transition words for essay grade 12

33 Transition Words and Phrases

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

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

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

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

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

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

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

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

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

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

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

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

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

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

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

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

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

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

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

in addition : MOREOVER

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

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

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

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

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

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

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

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

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

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

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

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

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

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

if not : or else

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

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

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

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

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

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

for that reason : because of that

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

immediately after that

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

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

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

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

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

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

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

Word of the Day

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Games & Quizzes

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

Usage Notes

Prepositions, ending a sentence with, hypercorrections: are you making these 6 common mistakes, a comprehensive guide to forming compounds, can ‘criteria’ ever be singular, singular nonbinary ‘they’: is it ‘they are’ or ‘they is’, grammar & usage, 7 pairs of commonly confused words, did we change the definition of 'literally', more commonly mispronounced words, the tangled history of 'it's' and 'its', more commonly misspelled words, 10 bird names that sound like insults (and sometimes are), eavesdrop, fiasco, and 8 more words with surprising origins, 'when pigs fly' and other barnyard idioms, the words of the week - mar. 29, 9 superb owl words.

Try for free

Transition Words and Phrases for Writing

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

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

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

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

What are transition words?

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

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

Why do we use transition words?

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

Examples of high school transition words

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

Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances.

Cause, purpose, or intent transition words

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

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

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

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

Effect, consequence, or result transition words

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

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

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

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

Comparison or agreement transition words

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

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

Check the following examples:

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

Contrast or contradiction words & phrases

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

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

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

Sequence and time transition words

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

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

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

Transition words for place and location

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

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

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

Summarizing and concluding transition words

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

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

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

Transition words for examples, emphasis, and more information

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

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

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

Keep practicing!

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

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

Featured High School Resources

Related Resources

Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

11 min read

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

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

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

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

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

Purpose of Transition Words

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

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

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

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

Addition Transitions

Furthermore
Additionally
In addition
Not only...but also

Comparison Transitions

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

Contrast Transitions

On the other hand
In contrast
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Even though

Cause and Effect Transitions

Consequently
As a result
For this reason
Accordingly

Time Transitions

Simultaneously
In the meantime
Subsequently
At the same time

Illustration Transitions

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

Emphasis Transitions

Undoubtedly
Without a doubt

Summary Transitions

To summarize
To conclude

Sequence Transitions

Example transitions.

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

For Showing Exception

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

For Proving

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

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

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

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

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

furthermore
Moreover
Because
Besides that
Pursuing this further

Transition Words for Essays PDF

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Althoughyhtjyjum,u
Notwithstanding

Transition Words for Informative Essays

After all
As can be expected
Obviously

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Equally important
Another reason
Not long after that
Looking back

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In order to
Provided that
Because of this

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

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

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

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

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

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

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

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

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

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

To put it differently
Once and for all

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

To start with
First and foremost
In the beginning

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

In addition to this
Furthermore

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

In conclusion
Finally
Last but not least
To sum up
Altogether

Transition Words for Quotes in Essays

Acknowledges

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

In conclusion
For instance

Transition Words for Essays High School

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

Transition Words for Essays College

Here are some college level transition words for essay:

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

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

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

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

Keep reading

Have a language expert improve your writing

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

Knowledge Base
Transition sentences | Tips & examples for clear writing

Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing

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

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

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

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

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

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

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

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

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

Placement of transition sentences

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

The first dissenter to consider is …

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

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

Academic style
Vague sentences
Style consistency

See an example

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

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

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

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

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

The known-new contract

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

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

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

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

Transition words and phrases

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

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

The table below gives a few examples for each type:

Grouping similar information

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

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

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

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

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

College essays

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

(AI) Tools

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

Cite this Scribbr article

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

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing. Scribbr. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/transition-sentences/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

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

70+ Transition words for essays with examples

Transition words for essays.

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

List of Transition words for essays

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

Transition words for essays with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for cause:

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

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

Download the Word of the day

200+ Sentences with Besides
Conjunctive Adverbs
Transition Phrases
Ways to Say “I Really Appreciate It”
Happy Promise Day 2024: Wishes, Quotes, and Messages
Transition words for sequencing with examples
The Power of Transition Words and Phrases
Transition words for contrast and compare with examples

Download the Word coach App on your Android phone

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

Mastering English Writing: Top Transition Words for Paragraphs

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: February 6, 2024

Sharing is caring!

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

Understanding Transition Words for Paragraphs

Mastering English Writing: Top Transition Words for Paragraphs 1

Purpose of Transition Words

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

Types of Transitions

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

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

List of Common Transition Words

Using transition words for paragraphs.

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

Connecting Ideas

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

Creating Flow

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

Signaling Relationships

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

Enhancing Clarity

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

Common Transition Words

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

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

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

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

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

Cause and Effect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example: The restaurant is located adjacent to the park.

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

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

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

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

Continuation

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recent Posts

Mastering English Writing: Essential Transitional Words for Body Paragraphs - March 25, 2024
100+ Essential Contrast Transition Words for Exceptional English Writing - March 25, 2024
Short E Words: Enhance Your Vocabulary with Easy Examples - March 23, 2024

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

190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

good transitions words for essays, college

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

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

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

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

Transition Words for College Essays

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

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

1) Additive Transitions

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

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

2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

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

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

3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

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

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

4) Sequential Transitions

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

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

5) Spatial Transitions

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

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

6) Causal Transitions

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

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

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

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

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

8) Conclusory Transitions

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

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

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

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

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

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

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

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

College Essay

Emmett Lewis

Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.

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

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

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

200+ Transition Words For Essays

Sourav Mahahjan

What are transition words?

Transition words are linking words that help collect different sentences and thoughts in an essay or writing. They provide a way to move from one idea to another, building relationships between other document parts. During the preparation of the report, to provide high-quality writing that can be quickly understood and read by the readers, the use of phrases and transition words becomes very necessary. They also help give an idea for the following information that may be presented in the article. The transition words should be used wisely, as they can make or break the flow of an entire essay.

Types of transition words:

Three transition words are used to draft an article or essay. The type of transition word depends on the complexity, kind of text and length of the word.

Transition words for the beginning, middle, and for the end.

Transition between two different sections: In the case of long documents and essays, the use of transition paragraphs helps in summarising a particular area of the paper to the readers. It also helps in linking the following information in the article. Some of these words are: In the following section, to develop more knowledge, etc.
Transition between two different paragraphs: This type of transition word generally links two separate paragraphs in the essay. The transition helps summarise the information provided in the first paragraph and connect it with the data presented in the next section. Examples of this type of transition words are, in contrast, similarly, furthermore, and many more.
Transition in the same paragraph: They help prepare the essay's readers for the following information they will receive. These are generally single-phrase transition words such as the in particular, for instance, moreover, however, and many more.

Different types of transition word:

The following table shows the different types of transition words and their benefits.

Tips for using transition

The transition words should be used at the start of the paragraph.
To generate a relation between the evidence described in the essay and the result found in the writing.
Use the end of each paragraph to provide the opening for the next section.
Transition words should be used at the start of the introductory paragraph and summarise the ending of each section.
Transition words can be used in the summary to conclude the entire work.

Things to remember while using transition words in an essay

It is important to remember that the overuse of transition words can make them irrelevant in the essay. The excessive use of transition words can make the readers feel that they need to give the readers more chances to create a connection in the essay.
It is also important to use the correct transition word in the essay. As the transition words connect the different paragraphs in the project, the use of the wrong transition word can make the entire essay unsuitable.
Understanding which words can be used at the beginning of an essay is essential. Sometimes, transition words are used to begin a paragraph; however, they are very informal and should not be used in academic papers. For instance, starting a section with something other than and, because, or but in academic writing is better.

200 transitional words for essays:

In addition to
As a matter of fact
Furthermore
Equally important
In the same way
Comparatively
Correspondingly
Not only… but also
In like manner

Order or sequence

Firstly… secondly… thirdly
Simultaneously
Next… then… finally
In the first place… in the second place
Formerly… presently
To begin with
Sooner… later
By the time

Contradiction, opposition

While it may be true
On the one hand… on the other hand
Nonetheless
In contrast
Notwithstanding
On the contrary
Nevertheless
Although this may be true
Even though

Cause and effect

As a result
Consequently
Accordingly
With this in mind
To the end that
In light of
For example
For instance
Specifically
To illustrate
To demonstrate
As an example
Particularly

Space, time, and location

Subsequently
Immediately after

Summary and conclusion

In conclusion
To conclude
To summarise
On the whole
In other words

Transition Words PDF Download: Click Here

Editor's choice, 200 best 5 minute speech topic ideas, 45+ experimental research topics and examples for school & college students, 50+ best research topics on humanities & social sciences, 15+ most useful websites for college students in 2023, how to make a cover page for the assignment, 100+ latest persuasive speech topics & ideas for 2023, how to write bibliography for project complete guide for students.

We are here to help you!

Explore Topics

How To Write Acknowledgement For Thesis And Dissertation?

What is the importance of acknowledgement for a dissertation and thesis?The ackn...

How to Reference a Dissertation - Complete Guide For Students

What do you mean by a dissertation referencing?Referencing is an essential eleme...

Maths Project Ideas For Students 2023

Mathematics plays a vital role in increasing the creative ability of the student...

How To Write An Essay

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

12 min read

Published on: Jan 1, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

What are Transition Words?

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

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

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

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

Types of Transitions

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

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

For example:

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

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

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

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

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

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 legit essay writing service .

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

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

Disclaimer: 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.

Video Explanations
Printable Worksheets
ArgoPrep for Families
ArgoPrep for Educators
Promoting Learner Variability
Purchase Workbooks
SHSAT Program
What is SHSAT?
Reading Comprehension
SHSAT Test Dates
SHSAT Test FAQ
SHSAT Practice Test

ENTER BELOW FOR ARGOPREP'S FREE WEEKLY GIVEAWAYS. EVERY WEEK!

FREE 100$ in books to a family!

Transitional Words and Phrases: A Quick Review

Agreement words, sequencing words, cause and effect words, contrast words, conclusion words, do you want to become a stronger writer, in conclusion (see what i did there).

Why are certain literary devices, like transitional words, important? Does using these words and phrases truly set writers apart? Can a reader discover the intended meanings of writing when these words and phrases are absent?

One of the evening rituals in our home is to retell the day’s events to each other before bedtime. My husband will tell us what happened at work, while my daughter may talk about what happened on the playground.

Of course, because we are invested in each other’s lives, we follow the story to the best of our ability. But what happens when the storyteller is like my son (who is 2)?

Because his speech is just developing, he can’t retell the day’s events with detail or transitions, because he simply doesn’t have those skills yet.

Common Core Kindergarten ELA Workbook: Daily Practice

1st Grade Common Core ELA Workbook (English Language Arts)

4th Grade Common Core ELA (English Language Arts): Daily Practice Workbook

As a result, we might not follow his “story” that clearly. We will know that he was happy (or sad), we can follow his points, but his story will lack the depth he might want to be understood at.

When writers lack skills in using transitional phrases, readers can encounter the same struggle . Transitional phrases are crucial to helping the reader along.

When transitional phrases are used, the reader can say, “Oh, okay, I understand that this point is important. Oh, and now we’re moving on”.

Just like a road trip from LA to New York follows a sequential path, writers must give their readers landmarks to follow.

transitional_words_and_phrases_a_quick_review

Types of Transitional Words

Transitional words are vital to high-quality writing because it allows the reader to follow the thought process of the writer. Since writers are usually not sitting in front of readers, eager to answer any clarifying questions during the reading, writers must use these devices to their advantage.

There are many ways that transitional words (and phrases) are organized into similar types, and I’ve compiled the most common types here:

Agreement words are used to demonstrate that two like ideas are in agreement with each other.

These words aim to create continuity amongst points within the writing.

Agreement Word Examples

In addition,
Corresponding
Furthermore
First, second, third
Coupled with

Transition words like before, since, and by the time are characterized as “sequencing words.”

Sequencing words limit, restrict, and define time in the text . However, sequencing transitional words also serve as pacing essays. “First, second, and finally” serve as cues to the reader that they are progressing through the essay. These transition words are indicators that the reader is hitting the main points of the essay.

Sequencing Examples

First of all…
At this point
Before this
All of a sudden
Occasionally
Immediately

Cause and effect transition words create continuity in writing . Causation also serves as a place for a writer to provide a rationale behind their claims.

This is all just a fancy way of saying that after a writer makes a statement, causation transitions will allow them to say, “here’s what I mean” in more official terms.

These words should be used when you want to get from point A to point B. Words like, because, since, and therefore are all prime examples of cause and effect words.

Cause and Effect Examples

Consequently
In particular
Accordingly

Words like yet, but, and unlike, are used in writing to indicate that there is evidence that disputes points being made . They are also used to point out different viewpoints or contrast themes in writing. When the writer is offering opposing views, they will use the “contrasting” transitional words.

Contrast Word Examples

At the same time
Even though
Nevertheless
On the other hand

When kids are first learning transition words, the conclusion words are some of the easier to remember. A simple, “In conclusion,” and you have successfully transitioned to the end of the writing.

Conclusion words include any words that serve to summarize, conclude, and wrap up writing. They will review anything that was covered in writing and effectively bring the writing to a close.

Conclusion Word Examples

To summarize
Given these points
In the final analysis
As can be seen

Being an effective writer is a skill that can serve people for their entire lives. In the age of technology, being able to communicate through the written word is becoming a skill that every graduate should have a strong understanding of.

Of course, not every writer aims to become an academic essayist, but being able to articulate thoughts in emails, letters, and even Facebook posts, is a skill that every person should have.

Do you wish that you (or your child) were more persuasive writers? Let ArgoPrep help! ArgoPrep has comprehensive online and hardcopy workbooks designed to help you become a more effective communicator.

30,000+ Practice Questions
500+ Video Lectures
15,000+ Video Explanations

Get up to 70% off on Yearly and Lifetime plans.

15 minutes a day keeps your child’s brain sharp!

With activities centered around correct usage, mechanics, and yes, transitional words and phrases, ArgoPrep is prepared to give you the foundation to become a stronger writer.

Transition words, like frosting on a cake, make a piece of writing more palatable. Instead of confusing readers with a lot of text that doesn’t blend, transitions serve to make the writing smooth.

There are many different kinds of transition words, and they all serve unique purposes. It is important to make sure your desired delivery is clear when writing, so take care in selecting transition words that will reinforce your writing.

As an educator, I find myself thinking that transition words are something that students should know for standardized testing. The fact is, transition words are crucial for all adults to use each day.

Whether you’re writing a letter to an HOA or an email to a boss, clear and understandable writing will help you communicate your thoughts despite not being there in person.

Transition words are an essential piece of any piece of strong writing. Want to more about becoming a stronger writer? Check out the informative library of topics over at the ArgoPrep blog for more!

Shipping calculated at checkout.

- Unlimited access to all K8 printable worksheets and answer sheets.
- Premium access to K-8 Math and ELA Video Lectures, Drills and Practice questions.
- Progress tracking for your child.
- One premium access to all family members!

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

Transition Words: Complete the Sentence

About this worksheet:.

In this printable activity, students use transition words to complete each sentence. Transition words are used to connect different ideas to show a connection or a difference. This activity is ideal for middle school but can be used where appropriate.

Transition Words - Complete the Sentence Printable Activity

IMAGES

Writing Mini Lesson #25- Revising a Narrative Essay- Add- Transition
Short and Easy Transitions Definition for Kids
Transition Words by Erica Daniels
100+ Important Transition Words and Phrases with Examples
Paragraphing & Transitioning
Transition words anchor chart (image only)

VIDEO

English 2020: Essay Writing
Transition words for Essay, Part 1
موضوع التعبير
Practice Reading
Transition Sentences
Vietnam war Essay

COMMENTS

33 Transition Words for Essays
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure…
Transitional Words & Phrases List and Examples
Examples of high school transition words. Using transitional words properly is crucial to the development of good writing composition skills. By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays. Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances. Cause ...
Transition Words & Phrases
Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.
A List of 200+ Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words for Analysis Essays. 11. Conclusion Transition Words for Essays. 12. Beginning Transition Words for Essays. 13. Paragraph Transition Words for Essays. 14. Transition Words for Quotes in Essays.
Transition Sentences
Transition sentence This paragraph… Further evidence in support of this hypothesis is provided by Smith (2019). …complements the previous one, providing more support for the same idea. However, Patel's arguments are not the final word on the matter. …contradicts the previous one by presenting new evidence related to the previous discussion. Having established the relationship between ...
Transition Words for Essays
Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples: but. however. in spite of. on the one hand/on the other hand. in contrast. on the contrary. still. yet.
Transition Words for Essays: Great List & Useful Tips • 7ESL
Nevertheless. On the contrary. Example: Still, it would be a terrible waste of tomatoes, so we won't pelt the politicians. Along with the argument for or against something, is the expansion of an idea. These transitions help lay the foundation for taking an idea or thought, then adding more to it.
70+ Transition words for essays with examples
Transition words for essays with examples. Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for cause: Additionally: "She enjoys playing the piano. Additionally, she is proficient in playing the guitar.". Furthermore: "The research indicated a positive correlation between exercise and mental health.
PDF Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitional words and phrases are useful tools that help establish relationships between ideas. Including transitions helps readers follow a narrative, understand an idea as it develops throughout an essay, and keep up with the logic ... Students often fnd that their grades improve when they take notes _____ a grade of B can become an A once ...
PDF Anchor Charts for Using TRANSITIONS
Page 9 "Transitional Words & Phrases - Narratives" Page 10 "Transitional Words & Phrases - Narratives" - with Fun Dots background Page 11 Plain text handout of transitional words and phrases for each piece of writing, grouped by standard Page 12 "Transitional Words & Phrases" - includes all (rather than have 3 separate charts)
Transition Words
Use our information and resources surrounding transition words for classrooms and learners everywhere! Printable worksheets on each category are available. ... Transition Words; Essay Introductions; Writing Conclusions; Writing Prompts; ... 4th and 5th Grade, 6th - 8th Grade, Grades K-12 CCSS Code(s): W.5.2.c, W.6.2.c
Mastering English Writing: Top Transition Words for Paragraphs
Here are a few types: Addition: These transitions add information or ideas. Examples include "furthermore," "in addition," and "moreover.". Contrast: Used to show difference or opposition. Words like "although," "despite," and "regardless" come into play here. Cause and Effect: These signify a causal relationship.
190 Good Transition Words for Essays
Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing. Transition Words for College Essays. While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays. The ...
200+ Transition Words For Essays
The following table shows the different types of transition words and their benefits. Type. Example Words/Phrases. Function. Addition. Moreover, furthermore, Additionally, In addition to. Adds ideas or information. Contrast. On the other hand, However, In contrast, Conversely.
Conclusion Transition Words and Phrases
Try adding these concluding phrases and conclusion transition words to your repertoire: all in all. all things considered. altogether. finally. in brief. in conclusion. in essence. in short.
A Complete List of 200+ Transition Words for Essays
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 ...
Transitional Words and Phrases: A Quick Review
"First, second, and finally" serve as cues to the reader that they are progressing through the essay. These transition words are indicators that the reader is hitting the main points of the essay. ... 12 Weeks of Math, Reading, Science, Logic, and Fitness Updated for Summer 2023, prepare your child for Grade 6 with our award-winning Kids ...
Transition Words List
Transition words are commonly used to indicate an order or sequence. This is common in stories and instructional texts, as they indicate to the reader what order the events occurred in. For example, First, next, then, second and then. Check out these simple examples to see order transition words in action.
Identify the Transition Words Printable Writing Worksheet
Transition words are used in a sentence to connect two ideas. They join clauses or sentences together to show a difference or a connection. In this printable activity, students circle the transition words and phrases in the sentences below. Great for middle school but can be used where appropriate. Click to View/Print Worksheet. Get Worksheet.
Transition Words: Complete the Sentence
About this Worksheet: In this printable activity, students use transition words to complete each sentence. Transition words are used to connect different ideas to show a connection or a difference. This activity is ideal for middle school but can be used where appropriate. Click to View/Print Worksheet. Get Worksheet.

33 Transition Words and Phrases

Word of the Day

Games & Quizzes

Usage Notes

Transition Words and Phrases for Writing

What are transition words?

Why do we use transition words?

Examples of high school transition words

Cause, purpose, or intent transition words

Effect, consequence, or result transition words

Comparison or agreement transition words

Contrast or contradiction words & phrases

Sequence and time transition words

Transition words for place and location

Summarizing and concluding transition words

Transition words for examples, emphasis, and more information

Keep practicing!

Featured High School Resources

Related Resources

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

Purpose of Transition Words

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

Addition Transitions

Comparison Transitions

Contrast Transitions

Cause and Effect Transitions

Time Transitions

Illustration Transitions

Emphasis Transitions

Summary Transitions

Sequence Transitions

For Showing Exception

For Proving

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Transition Words for Informative Essays

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Quotes in Essays

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

Transition Words for Essays High School

Transition Words for Essays College

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

Keep reading

Have a language expert improve your writing

Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Table of contents

Placement of transition sentences

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

The known-new contract

Transition words and phrases

Grouping similar information

Cite this Scribbr article

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

70+ Transition words for essays with examples

List of Transition words for essays

Transition words for essays with examples

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Download the Word coach App on your Android phone

Mastering English Writing: Top Transition Words for Paragraphs

Understanding Transition Words for Paragraphs

Purpose of Transition Words

Types of Transitions

List of Common Transition Words

Connecting Ideas

Creating Flow

Signaling Relationships