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Alternatives to the Word ‘But’ for Academic Writing

3-minute read

• 4th November 2015

Anne might not be the most celebrated Brontë, but she was on to something in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall , in which the titular tenant notes that ‘there is always a “but” in this imperfect world’.

The same is certainly true of academic writing , where the word ‘but’ is an essential (though sometimes overused) term for constructing grammatical sentences, particularly when comparing two points.

With short words like ‘but’, you shouldn’t worry too much about repetition. Nevertheless, sometimes an alternative (like ‘nevertheless’) can improve the flow of your prose, so herein we provide a few alternatives to the word ‘but’ that you can use in your written work.

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words used to connect two parts of a sentence, such as ‘but’, ‘and’ and ‘because’. The term ‘but’ connects two parts of a sentence while also setting up a contrast (e.g. ‘It was delicious, but the texture was awful’). In these cases, ‘but’ can be substituted with one of the following:

• Although (e.g. ‘I love dancing, although my feet hurt afterwards.’)
• Though (e.g. ‘I haven’t slept in a week, though I hope tonight I can rest properly.’)
• Yet (e.g. ‘It was terrible, yet I still want to go back and try again.’)

As well as conjunctions, you can link and contrast two ideas with an adverb or an adverbial phrase . Perhaps the most commonly used is ‘however’, so we will use this to illustrate how these words can substitute for ‘but’.

The key difference is that while conjunctions typically link two clauses in one sentence, adverbials like ‘however’ set up a contrast between two separate sentences:

Conjunction: I love dancing, but my feet hurt afterwards.

Adverbial: I love dancing. However, my feet hurt afterwards.

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As you can see, this can be handy when you want to begin a new sentence with a contrast. Having said this, the term ‘however’ can also appear mid-sentence or after a semicolon:

It was terrible. I still, however, want to go back.

It was terrible; however, I still want to go back.

Other adverbials that can be used to replace ‘but’ include:

• Nonetheless (e.g. ‘I ran fast; nonetheless, the horse won the race.’)
• Nevertheless (e.g. ‘It seemed like a mad idea. Nevertheless, it worked.’)
• Despite this (e.g. ‘I prepared for the exam thoroughly. Despite this, I failed.’)
• Having said that (e.g. ‘I will never drink again. Having said that, pass me a beer.’)

As a final point, one alternative to ‘but’ you might see is ‘on the other hand’. Ideally, though, this should only be used when the initial point has been introduced with ‘On the one hand’:

On the one hand , I did break everything in your house. On the other hand , it was my birthday, so you should forgive me.

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KathySteinemann.com: Free Resources for Writers and Poets

Word lists, cheat sheets, and sometimes irreverent reviews of writing rules. kathy steinemann is the author of the writer's lexicon series..

80+ Alternatives for “But”: A Word List for Writers

The Simplest Words Are Often the Toughest to Replace

Can you imagine devising alternatives for a, an, or the ?

Fortunately, those words don’t stand out. Readers usually slip over them without a second thought.

However, but , like many words, isn’t invisible when it appears too often. Endless repetitions frustrate readers. Likewise with its most common replacement, however .

Imagine a Man and a Woman Resolving a Dispute

Ron leaned toward Edwina. “ But you said you would —”

She pointed her finger at him. “ But I changed my mind.”

They both stood, glaring at each other, but not budging an inch from their spots on the edge of the swimming pool. A voice floated over the fence, but it was too soft to decipher.

Ron yelled , “Who is it?”

But the voice remained silent.

Edwina propped her hands on her hips but kept glaring at Ron. “It’s probably your moth —”

“Not his mother,” replied the voice, “ but I’ll give you three guesses. Then I’ll throw you both into the pool if you don’t kiss and make up.”

Seven appearances of but in seven paragraphs. Let’s consider an edited version:

Ron leaned toward Edwina. “You said you would —”

They both stood, glaring at each other, and not budging an inch from their spots on the edge of the swimming pool. A voice floated over the fence — a voice too soft to decipher.

Ron yelled, “Who is it?”

The voice remained silent.

Edwina propped her hands on her hips, continuing to glare at Ron. “It’s probably your moth —”

This example illustrates how instances of but can be reduced by deletion. Seven occurrences have been trimmed to two: in dialogue, where rules about repetition become less important. Even so, the conversation here comes across better with most of the repetitions removed.

Story prompt: Who does that voice belong to, and why are Ron and Edwina arguing?

What’s Happening to Arnold?

Arnold’s lips trembled. Nearly a century had crept by, but he would never forget the day he lost Anna. He tried to calm himself, but anxiety battered his thumping heart, which beat faster every moment. His lungs screamed for air, but nothing could get past the spasms in his throat.

He clutched his chest and reached for his cell phone but couldn’t force his fingers to cooperate. He slumped to the floor.

Arnold had always feared death, but as Anna’s face floated before his eyes, a wave of warmth and peace enveloped him. “Anna,” he said, “where have you been?”

Can we replace all instances of but ?

Arnold’s lips trembled. Nearly a century had crept by. However , he would never forget the day he lost Anna. He tried to calm himself. Even so , anxiety battered his thumping heart, which beat faster every moment. His lungs screamed for air, yet nothing could get past the spasms in his throat.

He clutched his chest and reached for his cell phone, although he couldn’t force his fingers to cooperate. He slumped to the floor.

Arnold had always feared death. In spite of that , as Anna’s face floated before his eyes, a wave of warmth and peace enveloped him. “Anna,” he said, “where have you been?”

Did the edited version unsettle you because your brain wanted to think but every time you encountered a substitute? Teaching point: Direct replacements for but function best if limited.

Let’s try a combination edit that relies on both deletion and replacement:

Arnold’s lips trembled. Nearly a century had crept by, yet he would never forget the day he lost Anna. He tried to calm the anxiety battering his thumping heart, which beat faster every moment. His lungs screamed for air — air that couldn’t get past the spasms in his throat.

He clutched his chest. Reached for his cell phone with fingers that refused to cooperate. He slumped to the floor.

Arnold had always feared death. Why? A wave of warmth and peace enveloped him as Anna’s face floated before his eyes. “Anna,” he said, “where have you been?”

One direct replacement for but remains. Rewording removes the rest.

Sometimes But Is the Better Alternative

Analyze this statement from a man arguing with a buddy in a truck-stop café:

“He avows that he’s ‘very, very intelligent.’ That being said , his actions contradict his words.”

This snippet might suit a news commentator or a political scientist, but not a stereotypical trucker.

How about this instead?

“He says he’s ‘very, very intelligent,’ but actions speak louder than words.”

The long-winded but replacement is scratched, one verb is replaced, and a cliché is added.

Takeaway: Don’t slash every occurrence of any word. Analyze each instance.

Direct Replacements For But

Explore rewording before you consult this list. Then, if you opt for alternatives, choose with care. Modern fiction novelists might make different choices than period fiction writers would.

A albeit, all the same, alternatively, although, anyhow, apart from that, aside from that, at any rate, at the other end of the scale, at the same time, at variance with that, au contraire

B to D bar, barring, barring that, be that as it may, besides, brushing that aside, by contrast, contrariwise, conversely, despite that, discounting that, disregarding that

E and F even if, even so, even supposing that, even with that, except, except that, excepting, excepting that, excluding that, for all that, forgetting that

H and I having said that, howbeit, however, ignoring that, in any case, in any event, in consideration of that, in spite of that, in the face of that, inversely

J to N just the same, leaving that behind, letting that pass, more to the point, nevertheless, nonetheless, not considering that, not taking that into consideration, notwithstanding

O on the contrary, on the other hand, on the other side of the coin, other than that, overlooking that

P to S passing over that, paying no attention to that, paying no heed to that, paying that no mind, per contra, regardless, save, skipping over that, still, still and all

T to Y that being said, that said, then again, though, undeterred by that, vice versa, what’s more, whereas, with that said, with the exception of, without regard to, yet

Red-Pencil Time

Can you edit away all or most instances of but in the following exercises?

Trevor stamped his feet . “ But I don’t wanna go, Mummy. And you can’t make me can’t make me can’t make me.”

Brittney bit her lip, attempting to contain her anger, but she couldn’t prevent the sharpness that edged into her voice. “Yes, I can. You’ve already missed two days of school, but there’s nothing wrong with you.”

“ But I’m hot and my stomach hurts and my throat is sore. … And … and … I can’t find my homework.”

“You mean the homework you didn’t do because you were too busy playing video games?”

He squeezed out a solitary tear.

But his mom didn’t fall for it. Trevor could produce tears better than any Hollywood actor. “Ten minutes. You be ready in ten minutes or you’re grounded for ten days. No video games. No TV. No dessert.”

Suggested solution

Trevor stamped his feet. “ But I don’t wanna go, Mummy. And you can’t make me can’t make me can’t make me.”

Although Brittney bit her lip in an attempt to contain her anger, she couldn’t prevent the sharpness that edged into her voice. “Yes, I can. You’ve already missed two days of school, and there’s nothing wrong with you.”

However, his mom didn’t fall for it. Trevor could produce tears better than any Hollywood actor. “Ten minutes. You be ready in ten minutes or you’re grounded for ten days. No video games. No TV. No dessert.”

Notes: For the sake of realism, Trevor’s dialogue is untouched . Brittney’s single but is replaced by and. Although and however also make guest appearances.

Louis scanned the heads in the crowd. Everyone but Darlene had shown up for the party. He tried to ignore the disappointment in the pit of his stomach, but it gnawed at him so much that he pulled his phone from his pocket. He stared at the screen. If I call her, she’ll think I’m needy. But if I don’t call her, she’ll think I don’t care.

He tapped his FAVORITES button, but an incoming call interrupted him before he was able to bring up her number. Another unknown caller? That’s the third in less than ten minutes. But against his strict policy to ignore telemarketers and strangers, he answered.

A voice crackled in his ear . “Louis? Is that you? I’ve been trying to reach you, but your phone keeps going to voicemail.”

“Darlene! Where are you? And why isn’t your number showing up?”

“It’s a burner. But I can’t explain right now. Meet me at my place in ten minutes.”

“Ten minutes.”

The line went dead.

Louis scanned the heads in the crowd. Everyone except Darlene had shown up for the party. Despite his efforts to ignore the disappointment in the pit of his stomach, it gnawed at him so much that he pulled his phone from his pocket. He stared at the screen. If I call her, she’ll think I’m needy. But if I don’t call her, she’ll think I don’t care.

He tapped his FAVORITES button —

An incoming call interrupted him before he was able to bring up her number. Another unknown caller? That’s the third in less than ten minutes. Against his strict policy to ignore telemarketers and strangers, he answered.

A voice crackled in his ear. “Louis, is that you? I’ve been trying to reach you, but your phone keeps going to voicemail.”

“It’s a burner. I can’t explain right now. Meet me at my place in ten minutes.”

Notes: Everyone but Darlene becomes everyone except Darlene. The second sentence is reworded to remove but. To preserve a feeling of reality, Louis’s internal monologue isn’t altered. An em dash and new paragraph show the interruption of his attempt to bring up Darlene’s number. But against is changed to against. Darlene’s first words are left as is, although to amp the pace, but is removed from her second bit of dialogue. Louis’s final but remains as well.

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15 thoughts on “ 80+ Alternatives for “But”: A Word List for Writers ”

Hello Kathy. I plan on doing a review for The Writer’s Lexicon. I love it. It sits on my desk and the pages are already showing signs of wear (in one week). 😉 Thanks again for all you do.

Thanks, Robyn. I’m glad you find it helpful. 🙂

Do you have any words/phrases/concepts you’d like me to tackle?

YES! Can you go more in-depth with WAS? In your book, you cover to go but (oops, :-)) was is my sticky wicket. PLEASE. Thank you, Kathy.

How about this one, Robyn?

100 Ways to Avoid “To Be” Verbs in Writing .

It begins on page 237 of The Writer’s Lexicon print edition.

I was reading the chapter when I noticed your reply. OR I read the chapter as your reply zoomed in. I love that but (ugh, two baddies) I confess to skimming the chapter. Maybe I didn’t want to see the bad news on my favorite passive verb. Ha.

When I write in rhyme I am mindful of past tense words being unstressed where the present tense is stressed. Writing is so hard. Maybe that’s why it’s so worth it?

As is another stickler for me.

As as in at the same time or as in because or …?

Try https://kathysteinemann.com/Musings/because/

And I’ll be posting something in a week or two that covers like similes. The replacements there would work for many instances of as .

Oh yes, writing is worth the effort. Painting the page with words is an art form that goes from the finger-painting beginner who splatters words about, to the master who weighs each one to decide whether it’s worthy of inclusion.

Thanks Kathy. Now I’m an old-hand at writing, and having been involved in proof-reading and editing, I can afford to smile at some of my old faux pas. It’s amazing how little thought some writers put into their work. Now, more than ever, with the literary scene bulging at the seams…authors should pay more heed to the words they put into print.

Thanks, Joy.

Some of the most popular authors commit faux pas, but we love their writing so much that we ignore minor glitches. Grammatically correct narrative doesn’t count for much unless the story pulls us in. However, a great story full of distractions can result in lost readers.

We toe across a tightrope every time we write, seeking a balance, breaking the rules if necessary, to create (we hope?) a masterpiece.

Hi Kathy, if you stick a ‘Twitter’ share button on here, I can pass the post info to my 20k followers there and probably gain your site more visitors.

Done, Stuart. Thanks for the plugs!

And shared!

Thanks, i loved it. The alpha list is a touch of genius. I now have a new shooter to use in my next game of marbels. Please keep up the good work. Chuck

Thanks for stopping by, Allan.

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conjunction as in indicating contrast

Weak matches

• nevertheless
• on the other hand

conjunction as in indicating an exception

• disregarding
• not including
• passing over

preposition as in indicating contrast

preposition as in indicating an exception

Discover More

Example sentences.

And more I cannot explain/but you, from what I did not say/will infer what I do not say.

And there is always the easy-but-true charge of Hollywood hypocrisy.

Sheets of bright-but-not-too-bright blue streaked with thin clouds.

And in those conflicts, the Predator would be all-but-useless.

And we all remember good-but-overpraised songs like If I Had a Hammer and the treacly classic Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

When he first worked her she had the old bee-but boiler, 24 feet in diameter.

Till now one with sudden hiss: "But-good Christ-just look-why, the roof's leaning—!"

Our friend with his infinite variety and flexibility, we know-but can we put him in?

Eligible single gentlemen pass and repass-but there is no invitation for to inquire within or without.

And again there came to Honoria that ache of longing for the but-half-disclosed glory and fulness of life.

Related Words

Words related to but are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word but . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

preposition as in apart from

• exclusive of
• in addition to

preposition as in other than

• leaving out
• with the exception of

preposition as in except for

• leaving aside
• not counting
• restricting

adverb as in particularly

• one and only

adverb as in still, nevertheless

• all the same
• be that as it may
• for all that
• in spite of
• in spite of that
• just the same
• nonetheless
• notwithstanding
• without regard to

Viewing 5 / 19 related words

When To Use

What are other ways to say  but .

The conjunction but marks an opposition or contrast, though in a casual way: We are going, but we shall return. However indicates a less marked opposition, but displays a second consideration to be compared with the first: We are going; however ( “notice this also” ), we shall return. Nevertheless implies a concession, something which should not be forgotten in making a summing up: We are going; nevertheless ( “do not forget that” ), we shall return. Still implies that in spite of a preceding concession, something must be considered as possible or even inevitable: We have to go on foot; still ( “it is probable and possible that” ), we’ll get there. Yet implies that in spite of a preceding concession, there is still a chance for a different outcome: We are going; yet ( “in spite of all, some day” ), we shall return.

On this page you'll find 48 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to but, such as: although, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, still, and though.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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Formal synonyms of 'BUT'

Below are three formal and polite equivalents (synonyms) of ' but ' which you can use in your business or professional pieces of writing.

The word 'but' is used to make a contrast between a situation ('it was raining') and what happened or will happen ('I went for a walk'). The word 'but' and its synonyms below are always used in front of the what happened or will happen (e.g. 'but I went for a walk'). This is different to another word used for making a contrast, 'although', which is always used in front of the situation instead (e.g. 'although it was raining').

To see the formal synonyms of 'although', click here .

Is used in the same way as 'but', but it is generally followed by a comma and is normally used (but not always) at the beginning of a sentence to contrast what was stated/said in the previous sentence.

'We were able to identify a problem with a part in the machine. However , when we replaced it, it didn't resolve the problem the machine has had.'

Nevertheless,

Used like 'however'. It can used in both the middle of a sentence (to connect the two parts/clauses) and at the beginning of a sentence to contrast what was stated/said in the previous sentence.

'The heating problems have been resolved in the building, nevertheless the heating will not be turned on until tomorrow morning.'

Nonetheless,

Is used in exactly the same way as 'nevertheless'.

'The heating problems have been resolved in the building, nonetheless the heating will not be turned on until tomorrow morning.'

©2024, Blair English

This is me, Chris Clayton, the owner and main writer for Blair English. I'm also a part-time English teacher in sunny Spain. I have a love of history and the web. I hope you find the website useful.

100+ Useful Words and Phrases to Write a Great Essay

By: Author Sophia

Posted on Last updated: October 25, 2023

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How to Write a Great Essay in English! This lesson provides 100+ useful words, transition words and expressions used in writing an essay. Let’s take a look!

The secret to a successful essay doesn’t just lie in the clever things you talk about and the way you structure your points.

Useful Words and Phrases to Write a Great Essay

Overview of an essay.

Useful Phrases for Proficiency Essays

Developing the argument

• The first aspect to point out is that…
• Let us start by considering the facts.
• The novel portrays, deals with, revolves around…
• Central to the novel is…
• The character of xxx embodies/ epitomizes…

The other side of the argument

• It would also be interesting to see…
• One should, nevertheless, consider the problem from another angle.
• Equally relevant to the issue are the questions of…
• The arguments we have presented… suggest that…/ prove that…/ would indicate that…
• From these arguments one must…/ could…/ might… conclude that…
• All of this points to the conclusion that…
• To conclude…

Ordering elements

• Firstly,…/ Secondly,…/ Finally,… (note the comma after all these introductory words.)
• As a final point…
• On the one hand, …. on the other hand…
• If on the one hand it can be said that… the same is not true for…
• The first argument suggests that… whilst the second suggests that…
• There are at least xxx points to highlight.

Adding elements

• Furthermore, one should not forget that…
• In addition to…
• Moreover…
• It is important to add that…

Accepting other points of view

• Nevertheless, one should accept that…
• However, we also agree that…

Personal opinion

• We/I personally believe that…
• Our/My own point of view is that…
• It is my contention that…
• I am convinced that…
• My own opinion is…

Others’ opinions

• According to some critics… Critics:
• believe that
• suggest that
• are convinced that
• point out that
• emphasize that
• contend that
• go as far as to say that
• argue for this

Introducing examples

• For example…
• For instance…
• To illustrate this point…

Introducing facts

• It is… true that…/ clear that…/ noticeable that…
• One should note here that…

Saying what you think is true

• This leads us to believe that…
• It is very possible that…
• In view of these facts, it is quite likely that…
• Doubtless,…
• One cannot deny that…
• It is (very) clear from these observations that…
• All the same, it is possible that…
• It is difficult to believe that…

Accepting other points to a certain degree

• One can agree up to a certain point with…
• Certainly,… However,…
• It cannot be denied that…

Emphasizing particular points

• The last example highlights the fact that…
• Not only… but also…
• We would even go so far as to say that…

Moderating, agreeing, disagreeing

• By and large…
• Perhaps we should also point out the fact that…
• It would be unfair not to mention the fact that…
• One must admit that…
• We cannot ignore the fact that…
• One cannot possibly accept the fact that…

Consequences

• From these facts, one may conclude that…
• That is why, in our opinion, …
• Which seems to confirm the idea that…
• Thus,…/ Therefore,…
• Some critics suggest…, whereas others…
• Compared to…
• On the one hand, there is the firm belief that… On the other hand, many people are convinced that…

How to Write a Great Essay | Image 1

How to Write a Great Essay | Image 2

Phrases For Balanced Arguments

Introduction

• It is often said that…
• It is undeniable that…
• It is a well-known fact that…
• One of the most striking features of this text is…
• The first thing that needs to be said is…
• First of all, let us try to analyze…
• One argument in support of…
• We must distinguish carefully between…
• The second reason for…
• An important aspect of the text is…
• It is worth stating at this point that…
• On the other hand, we can observe that…
• The other side of the coin is, however, that…
• Another way of looking at this question is to…
• What conclusions can be drawn from all this?
• The most satisfactory conclusion that we can come to is…
• To sum up… we are convinced that…/ …we believe that…/ …we have to accept that…

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Words to Use in an Essay: 300 Essay Words

Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

Words to use in the essay introduction, words to use in the body of the essay, words to use in your essay conclusion, how to improve your essay writing vocabulary.

It’s not easy to write an academic essay .

Many students struggle to word their arguments in a logical and concise way.

To make matters worse, academic essays need to adhere to a certain level of formality, so we can’t always use the same word choices in essay writing that we would use in daily life.

If you’re struggling to choose the right words for your essay, don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of over 300 words and phrases to use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay.

The introduction is one of the hardest parts of an essay to write.

You have only one chance to make a first impression, and you want to hook your reader. If the introduction isn’t effective, the reader might not even bother to read the rest of the essay.

That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful and deliberate with the words you choose at the beginning of your essay.

Many students use a quote in the introductory paragraph to establish credibility and set the tone for the rest of the essay.

When you’re referencing another author or speaker, try using some of these phrases:

To use the words of X

According to X

As X states

Example: To use the words of Hillary Clinton, “You cannot have maternal health without reproductive health.”

Near the end of the introduction, you should state the thesis to explain the central point of your paper.

If you’re not sure how to introduce your thesis, try using some of these phrases:

In this essay, I will…

The purpose of this essay…

This essay discusses…

In this paper, I put forward the claim that…

There are three main arguments for…

Example: In this essay, I will explain why dress codes in public schools are detrimental to students.

After you’ve stated your thesis, it’s time to start presenting the arguments you’ll use to back up that central idea.

When you’re introducing the first of a series of arguments, you can use the following words:

First and foremost

First of all

To begin with

Example: First , consider the effects that this new social security policy would have on low-income taxpayers.

All these words and phrases will help you create a more successful introduction and convince your audience to read on.

The body of your essay is where you’ll explain your core arguments and present your evidence.

It’s important to choose words and phrases for the body of your essay that will help the reader understand your position and convince them you’ve done your research.

Let’s look at some different types of words and phrases that you can use in the body of your essay, as well as some examples of what these words look like in a sentence.

Transition Words and Phrases

Transitioning from one argument to another is crucial for a good essay.

It’s important to guide your reader from one idea to the next so they don’t get lost or feel like you’re jumping around at random.

Transition phrases and linking words show your reader you’re about to move from one argument to the next, smoothing out their reading experience. They also make your writing look more professional.

The simplest transition involves moving from one idea to a separate one that supports the same overall argument. Try using these phrases when you want to introduce a second correlating idea:

Additionally

In addition

Furthermore

Another key thing to remember

In the same way

Correspondingly

Example: Additionally , public parks increase property value because home buyers prefer houses that are located close to green, open spaces.

Another type of transition involves restating. It’s often useful to restate complex ideas in simpler terms to help the reader digest them. When you’re restating an idea, you can use the following words:

In other words

To put it another way

That is to say

To put it more simply

Example: “The research showed that 53% of students surveyed expressed a mild or strong preference for more on-campus housing. In other words , over half the students wanted more dormitory options.”

Often, you’ll need to provide examples to illustrate your point more clearly for the reader. When you’re about to give an example of something you just said, you can use the following words:

For instance

To give an illustration of

To exemplify

To demonstrate

As evidence

Example: Humans have long tried to exert control over our natural environment. For instance , engineers reversed the Chicago River in 1900, causing it to permanently flow backward.

Sometimes, you’ll need to explain the impact or consequence of something you’ve just said.

When you’re drawing a conclusion from evidence you’ve presented, try using the following words:

As a result

Accordingly

As you can see

This suggests that

It follows that

It can be seen that

For this reason

For all of those reasons

Consequently

Example: “There wasn’t enough government funding to support the rest of the physics experiment. Thus , the team was forced to shut down their experiment in 1996.”

When introducing an idea that bolsters one you’ve already stated, or adds another important aspect to that same argument, you can use the following words:

What’s more

Not only…but also

Not to mention

To say nothing of

Another key point

Example: The volcanic eruption disrupted hundreds of thousands of people. Moreover , it impacted the local flora and fauna as well, causing nearly a hundred species to go extinct.

Often, you'll want to present two sides of the same argument. When you need to compare and contrast ideas, you can use the following words:

On the one hand / on the other hand

Alternatively

In contrast to

On the contrary

By contrast

In comparison

Example: On the one hand , the Black Death was undoubtedly a tragedy because it killed millions of Europeans. On the other hand , it created better living conditions for the peasants who survived.

Finally, when you’re introducing a new angle that contradicts your previous idea, you can use the following phrases:

Having said that

Differing from

In spite of

With this in mind

Provided that

Nevertheless

Nonetheless

Notwithstanding

Example: Shakespearean plays are classic works of literature that have stood the test of time. Having said that , I would argue that Shakespeare isn’t the most accessible form of literature to teach students in the twenty-first century.

Good essays include multiple types of logic. You can use a combination of the transitions above to create a strong, clear structure throughout the body of your essay.

Strong Verbs for Academic Writing

Verbs are especially important for writing clear essays. Often, you can convey a nuanced meaning simply by choosing the right verb.

You should use strong verbs that are precise and dynamic. Whenever possible, you should use an unambiguous verb, rather than a generic verb.

For example, alter and fluctuate are stronger verbs than change , because they give the reader more descriptive detail.

Here are some useful verbs that will help make your essay shine.

Verbs that show change:

Accommodate

Verbs that relate to causing or impacting something:

Verbs that show increase:

Verbs that show decrease:

Deteriorate

Verbs that relate to parts of a whole:

Comprises of

Is composed of

Constitutes

Encompasses

Incorporates

Verbs that show a negative stance:

Misconstrue

Verbs that show a positive stance:

Substantiate

Verbs that relate to drawing conclusions from evidence:

Corroborate

Demonstrate

Verbs that relate to thinking and analysis:

Contemplate

Hypothesize

Investigate

Verbs that relate to showing information in a visual format:

Useful Adjectives and Adverbs for Academic Essays

You should use adjectives and adverbs more sparingly than verbs when writing essays, since they sometimes add unnecessary fluff to sentences.

However, choosing the right adjectives and adverbs can help add detail and sophistication to your essay.

Sometimes you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is useful and should be taken seriously. Here are some adjectives that create positive emphasis:

Significant

Other times, you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is harmful or ineffective. Here are some adjectives that create a negative emphasis:

Controversial

Insignificant

Questionable

Unnecessary

Unrealistic

Finally, you might need to use an adverb to lend nuance to a sentence, or to express a specific degree of certainty. Here are some examples of adverbs that are often used in essays:

Comprehensively

Exhaustively

Extensively

Respectively

Surprisingly

Using these words will help you successfully convey the key points you want to express. Once you’ve nailed the body of your essay, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.

The conclusion of your paper is important for synthesizing the arguments you’ve laid out and restating your thesis.

In your concluding paragraph, try using some of these essay words:

In conclusion

To summarize

In a nutshell

Given the above

As described

All things considered

Example: In conclusion , it’s imperative that we take action to address climate change before we lose our coral reefs forever.

In addition to simply summarizing the key points from the body of your essay, you should also add some final takeaways. Give the reader your final opinion and a bit of a food for thought.

To place emphasis on a certain point or a key fact, use these essay words:

Unquestionably

Undoubtedly

Particularly

Importantly

Conclusively

It should be noted

On the whole

Example: Ada Lovelace is unquestionably a powerful role model for young girls around the world, and more of our public school curricula should include her as a historical figure.

These concluding phrases will help you finish writing your essay in a strong, confident way.

There are many useful essay words out there that we didn't include in this article, because they are specific to certain topics.

If you're writing about biology, for example, you will need to use different terminology than if you're writing about literature.

So how do you improve your vocabulary skills?

The vocabulary you use in your academic writing is a toolkit you can build up over time, as long as you take the time to learn new words.

One way to increase your vocabulary is by looking up words you don’t know when you’re reading.

Try reading more books and academic articles in the field you’re writing about and jotting down all the new words you find. You can use these words to bolster your own essays.

You can also consult a dictionary or a thesaurus. When you’re using a word you’re not confident about, researching its meaning and common synonyms can help you make sure it belongs in your essay.

Don't be afraid of using simpler words. Good essay writing boils down to choosing the best word to convey what you need to say, not the fanciest word possible.

Finally, you can use ProWritingAid’s synonym tool or essay checker to find more precise and sophisticated vocabulary. Click on weak words in your essay to find stronger alternatives.

There you have it: our compilation of the best words and phrases to use in your next essay . Good luck!

Good writing = better grades

ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of all your assignments.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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• Writing Tips

Vocabulary Tips: Alternatives to ‘But’ for Academic Writing

3-minute read

• 19th February 2017

You’ll use some terms frequently in your written work . ‘But’ is one of these words: the twenty-second most common word in English, in fact!

Consequently, you shouldn’t worry too much about repetition of ‘but’ in your writing . But if you find yourself using it in every other sentence, you might want to try a few alternatives. How about the following?

Other Conjunctions

‘But’ is a conjunction (i.e. a linking word) used to introduce a contrast.

For example, we might use it in a sentence expressing contrasting opinions about Queen guitarist Brian May:

I like Brian May, but I find his hair ridiculous.

One option to reduce repetition of ‘but’ in writing is to use the word ‘yet’:

I like Brian May, yet I find his hair ridiculous.

‘Yet’ can often replace ‘but’ in a sentence without changing anything else, as both are coordinating conjunctions that can introduce a contrast.

Alternatively, you could use one of these subordinating conjunctions :

• Although (e.g. I like Brian May, although I find his hair ridiculous .)
• Though (e.g. I like Brian May, though I find his hair ridiculous. )
• Even though (e.g. I like Brian May, even though I find his hair ridiculous. )

As subordinating conjunctions, these terms can also be used at the start of a sentence. This isn’t the case with ‘but’, though:

Though I like Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous. – Correct

But   I like Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous. – Incorrect

Other subordinating conjunctions used to introduce a contrast include ‘despite’ and ‘whereas’. If using ‘despite’ in place of ‘but’, you may need to rephrase the sentence slightly. For instance:

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Despite liking Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous.

I like Brian May’s guitar solos, whereas I find his hair ridiculous.

How to Use ‘However’

One common replacement for ‘but’ in academic writing is ‘however’. But we use this adverb to show that a sentence contrasts with something said previously. As such, rather than connecting two parts of a sentence, it should only be used after a semicolon or in a new sentence:

I like Brian May’s guitar solos. However , I find his hair ridiculous.

I like Brian May’s guitar solos; however , I find his hair ridiculous.

‘However’ can be used mid-sentence, separated by commas. Even then, though, you should separate the sentence in which it appears from the one with which it is being contrasted. For instance:

I like Brian May’s guitar solos. I do, however , find his hair ridiculous.

Here, again, the ‘however’ sentence contrasts with the preceding one.

Other Adverbial Alternatives to ‘But’

Other contrasting adverbs and adverbial phrases can be used in similar ways to ‘however’ above. Alternatives include:

• Conversely ( I like Brian May’s guitar solos. Conversely , I find his hair ridiculous. )
• Nevertheless ( I like Brian May; nevertheless , I find his hair ridiculous. )
• In contrast ( I like Brian May’s guitar solos. In contrast , I find his hair ridiculous. )

One popular phrase for introducing a contrast is ‘on the other hand’. In formal writing, though, this should always follow from ‘on the one hand’:

On the one hand , I like Brian May’s music, so I do admire him. On the other hand , his hairstyle is terrifying, so I do worry about him .

And if you’re not sure which terms to use as alternatives to ‘but’ in your writing, having a document proofread by the experts can help.

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

But is a conjunction.

But as a linking word

We use but to link items which are the same grammatical type (coordinating conjunction). But is used to connect ideas that contrast.

The phrase but not is common:

The room has been painted but not in the colour that I asked for.

I’d love to go for a pizza with you but not tonight.

Conjunctions: contrasting

But meaning ‘except’

But means ‘except’ when it is used after words such as all , everything/nothing , everyone/no one , everybody/nobody :

The cleaning is done now, all but the floors. They still have to be washed.

I arrived at the airport and realised that I’d brought everything but my passport!

Everyone but Anna has checked in.

Nobody but the receptionist was left in the lobby of the hotel.

We use object pronouns after but ( me, you, him, us , etc.) even in subject position:

Everybody but me has paid.

No one but him would get a job like that.

In formal situations, we can use subject pronouns after but :

Everyone but she knew how the drama was going to end.

But for + reason

But for is used to introduce the reason why something didn’t happen:

But for the traffic, I would have been here an hour ago. (The traffic was very heavy – if it weren’t for the traffic, I’d have been here an hour ago.)

They would have been badly injured but for the fact that they were wearing seat belts. (They were wearing seat belts – if it weren’t for the fact that they were wearing seat belts, they would have been badly injured.)

All but meaning ‘almost completely’

I had all but finished the essay when the computer crashed and I lost it all.

His parents had all but given up hope of seeing him again.

Word of the Day

under lock and key

locked away safely

Dead ringers and peas in pods (Talking about similarities, Part 2)

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Synonyms of essay

• as in article
• as in attempt
• as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissertation
• composition
• prolegomenon
• undertaking
• trial and error
• experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

Articles Related to essay

To 'Essay' or 'Assay'?

You'll know the difference if you give it the old college essay

Thesaurus Entries Near essay

Cite this entry.

“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essay

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Two Provisions from the Nursing Code of Ethics for Nurses

This essay about the ethical principles outlined in the Nursing Code of Ethics, focusing on two key provisions: promoting health and well-being, and respecting the worth and dignity of every individual. It explores how nurses, as guardians of ethical conduct, play a proactive role in healthcare by advocating for preventive measures and fostering empowerment. Additionally, it highlights the importance of nurses treating each patient with dignity, autonomy, and compassion, regardless of background or status. These principles serve as guiding lights in nursing practice, emphasizing the holistic approach to patient care and the profound impact nurses have on promoting wellness and healing.

How it works

Within the intricate tapestry of healthcare, nurses emerge as stalwarts of ethical conduct and compassion, guided by the tenets enshrined in the Nursing Code of Ethics. Among these guiding principles, two pivotal provisions stand out, offering profound insights into the essence of nursing practice and its profound impact on patient care.

Let us embark on a journey into the provision emphasizing “the call to champion health and well-being,” a beacon guiding nurses towards proactive engagement in healthcare. Nursing transcends the boundaries of traditional medical care, embracing a holistic approach that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

This provision underscores the pivotal role of nurses in advocating for health promotion initiatives, encouraging preventive measures and lifestyle adjustments that foster lasting wellness within communities. By actively promoting health awareness and empowerment, nurses become catalysts for positive change, working not only to alleviate suffering but to nurture individuals towards lives of vitality and resilience.

Turning our attention to the provision spotlighting “the reverence for the inherent worth, dignity, and rights of every individual,” we delve into the heart of compassionate care. Amidst the diverse interactions within healthcare settings, nurses serve as ambassadors of empathy and respect, transcending societal barriers to honor the intrinsic value of each person. Upholding this provision goes beyond adherence to clinical protocols; it entails fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, where patients are granted the dignity, autonomy, and agency they rightfully deserve. By forging authentic connections and validating the unique identity of each patient, nurses not only heal bodies but uplift spirits, acknowledging the fundamental right of every individual to be treated with dignity and compassion.

In essence, these provisions serve as guiding stars amidst the ever-evolving landscape of nursing practice, illuminating the path towards ethical excellence and patient-centered care. Rooted in compassion, integrity, and advocacy, these principles not only define the essence of nursing but also inspire a legacy of healing and human connection that transcends time and circumstance.

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Two Provisions From The Nursing Code Of Ethics For Nurses. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/two-provisions-from-the-nursing-code-of-ethics-for-nurses/

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Two Provisions From The Nursing Code Of Ethics For Nurses . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/two-provisions-from-the-nursing-code-of-ethics-for-nurses/ [Accessed: 29 Apr. 2024]

"Two Provisions From The Nursing Code Of Ethics For Nurses." PapersOwl.com, Apr 29, 2024. Accessed April 29, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/two-provisions-from-the-nursing-code-of-ethics-for-nurses/

"Two Provisions From The Nursing Code Of Ethics For Nurses," PapersOwl.com , 29-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/two-provisions-from-the-nursing-code-of-ethics-for-nurses/. [Accessed: 29-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Two Provisions From The Nursing Code Of Ethics For Nurses . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/two-provisions-from-the-nursing-code-of-ethics-for-nurses/ [Accessed: 29-Apr-2024]

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