list of transition words for essay writing

Transitional Words and Phrases

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

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

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

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

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

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

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

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

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

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

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

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

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

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

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

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

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

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

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

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

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

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

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

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

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

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

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

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Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

Essay writing consists of two primary procedures: coming up with the content we want to include and structuring that content. These procedures might take place in either order or they could occur simultaneously. When writing an essay it is important to think about the ways that content and structure complement one another. The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing.

When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page. You should put down as many ideas and trajectories as you can without worrying too much about phrasing or whether they will make it into the final draft. The key here is to be loose—to get ahead of our self-editors and expel everything we can from our minds.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

While this is a good strategy for beginning an essay it will likely leave you unsure how everything fits together. This is where transition words come in. As you will see in this list (which is necessarily incomplete) the range of transition words for essays is vast. Each transition word implies a different relation, often in subtle ways. After accumulating content, the next step is to figure out how the elements fit together towards an overall goal (this could be but is not necessarily an “argument”). Consulting this list of transition words for essays can provide a shortcut for determining how one piece might lead into another. Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing.

Transition Words for College Essays

While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays . The goal of a college essay is to give a strong overall sense of its author in the tight space of 650 words. As you might imagine, it’s not easy to encompass a life or convey a complex personality in such a space. When writing a college essay you are working with a huge amount of potential content. Students often want to squeeze in as much as they can. To this end, transition words for college essays are essential tools to have at our disposal.

Here is our list of transition words for college essays and other essays. It is organized by the different types of transition words/phrases and their functions. While this organization should be convenient, keep in mind that there’s plenty of overlap. Many of these words can function in multiple ways.

1) Additive Transitions

These words function in an additive manner, accumulating content to build upon what has already been stated. They can be used to construct an argument or establish a scene through the accumulation of details.

• Additionally
• In addition to
• Furthermore
• Not to mention
• In all honesty
• To tell the truth
• Not only…but also
• As a matter of fact
• To say nothing of
• What’s more
• Alternatively
• To go a step further

 2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

  These transition words draw a parallel or bring out a similarity between images or ideas. They can be used not only in a straightforward sense but also to establish relations of similarity between objects or ideas that might appear to be dissonant.

• In the same way
• In a similar vein
• Along the lines of
• In the key of

 3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

  While also functioning comparatively, the following words demonstrate difference between ideas or images. These transition words are useful when it comes to establishing contrasting points of view, an important component of any argument.

• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• In contrast to
• In contradiction
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• In any event
• In any case
• In either event

4) Sequential Transitions

  The following are particularly effective transition words for college essays. They will allow you to order ideas chronologically or in a sequence, providing a sense of continuity over time. This is particularly useful when an essay leans into something more creative or involves telling a story.

• Subsequently
• At the same time
• Concurrently
• In the beginning
• At the start
• At the outset
• Off the bat

5) Spatial Transitions

Rather than organizing ideas or images in regards to sequence, these transitions indicate spatial relationships. They are particularly useful when it comes to painting a scene and/or describing objects, but they can also be used metaphorically. Consider, for example, how you might use the transition, “standing in […’s] shadow.”

• Standing in […’s] shadow
• In front of
• In the middle
• In the center
• To the left
• To the right
• On the side
• Adjacent to
• Around the bend
• On the outskirts
• In the distance
• On the horizon
• In the foreground
• In the background
• Underground
• Through the grapevine

 6) Causal Transitions

These transition words for essays indicate cause and effect relationships between ideas. They will be particularly useful when you are structuring a logical argument, i.e. using logos as a mode of persuasion . Causal transitions are an important element of academic, legal and scientific writing.

• Accordingly
• Resultingly
• As a result
• Consequently
• In consequence
• As a consequence
• For this reason
• So much that
• Granting that
• That being the case
• Under those circumstances
• With this in mind
• For the purpose of
• For all intents and purposes
• In the event that
• In the event of
• In light of
• On the condition that
• To the extent that

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

  These transition words for college essays can be used to introduce supporting evidence, emphasis, examples, and clarification. There is some overlap here with additive transitions and causal transitions. These transitions are also useful when it comes to building an argument. At the same time, they can signal a shift into a different linguistic register.

• For example
• For instance
• In other words
• As an illustration
• To illustrate
• To put it differently
• To put it another way
• That is to say
• As the evidence illustrates
• It’s important to realize
• It’s important to understand
• It must be remembered
• To demonstrate
• For clarity’s sake
• To emphasize
• To put it plainly
• To enumerate
• To speak metaphorically

8) Conclusory Transitions

These transition words for essays serve to bring an idea or story to a close. They offer a clear way of signaling the conclusion of a particular train of thought. They might be followed by a summary or a restatement of an essay’s argument. In this way they also provide emphasis, setting the reader up for what is about to come.

• In conclusion
• To summarize
• To put it succinctly
• To this end
• At the end of the day
• In the final analysis
• By and large
• On second thought
• On first glance
• That’s all to say
• On the whole
• All things considered
• Generally speaking

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

Even when elements appear to be disparate on first glance, transition words are a great tool for giving your essay a smooth flow. They can also create surprising juxtapositions, relationships, and equivalences. The way a reader will understand a transition word depends on the context in which they encounter it.

Individual words and phrases can be used in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the literal to the figurative to the colloquial or idiomatic. “Through the grapevine” is an example of the colloquial or idiomatic. When we encounter this phrase we don’t interpret it literally (as hearing something “through” a grapevine) but rather as hearing news secondhand. There are, of course, a vast number of idioms that are not included in this list but can also function as transitional phrases.

This list of transition words for college essays (and really any form of writing you might be working on) is a resource that you can return to again and again in your life as a writer. Over years of writing we tend to fall into patterns when it comes to the transition words we use. Mixing things up can be exciting both as a writer and for your readers. Even if you don’t choose to stray from your trusted transitions, considering the alternatives (and why they don’t work for you) can offer a deeper understanding of what you are trying to say.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

As an exercise in self-understanding, you may want to try highlighting all of the transition words in a piece of your own writing. You can then compare this to the transition words in a piece of writing that you admire. Are they using similar transitions or others? Are they using them more or less often? What do you like or dislike about them? We all use transition words differently, creating different tonal effects. Keeping an eye out for them, not only as a writer but also as a reader, will help you develop your own aesthetic.

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33 Transition Words and Phrases

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

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

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

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

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

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

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

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

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

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

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

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

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

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

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

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

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

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

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

in addition : MOREOVER

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

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

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

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

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

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

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

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

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

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

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

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

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

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

if not : or else

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

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

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

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

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

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

for that reason : because of that

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

immediately after that

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

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

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

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

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

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

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

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• Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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Table of contents

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

• Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

• A second round of testing was also carried out.
• Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
• Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

• Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
• Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

• Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
• Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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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).

70+ Transition words for essays with examples

Transition words for essays.

Ever stared at a blank page, your thoughts swirling like a disorganized storm? Crafting a compelling essay often hinges on smooth transitions between ideas. Fear not, fellow writer! Here’s your guide to essential transition words , those linguistic gems that bridge the gaps in your essay and create a clear, logical flow.

List of Transition words for essays

• Additionally
• Furthermore
• In addition
• In the same way
• In other words
• That is to say
• For example
• For instance
• Specifically
• To illustrate
• In particular
• Without a doubt
• Essentially
• In conclusion
• To conclude
• On the whole
• Consequently
• Accordingly
• As a result
• For this reason
• Because of this
• Due to this
• In light of this
• Considering that
• Seeing that
• As a matter of fact
• Nonetheless
• Nevertheless
• Even though
• In spite of
• On the contrary

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. Furthermore, it suggested that regular physical activity reduces stress levels.”
• Moreover : “The company reported an increase in sales for the third quarter. Moreover, profits also saw a significant rise.”
• In addition : “He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. In addition, he is passionate about photography.”
• Also : “He enjoys playing tennis. Also, he participates in swimming competitions.”
• Likewise : “She volunteered at the local shelter. Likewise, her brother also dedicated his time to community service.”
• Similarly : “The team implemented new strategies to improve productivity. Similarly, other departments adopted similar approaches.”
• In the same way : “She excels in academics. In the same way, her siblings also achieve high grades.”
• Equally : “Both candidates possess strong leadership skills. Equally, they demonstrate excellent communication abilities.”
• Besides : “She enjoys reading novels. Besides, she also enjoys writing short stories.”
• In other words : “The product received mixed reviews due to its functionality issues. In other words, customers experienced difficulties with its performance.”
• That is to say : “She loves traveling to exotic destinations. That is to say, she prefers exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.”
• Namely : “The research focused on several key areas, namely, customer satisfaction, product quality, and market trends.”
• For example : “Many countries have implemented strict environmental policies. For example, Denmark has achieved significant progress in renewable energy.”
• For instance : “Some popular social media platforms, for instance, Facebook and Instagram, have millions of active users.”
• Specifically : “The training program focuses specifically on enhancing leadership skills and fostering teamwork.”
• To illustrate : “To illustrate the concept further, let’s consider a real-life example.”
• In particular : “The company aims to expand its operations globally. In particular, it plans to target emerging markets in Asia.”
• In fact : “Contrary to popular belief, exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. In fact, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
• Indeed : “The company’s efforts to promote diversity have yielded positive results. Indeed, diversity has been linked to increased innovation and creativity.”
• Actually : “Contrary to what many people believe, the situation is actually quite different.”
• Truly : “She was truly dedicated to her work and always gave her best effort.”
• Certainly : “The results of the study certainly support the hypothesis.”
• Of course : “Of course, you are welcome to join us for dinner.”
• Without a doubt : “Without a doubt, she is one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met.”
• In essence : “The policy change, in essence, aims to improve customer satisfaction.”
• Essentially : “The project, essentially, involves redesigning the user interface.”
• In summary : “In summary, the findings suggest a need for further research in this area.”
• In conclusion : “In conclusion, it is evident that climate change poses significant challenges.”
• To sum up : “To sum up, the main points of the argument are as follows.”
• In brief : “In brief, the report highlights key areas for improvement.”
• To conclude : “To conclude, let’s consider the implications of these findings.”
• Overall : “Overall, the project was a success.”
• All in all : “All in all, it was a memorable experience.”
• On the whole : “On the whole, the feedback has been positive.”
• Therefore : “The traffic was heavy; therefore, they arrived late to the meeting.”
• Thus : “The factory implemented new safety measures; thus, the number of accidents decreased.”
• Hence : “The flight was canceled; hence, they had to make alternative travel arrangements.”
• Consequently : “He missed the deadline; consequently, he faced disciplinary action.”
• Accordingly : “The instructions were unclear; accordingly, many participants made mistakes.”
• As a result : “The market demand increased; as a result, prices rose.”
• For this reason : “She forgot her umbrella; for this reason, she got wet in the rain.”
• Because of this : “He missed the train because of this, he couldn’t attend the meeting.”
• Due to this : “Due to this unforeseen circumstance, the event had to be postponed.”
• In light of this : “In light of this new information, we need to reconsider our strategy.”
• Since : “Since it was raining heavily, they decided to stay indoors.”
• Because : “He didn’t study for the exam because he was feeling unwell.”
• For : “He received a promotion for his outstanding performance.”
• As : “As the temperature dropped, people bundled up in warm clothing.”
• Owing to : “Owing to his persistent efforts, he achieved success.”
• Given that : “Given that she had prior experience, she was appointed as the team leader.”
• Considering that : “Considering that it was his first attempt, he performed exceptionally well.”
• Seeing that : “Seeing that the store was closing soon, they hurried to finish their shopping.”
• In view of : “In view of the current situation, we need to take immediate action.”
• As a matter of fact : “As a matter of fact, he was the first to arrive at the party.”
• Regardless : “He continued with the project regardless of the challenges he faced.”
• Nonetheless : “The weather was unfavorable; nonetheless, they decided to go ahead with the outdoor event.”
• Nevertheless : “The plan faced criticism; nevertheless, it was implemented successfully.”
• However : “She forgot her passport; however, she managed to board the flight with a temporary permit.”
• Although : “Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.”
• Though : “Though she was tired, she continued working late into the night.”
• Even though : “Even though he was warned about the risks, he proceeded with the plan.”
• Despite : “Despite the challenges, they remained committed to their goal.”
• In spite of : “In spite of the obstacles, they persevered and succeeded.”
• On the contrary : “The results were contrary to expectations; on the contrary, they were favorable.”
• Conversely : “He expected to feel relieved; conversely, he felt even more anxious.”
• But : “The weather was sunny, but they decided to cancel the picnic due to other commitments.”
• Yet : “He had a busy schedule, yet he managed to find time for his hobbies.”
• Whereas : “She preferred coffee, whereas her sister preferred tea.”

By mastering the art of transition words, you’ll transform your essay from a disjointed collection of ideas into a powerful and persuasive piece of writing. So, the next time you sit down to write, remember these transition words and watch your essay flow majestically!

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Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

220 Best Transition Words for Essays

By: Nova A.

15 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jul 9, 2019

Writing essays can be hard, and making sure your transitions are smooth is even harder. 

You've probably heard that good essays need good transitions, but what are they? How do you use them in your writing? Also, your essays are assessed according to particular criteria and it is your responsibility to ensure that it is being met.

But don't worry, we are here to help. This blog will give you transition words for essays, including how to choose the right ones and where to place them for maximum impact. Essay writing is a technical process that requires much more effort than simply pouring your thoughts on paper.

If you are new to the concept of transition words and phrases, deep dive into this article in order to find out the secret to improving your essays.

On this Page

What Are Transition Words 

Transition words are essential elements in essay writing that create smooth transitions between ideas. 

Think of a transition as a conjunction or a joining word. It helps create strong relationships between ideas, paragraphs, or sentences and assists the readers to understand the word phrases and sentences easily.

As writers, our goal is to communicate our thoughts and ideas in the most clear and logical manner. Especially when presenting complex ideas, we must ensure that they are being conveyed in the most understandable way.

To ensure that your paper is easy to understand, you can work on the sequencing of ideas. Break down your ideas into different sentences and paragraphs then use a transition word or phrase to guide them through these ideas.

Why Should You Use Transitions

The purpose of transition words goes beyond just connectivity. They create a cohesive narrative , allowing your ideas to flow seamlessly from one point to another. These words and phrases act as signposts and indicate relationships. 

These relations could include:

• Cause and Effect
• Comparison and Contrast
• Addition and Emphasis
• Sequence and Order
• Illustration and Example
• Concession and Contradiction
• Summary and Conclusion

They form a bridge and tie sentences together, creating a logical connection. In addition to tying the entire paper together, they help demonstrate the writer’s agreement, disagreement, conclusion, or contrast.

However, keep in mind that just using or including transitional words isn’t enough to highlight relationships between ideas. The content of your paragraphs must support the relationship as well. So, you should avoid overusing them in a paper.

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Types of Transitions

Transitions in essays can be classified into different types based on the relationships they indicate between ideas. Each type serves a specific purpose in guiding readers through your arguments. 

Let's explore some common types of transitions and their examples:

Additive Transitions 

These transitions are used to add information or ideas. They help you expand on your points or provide additional supporting evidence. Examples:

• In addition
• Furthermore
• Additionally
• Not only... but also
• Coupled with

Adversative Transitions

Adversative transitions show contrast or contradiction between ideas. They are used to present opposing viewpoints or highlight differences. Examples:

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• In contrast

Causal Transitions

Causal transitions explain cause-and-effect relationships. They help you establish the reasons behind certain outcomes or actions. Examples:

• As a result
• Consequently
• Resulting in
• For this reason

Sequential Transitions

Sequential transitions indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas. They help you present your thoughts in a logical and organized manner. Examples: 

• Subsequently
• In the meantime
• Simultaneously

Comparative Transitions

Comparative transitions highlight similarities or comparisons between ideas. They help you draw connections and illustrate relationships. Here are some transition words for essays examples: 

• In the same way
• Compared to
• In comparison
• Correspondingly
• By the same token
• Equally important
• Analogous to

Getting started on your essay? Check out this insightful read on essay writing to make sure you ace it!

List of Good Transition Words for Essays

As mentioned above, there are different categories of transitions that serve a unique purpose. Understanding these different types will help you pick the most suitable word or phrase to communicate your message.

Here we have categorized the best transition words for essays so you can use them appropriately!

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

In argumentative essays , the effective use of transition words is essential for presenting a well-structured and coherent argument. 

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

In compare and contrast essays , transition words play a crucial role in highlighting the similarities and differences between the subjects being compared. 

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in compare and contrast essays:

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In cause and effect essays , transition words help illustrate the relationships between causes and their corresponding effects. 

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in cause-and-effect essays:

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essays

Transition words are valuable tools that can be used throughout different parts of an essay to create a smooth and coherent flow. By understanding the appropriate transition words for each section, you can logically connect your ideas. 

Introduction Transition Words for Essays

Introductions are one of the most impactful parts of the essay. It's important that it connects logically with the rest of the essay. To do this, you can utilize different transition words for essays to start. Here are some starting transition words for essays:

Transition Words for Essays Body Paragraph

In an essay, body paragraphs play a crucial role in presenting and developing your ideas. To ensure a logical flow within each body paragraph, the strategic use of transition words is essential.

Here are lists of transitions for essays for different body paragraphs:

Transition Words for Essays for First Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words that you can use for the first body paragraph of an essay:

Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words for the second body paragraph of an essay:

Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essays Last Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essays Conclusion 

Here is a list of ending transition words for essays:

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Essay Transitions

When it comes to using transitions in your essay, there are certain do's and don'ts that can help you effectively enhance the flow of your writing. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

• Add transitions only when introducing new ideas.
• Go through the paper to make sure they make sense.
• Start by creating an outline, so you know what ideas to share and how.
• Use different transitions for each idea.
• Don’t overuse them.
• Don’t keep adding transitions in the same paragraph.
• Don’t completely rely on transitions to signal relationships.
• Don’t incorporate it into your content without understanding its usage.

By now, you have probably understood how transition words can save you from disjointed and directionless paragraphs. They are the missing piece that indicates how ideas are related to one another. You can also generate more essays with our AI powered essay writer to learn the art of transitioning smoothly from one paragraph to another. 

If you are still unable to distinguish transitions to open or conclude your essays, don’t be upset - these things require time and practice.

If you are looking for the perfect essay-writing service, get in touch with the expert writers at 5StarEssays.com. We will include the right transitions according to the type of paper, ensuring a coherent flow of ideas.

Just say ‘ write my essay ’ now and let our essay writer create quality content at the most pocket-friendly rates available.

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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How To Write An Essay

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

12 min read

Published on: Jan 1, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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Are you tired of reading essays that feel disjointed and difficult to follow? Do you find yourself struggling to connect your ideas smoothly and effectively? 

If so, then you're in luck, because today we're going to take a closer look at the magic of transition words.

In this blog, we'll cover different types of transition words and their precise usage, and how they can elevate your writing. By the end, you'll have the tools to captivate your readers and leave a lasting impression. 

Let's dive in!

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What are Transition Words?

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

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

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

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

Types of Transitions

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

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

For example:

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

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

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

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

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

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Types of Transition Words

Here's a table showcasing different types of transition words and their corresponding functions:

Transition Words For Different Types of Essays

Transitional words depend on the relationship you want to convey to the audience about the ideas and paragraphs. Below is a list of words and phrases that can be used to link different sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

Identify which transition expression you want to share for your logical relationship.

Transition Words for Argumentative Essay

• In the same way
• Equally important
• Furthermore
• Comparatively
• Additionally
• In addition
• Not only...but also

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essay

• In contrast
• Different from
• On the contrary
• In spite of

Transition Words for Informative Essay

• Provided that
• With this in mind
• For the purpose of
• In the hope that
• In order to
• With this intention

Transition Words for College Essays

• In other words
• By all means
• To demonstrate
• As in illustration
• To put it another way

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essay

• As a result
• For this reason
• Because the
• Under those circumstances
• Accordingly
• Consequently

Transition Words for Expository Essay 

• Not long after that
• Specifically
• To begin with
• Without doubt
• Undoubtedly
• Due to circumstances
• In similar fashion

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essay

Here's a table listing transition words for different parts of an essay:

How Transitions work

Transitions work by creating a bridge between ideas, sentences, paragraphs, or sections in your essay. They help to establish logical connections and guide the reader through the flow of your writing. 

Here's how transitions work:

• Coherence : Transitions create smooth connections between ideas, ensuring a coherent flow in your writing.
• Signal Relationships: Transitions clarify how ideas are related, such as cause and effect, comparison, contrast, or sequence.
• Guide the Reader: It acts as signpost, guiding readers through your essay and indicating the direction of your thoughts.
• Enhance Clarity: Transitions improve clarity by organizing ideas and helping readers understand logical progression.
• Improve Flow: It ensures a seamless flow between sentences, paragraphs, and sections, preventing choppiness.
• Emphasize Key Points: Transitions can be used strategically to highlight important ideas and make them more impactful.

Let's consider an example:

In the above example, transitions like " one such source " connect the idea of solar power to renewable energy sources. " Similarly " then introduces the concept of wind power, creating a logical progression. These transitions help readers follow the flow of ideas and understand the relationships between different energy sources.

Tips to Use Transition Words in your Essay

Here are some tips to effectively use transition words in your essay:

• Understand the Purpose: Familiarize yourself with the different types and functions of transition words, phrases, or sentences. Recognize how they connect ideas, provide structure, and indicate relationships between different parts of your essay.
• Plan your Essay Structure: Before you start writing, outline the main sections, paragraphs, and points you want to cover. Consider where transition words can be used to improve the flow and coherence of your essay.
• Use Transition Words Appropriately: Ensure that the transition word you choose accurately reflects the relationship between ideas. Don't force a transition where it doesn't fit naturally.
• Vary Transition Words: Avoid repetitive or excessive use of the same transition word throughout your essay. Use a variety of transition words to maintain reader interest and enhance overall readability.
• Pay Attention to Placement: Place transition words at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences, depending on the desired effect. Consider the logical flow of your ideas and choose the appropriate placement for each transition word.
• Use Transitional Phrases: Instead of using single transition words, consider incorporating transitional phrases or clauses. These can provide more context and clarity, strengthening the connection between ideas.
• Revise and Edit: After completing your essay, review it for the effectiveness and smoothness of transitions. Ensure that they serve their purpose in guiding the reader and enhancing the overall coherence of your writing.
• Seek Feedback: Share your essay with others and ask for feedback, specifically on the use of transition words. Others' perspectives can help you identify any areas that need improvement or where transitions could be strengthened.

To sum it up! While mastering transition words may require time and practice, it is a skill well worth developing. These words are crucial for creating coherence and flow in your essays. Throughout this blog, we have explored various transition words and phrases that can greatly enhance your writing.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to apply these newfound skills in your future essays. You can utilize an AI essay writer to enhance and refine your writing skills.

If you still need assistance or have further inquiries, our team at CollegeEssay.org is available to provide legit essay writing service . 

Contact us today, and let us be a part of your journey toward academic excellence!

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Transition Words (List for Essays, Paragraphs, and Writing)

In grammar , transition words play a very important role. If used correctly, they can link your ideas, make your paragraphs more coherent, and enhance your writing.

But first – what exactly are transition words and how should you use them ?

What exactly are transition words?

Simply put, transition words are words that basically act as the powerful link that holds your sentences together. They are used to show the relationship between two (or more) phrases, sentences, and even paragraphs.

Transition words improve the flow of your writing, and make it more sensible and easier to read . Words like “and,” “additionally,” “because,” “therefore,” etc. are all transition words. Along with transition words, we also have transition phrases like “as well as,” “for example,” “after all,” etc.

Why are transition words used in a sentence?

1. they are link builders.

Using transition words helps you connect your ideas and thoughts clearly. It helps the reader understand how different ideas logically are related and not get confused. In addition, these words also prepare the readers for what they should expect next.

Let’s consider the following example:

• Shannon couldn’t sleep well last night. Therefore , she drank two cups of coffee before starting her day.

Now, using the transition word “therefore” helped you achieve two things here:

• It told the reader the cause-and-effect relationship between two things
• It described how these sentences are connected and are a part of one process.

From the above example, the reader will understand that Shannon requires two cups of coffee because she couldn’t sleep well last night. These are two different sentences, but they are glued together with the transition word. Remove the transition word and both of these sentences will lose coherency.

2. Transition words help you put your thoughts in a logical order

Organized thoughts are essential elements of clear and concise writing. Writers should ensure that all the points mentioned in a sentence have a logical flow and there should not be any abrupt pauses between them.

Transition words help in introducing sequence or order to your writing. Here’s how:

• First , we will go shopping. Then , we will go to a movie.

Here, we have used two transition words (“first” and “then”) at the beginning of two different sentences. They are used to denote a particular order in which two actions are to be performed.

3. 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 plain English.

In both the above-mentioned examples, we have used the transition word at the beginning of the sentences. However, these words can also be used in the middle or at the end of a sense or phrase.

Consider the following sentence, for example:

• I love watching the TV show F.R.I.E.N.D.S because it makes me laugh.

Here, the transition word “because” helps in joining two clauses . It helps the reader understand two things clearly:

• Which TV show does the writer loves watching
• Why do they love watching that particular show

Different categories of transition words

Depending upon their usage and the types of transition a writer wishes to make, transition words are usually divided into multiple categories. There are transition words to show contrast, similarity, examples, and whatnot!

Generally, we have more than one transition word for a particular situation/ transition and so writers can pick the ones according to their liking.

Most of the time, these words mean the same things. However, sometimes they have slightly different meanings. Thus, it is important to understand the meaning and use-case of these words before making your final choice.

Here are some transition word examples according to different categories:

When it comes to displaying contrast “but” is the most common transition word. However, it is not the only word. There are several other transition words that you can use to display contrast in your sentences. Some of the common words include:

• On the contrary
• On the other hand
• Despite this
• Nevertheless

More on in contrast transition words .

The following transition words should be used for showing examples:

• For example
• For instance
• To illustrate
• Specifically

Cause and effect

These transition words are used for denoting the cause-and-effect relationship between two sentences. The common transition words you can use for this are as follows:

• Accordingly

Another common use of transition words is to show the similarity between sentences and phrases. Here are some commonly used transition words for denoting the similarity between two sentences:

• In the same way

For showing different periods, the following transition words should be used:

• Immediately
• Subsequently

These transition words also define sequence or time. Here are some common sequence-based transition words that writers can include in their work:

These transition words are used to connect things based on their location or where they are placed to each other. Here are some of them:

• Adjacent to

As the name suggests, emphasis transition words help you in stressing an important point and accentuate your argument. Here are some common emphasis transition words:

These transition words offer huge help when you are drafting the conclusion of your work . Whether you are working on a school essay, summing up an idea, or working on your blog, conclusion transition words are an integral part of all kinds of writing.

Here are some common conclusion transition words that writers can use to simplify their writing:

• In conclusion
• To sum it up
• On the whole

More on conclusion transition words .

Do transition words actually make a difference?

The main purpose of transition words is to make clunky, confusing, and disjointed sentences smooth , logical, and coherent. These words must be used to improve the flow of sentences and make your paper more engaging.

When trying to write in plain English, using appropriate transition words wherever possible can make a significant positive impact.

Writers must avoid making abrupt pauses or jumping from one sentence to another illogically. Instead, it is recommended to use transition words to establish an organizational flow in your work.

But the question is – do transition words actually work?

Let’s consider the following sentences – with and without the transition word – and see the difference:

• Jess is going back home for three months. He needs two big bags to carry all his belongings.

While there is nothing wrong with these two sentences, they lack a logical flow. Here’s how using a transition word can improve it.

• Jess is going back home for three months therefore he needs two big bags to carry all his belongings.
• Robin decided to stop studying. She failed high school .

Again, while both of these sentences are grammatically correct, they neither sound good nor logical, There’s an abrupt pause between them. Let’s see how they’ll sound after adding a transition word.

• Robin decided to stop studying. Consequently , she failed high school.
• I could go home. I could stay at the office and finish my work.

Now, these two sentences don’t sound coherent at all. There is something off about them, they lack flow, and they don’t make any logical sense, right? However, once we add a simple transition word between them, they will become so much better. Here’s how:

• I could go home, or I could stay at the office and finish my work.

By adding “or” (a contrast transition word), we linked the sentences. No need to rely on two awkward sentences that are better off as one.

How to use transition words correctly

In order to make a positive difference in your writing, the transition words must be used in a grammatically correct way.

When including transition words in their sentences, writers must remember the following important points:

1. The correct placement: When writing an essay, a blog, or an academic paper, the placement of the transition words plays a crucial role. Writers must plan where they want to place the transition words beforehand and then proceed with writing the sentences.

Generally, transition words can be placed –

• At the beginning of the sentences
• At the end of the sentences
• In the middle of a sentence

2. Use a comma : When using a transition word in the middle of the sentence, it is important to always use a comma (,) before it. Doing so will separate the transition word from the rest of the sentence and give more clarity to your writing.

3. Consider the relationship between two sentences: It is another important tip that every writer must use while including transition words in their writing. Two sentences can have different kinds of relationships. They can be in agreement or disagreement with each other, there can be a cause-and-effect relationship, they can be in chronological order, etc.

Thus, it is crucial to have a clear idea about their relationship before deciding on a transition word.

Key takeaways

In English, using transition words can do wonders for your writing. It can make it more appealing, logical, and clear for the readers. Today, we have learned a lot about transition words and how writers should use them in their work.

Here is a quick summary of everything that we have learned in this article:

• Transition words are words that are used when a writer is transitioning from one point to another.
• They are commonly used as “linking words” that join two or more sentences, phrases, and paragraphs.
• Some common and widely used transition words in English include “also,” “or,” “therefore,” and “thus.”
• There are various categories of transition words and writers can use them depending on the relationship between sentences. Common categories of transition words include – cause-and-effect transition, similarity transition, emphasis transition, contrast transition, and more.

The 10 most commonly used transitional words include the following:

• Furthermore
• Consequently

When using transition words, it is important to strike the correct balance. Overusing transition words can make your work hard to read and reduce its quality.

While you can use multiple transition words in a paragraph, it is recommended to use just one transition word in a sentence.

With SEO becoming more and more important, using the right amount of transition words in your content has become all the more important. Following the best SEO practices and including the ideal amount of transition words in blogs and articles can help in increasing their Google ranking.

Ideally, a writer must ensure that at least 30% of their sentences include transition words. This will go a long way in improving the readability of their content and making it more engaging and simple.

There are several ways to write effective transition sentences . Here are some writing tips that can help writers write effective transition sentences:

• Generally, it is advisable to use transition words at the beginning of your sentences. It helps you introduce the paragraph topic and logically connect the new sentence with the previous one.
• As much as possible, it is advisable to avoid using the transition word “this.” It is because it can make your sentences confusing as it is not always clear what or who “this” refers to. Moreover, many people use pronouns like “this” or “that” as filler words.

The five most common types of transitions include the following:

• Comparison – For example, “similarly”, “likewise,” “in the same way,” etc.
• Contrast – For example, “on the contrary,” “or,” “otherwise,” “however,” etc.
• Emphasis – For example, “in fact,” “above all,” etc.
• Sequence – For example, “first,” “next,” “eventually,” etc.
• Consequence – For example, “accordingly,” “as a result,” “consequently,” etc.
• Wikipedia – Transition
• Yoast SEO – Transition words: why and how to use them
• Your Dictionary – How do I include transition words in my essay
• Writer’s Room – Transition words and phrases

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About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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• Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on 20 October 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on 15 March 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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Table of contents

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

• Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

• A second round of testing was also carried out.
• Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before ‘as well as’ but not before ‘and’.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
• Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

• Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
• Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

• Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
• Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

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Transitional Words

Transitional words are like bridges between parts of your essay. They are cues that help the reader interpret your ideas. Transitional words or phrases help carry your thoughts forward from one sentence to another and one paragraph to another. Finally, transitional words link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

Here is a list of common transitional words and the categories to which they belong.

and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)

To Compare:

whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true

because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is

To Show Exception:

yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes

To Show Time:

immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then

in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted

To Emphasize:

definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation

To Show Sequence:

first, second, third, and so forth, next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon

To Give an Example:

for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration

To Summarize or Conclude:

in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently

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 | Video

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Transition Words and Phrases for Writing

Use this list of 100+ high school transition words and phrases for instances where you need to provide comparison/contrast, summarization, conclusion, or to indicate more information..

Transition words for high school essays

In this guide, we explore high school transition words. Transition words play a crucial role in structuring and bridging ideas in writing. They are the glue that binds sentences and paragraphs together, ensuring a smooth flow of thoughts and concepts.

The importance of these words cannot be underestimated, especially in high school writing, where complexity and cohesiveness of ideas start to play a more significant role.

This guide will provide an in-depth look into various categories of transition words and how to use them effectively in your writing.

What are transition words? 

Transition words are functional parts of speech that writers use to help readers move easily and clearly from one idea to another. They add necessary organization and structure to a text, and they are critical for creative, expository, or academic writing.

Successful writers use common transition words and phrases in both fiction and non-fiction works.

Why do we use transition words? 

Also called connecting or linking words, transition words and phrases help  establish clear connections between ideas and ensure that sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly , making them easier to read. 

Examples of high school transition words

Using transitional words properly is crucial to the development of good writing composition skills. By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays.

Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances.

Cause, purpose, or intent transition words

Here is a list of transition words/linking words and phrases when you want to indicate cause, intent, or condition. They can be coordinating conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs, etc.

Example: "We can probably finish this hike in less than two hours, as long as we stick to the marked trails and don't stop too often to rest."

Types of transition words for cause, purpose, and intent:

• For the reason that
• For the purpose of
• In order to
• In light of
• On condition of
• Out of fear of
• On account of
• Provided that

Effect, consequence, or result transition words

These connecting words and phrases demonstrate effects or results, cause and effect, and are sometimes used to denote consequences that occur after the fact (using time words like "after" and "then"). They are predominantly conjunctive adverbs and are mostly used when starting a new paragraph.

Example: "Kevin never changed the oil in his car - as a result , the engine seized and he had to pay $2000 to get it replaced."

Use transition words for better accessibility. Below are some examples of transitional expressions:

• Accordingly
• Consequently
• In that case
• As a result
• Due to circumstances
• Because of that
• In light of that
• For that reason

Comparison or agreement transition words

These transition phrases and words reinforce the concepts and ideas directly preceding them, or enable the reader to directly compare two preceding statements, previous arguments, ideas, or concepts.

Example: "Needing to gain only 2 yards for a critical first down, the coach was faced with going for it or kicking the ball away. Calling a pass play seemed the safest bet. Moreover , the quarterback hadn't thrown an incomplete pass all game."

Check the following examples:

• Comparatively
• In similar fashion
• Identically
• Furthermore
• In addition
• In the same vein
• Additionally
• As a matter of fact
• First of all
• In the first place
• Compared to
• In the same way
• In addition to
• Part and parcel of
• By the same token

Contrast or contradiction words & phrases

Use these transition words and phrases to point out differences in ideas, or suggest to the reader that there are alternative ideas to consider.

Example: "The coach decided to go for it on 4th down, albeit with a very simple quarterback sneak."

• In spite of
• Nonetheless
• Nevertheless
• Be that as it may
• On the contrary
• Even though
• Rather than
• At the same time
• In contrast with

Sequence and time transition words

Convey a sequence of events or the structure and limits of time with these transition words.

Example: "Attention, passengers: At the present time , the subway is delayed because of a signal issue at the Ashmont station."

• At the present time
• Immediately
• Simultaneously
• Subsequently
• To begin with
• All of a sudden
• In an instant
• Once in awhile
• Right this minute
• Not a second too soon

Transition words for place and location

Indicate location, presence, and state with these transition words.

Example: "The town finally voted to build a new high school adjacent to the old railway station."

• In the background
• To the right/left
• In the back/front
• In front of
• In proximity to
• Kitty-corner to/from
• Across from
• In the vicinity of
• On the horizon
• In the distance

Summarizing and concluding transition words

Use these connecting words and phrases to summarize ideas and concepts, convey conclusions to readers, or restate particular ideas and concepts.

Example: " Generally speaking , commuting into the city usually takes me an hour, except on rainy or snowy days, when it can take as many as 3 hours to get to work."

• To summarize
• In the final analysis
• For the most part
• At the end of the day
• After all is said and done
• By and large
• In the short run
• All things considered
• In conclusion
• To conclude
• As demonstrated
• As discussed
• As indicated

Transition words for examples, emphasis, and more information

This group of linking words and phrases will help illustrate, add more information, and provide examples for readers.

Example: "There were a number of accidents and breakdowns on the highway today - surprisingly , I still made it to school on time."

• For example
• For instance
• In particular
• Particularly
• Specifically
• To illustrate
• To demonstrate
• For this reason
• In this case
• Putting it another way
• By all means
• Hypothetically
• Putting it differently
• Significantly

Keep practicing!

Transition words are essential tools for enhancing the cohesiveness and flow of your writing. Learning and effectively using these high school transition words will not only improve your writing skills but also increase your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and logically.

Keep practicing and enriching your writing with these high school transition words and phrases.

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Complete List of Transition Words

100 Words and Phrases to Use Between Paragraphs

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• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

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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• 60 Writing Topics for Extended Definitions
• Spatial Order in Composition
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A List of Transition Words to Use for Argumentative Essays

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Writing an argumentative essay requires a lot of effort aside from research. Besides grammar and structure, you definitely need to make sure your essay is coherent by using transitions.

Argumentative essay transition words allow you to wrap up a piece of evidence to support your main point and then move on to another. Keep reading for tips and an exhaustive list of transition words I put together for your argumentative essays.

What Is a Transition Word?

A transition word is critical to producing quality content. Also known as linking words, transition words make basic connections between sentences and paragraphs to show a relationship between ideas.

A strong transition is crucial when writing an essay. It’s not enough that you provide complete information about your main points and supporting details. You also have to make your argument attractive and logical by using transitions in your academic essay.

The absence of transition words will make your paper less readable and understandable. But too many transitions can also ruin your piece. Use them in moderation to avoid confusion about your document.

Function and Importance of Transitions

The goal of transition words is to convey ideas clearly and concisely to your readers. If you’re writing an argumentative paper, you want to make logical connections in your document to prove your central point.

Transitional phrases and words help you produce a logical flow from one sentence or paragraph to another. In other words, they introduce what the following information will be. Some transitions come in single words, while others come in complete phrases and sentences.

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There are many categories of transitions, including those that present counterarguments and others that build on your arguments. Be careful about using the wrong transition. Otherwise, you won’t achieve your goal of clarity and conciseness. Consider these examples.

• “ For instance , an anonymous TikTok user reports having a shorter attention span because of its over-swiping feature.” (In this sentence, for instance is used to provide an example).
• “ Here’s an exception to my previous point. ” (This entire sentence is a transition, showing a logical connection between the previous and following sentences).

Transition can also be a sentence to a paragraph long. I’ll show you an example.

Paragraph A: A point that supports co-sleeping as a parenting method.

Transition: Despite this, there are many reasons that prove co-sleeping leads to sleep-related accidents.

Paragraph B: Points that oppose co-sleeping.

Types of Transition Words

There are several types of transitions you can use for making high-quality essays.

Transition Between Paragraphs

A type of transition required for a well-written essay is one you can find between paragraphs. Once you’ve arranged each paragraph according to your outline, it’s important to start each with an effective transition. This word or phrase is usually present in the topic sentence of the body.

Some examples include however, similarly, and for example. But these transition expressions cannot be a single sentence long. The initial sentence of every paragraph should be clear and substantial instead of simply connecting ideas.

Transition Within Paragraphs

Creating a powerful transition within every paragraph of your academic papers avoids choppy sentences. It provides a sense of connection between complex ideas to help readers anticipate what is coming.

These are usually single words or short phrases like in addition, since, and if.

Transition Between Sections

The last type of transition phrases and sentences are those between sections. You’ll find them all over the entire paper to summarize the information. They can be restatements of arguments or a short closing sentence to ensure the flow of ideas.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

It’s a type of essay that requires you to research a subject matter and establish a position for or against it.

Aside from researching and evaluating evidence, showing a relationship between sentences and sections is essential when writing a paper. This will allow you to wrap up an idea and then start another. You must cite different sources to support your point of view, then show counterarguments.

The entire essay should include an introduction, a conclusion, and at least three body paragraphs.

How Do You Start an Argumentative Essay?

Every type of paper starts with an introduction, which usually includes a hook, background, and thesis statement.

The common essay introduction piques the reader’s interest through a surprising statistic or an interesting question. Provide readers with a background of your entire content piece, then state your main argument in a clear sentence.

Transition expressions are not yet essential in this stage of essay writing. Focus on setting up your point and discussing how you will argue it throughout the paper.

Common Transitions for Argumentative Essay Writing

Take a look at this list of transitional words and phrases commonly used to make strong arguments.

• Additionally
• In addition
• Not only… but also
• In the same way
• Comparatively
• Furthermore
• Equally important

Counterargument Transition Words

Here’s a transition word list for essays showing different sides of an argument.

• While it is true that
• Nevertheless
• Despite this
• On the other hand
• Be that as it may
• Even though
• Although this may be true

Transition Words and Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting

Here’s a breakdown of transition words and phrases you can use when comparing and contrasting.

• In spite of
• On the contrary
• Different from
• In contrast

Transition Words to Include in Your College Essay

Here are some examples of transition words you can use when applying for college admission or scholarship.

• To put it in another way
• To demonstrate
• As an illustration
• By all means
• In other words

Transition Words for Cause and Effect

Consider this transition word list when showing cause and effect.

• As a result
• For this reason
• Consequently
• Accordingly
• Under those circumstances
• Because the

Transition Words for Essay Paragraphs

• At the present time
• In due time
• To begin with
• All of a sudden
• Immediately
• In a moment

Transitions to Emphasize a Point

• Most of all
• The main problem/issue is
• Without question
• More importantly
• Most important of all

Transition Words for Additional Support or Evidence

Transition words for sequence or order, transition words for space or place.

• In the middle of
• In the distance
• In the background
• Here and there
• On the side

To Cite a Source or Paraphrase

• According to
• This means that
• Put it more simply

Transition Words to Begin a Body Paragraph

• What is more
• Beyond that

Transition Words to Introduce Details

• For example
• As an example
• For instance
• A case in point
• Specifically
• In particular
• More specifically

Transition Words for Conclusion

• As can be seen
• By and large
• On the whole
• To summarize
• In the final analysis
• Generally speaking

More Transition Words

• With this intention
• In order to
• In the hope that
• With this in mind
• For the purpose of
• Provided that

Tips for Using Argumentative Essay Transitions

Follow these tips to improve your use of transitions in your essay.

Know What the Transitions Mean

Non-native speakers may need help knowing the meaning of every transition expression, so research every term before using it.

There are also many categories of transition words. You can use them to summarize points, show contradictions, express sequence, or begin a paragraph.

Start Your Essay with an Outline

Writing an outline will make it easier to map your ideas and move them around. This strategy will help you transition between paragraphs.

Don’t Overuse Transitions

The last mistake you shouldn’t make is overuse. Instead of making connections between sentences, you’ll make your paper more difficult to read. It creates more incoherence and distraction in your writing, contradicting its intended purpose in your paper.

Use Transition Words Properly

Now you know how to use transition words and phrases for your argumentative essay through this guide and list. These expressions will help you produce a coherent relationship between every idea.

Mastering transitions for your essay may not be a piece of cake, but practice makes perfect. Don’t forget to revise and proofread your argumentative before submitting it to your professor.

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List of Transitional Words for Essay Writing

Kristine tucker.

Transitional words make it easier for students to connect their thoughts and ideas when writing essays. As a student, the goal is to select transitional words to help guide readers through your paper. Parents and teachers can help younger students incorporate transitional words into their essays by teaching them the different types of transitional methods and when to use specific words.

Explore this article

• Sequence of Events: Addition, Introductions and Conclusions
• Compare and Contrast
• Clarification and Identification
• Cause and Effect
• Emphasis and Focus

1 Sequence of Events: Addition, Introductions and Conclusions

Teach students to use transitional words to explain the sequence of events . Students as young as third and fourth grade can learn to manage the order of events by using transitional words, suggests the Common Core State Standards Initiative . Examples include words and phrases, such as "for instance," "in addition to," "also," "first," "second," "next," "following this," "at this point," "afterward," "finally," "in conclusion," "consequently," "previously," "concurrently," "indeed," "further" and "moreover." These transitions help students add information to their current text, introduce concepts or conclude arguments . Encourage students to use them at the beginning of a new paragraph.

2 Compare and Contrast

Opt for compare and contrast transitional words to show similarities and differences between ideas so readers can better understand the logic in a paper, according to The Writer's Handbook at the University of Wisconsin . Examples of comparison words include "in like manner," "similarly," "in the same way," and "by the same token." Contrast transitional words such as "yet," "nevertheless," "after all," "however," "but," "in contrast," "otherwise" and "though" help students explain opposing views or alternate perspectives. Advise students to only use compare and contrast transitions when they're discussing obvious similarities and differences .

3 Clarification and Identification

Use transition words to clarify points and increase understanding . These words help writers explain why they aren't moving forward with new ideas; they want to restate or rephrase their current points. Some examples include "specifically," "to clarify," "in other words," "namely," "that is," "thus" and "to put it another way." These transitional words force readers to take another look at current points and reconsider them before moving forward.

4 Cause and Effect

Instruct students to use causal transitions to explain cause-and-effect situations and to signal when they're supplying reasons and results, suggests Michigan State University. Causal transitions are ideal for bridging or connecting related ideas in the same paragraph . Examples of causal transitions include "because," "in that sense," "for the reason that," "due to," "for as much as," "on the condition," "as long as," "in case," "providing that," "even if," "as a result," "consequently," "therefore," "under those circumstances" and "in order to."

5 Emphasis and Focus

Select transitional phrases for emphasis to help readers home in on the most important concepts. These transitions build suspense and lead up to larger points, according to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.

Avoid using these transitions too frequently or they'll lose their effectiveness . Transitional words that show emphasis include "extremely," "obviously," "absolutely," "surprisingly," "emphatically," "unquestionably," "always," "never," "without a doubt" and "undeniably."

• 1 Common Core State Standards Initiative: English Language Arts -- Writing -- Grade 4
• 2 Michigan State University: Transition Words
• 3 University of Wisconsin, Madison -- The Writing Center: The Writer's Handbook -- Transitional Words and Phrases
• 4 Purdue University Online Writing Lab: Writing Transitions

About the Author

As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.

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How to Use Transitions to Start a Paragraph [Tips with Examples]

Transition words are essentially bridges that help you move smoothly from one topic to another, ensuring your writing maintains its flow and relevance. These words and phrases are particularly useful when starting a new paragraph, as they signal a shift to a new aspect of the main topic under discussion. Understanding and using transition words effectively is a subtle yet powerful skill that can significantly enhance the coherence of your writing. As a writer, I'll demonstrate the best ways to incorporate transition words so your passages flow seamlessly and make sense to your readers.

What are Transitions?

Transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs to ensure a smooth flow in writing. They serve as bridges, guiding readers from one point to the next without losing coherence. These transitions can indicate relationships such as addition (e.g., "furthermore," "moreover"), contrast (e.g., "however," "on the other hand"), or cause and effect (e.g., "therefore," "consequently").

The importance of transition words in essays cannot be overstated. They enhance the overall structure, making the text more readable and logical. By clearly signaling shifts in ideas or arguments, transition words help readers follow the writer's train of thought and understand the connections between different points. This not only improves comprehension but also keeps the readers engaged, making the writing more effective and persuasive.

Transition Words in Academic Writing

Transition words are valuable in academic writing as they help with the flow of presenting your idea or argument. However, students are often confused, either by not knowing which one to use where or by how many to use. So, while transitions are important, misuse or overuse can both be a nuisance. Let's explore five important categories of transition words for essays and how you can use them effectively in your essays, reports, and research papers.

1. Addition and Emphasis

When you're building your argument or explaining complex ideas, addition and emphasis transition words are invaluable. Use these to introduce new information, provide examples, or stress key points. They'll help you expand on your thoughts and strengthen your arguments, showing your professor that you've thoroughly explored the topic.

2. Cause and Effect

In academic writing, you'll often need to explain how one thing leads to another. Cause and effect transition words help you clearly demonstrate these relationships. Whether you're discussing scientific processes or historical events, these transitions will make your reasoning more logical and easier to follow.

3. Contrast and Comparison

Sometimes you'll need to show how things are similar or different in your assignments. That's when contrast and comparison transition words come in handy. They help you present different ideas side by side, making it easier for your readers to see connections and differences. These transitions are especially useful when you're analyzing literature, comparing historical periods, or discussing pros and cons in a debate.

4. Sequence and Order

Organizing your ideas logically is key to successful academic writing. Sequence and order transition words help you present information in a clear, step-by-step manner. Whether you're describing a process, narrating events, or structuring an argument, these transitions will make your writing more coherent and easier to understand.

5. Summary and Conclusion

As you wrap up your essays or reports, summary and conclusion transition words signal to your reader that you're bringing your thoughts together. Use these to restate your main points, offer final insights, or suggest areas for further research. They'll help you end your writing on a strong note, leaving your professor with a clear understanding of your argument or analysis.

How to Choose the Right Transition Words

Choosing the right transition words can significantly improve the flow and clarity of your writing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to transition between paragraphs and sentences to help you select the most appropriate transition words:

1.Identify the relationship between ideas

First, analyze how your sentences or paragraphs connect. Are you:

Adding information?

Showing contrast?

Explaining cause and effect?

Providing an example?

Emphasizing a point?

Understanding this relationship will guide you towards the right category of transition words. For instance, if you're adding information, you might use words like "furthermore" or "in addition." If you're showing contrast, "however" or "on the other hand" could be appropriate. For cause and effect, consider "therefore" or "as a result".

2.Consider the purpose of your transition

Think about what you're trying to achieve with your transition. Are you:

Moving to a new topic?

Elaborating on a previous point?

Concluding your thoughts?

This will help you narrow down your choices within the category you've identified. For example, if you're moving to a new topic, you might use "shifting gears" or "turning to." If you're elaborating, "to illustrate" or "specifically" could work well. For conclusions, consider "in summary" or "ultimately."

3.Look at the context

Consider the tone and style of your writing. Some transitions are more formal, while others are more casual. Choose one that fits the overall voice of your essay.

4.Avoid overuse

Don't feel pressured to use a transition word for every sentence. Use them where they truly add value and improve the flow of your writing.

5.Experiment with different options

If you're unsure, try out a few different transition words to see which one sounds best. Reading your work aloud can help you decide.

For example, let's say you're transitioning:

Between two paragraphs:

Transitioning between related ideas

Transitioning from a general idea to a specific example

These examples demonstrate how transition words can improve the flow and coherence of your writing. The "bad" examples aren't necessarily incorrect, but the "good" examples show how transitions can make the connections between ideas clearer and more explicit. Each transition word subtly changes the relationship between the ideas, so choose the one that best represents your intended meaning.

Once we understand the purpose of transition words, using them in essays becomes a lot easier. But then a question that often arises is: how many transition words are appropriate in an essay? The answer is simple: look at the points where you're transitioning from one idea to another. These are your opportunities to use transition words effectively.

This can be a little challenging, which is why I recommend using WPS Office . WPS Office offers an AI spell check feature, which allows students to ensure that not only are there no spelling or grammatical errors in their content, but it also provides checks for clarity, engagement, and delivery.

Let's look at a paragraph I wrote in WPS Office, where I thought I had used a few transition words appropriately. However, when I had it checked by WPS AI spell check, it turned out there were a couple of unnecessary transition words in the article.

This shows how even when we think we're using transition words correctly, there's always room for improvement. Tools like WPS Office can be invaluable in helping us refine our writing and use transition words more effectively.

Using WPS AI to Perfect Your Essay

WPS AI is an AI tool incorporated within the WPS Office suite, offering a multitude of features that leverage advanced artificial intelligence to support your essay writing needs. From helping you refine and build up your ideas to making them more definite, WPS AI assists at every stage of your writing process. If you have already written your essay, it will ultimately help you refine it further.

Here’s how WPS AI can assist you in crafting an outstanding essay:

1.Check the Grammar and Syntax

WPS AI meticulously checks your essay for grammatical errors and syntax issues. It ensures that your writing is free from common mistakes, such as incorrect verb tenses, misplaced commas, and subject-verb disagreements. By providing suggestions for corrections, WPS AI helps you maintain a high level of professionalism and clarity in your writing.

2.Rewrite Your Statement for Clarity

WPS AI can improve the clarity and coherence of your essay by rewriting complex or awkwardly phrased sentences. It identifies areas where your writing may be ambiguous or convoluted and offers alternative phrasing that enhances readability. This feature ensures that your ideas are communicated effectively and your arguments are presented logically.

To access this function, simply look for the WPS AI list of options and click on "Improve Writing". This will generate a more refined version of your essay, making your writing more polished and professional.

3.Automatically Expand Content

When you need to elaborate on a point or expand a section of your essay, WPS AI can automatically generate additional content. This feature helps you continue writing seamlessly, providing suggestions and content that align with your essay's theme and tone. It’s particularly useful for developing supporting arguments, providing more examples, or elaborating on complex ideas.

To use this function, simply click on the "Continue Writing" option from the WPS AI list of options. This will generate additional content that extends your current paragraph or section.

1. Can using too many transition words be a problem?

Overusing transition words can diminish the quality of your writing. These words are meant to link sentences and ideas, but using them too much can make your writing repetitive and dull. Striking a balance in their application ensures your writing remains concise and effectively communicates your ideas without unnecessary repetition.

2. Can transition words be used in formal writing?

Transition words and phrases are essential in formal writing as they promote coherence, navigate readers through arguments, and improve the overall flow of your text, guaranteeing clarity and logical progression.

Transitions 101: Your Guide to Smoother, Clearer Writing

Once you get the hang of transition words, you can bet you can write an essay in its full flow. But even if you're short on time, you can use WPS AI to help with where and how you want to add transition words.

With WPS Office, you get these advanced features and more, all designed to support your academic writing needs. Its AI-powered tools help you write, edit, and refine your essays, ensuring they are polished and professional. Plus, WPS Office is free, making it an accessible and invaluable resource for students and academics. Download WPS Office today and take your essay writing to the next level!

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