the same time
On the same token

What are summary transition words and phrases?

These are words that can be both contrast and comparative terms, which can help tie many points together during a wrap-up. These include:

All things considered
To summarize
Free unlimited checks
All common file formats
Accurate results
Intuitive interface

Comparison And Contrast Example Sentences

One of the best ways to learn about something is to see how it is applied. Hence, we’ve compiled a large list of comparison and contrast phrases in action.

Here’s how these transition phrases are applied:

Regular cardio exercise does wonders for your overall heart health. Likewise, it contributes to the betterment of your mental health.
Listening to your spouse and adjusting your behavior to address their concerns can do wonders for your marriage. In the same way, arranging spontaneous fun dates can certainly throw more excitement into things.
Leonardo Da Vinci and Francisco Goya were renowned painters in their respective eras. Similarly, Hieronymus Bosch was an accomplished painter whose works are still revered today.
Followers of Islam believe that there is only one God in existence. In like manner, Christianity is also a monotheistic religion.
Be careful not to harm yourself while roofing your own house. Moreover, take measures to keep tools from falling down and accidentally injuring passersby.
The average life expectancy is greater than it was ten years ago. Furthermore, studies have shown that people are also happier now.
I don’t think I’ll ever quit eating ice cream. Besides, I exercise daily and take great care of my teeth.
Make sure you make a habit of keeping an eye on the fluid levels of your car. That, coupled with regular inspection of your tires, should ensure that your vehicle remains healthy for a long while.
The number of college-educated people is on the rise as well as the number of women in the STEM fields.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of how contrast transition words are used in essays:

People who play basketball are generally quite tall. In contrast, gymnasts and jockeys are typically short.
India is an undeniably beautiful country with a rich heritage and vibrant culture. Nevertheless, the country’s reputation has been tarnished over the years due to its rampant corruption problems.
On the one hand, a career in the military earns a lot of respect from everyone. On the other hand, soldiers tend to experience severe depression fairly commonly.
People of the Christian faith strongly believe in the afterlife, while Hindus and Buddhists preach the concept of reincarnation and nirvana.
Both vegans and vegetarians avoid the consumption of meat. However, the former also avoids all animal products in all instances.
Bohemian Rhapsody received largely negative reviews from critics when it was released. At the same time, it helped propel them into stardom.
Everyone expects life to go smoothly all the time. In truth, it is filled with constant ups and downs.
Feminism is on the rise now, but so is resistance to it.

Using transition words in your paper can elevate your writing to a whole new level since these words make your writing more professional and strengthen the connections between the ideas and concepts you describe. Using transitions wisely is where the difference between a good and a great writer is, so let’s find out more about those.

As you can see from the name, these words indicate either similarity or contradiction between different concepts or ideas you describe. You can click here to find out more about those and the proper ways to use them or use some help with essay writing. You can choose any of those as long as they fit the context.

Those are fairly simple, and you can put them between ideas that either entail one another or do not contradict directly. These are:

Consequently
In the same manner

You can use those whenever a continuation of your ideas is in order.

Contrasting

In contrast to the comparison transitions, these serve to draw the line between the ideas you describe and show your reader that right now, you are about to talk about something entirely different in nature:

Nonetheless

These and other similar words make it easier to define the difference between the ideas you describe.

Using transition words requires some finesse because you should never stuff your essays too much with those. Use them wisely and only where necessary, and your writing will reach a new level.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

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 . …

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

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.

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 …

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

Academic style
Vague sentences
Style consistency

See an example

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:

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

College essays

Choosing Essay Topic
Write a College Essay
Write a Diversity Essay
College Essay Format & Structure
Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

(AI) Tools

Grammar Checker
Paraphrasing Tool
Text Summarizer
AI Detector
Plagiarism Checker
Citation Generator

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing. Scribbr. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/transition-sentences/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, transition words & phrases | list & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

Transitional Words and Phrases

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

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

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

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

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

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

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

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

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

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

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

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

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

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

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

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

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

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

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

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

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

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

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

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

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

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

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay - wordscoach.com

List of 25+ Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay

Contrast transition words for writing essay with meaning and example.

Here is a list of useful contrast transition words with meanings and examples that can be used in essay writing to show a contrast between two ideas, phrases, or clauses:

Although – introducing a contrasting idea Example: Although he is a great musician, he struggles with stage fright.

However – introducing a contrasting idea Example: The weather forecast predicted a sunny day. However, it ended up raining.

But – showing a contrast Example: I love my job, but it doesn’t pay enough.

On the other hand – showing a contrasting idea or situation Example: Some people enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. On the other hand, some prefer the tranquility of the countryside.

In contrast – showing a difference or a comparison Example: In contrast to her sister, who is very outgoing, Jane is very shy.

Nevertheless – introducing an opposing idea or situation Example: She failed her exam. Nevertheless, she continued to study hard.

Even though – showing an opposing idea or situation Example: Even though he was tired, he stayed up late to finish his work.

Nonetheless – showing a contrast Example: It was a difficult decision to make. Nonetheless, I decided to go through with it.

While – introducing a contrasting idea or situation Example: While some people prefer the summer heat, others prefer the cooler temperatures of winter.

Whereas – introducing a comparison or a contrasting idea Example: The rich have access to many luxuries, whereas the poor struggle to make ends meet.

Despite – showing a contrast or an opposing idea Example: Despite the rainy weather, we decided to go for a walk.

Yet – showing a contrasting idea or situation Example: He worked very hard, yet he still failed his exam.

Rather than – showing a preference for one thing over another Example: Rather than go out, she decided to stay in and read a book.

In spite of – showing a contrast or an opposing idea Example: In spite of the high cost, he decided to buy the new phone.

Conversely – showing a contrast or a comparison Example: While some people are afraid of heights, conversely, others enjoy skydiving.

Although this may be true – introducing a contrasting idea or situation Example: Although this may be true, there are other factors to consider.

Even so – showing a contrasting idea or situation Example: The weather was terrible. Even so, we decided to go for a picnic.

Still – showing a contrasting idea or situation Example: She was tired, but still, she managed to finish her work.

Instead – showing a preference for one thing over another Example: Instead of going to the party, she decided to stay home and watch a movie.

In any case – introducing a contrasting idea or situation Example: In any case, we should always be prepared for the worst.

By contrast – showing a difference or a comparison Example: The small town was quiet and peaceful. By contrast, the city was loud and chaotic.

Despite that – showing a contrasting idea or situation Example: She didn’t study for the test. Despite that, she managed to pass.

At the same time – showing a contrasting idea or situation Example: She was excited and nervous at the same time.

Unlike – showing a difference or a comparison Example: Unlike her sister, who loves to dance, she prefers to play sports.

On the contrary – showing a contrasting idea or situation Example: Some people believe that money can buy happiness. On the contrary, studies have shown that this is not true.

These are some of the most common contrast transition words for Writing Essays with examples of how to use them in a sentence.

Conjunctions of Contrast
200+ Sentences with And
200+ Sentences with Then
200+ Sentences with Such as
Compound Subject and Compound Predicate
200+ Sentences with Although
List of 100+ Useful Contrast Transition Words with…
200+ Sentences with However

Download the Word coach App on your Android phone

Word Coach - IELTS and GRE Vocabulary Builder & word coach Quiz (10 Words a Day) application helps, you and your friends to improve English Vocabulary and help you become the smartest among your group.

33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

Word of the Day

Inalienable.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Games & Quizzes

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Usage Notes

Prepositions, ending a sentence with, is 'irregardless' a real word, 8 more grammar terms you used to know: special verb edition, point of view: it's personal, 31 useful rhetorical devices, grammar & usage, a list of most commonly confused words, more commonly misspelled words, 10 words you see but don't hear, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, 9 other words for beautiful, rare and amusing insults, volume 2, etymologies for every day of the week, the words of the week - apr. 12, 10 scrabble words without any vowels.

190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

good transitions words for essays, college

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.

2-Year Colleges
Application Strategies
Best Colleges by Major
Best Colleges by State
Big Picture
Career & Personality Assessment
College Search/Knowledge
College Success
Costs & Financial Aid
Dental School Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
Graduate School Admissions
High School Success
High Schools
Law School Admissions
Medical School Admissions
Navigating the Admissions Process
Online Learning
Private High School Spotlight
Summer Program Spotlight
Summer Programs
Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

BibGuru Blog

Be more productive in school

Citation Styles

Transition words for essays

The right transition words can transform a mediocre essay into a great paper. In this post, we discuss why effective transitions can substantially improve the quality and readability of your essay and provide examples of commonly used transition words.

What are transitions?

Transitions are the places in your paper where you move on to a new idea or paragraph. They may also be points at which you want to add to, expand upon, or conclude a previous statement.

The best transitions are signaled clearly by keywords and phrases that let the reader know that you’re moving on. Transition words typically occur at the beginning of a sentence.

How do transition words improve your essay?

Quality transitions are often the difference between a decent essay and a strong one. Transition words give clear signals to the reader that you are moving on to a new idea and this enables them to more easily follow your argument.

When a reader can efficiently follow the main threads of your paper, then they are more likely to be persuaded by your argument, which is the point of papers like argumentative essays .

Types of transition words

The transition words that you use in your paper will naturally depend on what kind of transition you’re making. In this section, we break down the main types of transitions that you might use in your essay and provide examples of common transition words.

Adding a point

There may be multiple times throughout a paper where you want to add to a point that you made or that came from one of your sources. To signal this, you might use one of the following phrases:

additionally
furthermore
in addition

Elaborating on a point

At other times, you may need to expand, or elaborate upon, a previously stated idea. In that case, you may utilize one of these keywords:

by extension
in other words
put differently

Introducing examples

Sometimes you may want to introduce an example that illustrates a previous point. To introduce examples, you can use one of the following phrases:

for example
for instance
specifically
to take a case in point

Indicating comparisons and contrasts

Some types of essays, like position papers, require you to introduce contrasting points of view. In order to transition from one perspective to another, you may want to use a transition word or phrase that signals a comparison or contrast:

Comparison :

along the same lines
in the same way
in the same vein
by contrast
even though
in contrast
nevertheless
nonetheless
on the contrary
on the other hand

Showing cause and effect

If you’re building an argument and you want to indicate that one point is dependent on another, you might want to employ one of these phrases to signal that transition:

accordingly
as a result
consequently

When you are ready to conclude a point or prepare your reader for your paper’s conclusion, it’s important to signal that you’re at that stage. Consider using one of these transition words to do so:

in conclusion
to summarize

If you are transitioning between your own words and borrowed material from secondary sources, be sure to properly cite any ideas that aren’t your own. You can use the BibGuru citation generator to create instant, accurate citations for a range of source types, including books , articles , and websites .

Frequently Asked Questions about transition words for essays

Commonly used transition words include: additionally, although, as a result, for example, for instance, however, moreover, therefore, thus, and ultimately.

To link two points together, or to add to a previous point, you might use transition words like:

The most popular types of transitions are those that introduce examples or that add to, elaborate upon, compare or contrast, or conclude a previous point.

To signal a transition in an essay, use a transition word or phrase. Choose a phrase based on the kind of transition that you’re making.

Transition words give clear signals to the reader that you are moving on to a new idea and or that you want to add to, expand, or conclude a previous point. Transition words can also be used to introduce examples and to indicate a comparison or contrast.

Tips for integrating quotes into a research paper

Make your life easier with our productivity and writing resources.

For students and teachers.

404 Not found

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

Transition Words for Essays

What are Transition Words and how Do I use Transition Words for Essays? Transition words and phrases help make your essay flow smoothly from paragraph to paragraph. You can use them at the ends and beginnings of paragraphs, as well as in your introduction and conclusion. Transition words and phrases can be used in every type of essay, but they are most appropriate in expository or argumentative essays in which it’s important to present your ideas in a clear, logical flow. Read on for more insight into transition words for essays, including lists, examples and descriptions of how to use them in your writing.

Transition Words for Essays that Compare and Contrast

Comparison and contrast transition words are obviously helpful when writing a compare/contrast essay, but you can also use them to compare two different pieces of information in an expository or argumentative essay. You may also use comparison and contrast transition words to contrast two different experiences in a narrative essay or to compare two different people, places or objects in a descriptive essay.

Here are some of the most common comparison transition words for essays, followed by examples:

in the same way

Comparison Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:

In the same way , Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech inspired a generation.
Similarly , my vacation to the beach was also peaceful and fun, just like my week at summer camp.

Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples:

in spite of
on the one hand/on the other hand
in contrast
on the contrary

Contrast Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:

However , this delicious breakfast was not as memorable as the dinner my family shared that evening.
In contrast , my grandmother is always cracking jokes while my grandfather stays serious.

Sequence/Order Transition Words for Essays

Sequence words are especially important in narrative essays, where you must guide your reader through the events of your story. Sequence words can be used at the start of each paragraph to clearly mark out what happened first, next and so on. In addition, you can also use sequence transition words for essays that are informational and communicate historical events. It is also helpful to use sequence transition words for essays where you are writing about a book or movie and need to briefly summarize the plot. Here are some sequence/ordering words, followed by examples:

First , my mom dropped me off at school that fateful morning.
Then , I saw an unbelievable sight!
Finally , the zookeepers showed up and led the baby elephant into the back of a hay-filled truck.

Transition Word for Essays Examples

Example transition words can help you provide evidence in argumentative essays and add interesting detail in descriptive and narrative essays. There are many different kinds of example words and phrases you can use to keep your writing interesting and avoid repetition in a longer essay. Here are some of the most common example transition words for essays:

for example
for instance
specifically
to illustrate

Here are some additional example transition words for essays you may use in your writing, followed by examples:

additionally
equally important
furthermore
in addition
For example , one study explained that students who participate in extracurricular activities have a higher overall homework completion rate.
Furthermore , engagement in nonacademic activities has been shown to increase confidence in children between the ages of 11 and 14.

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

Conclusion words help signal to the reader that you are coming to the end of your essay. A strong conclusion paragraph will begin with a clear conclusion word or phrase that will help to sum up your overall points. Here are some of the most common conclusion words and phrases, followed by examples:

in conclusion
on the whole
to conclude
to summarize
In conclusion , school uniforms can help improve students’ focus in the middle school classroom.
In sum , voting is an important part of our democracy and something we shouldn’t take for granted.

Learn more about Transition Words

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Transitions (ESL)

What this handout is about.

Logical connectors are often listed in categories like “contrast” with no further explanation; however, there are important, though subtle differences in how they signal relationships between ideas. This handout will help you choose the appropriate connector by explaining how some of the more common expressions function to connect ideas.

Contrast transitions

Addition transitions, cause-effect transitions.

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

Make a Gift

Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

11 min read

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

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

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

However, it's crucial to exercise moderation when using transition words. Overusing them can clutter your essay, making it confusing and difficult to read.

On the other hand, omitting them entirely can result in a piece that lacks flow and direction. Striking the right balance ensures that your essay is both engaging and comprehensible.

Purpose of Transition Words

Let’s take a look at the purpose of using transitions in essays:

Enhance Readability: Transition words improve the overall flow and coherence of your writing.
Clarify Relationships: They signal connections between ideas, whether it's adding, contrasting, or summarizing.
Improve Comprehension: Readers can follow your argument or narrative more easily.
Smooth Transitions: They act as bridges, seamlessly guiding your audience from one point to the next.
Manage Change: They prepare the reader for shifts in topic or perspective.
Enhance Engagement: Well-placed transitions keep readers interested and invested in your content.
Encourage Flow: They maintain a logical progression, aiding in the overall structure of your work.

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

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

Addition Transitions

Furthermore
Additionally
In addition
Not only...but also

Comparison Transitions

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

Contrast Transitions

On the other hand
In contrast
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Even though

Cause and Effect Transitions

Consequently
As a result
For this reason
Accordingly

Time Transitions

Simultaneously
In the meantime
Subsequently
At the same time

Illustration Transitions

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

Emphasis Transitions

Undoubtedly
Without a doubt

Summary Transitions

To summarize
To conclude

Sequence Transitions

Example transitions.

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

For Showing Exception

At The Same Time
Nevertheless
On The Other Hand
But At The Same Time
Conversely

For Proving

For This Reason
Certainly
To Demonstrate
In Fact
Clearly
As A Result

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

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

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

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

furthermore
Moreover
Because
Besides that
Pursuing this further

Transition Words for Essays PDF

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Althoughyhtjyjum,u
Notwithstanding

Transition Words for Informative Essays

After all
As can be expected
Obviously

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Equally important
Another reason
Not long after that
Looking back

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In order to
Provided that
Because of this

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

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

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

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

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

In any event
As mentioned
In other words
As you can see

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

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

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

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

To put it differently
Once and for all

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

To start with
First and foremost
In the beginning

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

In addition to this
Furthermore

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

In conclusion
Finally
Last but not least
To sum up
Altogether

Transition Words for Quotes in Essays

Acknowledges

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

In conclusion
For instance

Transition Words for Essays High School

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

Transition Words for Essays College

Here are some college level transition words for essay:

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

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

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

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

Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.

So, now you have an extensive list of transition words. These are some of the best transition words for essays that you can add to your essays.

If your essay seems redundant because you used similar transition words, you can always have a look at this list to find some good replacements.

So, whenever you’re writing an essay, refer back to this list and let your words flow!

If you still feel that your essay is not properly conveying your ideas, turn to our expert essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com.

If you have some write-up, our essay writing service will make it flow without changing the entire content. Or, if you wish to have an essay from scratch, we will write a paper for you!

Simply contact us and place your order now. Our writers will take care of everything to help you ace your assignment.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Transition Words for Essays with Examples

Writing a well-structured and coherent essay requires more than just presenting a series of ideas. To guide readers through your thoughts and ensure a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs, the effective use of transition words for essays is crucial. Transition words act as bridges, connecting different parts of your essay and enabling the logical progression of ideas. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of transition words in essays, their role in enhancing coherence, and provide you with a comprehensive guide on using them effectively.

Table of Contents

Transition Words for Essays

Here is the list of all transition words for essays.

Additionally
Furthermore
In addition
Not only… but also
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
On the other hand
In contrast
Consequently
As a result
Accordingly
For this reason
In the meantime
Subsequently
Simultaneously
For example
For instance
In particular
Specifically
To illustrate
To demonstrate
In the same way
Correspondingly
In like manner
Particularly
Undoubtedly
Without a doubt
In conclusion
To conclude
Compared to
Similarly to
In other words
To put it differently
In simpler terms
To explain further

Transition Words for essays with Examples. List of Transitional Words for Writing effective Essays in English

Now Let’s learn example sentences of each Transition word.

Transitions Words Used in Sentences

Transition Words of Addition for Writing effective Essays

Cause and Effect

Time and sequence, example and illustration, transition words of clarification.

100 Symbols Names List in English

Order of Adjectives with Rules Examples Mnemonic Quiz with Solution

Order of Adjectives with Rules, Examples and Exercise

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. %privacy_policy%

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Mastering English Writing: Top Transition Words for Paragraphs

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: February 6, 2024

Sharing is caring!

Transition words for paragraphs are essential in writing. They help to connect ideas and make the text flow more smoothly. As an English learner, mastering transition words can take your writing to the next level. In this article, we will explore the importance of transition words and provide you with a list of words and examples to help you improve your writing. Whether you’re writing an essay, a report, or even an email, using transition words can help you to express your ideas more clearly and cohesively.

Understanding Transition Words for Paragraphs

Mastering English Writing: Top Transition Words for Paragraphs 1

Purpose of Transition Words

Transition words are vital in the flow of discourse, allowing us to connect sentences and paragraphs in a way that makes our ideas more understandable to the reader. For example, words like “therefore” or “consequently” are used to illustrate a cause and effect relationship, while “however” or “on the other hand” introduce a contrast or opposition.

Types of Transitions

Transitions can be categorized based on the relationship they express. Here are a few types:

Addition : These transitions add information or ideas. Examples include “furthermore,” “in addition,” and “moreover.”
Contrast : Used to show difference or opposition. Words like “although,” “despite,” and “regardless” come into play here.
Cause and Effect : These signify a causal relationship. Words such as “because,” “thus,” and “therefore” are part of this group.
Sequence/Order : When we need to outline steps or a process, we use “first,” “next,” and “finally.”

List of Common Transition Words

Using transition words for paragraphs.

We often use transition words to guide readers smoothly from one point to another within our paragraphs and from paragraph to paragraph, enhancing the overall readability of our writing.

Connecting Ideas

Purpose : Transition words like “furthermore,” “similarly,” and “in addition” allow us to link individual thoughts and reinforce the connections between them. Use Case : Employ “furthermore” to add information that aligns with what has been previously stated.

Creating Flow

Purpose : Implementing words such as “however,” “on the other hand,” and “conversely” helps us introduce contrast, ensuring our paragraphs flow logically. Use Case : “However” works perfectly when we aim to present an opposing view or concept following a statement.

Signaling Relationships

Purpose : We use terms like “because,” “therefore,” and “as a result” to illustrate cause and effect. Use Case : “Therefore” signals the result of the information provided in the preceding sentence or clause.

Enhancing Clarity

Purpose : Clarity is improved with words such as “for example,” “namely,” and “to illustrate,” which help us provide specific examples or detailed explanations. Use Case : “For example” is ideal when we want to enhance our argument with concrete instances.

Common Transition Words

In crafting well-organized paragraphs, we rely on transition words to clearly and effectively link our ideas. These linguistic tools help guide readers through our arguments and explanations seamlessly. Here’s a breakdown of common transition types and examples we often use.

Addition transition words are used to add information to a sentence or paragraph. They are used to show that the information being added is related to the previous sentence or paragraph. Examples of addition transition words include:

Example: I love to travel. Additionally , I enjoy trying new foods and learning about different cultures.

Contrast transition words are used to show the differences between two ideas or concepts. They are used to highlight the differences between the previous sentence or paragraph and the current one. Examples of contrast transition words include:

Example: I love to travel. However , my friend prefers to stay at home and watch movies.

Cause and Effect

Cause and effect transition words are used to show the relationship between two ideas or events. They are used to show that one idea or event is the cause of the other. Examples of cause and effect transition words include:

Example: I missed my flight. Therefore , I had to stay at the airport overnight.

Emphasis transition words are used to emphasize a point or idea. They are used to show that the information being presented is important or significant. Examples of emphasis transition words include:

Example: The view from the top of the mountain was indeed breathtaking .

Sequential transition words are used to show the order in which events or ideas occur. They are used to show that one idea or event follows another. Examples of sequential transition words include:

Example: First , I packed my bags. Next , I checked in at the airport. Finally , I boarded the plane.

Location transition words are used to show the location or position of an object or idea. They are used to show the relationship between the previous sentence or paragraph and the current one. Examples of location transition words include:

Example: The restaurant is located adjacent to the park.

Conflict transition words are used to show a disagreement or conflict between two ideas or concepts. They are used to show that one idea or concept contradicts the other. Examples of conflict transition words include:

Example: Although I wanted to go to the beach, it was too cold to swim.

Concession transition words are used to show that the writer or speaker is conceding a point. They are used to show that the writer or speaker acknowledges the opposing point of view. Examples of concession transition words include:

Example: Admittedly , I am not an expert in this field.

Continuation

Continuation transition words are used to continue a thought or idea. They are used to show that the writer or speaker is continuing to discuss the same topic. Examples of continuation transition words include:

Example: I love to travel. Also , I enjoy trying new foods and learning about different cultures.

Resumption transition words are used to resume a thought or idea that was previously interrupted. They are used to show that the writer or speaker is returning to a previous topic. Examples of resumption transition words include:

Example: I was planning to go to the beach. Anyway , the weather was too cold to swim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common transitional words and phrases used to connect paragraphs?

Some common transitional words and phrases used to connect paragraphs include:

How can transitional words be used to improve the flow of writing?

Transitional words can be used to improve the flow of writing by linking ideas and sentences together. They help the reader understand the relationship between different parts of the text and make it easier to follow the writer’s train of thought.

What are some transition words that can be used to introduce evidence in a paragraph?

Some transition words that can be used to introduce evidence in a paragraph include:

What are some transitional phrases that can be used to start a body paragraph?

Some transitional phrases that can be used to start a body paragraph include:

How can transition words help to make an argumentative essay more persuasive?

Transition words can help to make an argumentative essay more persuasive by making it easier for the reader to follow the writer’s argument. They can be used to link different parts of the essay together and show how each point supports the writer’s overall position.

What are some other words that can be used as transitional phrases besides ‘also’ and ‘but’?

Some other words that can be used as transitional phrases include:

In conclusion, transitional words and phrases are essential for connecting ideas and sentences together in a piece of writing. By using them effectively, writers can improve the flow of their writing and make it easier for readers to follow their train of thought.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can transitional words be used to improve the flow of writing?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some transition words that can be used to introduce evidence in a paragraph?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some transitional phrases that can be used to start a body paragraph?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can transition words help to make an argumentative essay more persuasive?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Transition words can help to make an argumentative essay more persuasive by making it easier for the reader to follow the writer's argument. They can be used to link different parts of the essay together and show how each point supports the writer's overall position.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some other words that can be used as transitional phrases besides 'also' and 'but'?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Recent Posts

Ed Words: Expand Your Vocabulary and Improve Your Writing! - April 15, 2024
List of Ethnicities and Their Cultures from Around the World - April 2, 2024
Mastering English Writing: Essential Transitional Words for Body Paragraphs - March 25, 2024

O Words to Describe Someone: Adjectives Starting with O to Describe Someone
Boost Your Vocabulary with Positive Descriptive Words
Sexuality Words: A Comprehensive Guide to Sexual Terminalogy
These Sound Words Will Make Your Speech Sound Magical

IMAGES

Transition Words: A Comprehensive List to Enhance Your Writing • 7ESL
Transition Words and Definitions, Transition Words For Essays
100+ Important Transition Words and Phrases with Examples
Transition Words for Essays with Examples • Englishan
List of 30+ Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay
List of Transition Words and Phrases in English

VIDEO

Transitional Devices
Academic Writing _ Chapter 7 _ Comparison and Contrast Essays
Starting Your Compare and Contrast Essays
Reading Part C. Uses of Contrast words.(Part 3)
Dive into Compare and Contrast Essays!
Linking words advanced

COMMENTS

List of 30+ Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay
List of contrast words in English. On the contrary. Yet. But. On the one hand. Still. In comparison. While. On the other hand.
100+ Essential Contrast Transition Words for Exceptional English Writing
Examples of Contrast Transition Words. Here are some examples of contrast transition words and their meanings: Word/Phrase. Meaning. However. Shows a contrast between two ideas. On the other hand. Shows an alternative or opposing idea. Nevertheless.
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.
32 Compare and contrast transition words (with examples)
When talking about one thing happening in spite of another thing (in contrast to the expected outcome), we can use transition words and phrases such as: "The away team fought really hard to secure a victory. Still, the home team eventually won 2:1.". "I will try to pick up some groceries on the way home.
List of 100+ Useful Contrast Transition Words with Meaning and Examples
Examples of contrast transition words include "however," "but," "on the other hand," "in contrast," "nevertheless," "yet," "although," "conversely," and "despite.". By using contrast transition words, you can make your writing or speech more organized and effective, and help your reader or listener to ...
Transition words for contrast and compare with examples
Conversely: Similar to "in contrast," but with a slightly more formal tone. Example: "Some people prefer the structure of a routine, conversely others thrive on spontaneity.". List of Transition words for Comparison: Similarly. Likewise. In the same way.
Transition Words & Phrases
Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text. Function Example sentence Transition words and phrases; ... Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent ...
Transition Words For Compare And Contrast Essay
Let's take a look at a few examples of how contrast transition words are used in essays: People who play basketball are generally quite tall. In contrast, gymnasts and jockeys are typically short. India is an undeniably beautiful country with a rich heritage and vibrant culture. Nevertheless, the country's reputation has been tarnished over ...
Transition Sentences
For example, the following text uses three transition words and jumps back and forth between ideas. This makes it repetitive and difficult to follow. Example of overused transition words. Smith (2019) argues for the former hypothesis. However, Jones (2017) argues for the latter, while Davies (2015) agrees with Smith.
Compare and Contrast Transition Words in English • 7ESL
Some common compare transition words include: in the same way. in like manner. similarly. in like fashion. by the same token. To set up an alike comparison you can begin talking about the first object or person you wish to compare. For example, compare two people's enjoyment of running in the morning.
Transitional Words and Phrases
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…
List of 25+ Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay
Here is a list of useful contrast transition words with meanings and examples that can be used in essay writing to show a contrast between two ideas, phrases, or clauses: Example: Although he is a great musician, he struggles with stage fright. Example: The weather forecast predicted a sunny day. However, it ended up raining.
PDF Compare & Contrast Transitions
Compare & Contrast Transitions Transitional words and phrases keep your ideas connected together, make your writing coherent, and help your reader understand the logic of your paper. Below is a list of some transitional words you can use in a compare and contrast essay. Make sure you use them in the right place to convey the right meaning.
33 Transition Words for Essays
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
190 Good Transition Words for Essays
Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing. Transition Words for College Essays. While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays. The ...
Transition words for essays
In order to transition from one perspective to another, you may want to use a transition word or phrase that signals a comparison or contrast: Comparison: along the same lines. in the same way. likewise. similarly. in the same vein. Contrast: although.
32 Compare and contrast transition words (with examples)
When you are trying to save both contrast different piece, this helps to have the right speech and phrases up describe your ideas clearly. This is where compare and contrast transition words come in handy.. AMPERE transition word or phrase guides the listener or reader through what the speaker or writer is adage. We use transition words, also renowned since 'discourse markers', or ...
Transition Words for Essays
Transition Words for Essays that Compare and Contrast. Comparison and contrast transition words are obviously helpful when writing a compare/contrast essay, but you can also use them to compare two different pieces of information in an expository or argumentative essay. You may also use comparison and contrast transition words to contrast two ...
Transitions (ESL)
Moderate exercise has many beneficial effects. It lowers blood pressure, reduces weight, and improves overall muscle tone. Furthermore, it has the added benefit of releasing endorphins, generally improving the mood of those who exercise. In addition, Additionally. More formal than "and." Used for joining sentences.
A List of 200+ Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words for Argumentative Essays. 4. Transition Words for Persuasive Essays. 5. Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays. 6. Transition Words for Informative Essays. 7. Transition Words for Expository Essays.
Essential Transition Words for Essays to Smoothly Connect ...
Transition Words for Essays: Similarity and Contrast Transition Words for Essays: Similarity. When writing an essay, it is important to use transition words that help connect your ideas and make your writing more coherent. Transition words for expressing similarity are used to show how two or more things are similar to each other.
Transition Words for Essays with Examples • Englishan
Writing a well-structured and coherent essay requires more than just presenting a series of ideas. To guide readers through your thoughts and ensure a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs, the effective use of transition words for essays is crucial. Transition words act as bridges, connecting different parts of your essay and enabling the logical progression of ideas.
Mastering English Writing: Top Transition Words for Paragraphs
Here are a few types: Addition: These transitions add information or ideas. Examples include "furthermore," "in addition," and "moreover.". Contrast: Used to show difference or opposition. Words like "although," "despite," and "regardless" come into play here. Cause and Effect: These signify a causal relationship.

List of 30+ Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay

Contrast Transition Words

Contrast Transition Words with Examples

Contrast Words | Infographic

Compare and contrast transition words for essays, discussions and more

Compare and contrast transition words

Transition words for comparing similarities

Transition words for contrast emphasis

Transition words to signal contrast in an outcome

Transition words for contrasting solutions and suggestions

11 Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Transition Words For A Compare And Contrast Essay

What Are Comparison Transition Words?

Compare And Contrast Transition Words: Defined And Explained

Contrast Words

Universal Transition words for compare and contrast essays

Comparison And Contrast Example Sentences

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Have a language expert improve your writing

Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Table of contents

Placement of transition sentences

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

The known-new contract

Transition words and phrases

Grouping similar information

Cite this Scribbr article

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Transitional Words and Phrases

Improving Your Writing Style

Clear, Concise Sentences

List of 25+ Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Download the Word coach App on your Android phone

33 Transition Words and Phrases

Word of the Day

Games & Quizzes

Usage Notes

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)

Emmett Lewis

College Planning in Your Inbox

BibGuru Blog

Transition words for essays

What are transitions?

How do transition words improve your essay?

Types of transition words

Adding a point

Elaborating on a point

Introducing examples

Indicating comparisons and contrasts

Showing cause and effect

Frequently Asked Questions about transition words for essays

404 Not found

Transition Words for Essays

Transition Words for Essays that Compare and Contrast

Sequence/Order Transition Words for Essays

Transition Word for Essays Examples

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

Transitions (ESL)

Contrast transitions

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

Purpose of Transition Words