transition words for argumentative essay body paragraphs

208 Best Transition words for Argumentative essay

Searching for “transition words for argumentative essays”? Want some good collection of these words to make your essay top-notch? Seeking an expert guide? Couldn’t find the best sources for it? Deadline approaching but still in the middle of nowhere? Ensure to read this exciting article to know the argumentative essay transition words before you type write my Essay request.

In an  Argumentative Essay Writing Service , the writer tends to make his stance clear by giving sufficient evidence and using strong vocabulary to convince the audience. Hence, the most important pillar of such an essay is to add transition words that make it top-notch and ensure a flowy transition from one sentence and idea to another without creating ambiguity. So, to give you what is most important in your essay, here we are with the perfect essay writing guide. Let’s move to it.

Table of Contents

What Are Transition Words?

These words are often used in the essay writing and essay service to create, show, or build a relationship between phrases, words, sentences, paragraphs, and even ideas. Consider these argumentative words as one way to make it easier for the writer, especially when utilizing essay service, to push thoughts and ideas in a way that is most understandable and does not create ambiguity. These words are very important when moving from one idea to another, especially in the context of essay service, as they ensure a flowy transition in ideas. Lacking transitions can distract the audience and make them lose direction easily.

These argumentative transition words, in addition to above, make the audience prepared for what is coming ahead, immediately after one thought or idea. But as we know “with power comes great responsibility”, so we have to ensure the balance of using it. Using these words too much is harmful, just as using these words less will make the essay clumpy and ambiguous. Hence, moderation is necessary for proper utilisation of transition sentences for argumentative essays.

An easier way to understand these words is that they are simply joining words or conjunctions that join two sentences, ideas, thoughts, and paragraphs together.

It also has to be ensured that these words used have strong relationship with the writing, paragraphs, sentences etc. Irrelevancy should be avoided.

What Is the Purpose of Transition Words?

The purpose of such words is to:

Read on as there’s more to come on transition words argumentative essay!

• Tie the entire paper together 
• Disagreements
• Convey the thoughts and ideas with rationality and clarity
• Help readers understand phrases, words, sentences and the entire piece of writing easily.
• Present complex ideas in most understandable way.
• Ensure smooth flow of writing by forming a bridge and integrating logic into it.
• Help add rigor into the essay and make it enjoyable to read.

How To Use Transition Words?

The use of transition words, although complex, can become spontaneous when used frequently and practising them in writing. This is how to use it generally:

• These words generally appear at the start of any paragraph, sentence, and clause in an essay followed by a comma. This purpose as a connection between the previous sentence and the following clause. Example: the presence of her mother in the function was a big trouble. However, she still was a blessing in disguise.
• These words can also be used in the middle of any clause or sentence but it has to be ensured that it make sense with the idea. Example: she was, however, a blessing in disguise.
• Do not use these argument essay transition words too often. Example: whereas, close people are blessing in disguise, however, the presence of some people make us irritated. Although, not always, but, it happens usually. See, the sentence involving overuse of these words become too clumpy.
• Compare sentences and paragraphs with and without these transitions, and then decide the importance and use of them. Such as, mothers are always supportive. Fathers are more rational and harsh. Family is made of both. Decide how to keep the balance.

This sentence can be best presented as “Although, mothers are always supportive. Father, however, are more rational and harsher. As, family is made of both. So, decide how to keep the balance”.

Which Transition Words or Phrases Indicate a Time Relationship?

Following are transition words for an argumentative essay to indicate a time relationship:

How To Start a Paragraph Transition Words?

These are some words to use in an argumentative essay:

151 Transition Words for An Argumentative Essay

Here is the list of 151 of these argumentative essay words:

For conclusion

For adding quotations.

• As shown in
• As declared in
• As rightly said
• As mentioned
• This acknowledges
• This states that
• As confirmed

For analysis

• According to
• To demonstrate
• Subsequently
• with this in mind
• this is to say that

For synthesis

• In this regard
• This leads to
• Another thing
• As noted earlier
• The underlying concept

For college essay

Writing and integrating transition words into an essay might not be an easy task. Several important stuff have to be kept in mind to begin with it. However, with this writing guide,  pro essay writers  ensure that they have made clear how to implement and use such kind of words and phrases.

But if you are still trying to find and seek help of some experts, never forget that perfect essay writing services are always here to help. We move hand in hand with our help seekers/clients. So, don’t get late. Hurry up, get your perfect services right away.

The transition words that goes against an arguments are:

• In contrast
• Alternatively
• To put differently
• On the contrary
• In another way
• Another thing is to
• On the other hand

A good transition sentence in an essay are:

• In addition to
• Importantly
• For instance
• Not only but also

Some examples of transition words are:

• In contrast 
• To put differently 
• To show it, 
• On the contrary 
• In another way 
• While 
• At the same time 
• Chiefly 
• Generally speaking
• Alternatively 
• One alternative is...
• To clarify 
• As a result 
• These words generally appear at the start of any paragraph, sentence, and clause in an essay followed by a comma.
• These words can also be used in the middle of any clause or sentence but it has to be ensured that it make sense with the idea.
• Do not use these words too often.
• Compare sentences and paragraphs with and without these transitions, and then decide the importance and use of them.
• Use these words generally at the start of any paragraph, sentence, and clause in an essay followed by a comma.

Get Your Custom Essay Writing Solution From Our Professional Essay Writer's

Timely Deliveries

Premium Quality

Unlimited Revisions

• Assignment Writing Service
• Biography Writing Services
• Opinion Essay Writing Service
• Cover Letter Writing Service
• Critical Analysis Essay
• Romeo and Juliet
• Admission Essay
• Analytical Essay Writing Service
• Personal Statement
• Research Paper Writing Service
• Dream Essay
• Annotated Bibliography
• Dissertation Writing Services
• Contrast Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• College Essay Writing Service
• Application Letter
• College Paper
• Thesis Statement

We'll revise your work until you're 100% satisfied or refund your payment to make up for the trouble.

We are a team of professional writers providing quality-assured essays, research papers, and assignments. We bring the most affordable services for you with multiple revisions. Get plagiarism-free content with Turnitin pass and on-time delivery. We Create Great Content, Value, & Reliability!

• Opinion Essay Writing
• Cover letter writing service
• College Essay Writing
• Our Writers

Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Last updated on: Jun 13, 2023

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.

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

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.

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.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• How to Write an Essay - A Complete Guide with Examples

• The Art of Effective Writing: Thesis Statements Examples and Tips

• Writing a 500 Word Essay - Easy Guide

• What is a Topic Sentence - An Easy Guide with Writing Steps & Examples

• A Complete Essay Outline - Guidelines and Format

• Essay Format: Detailed Writing Tips & Examples

• How to Write a Conclusion - Examples & Tips

• Essay Topics: 100+ Best Essay Topics for your Guidance

• How to Title an Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Titles

• How to Write a Perfect 1000 Word Essay

• How To Make An Essay Longer - Easy Guide For Beginners

• Learn How to Start an Essay Effectively with Easy Guidelines

• Types of Sentences With Examples

• Hook Examples: How to Start Your Essay Effectively

• Essay Writing Tips - Essential Do’s and Don’ts to Craft Better Essays

• How To Write A Thesis Statement - A Step by Step Guide

• Art Topics - 200+ Brilliant Ideas to Begin With

• Writing Conventions and Tips for College Students

People Also Read

• descriptive essay writing
• what is a topic sentence
• how to write an editorial
• compare and contrast essay
• autobiography examples

Burdened With Assignments?

Advertisement

© 2023 - All rights reserved

2000+ SATISFIED STUDENTS

95% Satisfaction RATE

30 Days Money-back GUARANTEE

95% Success RATE

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact Us

© 2023 5StarEssays.com. All rights reserved.

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT

SIGN UP TO YOUR ACCOUNT

• Your phone no.
• Password Password must be minimum 8 characters.
• Confirm Password
•    I have read Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms and Conditions .

FORGOT PASSWORD

• SEND PASSWORD

Summer Deal! Top-rated Essay Writers Online! Get 50% OFF On Your First Essay Order!

Your 50% Off + Real Help Await!

Skip the Bots, Talk to Us

Have us text you Estimated wait time: about 2 minutes

Have us call you Estimated wait time: about 5 minutes

Chat with support Estimated wait time: about 3 minutes

Email us The current response time is 6 hours

Have us text you

Estimated wait time: about 2 minutes

By clicking “Text me” you agree to our terms and privacy policy .

We will contact you shortly!

Have us call you

Estimated wait time: about 5 minutes

By clicking “Call me” you agree to our terms and privacy policy .

The current response time is 6 hours

Please reach out to us at:

How To Write An Essay

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

12 min read

Published on: Jan 1, 2021

Last updated on: Jul 21, 2023

People also read

How To Write An Essay - "The Secret To Craft an A+ Essay"

Learn How to Title an Essay Like a Professional Writer

How to Write an Essay Outline Like a Pro

Essay Format - An Easy Guide & Examples

What is a Thesis Statement, and How is it Written? - Know Here

Arguable and Strong Thesis Statement Examples for Your Essay

200+ Creative Hook Examples: Ready, Set, Hook

A Guide to Writing a 1000 Word Essay for School or College

All You Need to Know About a 500-word Essay

Different Types of Essay: Definition With Best Examples

Writing an Essay Introduction - Step by Step Guide

Jumpstart Your Writing with These Proven Strategies on How to Start an Essay

Learn How to Write a Topic Sentence that Stands Out

A Guide to Crafting an Impactful Conclusion for Your Essay

Amazing Essay Topics & Ideas for Your Next Project (2023)

Explore the Different Types of Sentences with Examples

Share this article

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!

On This Page On This Page

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..."

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

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 professional 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.

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

Keep reading

Join our mailing list for discount & offers

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: Our website content is sometimes created using AI but is reviewed and verified by our experienced team of editors. All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Subscribed successfully!

Email Address Already Exists!

Please Enter Valid Email!

Transition Words useful for Argument Writing

Transitional Words/Expressions to Use in Writing

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply, argument writing blog.

• Search for:

Recent Posts

• Argument Writing in Second Grade By Jen Daigneault
• Argument Writing – Reflections from a HS English Teacher
• Argument Writing in Social Studies
• Open Source CCSS Resources
• Super Resource to Bookmark!
• February 2014
• January 2014
• November 2012
• Uncategorized
• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.com

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Follow Following
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

• About Our Blog
• Essay Writing Service

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays: The Ultimate List

• by Lesley V.
• June 19, 2023 June 19, 2023

For college papers to rock, you need transition words for argumentative essays.

Argumentative essay phrases make your work sound convincing, coherent, and logical. These lexical items help you connect ideas and paragraphs to keep readers engaged. With proper linking items, you’ll make each sentence flow.

In this post, I’ve gathered the ultimate list of argumentative transition words for your assignments to become A-worthy.

What Is a Strong Transition?

Linking words tell readers how one idea or issue relates to another. When used right, they help you build more convincing arguments. These sayings help readers understand the flow and relations between points and references.

 Where to use college transition words?

•  Between essay sections: connect an intro, body sections, and concluding paragraph.
•  Between paragraphs: connect claims and ideas within a text’s core part.
•  Within a paragraph: show the connection of claims in it.

The Purpose of Essay Transition Words

Why transition words in high school or college papers? The purpose is to make your writing look and sound coherent and convincing.

These expressions serve to:

• Frame your arguments and convey ideas with clarity
• Emphasize your points, support claims, and move to counterclaims
• Illustrate addition, comparison, or contrast
• Break down complex ideas within a paragraph for easier consumption and understanding
• Highlight and clarify claims
• Provide examples, summarize, and show the outcome
• Tie the entire paper for better readability and coherent flow

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays: List

Transition sentences for essay introduction.

These expressions are great to use in the intro of a paper. They’ll establish your topic and core idea to readers and move smoothly to the first body paragraph .

Essay introductions are short, so the connecting words here aren’t diverse. Here goes the list:

• Equally important
• Additionally
• Furthermore

Here’s an example of an introductory paragraph with linking phrases:

Argumentative Transition Words for Essay Body

Argumentative essay phrases in text bodies may differ depending on what you want to show.

If you need to share an example , consider lexical items like “Specifically,” “For instance,” “For example,” or “To illustrate.”

To provide further clarification , use phrases like “In other words,” “Specifically,” or “Namely.”

For time and sequence between arguments , write “ Firstly,” “Meanwhile,” “Second,” “Next,” “Subsequently,” and so on.

If you need to add quotes to your paper , consider transition and connecting words like “ As stated,” “As shown in,” “This states that,” “As confirmed,” or “As said.”

Transition words for argumentative essays’ first body paragraphs are common. Use the examples from the above list.

Conclusion Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

Transition words in argumentative essays’ conclusions wrap up the whole paper. Please, place them in the very last paragraph. The purpose is to rephrase your thesis, sum the arguments, and give readers the food for thought.

Practical Rules for Using Transition Words for Essays

• College transition words are to place at the beginning or the middle of a paragraph or a sentence. By understanding the purpose behind connecting phrases and how they provide structure, you’ll see where to place them.
• Outline your essay before writing. It will help you understand which transition sayings look appropriate for every section.
• Don’t use transitions too often. Remember that they connect, not substitute ideas. Resist the temptation of placing these phrases for nothing but word count.
• Use different argumentative essay phrases in a text. Vary them to boost readability and maintain the reader’s engagement.
• Compare your essay sections and sentences with and without linking items. It will help you understand the importance of using them. Please don’t place connecting phrases where they don’t fit; keep the balance.
• Re-read the draft once it’s ready. Does it sound smooth with the transition words you placed? Ensure they serve their purpose: guiding the reader and enhancing your paper’s coherence.
• Ask a friend or a professional editor to read your work. They can share comments on how well you placed linking phrases. Based on their feedback, you’ll identify what to improve .

Good Argumentative Transition Words: Examples

You can’t write a great essay or other college paper without transition words and phrases. Below is the ultimate list of these words based on the purpose:

Do you need a PDF version with the ultimate list of transition words (200+) from this article? Here it goes to download for free:

Do argumentative essays have transition words?

Yes, they do. Whether you compose a high school essay or a college paper, you’ll use transition and connecting words to support arguments . Use argumentative essay phrases to order ideas. They also work to state the relationship between issues and highlight points. You illustrate examples with their help, too.

​​How do you transition an argumentative essay?

To transition an argumentative essay, please analyze the function of every phrase you want to use. Different connecting words serve for essay introductions, conclusions, or body paragraphs. Also, you may need particular terms to emphasize arguments. Consider them to add clarifications or draw parallels between ideas.

What words can I use to start an argumentative essay? 

Try these argumentative essay phrases to start a paper: “In the first place,” “To begin,” “Initially,” or “First of all.”  Consider the college transition words PDF list in this article for other examples.

What is an example of a transition sentence in an essay?

A great example of a transition sentence depends on what essay part you write and what idea you want to establish. While some expressions enhance clarity and move flow, others emphasize points and guide the reader. An example can be  “That is to say,” “Another way to view this,” and “As you see.”

What are some transition words to conclude an argumentative essay?

Transition words to conclude an argumentative essay can be as follows: “To sum up,” “Finally,” “All in all,” “Hence,” “So,” or “In the final analysis.” In the above PDF file, I’ve gathered the ultimate list of transition words and phrases to use in different parts of your essay.

Transition words for argumentative essays are many. All have their purpose and place, and it may seem challenging to ace their use. Don’t let them confuse you! While mastering these expressions can take time, this skill is worth your struggles. Whatever essay you craft, you’ll need linking lexical items to polish it.

I hope many examples and the PDF file with strong college transition words from this article will ease your writing life. Remember: practice makes perfect. The more you try, the better you understand the power of transition and connecting words in essays.

3 thoughts on “Transition Words for Argumentative Essays: The Ultimate List”

Thank you for writing this post. I like the subject!

I want to thank you for this post and your assistance with my essay. It’s been great!

Wow… The list is massive and impressive. Thank you for this cheatsheet for essay writers like me! 😀

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Transitions

Transitions between paragraphs.

While within-paragraph transitions serve the purpose of alerting readers of upcoming shifts in perspective or voice , between-paragraph transitions serve the unique purpose of alerting readers of upcoming shifts in argument or idea . Because one of the core rules of effective paragraph-writing is limiting each paragraph to only one controlling idea (see the Basic Paragraph Resource Center lesson), shifts in argument or idea only tend to happen between paragraphs within the academic essay.

There are literally dozens of transition words to choose from when shifting focus from one idea to another. There are transition words that show cause and effect, contrast, similarity, emphasis, and even sequence. To give you a general idea of the options available to you, below are examples of just a few of those categories and word combinations:

With so many available options, you may be wondering how you will ever be able to figure out which word or set of words would work best where.

Guiding Questions

While there are many approaches you could take, let’s take a look at a few basic guiding questions you should be asking yourself as you look over your own essay and create your own between-paragraph transitions:

• What is the purpose of this paragraph? Is it to introduce, inform, persuade, address an opposing viewpoint, revisit or add emphasis to already discussed ideas?
• Does the idea I’m sharing in this paragraph relate to or support any other idea or argument shared within the essay up to this point?
• Does the idea I’m sharing in this paragraph present a different viewpoint or idea?
• Is the idea I’m sharing separate from or dependent upon other ideas being shared within the essay?

Your answer to these four basic questions should help you more easily identify which categories of transition words might work best at the beginning of each of your paragraphs.

A Couple Tips to Get Started

Selecting proper transitions takes time and practice. To get you started on the right foot though, here are a couple tips to point you in the right direction:

• Your body paragraphs would likely benefit most from the Addition and Order transition word categories as they tend to string together related or culminating ideas or arguments
• Your concluding paragraph would likely benefit most from the Emphasis word category as one of its primary objectives is to revisit and re-emphasize major ideas presented in the essay

To see the power of an appropriately-used transition in action, let’s consider the following prompt question example. Imagine you were asked to write an essay based on the following prompt:

• Do you believe that people have a specific “calling” in life? Why or why not?

A possible thesis statement (or answer to that prompt question) might be::

• My spiritual study, secular study, and my own life experience has taught me that life callings tend to emerge not just once, but perhaps even multiple times, at crossway of spiritual gifts and need in the world.

Ponder and Record

• Based on the thesis statement above, how many body paragraphs do you think this essay will need to have?
• What controlling ideas (or arguments) might each body paragraph be engaging?
• Are these arguments in any way related to each other or building on each other?
• How might these body paragraphs benefit from transition words in the Addition or Order categories?

Body Paragraph Transitions

In answering the questions above, you likely realized that three body paragraphs will be required in this essay based on its current thesis statement. One body paragraph will focus on “spiritual” findings, another on “secular,” and then finally one supported by “personal experience.”

You also likely realized that the Addition transition word category cannot be applied to the first body paragraph as no arguments have been made yet that can be added to. This means that the first body paragraph would likely benefit most from a transition word selected from the Order category. An example of this in application might look like the following:

Body Paragraph #1 Topic Sentence

Above all, my spiritual study of the scriptures as well as the words of latter-day prophets have supported my belief that life callings emerge at the intersection of spiritual gifts and need in the world.

• What does the selection of the transitional phrase “above all” suggest about the controlling idea that will be discussed in this paragraph?
• What does it suggest about the ideas that will follow in subsequent paragraphs?

To see more “between-paragraph” transition words in action, let’s look at what the next body paragraph topic sentence might look like with the added benefit of transition words:

Body Paragraph #2 Topic Sentence

In addition to my spiritual study, my secular study of the “life calling” also supports this idea that life callings emerge again and again at the intersection of spiritual gifts and need in the world.

• What is the transitional phrase used in the topic sentence above?
• Which list is the transitional phrase “in addition” drawn from?
• What purpose does it serve in this paragraph? How does it add value?

To really emphasize the value-add of between-paragraph transitions, let’s look at one final body paragraph example:

Body Paragraph #3 Topic Sentence

Finally, my own life experience has taught me that the concept of the “life calling” truly does lie at the intersection of gifts and need in the world.

• Which list is the transitional phrase “finally” drawn from?

Concluding Paragraph

As mentioned above, the category of transition words that would most benefit your concluding paragraph is Emphasis . Since one of the main purposes of the concluding paragraph is to revisit ideas shared within the essay, transition words that express emphasis would be a natural fit and value-add. To see the power of this addition, feel free to examine the example below:

Concluding Paragraph Example

Without a doubt, I have come to realize over the years that a life calling is so much more than simply acting on a single moment in time— it is developing gifts and talents and constantly reassessing what value-add those gifts and talents can bring to the world at that particular moment.

• What transitional phrase is used in the above concluding paragraph topic sentence?
• How does the addition of “without a doubt” add emphasis to the conclusion? How does its addition help fulfill one of the concluding paragraph’s primary purposes?

Within-paragraph and between-paragraph transitions are truly the best ways to alert readers to upcoming changes in perspective and voice as well as argument or idea. As you write and then review your own writing, really try to consider which transition words would best help you create the most powerful and organized experience for your readers.

54 Best Transition Words for Paragraphs

Good transition words for starting a paragraph include addition phrases like ‘furthermore’, cause and effect words like ‘consequently’, and contradiction words like ‘however’. Scroll down for a full table of transition words.

Using transition words in your writing can help you improve the readability and flow of your paragraph to the next.

These words help your text flow seamlessly into the next idea, which shows your readers the relationship between paragraphs and phrases.

What are Transition Words?

Transition words for beginning paragraphs help writers to introduce a shift, opposition, contrast, agreement, emphasis, purpose, result, or conclusion from what was previously written. They are essential in argumentative essays.

Transition words are like bridges between the different paragraphs in your pieces. They serve as the cues that help your reader understand your ideas. They carry your ideas from one sentence to the next and one paragraph to the next.

Transitional words and phrases link an idea from a sentence to the following paragraph, so your work is read smoothly without abrupt jumps or sudden breaks between concepts.

Get a Pdf of this article for class

Enjoy subscriber-only access to this article’s pdf

Types of Transition Words for Starting a Paragraph

Transition words can fall into more than one category based on what type of transition in your paragraph you’re planning to make.

For example, you’d want a different transition word if your second paragraph contradicts your first than if it supports it. Take the following examples:

Here is a list of transition words and what category they fall under.

• Addition – A transition that combines two or more ideas and shows their relationship. Examples include, what’s more, equally important, again, also, and, furthermore, moreover, besides .
• Cause and Effect – When one idea triggers another. This lets the reader know that they are directly connected. Examples include, consequently, hence, therefore, thus, next, as a result .
• Clarification – This is to rephrase what was said to clarify a statement and provide emphasis. Examples include, in other words, that is to say, to clarify.
• Compare and Contrast – This shows a relationship between two ideas that are compared based on differences or similarities. Examples are, after all, although this may be true, in contrast, likewise, on the contrary, similarly, whereas, yet.
• Emphasis (Boosting) – This shows certainty. Examples include, emphatically, in fact, surprisingly, undeniably, in any case, indeed, never, without a doubt.
• Providing examples : For example, for instance, as illustrated by, take the following case in point.
• Exception or Contradiction – This happens when an action with a pre-conceived notion ends with a different action. Examples are, however, nevertheless, in spite of, of course, once in a while, despite.
• Summarize or conclude – This signals the reader that they are at the end of the paragraph. Examples are, as this essay has shown, as a result, In conclusion, therefore, thus, hence, in short, in brief.
• Sequential – This expresses a numerical sequence, conclusion, continuation, resumption, or summation. Examples are to change the topic, to conclude with, afterward, incidentally, by the way, initially.

List of Transition Words for New Paragraphs

Transition words to avoid.

I recommend avoiding the following transition words:

Examples in Sentences

The best way to understand transition words is to provide examples. Let’s look at this sentence:

“Amy did not study for her test. Therefore, she did not get a good result.”

When you see the word ‘therefore,’ the reader knows that this is a cause and effect. What happened in the first sentence caused a resulting action.

The transition word provided a seamless flow into the next sentence that describes this effect.

Using the transitional word, ‘therefore,’ shows that the two sentences are part of one idea/process. Even with skimming, the reader can guess what’s the resulting action. This is how transition words hold your ideas together. Without them, it’s like your piece is just a jumble of coherent words.

Transition words don’t have to be placed at the start of a sentence. Let’s look at this sentence:

“Many people came to the event. Cristine, Emily, and David, for instance.”

In this sentence, ‘for instance’ is at the end of the sentence. However, it still gives the reader the necessary information to see how the two sentences are linked.

Why use Transition Words

Proper communication of your ideas through paragraphs is important in writing. In order for your reader to read your piece with a thorough understanding of each idea and point conveyed in the piece, you have to use transition words and phrases.

With the examples provided, you would see that transitions string together your ideas by establishing a clear connection between the sentences and paragraphs.

Without transition words, your work may seem daunting and stressful to read, and the reader will not understand the idea you’re trying to convey.

Transitional phrases are especially important when writing an essay or thesis statement , as each paragraph has to connect ideas effortlessly.

Therefore, when a paragraph ends, the next idea must have some link to the previous one, which is why transition words play an important role.

Where Else to use Transition Words in an Essay

Transition words are important English devices for essays and papers. They enhance the transitions and connections between the sentences and paragraphs, giving your essay a flowing structure and logical thought.

Transition terms may seem easy to remember; however, placing them in the incorrect manner can cause your essay to fall flat.

Here are some places where essays transition words may fit:

• To show a connection between evidence and the ending
• To flow into the next paragraph, use your closing statement at the conclusion of each one
• At the start of the first body paragraph
• At the start of the second body paragraph
• In some of the starting sections of your summary or introductory paragraphs
• In an overview of your opinions/solutions in the conclusion

When adding your transition words and phrases in your essay, make sure not to accidentally form an incomplete or fragmented sentence. This is common with transitions, such as, if, although, and since .

While transition words are important in any writing piece, you have to make sure that the word or phrase you choose matches the logic of the paragraph or point you’re making. Use these words and phrases in moderation, as too much of them can also heavily bring the quality of your work down.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 102 Examples of Social Norms (List)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 15 Social Environment Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 15 Selective Perception Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ Field Observation (Research Method): Definition and Examples

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Down and Dirty Tips: Persuasion Essay: Adding Transitions

• Getting Started
• Adding Transitions

Persuasion Transitions

• << Previous: Persuasion
• Last Updated: Oct 23, 2023 11:28 AM
• URL: https://spcollege.libguides.com/persuasion