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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

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

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

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

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

Transition Words for College Essays

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

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

1) Additive Transitions

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

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

 2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

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

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

 3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

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

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

4) Sequential Transitions

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

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

5) Spatial Transitions

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

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

 6) Causal Transitions

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

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

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

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

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

8) Conclusory Transitions

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

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

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

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

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

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

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

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

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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.

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A List of Transition Words to Use for Argumentative Essays

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

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

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

What Is a Transition Word?

transitions to use in an argumentative essay

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

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

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

Function and Importance of Transitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paragraph B: Points that oppose co-sleeping.

Types of Transition Words

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

Transition Between Paragraphs

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

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

Transition Within Paragraphs

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

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

Transition Between Sections

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

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

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

How Do You Start an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

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

Common Transitions for Argumentative Essay Writing

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

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

Counterargument Transition Words

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

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

Transition Words and Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting

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

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

Transition Words to Include in Your College Essay

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

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

Transition Words for Cause and Effect

Consider this transition word list when showing cause and effect.

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

Transition Words for Essay Paragraphs

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

Transitions to Emphasize a Point

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

Transition Words for Additional Support or Evidence

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

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

To Cite a Source or Paraphrase

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

Transition Words to Begin a Body Paragraph

  • What is more
  • Beyond that

Transition Words to Introduce Details

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

Transition Words for Conclusion

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

More Transition Words

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

Tips for Using Argumentative Essay Transitions

transitions to use in an argumentative essay

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

Know What the Transitions Mean

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

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

Start Your Essay with an Outline

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

Don’t Overuse Transitions

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

Use Transition Words Properly

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

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

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100 Transition Words For Argumentative Essays

Transition words and phrases play a crucial role in argumentative essays, seamlessly guiding readers from one point to the next. This comprehensive guide will explain how to use transitions and provide 100 examples for reference.

Writing Transition Words

Transition words connect sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so ideas flow logically in an argumentative essay. Categories include:

These words highlight differences between two contrasting ideas, ensuring the reader recognizes the change in direction.

  • However, is used to introduce a point different from the one previously mentioned. For instance, “ Nurses work long hours. However, they often report high job satisfaction.”
  • Conversely suggests a direct opposite viewpoint to a previous statement. “While some patients prefer traditional medicine, others lean towards alternative therapies.”
  • On the other hand signals a contrast between two points. “Doctors diagnose illnesses. On the other hand, nurses often manage patient care.”

These transition words highlight the likeness or parallels between two ideas.

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  • Moreover is used to add extra information to a point being made. “Nursing is a demanding profession. Moreover, it requires continuous learning.”
  • Similarly suggests an idea is comparable to a previous one. “Doctors require ongoing training. Similarly, nurses must stay updated with the latest practices.”
  • Additionally introduces another point related to the argument. “Nurses monitor patient vitals. Additionally, they provide emotional support.”

Consequence

These words illustrate outcomes or results due to a particular action or event.

  • Therefore suggests a direct result. “Many nurses work overnight shifts; therefore, they require flexible schedules during the day.”
  • Consequently means as a result of. “Hospitals are understaffed. Consequently, many healthcare professionals face burnout.”
  • As a result, highlights the outcome of a preceding action. “Medical research has advanced rapidly; as a result, treatment options have expanded.”

These transitions guide the reader through a sequence of points or ideas.

  • First and second, provide a clear enumeration. “First, let’s discuss the role of registered nurses. Second, we’ll delve into the responsibilities of nurse practitioners.”
  • Next signifies a continuation of a list or sequence. “Begin with a patient assessment. Next, create a care plan.”
  • Finally indicates the concluding point or idea. “After discussing diagnostics and treatments, finally, we’ll touch on patient recovery.”

Summarizing

These transitions are used to encapsulate the main points or provide a conclusion.

  • In summary, encapsulates the key points discussed. “In summary, while both doctors and nurses play crucial roles, their responsibilities differ significantly.”
  • Overall gives a holistic view of the discussion. “Overall, healthcare is a multifaceted field with various challenges and rewards.”
  • In conclusion, signals the end of the argument or point. “In conclusion, while the demands of nursing are high, so are the gratifications.”

Strategically using transitions improves the flow of your essay and makes the relationships between ideas clear.

How to Start a New Paragraph

Start new paragraphs with transition words or phrases that link back to the previous paragraph’s main idea while introducing the new one.

  • Similarly, another point to consider is…
  • On the other hand, opponents argue…
  • Therefore, implementing this policy would…
  • Overall, the evidence strongly suggests…

Transition Words For Argumentative Essays

When writing an argumentative essay , the author firmly establishes their position by providing compelling evidence and employing powerful language to persuade the readers. Thus, including seamless transition words becomes crucial, ensuring a smooth flow from one sentence and concept to the next without confusion.

Here are the transition words that are commonly used in arguments:

General Transitions

  • Additionally
  • Consequently
  • First/Second/Third
  • Nevertheless
  • Nonetheless
  • Simultaneously
  • Subsequently

For Adding Quotations

  • According to X,
  • As the prominent researcher X put it,
  • To quote the famous nurse X,
  • X famously stated,
  • The prominent journal X had this to say,
  • Experts in the X field agree,

For Synthesis and Summary

  • After examining the evidence, it is clear that…
  • All things considered,…
  • As illustrated above,…
  • As we have seen,…
  • In conclusion, the evidence points overwhelmingly to…
  • In summary,…
  • On balance,…
  • Taken together, the studies indicate…
  • To summarize,…
  • Ultimately, after reviewing the arguments, it’s evident…

For Analysis and Logic

  • An analysis of…reveals…
  • Because…it follows that…
  • Considering…, it is clear that…
  • For the reason that…
  • If…then…
  • Given…it seems fair to conclude that…
  • It stands to reason that…
  • Judging from…, we can conclude that…
  • Justified by this evidence, it seems reasonable to conclude that…
  • Logically speaking…
  • Given the evidence that…
  • Based on this evidence, it could be concluded that…
  • This confirms the idea that…
  • This reflects the notion that…

For College Essays

  • Above anything else,…
  • Admittedly,…
  • After closer examination,…
  • Against this viewpoint, many argue that…
  • As an illustration,…
  • At a fundamental level,…
  • At first glance,…
  • At the heart of the issue…
  • Bearing in mind…
  • By and large,…
  • Comparatively speaking,…
  • Connected to this,
  • Convincing evidence is given that…
  • Despite differing opinions on…, most can agree that…
  • Even though some argue that…, the reality is…
  • From this perspective…
  • Having considered X, it is also important to look at…
  • Despite…
  • Instead of…, a better solution would be…
  • It is critical to address…
  • Many advocates of X are convinced that…, but skeptics contend…
  • Much of the thinking on X derives from the idea that…
  • Nevertheless, new research suggests…
  • On a different note…
  • On the other hand, critics argue…
  • Rather than…, the truth is…
  • Some argue for X. However, the key problem with this idea is…
  • Surprisingly, recent studies have concluded that…
  • Unlike some opinions, I strongly believe, based on the evidence, that…
  • Upon deeper reflection…
  • With further analysis…
  • Without question,…

Final Thoughts on Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

Incorporating transition words into an essay can be challenging. There are several key considerations to be aware of when starting. Yet, with this writing guide, our expert essay writers have clearly outlined how to use these words and phrases effectively.

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Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Change will not be effected, say some others, unless individual actions raise the necessary awareness.

While a reader can see the connection between the sentences above, it’s not immediately clear that the second sentence is providing a counterargument to the first. In the example below, key “old information” is repeated in the second sentence to help readers quickly see the connection. This makes the sequence of ideas easier to follow.  

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change.

You can use this same technique to create clear transitions between paragraphs. Here’s an example:

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change. According to Annie Lowery, individual actions are important to making social change because when individuals take action, they can change values, which can lead to more people becoming invested in fighting climate change. She writes, “Researchers believe that these kinds of household-led trends can help avert climate catastrophe, even if government and corporate actions are far more important” (Lowery).

So, what’s an individual household supposed to do?

The repetition of the word “household” in the new paragraph helps readers see the connection between what has come before (a discussion of whether household actions matter) and what is about to come (a proposal for what types of actions households can take to combat climate change).

Sometimes, transitional words can help readers see how ideas are connected. But it’s not enough to just include a “therefore,” “moreover,” “also,” or “in addition.” You should choose these words carefully to show your readers what kind of connection you are making between your ideas.

To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be

  • making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal comparison, ask these questions: Do your readers need another example of the same thing? Is there a new nuance in this next point that distinguishes it from the previous example? For those relationships between ideas, you might try this type of transition: While x may appear the same, it actually raises a new question in a slightly different way. 
  • expressing agreement or disagreement When you are making an argument, you need to signal to readers where you stand in relation to other scholars and critics. You may agree with another person’s claim, you may want to concede some part of the argument even if you don’t agree with everything, or you may disagree. Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless .
  • showing cause and effect Transitional phrases that show cause and effect include therefore, hence, consequently, thus, so. Before you choose one of these words, make sure that what you are about to illustrate is really a causal link. Novice writers tend to add therefore and hence when they aren’t sure how to transition; you should reserve these words for when they accurately signal the progression of your ideas.
  • explaining or elaborating Transitions can signal to readers that you are going to expand on a point that you have just made or explain something further. Transitional words that signal explanation or elaboration include in other words, for example, for instance, in particular, that is, to illustrate, moreover .
  • drawing conclusions You can use transitions to signal to readers that you are moving from the body of your argument to your conclusions. Before you use transitional words to signal conclusions, consider whether you can write a stronger conclusion by creating a transition that shows the relationship between your ideas rather than by flagging the paragraph simply as a conclusion. Transitional words that signal a conclusion include in conclusion , as a result, ultimately, overall— but strong conclusions do not necessarily have to include those phrases.

If you’re not sure which transitional words to use—or whether to use one at all—see if you can explain the connection between your paragraphs or sentence either out loud or in the margins of your draft.

For example, if you write a paragraph in which you summarize physician Atul Gawande’s argument about the value of incremental care, and then you move on to a paragraph that challenges those ideas, you might write down something like this next to the first paragraph: “In this paragraph I summarize Gawande’s main claim.” Then, next to the second paragraph, you might write, “In this paragraph I present a challenge to Gawande’s main claim.” Now that you have identified the relationship between those two paragraphs, you can choose the most effective transition between them. Since the second paragraph in this example challenges the ideas in the first, you might begin with something like “but,” or “however,” to signal that shift for your readers.  

  • picture_as_pdf Transitions

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Transitions

What this handout is about.

In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively.

The function and importance of transitions

In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues:

  • Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers.
  • Your readers (instructors, friends, or classmates) tell you that they had trouble following your organization or train of thought.
  • You tend to write the way you think—and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly.
  • You wrote your paper in several discrete “chunks” and then pasted them together.
  • You are working on a group paper; the draft you are working on was created by pasting pieces of several people’s writing together.

Organization

Since the clarity and effectiveness of your transitions will depend greatly on how well you have organized your paper, you may want to evaluate your paper’s organization before you work on transitions. In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or short phrase what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order of and connection between your ideas more clearly.

If after doing this exercise you find that you still have difficulty linking your ideas together in a coherent fashion, your problem may not be with transitions but with organization. For help in this area (and a more thorough explanation of the “reverse outlining” technique described in the previous paragraph), please see the Writing Center’s handout on organization .

How transitions work

The organization of your written work includes two elements: (1) the order in which you have chosen to present the different parts of your discussion or argument, and (2) the relationships you construct between these parts. Transitions cannot substitute for good organization, but they can make your organization clearer and easier to follow. Take a look at the following example:

El Pais , a Latin American country, has a new democratic government after having been a dictatorship for many years. Assume that you want to argue that El Pais is not as democratic as the conventional view would have us believe.

One way to effectively organize your argument would be to present the conventional view and then to provide the reader with your critical response to this view. So, in Paragraph A you would enumerate all the reasons that someone might consider El Pais highly democratic, while in Paragraph B you would refute these points. The transition that would establish the logical connection between these two key elements of your argument would indicate to the reader that the information in paragraph B contradicts the information in paragraph A. As a result, you might organize your argument, including the transition that links paragraph A with paragraph B, in the following manner:

Paragraph A: points that support the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

Transition: Despite the previous arguments, there are many reasons to think that El Pais’s new government is not as democratic as typically believed.

Paragraph B: points that contradict the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

In this case, the transition words “Despite the previous arguments,” suggest that the reader should not believe paragraph A and instead should consider the writer’s reasons for viewing El Pais’s democracy as suspect.

As the example suggests, transitions can help reinforce the underlying logic of your paper’s organization by providing the reader with essential information regarding the relationship between your ideas. In this way, transitions act as the glue that binds the components of your argument or discussion into a unified, coherent, and persuasive whole.

Types of transitions

Now that you have a general idea of how to go about developing effective transitions in your writing, let us briefly discuss the types of transitions your writing will use.

The types of transitions available to you are as diverse as the circumstances in which you need to use them. A transition can be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire paragraph. In each case, it functions the same way: First, the transition either directly summarizes the content of a preceding sentence, paragraph, or section or implies such a summary (by reminding the reader of what has come before). Then, it helps the reader anticipate or comprehend the new information that you wish to present.

  • Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.
  • Transitions between paragraphs: If you have done a good job of arranging paragraphs so that the content of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.
  • Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.

Transitional expressions

Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical relationship.

Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.

also, in the same way, just as … so too, likewise, similarly
but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
first, second, third, … next, then, finally
after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently, then
for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there
accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then
finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in summary

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Common transition words and phrases.

In an effort to make our handouts more accessible, we have begun converting our PDF handouts to web pages. Download this page as a PDF: Transitions Return to Writing Studio Handouts

Transitions clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. These tools should alert readers to shifts in your argument while and also maintain the smoothness and clarity of your prose. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly used transition categories and examples of each. Depending on the example, these suggestions may be within sentences or at the beginning of sentences.

Transitions by Category

1. addition.

Use when presenting multiple ideas that flow in the same direction, under the same heading/ idea also, another, finally, first, first of all, for one thing, furthermore, in addition, last of all, likewise, moreover, next, and, second, the third reason

2. Sequence/ Order

Use to suggest a temporal relationship between ideas; places evidence in sequence first, second (etc.), next, last, finally, first of all, concurrently, immediately, prior to, then, at that time, at this point, previously, subsequently, and then, at this time, thereafter, previously, soon, before, after, followed by, after that, next, before, after, meanwhile, formerly, finally, during

3. Contrast

Use to demonstrate differences between ideas or change in argument direction but, however, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, yet, differ, difference, balanced against, differing from, variation, still, on the contrary, unlike, conversely, otherwise, on the other hand, however

4. Exception

Use to introduce an opposing idea however, whereas, on the other hand, while, instead, in spite of, yet, despite, still, nevertheless, even though, in contrast, but, but one could also say…

5. Comparison

Use to demonstrate similarities between ideas that may not be under the same subject heading or within the same paragraph like, likewise, just, in a different way / sense, whereas, like, equally, in like manner, by comparison, similar to, in the same way, alike, similarity, similarly, just as, as in a similar fashion, conversely

6. Illustration

Use to develop or clarify an idea, to introduce examples, or to show that the second idea is subordinate to the first for example, to illustrate, on this occasion, this can be seen, in this case, specifically, once, to illustrate, when/where, for instance, such as, to demonstrate, take the case of, in this case

7. Location

Use to show spatial relations next to, above, below, beneath, left, right, behind, in front, on top, within

8. Cause and Effect

Use to show that one idea causes, or results from, the idea that follows or precedes it because, therefore, so that, cause, reason, effect, thus, consequently, since, as a result, if…then, result in

9. Emphasis

Use to suggest that an idea is particularly important to your argument important to note, most of all, a significant factor, a primary concern, a key feature, remember that, pay particular attention to, a central issue, the most substantial issue, the main value, a major event, the chief factor, a distinctive quality, especially valuable, the chief outcome, a vital force, especially relevant, most noteworthy, the principal item, above all, should be noted

10. Summary or Conclusion

Use to signal that what follows is summarizing or concluding the previous ideas; in humanities papers, use these phrases sparingly. to summarize, in short, in brief, in sum, in summary, to sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, finally

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .” 

Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

Transitions are the rhetorical tools that clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. The ability to integrate sentence transitions into your prose, rather than simply throwing in overt transition signals like “in addition,” indicates your mastery of the material. (Note: The visibility of transitions may vary by discipline; consult with your professor to get a better sense of discipline or assignment specific expectations.)

Transition Signals

Transition signals are words or phrases that indicate the logic connecting sets of information or ideas. Signals like therefore, on the other hand, for example, because, then, and afterwards can be good transition tools at the sentence and paragraph level. When using these signals, be conscious of the real meaning of these terms; they should reflect the actual relationship between ideas.

Review Words

Review words are transition tools that link groups of sentences or whole paragraphs. They condense preceding discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just completed a detailed discussion about the greenhouse effect. To transition to the next topic, you could use review words like “this heat-trapping process” to refer back to the green house effect discussion. The relative ability to determine a cogent set of review words might signal your own understanding of your work; think of review words as super-short summaries of key ideas.

Preview words

Preview words condense an upcoming discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just explained how heat is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. Transitioning to the theory that humans are adding to that effect, you could use preview words like “sources of additional CO2 in the atmosphere include” to point forward to that discussion.

Transition Sentences

The strongest and most sophisticated tools, transition sentences indicate the connection between the preceding and upcoming pieces of your argument. They often contain one or more of the above transition tools. For example: You’ve just discussed how much CO2 humans have added to the atmosphere. You need to transition to a discussion of the effects. A strong set of transition sentences between the two sections might sound like this:

“These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere may lead to a number of disastrous consequences for residents of planet earth. The rise in global temperature that accompanies the extra CO2 can yield effects as varied as glacial melting and species extinction.”

In the first sentence, the review words are “These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere”; the preview words are “number of disastrous consequences”; the transition signals are “may lead to.” The topic sentence of the next paragraph indicates the specific “disastrous consequences” you will discuss.

If you don’t see a way to write a logical, effective transition between sentences, ideas or paragraphs, this might indicate organizational problems in your essay; you might consider revising your work.

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program  and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .”

Last revised: 07/2008 | Adapted for web delivery: 05/2021

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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 . …

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Table of contents

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.

Transition sentence This paragraph…
evidence in support of is provided by Smith (2019). … the previous one, providing more support for .
, Patel’s arguments are on the matter. … the previous one by presenting related to the previous discussion.
the relationship between these factors, to draw conclusions about the broader process. …treats the preceding point as on which to more general arguments.

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 …

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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:

Type Example sentence Transition words and phrases
Additive We found that the mixture was effective. , it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. furthermore, moreover, for example, in regard to x, similarly, in other words
Adversative The novel does deal with the theme of family. , its central theme is more broadly political … however, although, nevertheless, regardless, above all, (or) at least
Causal Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. because, therefore, consequently, if, provided that, so that, to
Sequential This has historically had several consequences: , the conflict is not given the weight of other conflicts in historical narratives. , its causes are inadequately understood. , … first, second, third, initially, subsequently, finally, lastly, to return/returning to x, as previously mentioned, in conclusion

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!

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Transitional Words and Phrases

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

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

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

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

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

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

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

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

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

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

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

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

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

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

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

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

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

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

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

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

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

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

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

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

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

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

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

transitions to use in an argumentative essay

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Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

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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

In the same wayMoreoverOne alternative isOn the contraryTo show
Just asFurthermoreChieflyBy contrastTo clarify
Likewise
ComparativelyMainlyEven if ‘…’ is trueGenerally speaking
Similarly
AdditionallyTo put more simplyAfterallAnother way to view this
Equally importantTooAt the same timeWith this in mindThat is to say
Not only…but alsoAlsoYet anotherAll things consideredAs
To begin with
In additionAnother possibility isAs a resultLike

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:

transitions to use in an argumentative essay

Argumentative Transition Words for Essay Body

First body paragraphFirstly, To start, In the first place, To begin with, Initially, First of all, Basically, Generally speaking
Second body paragraphSecondly, Next, Additionally, Furthermore, As you can see, Second, Besides, Also, Coupled with, Equally important, Likewise, Just as
Third body paragraphMoreover, Furthermore, In addition, Another key point, In the meantime,Further, As well, Third (ly), Yet another, Then, After that
Last body paragraphLastly, Overall, Ultimately, As a final point, That is to say, That is, As you can see, Finally, Eventually, Ending with
Counterclaim transitionsA different view is, Alternatively, Even so, Even though, However, In contrast, It could also be said that, Nevertheless, Conversely, On the contrary, Otherwise, Still, Unlike, Whereas, In another way, Yet

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

To sum upFinallyTo restate
On the wholeIn shortIn conclusion
To summarizeIn essenceAll in all
Taking everything in accountUltimatelyIn brief
By and largeAt the endEverything considered
All things consideredOverallIn summary
After allAs a resultConsequently
HenceThereforeTo conclude
Given these pointsThat is to sayIn the final analysis

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:

first, second, third, next, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides, as well, again, further, above all, in fact, indeed, as for, with respect to, what is more, either, neither…nor, not only…but also, similarly, in the same way, as to, regarding, additionally
perhaps, probably, for the most part, many if not all, granted, certainly, of course, no doubt, surely, naturally, although this may be true, namely, that is to say, in other words, specifically, in other words, what this passage means is, put more simply, to clarify, this is important because…
above all, in fact, especially, most importantly, equally important, primarily, mainly, most significant, certainly, without a doubt, undoubtedly, in truth, most of all, the main/problem/issue is, without question, much more, also, moreover, indeed, actually, in essence, furthermore
first, next, earlier, finally, then, afterward, simultaneously, previously, in the meantime, subsequently
also, as well, both, in the same way, likewise, similarly, just as, compared to, in comparison, correspondingly, by the same token, equally important, analogous to
while it is true that, although, even though, despite, on the other hand, however, be that as it may, nevertheless, yet, whereas, but, instead, whereas, in contrast, on the contrary, in spite of, different from, afterall, while, a different view is, alternatively, even so, conversely, otherwise, still, unlike, in another way
as a result, because, consequently, hence, thereby, therefore, thus, in effect, then, for this reason, under those circumstances, henceforth, accordingly, thereupon, so, since, due to, owing to, resulting in, after, at that time, before, concurrently, followed by, for this purpose, initially, previously, so then, subsequently
as (author) states, according to (author), the article states, as the writer says, the writer clearly states: …, this means that…, in other words, put it more simply
for example, for instance, as an illustration, as a case in point, in particular, in general, specifically, as an example, more specifically, such as, in fact, chiefly, illustrated by, in the/this case, including, markedly, namely, notably, to demonstrate, to illustrate, that is to say, including, especially, mainly, mostly
overall, all in all, finally, in brief, on the whole, in summary, in other words, in conclusion, to summarize, consequently, accordingly, hence, thus, therefore, and so, for this reason, in closing, in short, to sum up, all in all, as a result, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, on the whole, to conclude, ultimately

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

strong-college-transition-words-pdf

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.

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The Role of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays

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Table of contents

  • 1 Importance of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays
  • 2 Types of Transition Words and Phrases
  • 3.1 Introduction: Setting the Platform for an Argumentative Essay
  • 3.2 Body: Exploring Various Arguments
  • 3.3 Conclusion: Laying Your Verdict Smartly
  • 3.4 Addressing Arguments and Counterarguments
  • 4 General Mistakes to Avoid When Using Transition Sentences For Argumentative Essays
  • 5 Potential of Transition Phrases

Transitional expressions are words or phrases that help create a smooth connection in writing. In the same way, these transition words for argumentative essays are equally important as they help in structuring arguments and help maintain cohesion with persuasive words . Knowing how and where to use them will make the essay easier to read, understandable, and high quality.

After reading this article, you will get to know:

  • The importance of adding transitions in writing. Also, how it improves the writing by creating a logical connection.
  • Types of good transitional words for argumentative essay writing.
  • Learning how to use them in various parts of an essay, – introduction, body, conclusion.
  • How, with their help, construct solid counter-arguments.
  • A short list of typical mistakes.

So, keep reading to learn about these important connecting words and phrases.

Importance of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays

Transition words for an argumentative essay create a smooth flow of ideas. It binds the readers, allowing them to understand the text easily. Specifically, they are like a conjunction (linking words) that builds a logical connection between lines and paragraphs.

Apart from building an effective connection, they also help in:

Flow and Cohesion: They help maintain a smooth and logical flow in a piece of writing. It ensures that sentences and paragraphs are related and build on each other in a coherent relationship.

Guide Readers: A transition expression acts as a signpost. It guides readers through the text and helps them understand the relationship between ideas. This makes it easier for readers to follow the argument or narrative.

Clarity: They provide clarity by emphasizing, comparing, contrasting, or showing cause and effect. It helps the reader better grasp the meaning and significance of what is being said.

Reduce Ambiguity: By clearly linking sentences and ideas, they reduce the chance of misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Emphasis and Nuance: They can emphasize certain points or introduce nuances to an argument, making the writer’s stance or perspective clearer.

Enhance Readability: By effectively using transition words, writers can avoid abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas, making the content more fluid and accessible. This smooth progression of thoughts ensures that readers can easily follow the writer’s logic, thereby enhancing the overall readability of the essay.

Strengthen Arguments: In argumentative or persuasive writing, these words help strengthen the argument by clearly moving from one point to another.

Professionalism and Polish: Proper use of transition words can give writing a polished and professional look.

Types of Transition Words and Phrases

transition phrases types

In argumentative essays, using transition words is super important. They help our ideas connect smoothly and make our arguments stronger. There are many types of transition words, each doing a different job to help our essay sound better.

Addition: Also, known as supporting transition words, these are used to expand one idea with additional support. For example, it can be “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “In addition,” “Similarly, etc.”

Supporting a Claim: Knowing how to introduce evidence in an essay is important. But, strategically improving the evidence with transitions can make it even more impactful. Some of the transition words to prove a point are “To demonstrate,” “One study illustrates this point,” “Research indicates,” “For instance,” “In fact,” “Notably,” etc.

Example: It’s one alternative to support the idea with an example. Some of the words to use are “For instance,” “Such as,” “In this case,” Namely,””Including,” etc.

Comparison: Creating a comparison with the help of these flow words for essays makes the writing more understandable. Some of the words to use are “In comparison,” Compared to,” “In the same way,” “Just as,” etc.

Contrast: The contrast words help to highlight differences in viewpoints or ideas. It can be like, “On the other hand,” Conversely,” etc.

Causation: The transition words for cause and its effects draw a meaningful relationship between two sentences. Some of its examples are “Therefore,” “As a result,” “Consequently,” “Because,” “Since,” etc.

Conclusion: The transition words for the final body paragraph summarize any writing piece, wrap up ideas, and lead readers to the conclusion. You can use examples like “In summary,” “To sum up,” “In conclusion,” “To summarize,” “Overall,” “All in all,” etc.

Use of Transitional Phrases in Different Sections of Argumentative Essay

list of transition words in argumentative essay

By using these connectors strategically, one can effectively introduce new ideas, emphasize critical points, contrast differing viewpoints, and lead the reader towards a coherent conclusion. It’s essential to choose the right transition for each part of the argumentative essay , keeping in mind the specific purpose it serves.

Introduction: Setting the Platform for an Argumentative Essay

The introduction of the writing sets the stage for what to expect from the essay. In this, transition words for introduction paragraph emphasize certain points or introduce nuances to an argument. It makes the writer’s stance or perspective more explicit.

An example of the use of transition words for introduction:

“In today’s ever-evolving world, technology has become integral to our daily lives. From the convenience of smartphones to the power of artificial intelligence, innovations have changed how we live, work, interact, and socialize.

In this essay , we will explore the dual impact of technology on our lives, considering its positive and negative effects. To begin with , we will delve into the beneficial aspects of technological advancements, highlighting how they have enhanced efficiency and connectivity. Subsequently , we will transition to the darker side of this digital revolution, discussing the challenges and potential pitfalls of our growing reliance on technology. Finally , we will conclude by discussing the delicate balance that must be struck between embracing innovation and safeguarding our humanity .”

Some other transition words for essays to start a paragraph are:

  • In the first place
  • To begin with
  • Furthermore
  • In the meantime

Body: Exploring Various Arguments

transitions for argumentative essay

To add transition words for body paragraphs, you can address various views, comparisons, and results in the essay. Then, divide it into multiple sections. It can add support for evidence, complex ideas, exceptions, rays of hope, etc.

In the body paragraph, you can also use transition words for compare-contrast essays with comparative words like, “In contrast, it’s a necessary evil for economic interests.”

For a better understanding of body paragraph transition words, see the following example:

“ Moreover , technology has significantly improved our access to information. Previously, obtaining knowledge was often limited to physical libraries and printed materials. First and foremost , search engines have revolutionized how we research and learn. Additionally, online libraries and academic databases have made scholarly articles and research papers accessible globally. In conclusion , the transformative impact of technology on information access cannot be overstated, as it has opened doors to a wealth of knowledge that was once beyond our reach, fostering a more informed and educated society.”

Examples of transition words to start a body paragraph:

  • To start off
  • Another important factor is
  • First and foremost

In the middle of an essay, are usually presented both the main points and opposing views. Using transition words, such as “Additionally,” “Contrastingly,” and “Furthermore,” helps in smoothly guiding the reader from one idea to the next. These words act as signposts, highlighting shifts in thought or emphasizing a continuation of a point, making the narrative cohesive and easily digestible. Later, we take a look at this in more detail.

Example of transition words for the last body paragraph:

  • In light of this
  • Coupled with this insight
  • Furthermore, it is imperative to address
  • As an extension of this
  • Moreover, it is crucial to mention
  • Expanding on this idea

Conclusion: Laying Your Verdict Smartly

The conclusion of an argumentative essay provides the final insights. It’s where you sum up essential takeaways and main points. It also encourages readers to ponder the discussed issues, leaving a lasting impact. Using transition words for closing statements enhances clarity and flow in this section.

“ To sum up , we have seen how technology has reshaped our daily lives, offering convenience, connectivity, and access to information like never before. However , this transformative power comes with its fair share of challenges, from concerns about privacy and security to the potential erosion of face-to-face interactions. In the grand scheme of things , technology is a tool that can be harnessed for the greater good, but it is up to us, as a society, to wield it responsibly.”

Some of the transition words to start a conclusion paragraph:

  • All things considered
  • Given these points
  • To summarize
  • In the final analysis

Addressing Arguments and Counterarguments

Transition words in an argumentative essay serve as bridges that smoothly connect different points, ensuring that the arguments presented are coherent and logically structured.

However , while many believe that technology is causing a decline in face-to-face interaction, there is ample evidence to suggest the contrary. For instance , video conferencing tools have bridged geographical gaps, enabling face-to-face conversations despite physical distance. Furthermore , social media platforms facilitate connections between people who might never have met in person.

The counterarguments discussing both aspects of the topics make the writing more informative. You can enhance the counterarguments by using transition words for rebuttal paragraph.

Example of transition words for counterclaim:

On the other hand , it’s crucial to note that an overreliance on technology can lead to isolation. Therefore , it’s all about finding a balance between digital connections and real-world interactions. In conclusion , while there are valid concerns about technology reducing face-to-face communication, it can also foster and enhance human connections when used judiciously.

You must have noticed that transition words appear at the beginning of the sentence. This means we mostly use transition words to start a counterclaim.

Some of the transition words for opposing arguments are:

  • On the other hand
  • In spite of
  • In contrast

Some other transition words for opposing claim are: but, nevertheless, even though, despite, and the list goes on.

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General Mistakes to Avoid When Using Transition Sentences For Argumentative Essays

The basic idea of implementing transitions in argumentative essays will help you write your college essays and even school essays easily. As a writer, you should know basic transition phrases, where to enter them, and how not to overdo them.

To guide you further, here are some common mistakes to avoid while adding transitions in an argumentative essay:

Overuse: Relying too heavily on transition words can make the entire essay sound forced and artificial. It’s essential to strike a balance.

Misuse: Using them incorrectly can confuse the reader. For instance, using “therefore” (which implies causation) when you merely mean to add information can mislead the reader.

Being Redundant: Some writers use transitional words when the relationship between ideas is already clear, which can be redundant. For example, starting a sentence with “in addition” after you’ve already used “also” in the previous sentence.

Using the Same Transitions: Repeatedly using similar fashion transitions, like “however” or “furthermore,” can make writing monotonous. Variety is essential to evidence additionally in the essay.

Overlooking Relationships: Using a transition word without ensuring a logical relationship between the ideas can confuse the reader. For instance, using “on the contrary” when not presenting an opposing viewpoint.

Reading good argumentative essay examples can help to understand how to strike the right balance when adding transitions. There is no pre-mix formula for transitions. As a writer, you will learn to add them with reading and practice perfectly.

Potential of Transition Phrases

Transition phrases for argumentative essays are simple yet revolutionary, linking expressions to craft compelling essays. They enhance the effective connection, comparison, and conclusions and create a persuasive stance. Moreover, the writing stays in the reader’s mind for long.

You can explore argumentative essay guides, college essay tips, and more at PapersOwl . Our writers feature various writing tools and principles that help you enhance your literary and grammar skills. So, explore different types of short phrases and similarly use them with the help of the main points mentioned above.

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transitions to use in an argumentative essay

Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

220 Best Transition Words for Essays

By: Nova A.

15 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jul 9, 2019

Transition Words for Essays

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.

Transition Words for Essays

On this Page

What Are Transition Words 

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

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

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

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

Why Should You Use Transitions

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

These relations could include:

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

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

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

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Types of Transitions

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

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

Additive Transitions 

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

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

Adversative Transitions

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

  • Nevertheless
  • On the other hand
  • In contrast

Causal Transitions

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

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

Sequential Transitions

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

  • Subsequently
  • In the meantime
  • Simultaneously

Comparative Transitions

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

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

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

List of Good Transition Words for Essays

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

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

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

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

To begin withTo showBy contrastOne alternative is
ChieflyMainlyTo put it more simplyAt the same time
On the contraryEven if ‘A’ is trueAfterallWith this in mind
All things consideredAs a resultTo clarifyGenerally speaking
Another way to view thisThat is to sayYet anotherAnother possibility is

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:

DespiteIn contrastNeverthelessOn the contrary
On the other handOtherwiseAs an illustrationThat is
ConverselyIn spite ofSimilarlyAt the same time
LikewiseStillIn a similar fashionEqually
AlsoYetButSimultaneously

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:

As a resultUnder those circumstancesThusIn effect
For this reasonThereuponHenceforthAccordingly
ConsequentlyBecauseSinceOtherwise
Due toSoAs aHence
In order toIf…thenForAfterward

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:

Generally speakingIn the first placeTo begin withTo be sure
AssuredlyEarlierFirst of allThe next step
As you can seeFor nowIn timeOnce and for all
First... second... third...To put it differentlyFoundationallyIn addition
BasicallyFurthermoreBesidesIn the meantime

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:

FirstlyTo start offPrimarilyAnother important factor is
To begin withIn the beginningAbove allIt is worth mentioning
InitiallyAt the outsetMost importantlyAn additional aspect to consider is
In the first placeFor a startEssential to noteWhat's more
First and foremostAs a first stepOne key point isFurthermore

Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph

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

AdditionallyLikewiseFurthermore, it is essential to considerCorrespondingly
MoreoverSimilarlyMoreover, it should be noted thatIn the same way
FurthermoreEqually importantIn a similar veinAs well as
In addition toAnother key point isAlongside thisSimilarly, it can be argued that
BesidesNot only... but alsoCoupled with thisFurthermore, evidence suggests

Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph

Another significant point isLikewiseMoreover, it should be highlighted that
NotablyCorrespondinglyFurthermore, it is crucial to consider
BesidesEqually importantAlongside this
Furthermore, it is important to noteFurthermore, evidence supportsIn a similar fashion
SimilarlyAdditionally, research showsLastly, it is worth noting

Transition Words for Essays Last Body Paragraph

In light of thisCoupled with this insightFurthermore, it is imperative to addressAs an extension of this
Building upon thatAdding to the discussionAnother notable factor isDigging deeper into the topic
Moreover, it is crucial to mentionExpanding on this idea
In a related veinIn a similar line of thought
In a similar fashionTaking a step furtherSimilarly, it is worth consideringElaborating on this concept
Not to mentionAdditionally, it is important to highlightIn the same breathCorrespondingly, it is crucial to explore

Transition Words for Essays Conclusion 

Here is a list of ending transition words for essays:

All things consideredGiven these pointsIn summaryTo summarize
In shortBrieflyAfter allThat is to say
FinallyAll in allIn the final analysisAs previously stated
In essenceUltimatelyTo sum upOn the whole
By and largeOverallEverything consideredTaking everything into account

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Essay Transitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nova A.

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

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Transition Words For Essays

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Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

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Published on: Jan 1, 2021

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

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

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

Let's dive in!

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What are Transition Words?

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

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

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

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

Types of Transitions

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

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

For example:

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

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

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

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

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

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Types of Transition Words

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

Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally, In addition toAdds information or ideas
However, On the other hand, In contrast, ConverselyShows a difference or contradiction
Similarly, Likewise, In the same way, Just asDraws a parallel or similarity between ideas
Consequently, Therefore, As a result, ThusIndicates a cause-and-effect relationship
Firstly, Next, Meanwhile, SubsequentlyOrders ideas chronologically or in a sequence
For example, For instance, To illustrate, SpecificallyProvides specific examples or illustrations
Indeed, Certainly, Without a doubt, UndoubtedlyHighlights or reinforces a particular point or idea
In conclusion, Overall, To summarize, All in allSummarizes the main points or ideas
Namely, That is to say, In other words, SpecificallyProvides further clarification or explanation
Consequently, Accordingly, Hence, ThusShows the outcome or result of a previous statement or action

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:

Starting a ParagraphFirstly, To begin with, Initially, In the first place
First Body ParagraphFirstly, To start, To begin with, Initially
Second Body ParagraphSecondly, Next, Additionally, Furthermore
Third Body ParagraphMoreover, Furthermore, In addition, Another key point
Last Body ParagraphLastly,  Overall, Ultimately, As a final point
In conclusion, To summarize, Overall, Wrapping it up

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:


"The use of renewable energy sources is crucial for combating climate change. Solar power is one such renewable energy source. It harnesses the energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. Wind power is another significant renewable energy source. It utilizes wind turbines to generate electricity. Both solar and wind power have numerous environmental benefits."


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

Tips to Use Transition Words in your Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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transitions to use in an argumentative essay

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Transition words for essays

Transition words for essays

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

What are transitions?

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

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

How do transition words improve your essay?

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

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

Types of transition words

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

Adding a point

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

  • additionally
  • furthermore
  • in addition

Elaborating on a point

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

  • by extension
  • in other words
  • put differently

Introducing examples

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

  • for example
  • for instance
  • specifically
  • to take a case in point

Indicating comparisons and contrasts

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

Comparison :

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

Showing cause and effect

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

  • accordingly
  • as a result
  • consequently

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

  • in conclusion
  • to summarize

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

Frequently Asked Questions about transition words for essays

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

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

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

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

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

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33 Transition Words and Phrases

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

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

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

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

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

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

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

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

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

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

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

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

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

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

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

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

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

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

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

in addition : MOREOVER

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

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

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

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

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

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

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

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

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

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

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

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

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

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

if not : or else

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

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

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

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

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

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

for that reason : because of that

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

immediately after that

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

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

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

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

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

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

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

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45 Best Transition Words and Phrases For Essays

But how to make sure that everything ties together, and that you present your arguments in a logical, smooth manner? It’s simple. You do it by using transition words and phrases, which can turn your scattered thoughts into a well-organized, and neatly looking piece of prose. “Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.” – Tom Stoppard It is common knowledge that the ability to write a great essay is tremendously helpful to those who are pursuing higher education. So, it wouldn’t hurt to add all the weapons you can find to your essay-writing arsenal, like these transition words.

What are transition words?

Here are the main rules for the usage of transitional words:, using transitional words in essays.

Your regular essay will comprise five paragraphs – an introduction, three paragraphs to present your points, and a conclusion. Your job is to make the prose consistent, and that’s why you need words and phrases to create links between the ideas. The words and phrases below are mostly used in persuasive (argumentative) essays where you need to convince the readers of your opinion confidently. But in fact, they’re useful in almost any type of writing (such as expository essays ) simply to keep the structure intact. If you use them well, they can emphasize contrast, highlight a similarity, and solidify your conclusion. Transition, a formal definition: the process of changing from one situation, form, or state to another.

Transition words are used at the beginning of each new paragraph. For Example:

They can also be used when you present a new point in the same paragraph. for example:, there’s a multitude of transition words that will contribute to a sleeker essay.

Many students make the mistake of repeating the same words repeatedly. This causes them to lose impact and meaning. Among grammarians, this phenomenon is called grammar saturation. The important thing to know is that there are several categories to transition words depending on the type of impact you’d like to create in your writing . Often, there are several words suitable for one transition. Just remember that they don’t always mean the same and you might need some practice to recognize the subtle differences between them. To avoid this, look up synonyms and never use the same transition word more than once in a single piece of prose (especially in the same paragraph). If you need a more in-depth course on this topic, you may read A Writer’s Guide To Transitional Words and Expressions.

Here’s a list of the best transition words that’ll come to your rescue:

When you want to indicate similarity or addition:, examples of use:, when you want to indicate dissimilarity, contrast, or contradiction:, when you want to indicate similarity:, when you want to indicate cause, effect, purpose, consequence, or result:, when you want to emphasize something:, when you want to indicate the time or sequence of events:, when you want to indicate spatial order or reference:, how do these words relate to the format of your essay, introductory transitions.

These come in handy when you craft your first supporting paragraph (the one after the introductory one). Here you usually start building on your thesis and start giving arguments in its favor.

Words to use in an introductory paragraph:

Connecting the second paragraph to the third:, connecting the third paragraph to the fourth:, connecting the body to the conclusion:.

Pro tip: Words like ‘for’, ‘and’, ‘nor’, ‘but’, ‘or’, ‘yet’, and ‘since’ shouldn’t be used at the beginning of a sentence if you’re writing a formal essay. “The best part of your story is when it changes.” – Bella Bloom Bonus material – a printable PDF chart with link words (always keep it beside you): A complete list of transition words and conjunctions.

Now it’s your turn to use these transition words

Starting an essay is always challenging, even for advanced writers. Hopefully, by reading this article, I made your task easier by adding a valuable tool to your writer’s toolbox. Just remember to use these phrases originally, and without repetition. The last thing you want to do is to sound mechanical as if you’re writing from a template. Next up, you may want to check a list of amazing short pretty words in English .

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transitions to use in an argumentative essay

Transition Words useful for Argument Writing

Transitional Words/Expressions to Use in Writing

To show… Words/Expressions to Use
Similarity also, in the same way, just as, likewise, similarly
Exception/Contrast But, however, in spite of, on the one hand, on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still yet
Sequence/Order First, second, third…, next, then, finally
Time After, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently, then
Example For example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
Emphasis Even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly, without question, clearly,
Place/Position Above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there
Cause and Effect Accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
Additional Support or Evidence Additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then
Conclusion/Summary Finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in summary

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Yellowlees Douglas Ph.D.

4 Science-Based Strategies for Creating Killer Arguments

To persuade with your writing, where you put information trumps what you say..

Posted August 8, 2024 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

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  • Headings prime readers to see content as consistent with the heading—even when content differs from its focus.
  • Transitions and common wording between sentences enhance readers' perceptions of arguments as cohesive.
  • Overview sentences enable skim reading and enhance recall of important content.

Source: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels

Writers who need to persuade an audience usually think about logos, ethos, and pathos. Or about what they need to say. But, ironically, where you put information can trump what you say. Moreover, readers perceive articles, proposals, and even emails as more tightly organized and argued when you rely on these four strategies:

1. Introduce paragraphs with overview sentences.

Readers read faster and recall content more accurately when writers provide explicit overview sentences at the beginning of paragraphs. Moreover, these sentences also prime readers to recall content as consistent with the overview . Ultimately, this structure also enables readers to skim content more effectively, as skim readers spend more time looking at the first few sentences of paragraphs. These overview sentences also prime readers to see details in paragraphs as supporting your argument.

2. Summarize your purpose with a single sentence at the end of your first paragraph or introduction paragraphs.

Situated in a spot that benefits from recency effects on recall, purpose statements powerfully frame readers’ expectations of content. Because reading is cognitively demanding, these single sentences speed the third and most challenging stage of reading, inference processing. As we read, we first identify the meaning of words in lexical processing, then the structure of sentences as the second stage, syntactic processing, before we reach the third stage: determining the meaning both within and across sentences.

Furthermore, purpose or thesis sentences enable readers to make accurate inferences about the meaning of sentences in documents—even if some words in the paragraph are unfamiliar to them. Additionally, by framing the key proposition in a document, thesis or purpose sentences also guide readers to focus on details essential to that framework, while ignoring less relevant details. This strategy works particularly well for readers with limited time but seemingly unlimited documents to read, including doctors, lawyers, and researchers.

The thesis statement offers several further crucial benefits: This single sentence promotes faster and more accurate reading, while it also enhances readers’ perceptions of the document as coherent. Moreover, in the contentious history of scoring writing, the thesis plays an outsized role. In one study of 300 papers, scored with a 1 for ineffective writing and a 9 for highly effective writing, 94 percent of papers received between seven and nine different scores of their effectiveness. Perhaps more bizarrely, no paper received fewer than five different scores from 53 subject matter experts. In contrast, two judges achieved 100 percent agreement on 1,000 essays that included thesis sentences. Put simply, your thesis powerfully shapes readers’ focus and recall alike to align with your argument.

Source: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

3. Harness the power of headings.

Titles, subheadings, and email subject lines powerfully frame readers’ comprehension of content at both the paragraph and document levels. Researchers discovered readers displayed better recall of content that featured headings than content that just offered overview sentences.

Furthermore, headings make document structure visible, even with functional headings that only demarcate sections of the text. Headings and subheadings generate more accurate comprehension. Strikingly, readers display improved recall for text preceded by headings—at the expense of their recall of text with no headings. Ultimately, readers perceive paragraph text that occurs after a heading or subheading as consistent with the heading—even when the header’s content is at odds with the paragraph.

4. Connect sentences with transitions or common wording.

Psycholinguists often distinguish between coherence at the paragraph and document levels and continuity, which typically ties sentences together. However, both aspects facilitate the inference processing phase of reading by enabling readers to understand the connections between sentences, helping them to grasp the concepts at work in the paragraph. In fact, when sentences are linked by transitions that clarify relationships between ideas, readers perceive the argument as more coherent—and persuasive .

Contrast These Two Examples of the Same Content

Readers respond powerfully to the priming effects that stem from headings, overview statements, and thesis sentences, all features that influence readers’ comprehension and powerfully shape recall. For example, readers are unlikely to read most of the content in the “Before” email, which reads like a data dump of every security protocol this small firm observes. Moreover, this email fails to make these protocols easy to skim or recall. As a result, few employees will read and recall—let alone follow—the security steps in the email, despite their importance, occasioned by a data breach. In contrast, the "After" email helps ensure readers read, recall, and comply with its directives.

transitions to use in an argumentative essay

Re: Protecting Client Information All employees must use noise-canceling headphones when discussing client matters at their desks. Conference rooms are available for sensitive conversations; book them in advance. Never leave client documents unattended on your desk. Lock your computer screen when stepping away, even for a moment. Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and change them monthly. Enable two-factor authentication on all work-related platforms. Encrypt sensitive emails and attachments before sending. Don't access work accounts on public Wi-Fi networks. Be cautious of phishing attempts; verify sender identities before opening attachments. Shred all physical documents containing client information when no longer needed. Report any potential security breaches immediately to IT. Do not discuss client matters in public spaces or on social media . Use secure file-sharing methods when collaborating with colleagues or clients. Regularly update your computer's antivirus software. Be mindful of your surroundings when taking work-related phone calls outside the office.
Re: Updated Client Confidentiality and Data Security Protocols—Effective Immediately Our business depends on our maintaining client confidentiality in every aspect of our work. To protect yourself, our clients, and our organization, practice these essential steps. 1. Guard against information leaks. Discuss confidential or sensitive topics in a private office or in a conference room. You should also avoid leaving client documents unattended on your desk and always lock your computer screen, even when momentarily stepping away. Ultimately, ensure you shred all physical documents with client information after completing a case. 2. Safeguard all logins. Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, change them monthly, and always enable two-factor authentication on all work-related platforms. 3. Maintain digital security. Avoid accessing work accounts on public WiFi networks and always encrypt sensitive email and attachments. In addition, always verify sender identities before opening attachments to avoid both phishing and viruses. Moreover, ensure you activate automatic updates for your computer’s antivirus software. Finally, use only our secure network and file-sharing for collaborating with others on projects. 4. Be vigilant. Report any potential security breaches immediately to both IT and your manager. By following these practices, you can contribute to a secure work environment, fostering client trust and protecting our reputation.

Lisa Solomon. How to Write Effective Argument Headings. CaseText. February 1, 2017.

Yellowlees Douglas Ph.D.

Yellowlees Douglas, Ph.D. , is a consultant on writing and organizations. She is also the author, with Maria B. Grant, MD, of The Biomedical Writer: What You Need to Succeed in Academic Medicine .

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How to Get ChatGPT to Write an Essay: Prompts & Tricks

How to Get ChatGPT to Write an Essay: Prompts & Tricks

If you’re a student, you probably know how to write a good essay. But what if you need a little assistance with a tricky task? Well, in that case, you can use AI tools like ChatGPT to find inspiration, decide on the paper’s structure, and create model samples.

When you use the chatbot this way, there’s one thing you need to remember – the prompt is everything. The quality of the tool’s responses directly depends on how good your prompt is, so you need to be smart about it.

How? Read this article to find out!

Here, our experts will:

  • Share the best ChatGPT prompts for essay writing,
  • Discuss what to avoid when you use AI for academic assistance,
  • Explain how to make the chatbot write an essay of any type.
  • ✍ ChatGPT’s Writing Capabilities

⚖️ Ethical Issues with ChatGPT Essays

  • 🤔 So, Should You Generate Essays?
  • 🚀 How to Use AI to Write an Essay
  • 📚 Prompts for Different Genres

💡 Key Takeaways

🔗 references, ✍️ chatgpt’s essay writing capabilities.

First, let’s talk about ChatGPT’s capabilities and how it can help you write a great essay.

The chatbot is generally used for various language-related tasks such as translating, summarizing, or creating text. Its ability to generate fluent and well-written content makes it popular among students.

But why is ChatGPT so good at writing?

Well, it’s designed to understand and process natural language . The chatbot is trained on huge amounts of data and is capable of recognizing words and grammar patterns. All this allows the algorithm to analyze the prompt and generate natural-sounding, coherent responses.

ChatGPT can write human-like texts thanks to its ability to understand and process natural language.

Essays created by ChatGPT are also well-structured. Their introductions contain catchy hooks and clear thesis statements, while each paragraph has a topic sentence and linkers.

All this makes the chatbot a great academic writing assistant.

Can ChatGPT Write an Essay with References?

One of the most common mistakes students make while working with ChatGPT is using it to create references.

Well, that’s a terrible idea.

Despite being an advanced AI tool with an extensive database, the chatbot can’t cite real sources. And what’s worse, it tends to come up with nonexistent citations and pretend they’re real.

Here’s an example of what the generated references may look like:

A quick fact-check will show that none of these articles actually exist. They even look suspicious, with names repeating and one person named “Fluorescence.”

If you ask the chatbot about them, here’s what it will have to say:

Trust us: you shouldn’t take everything the chatbot produces at face value and delegate every single aspect of essay writing to it.

List of things ChatGPT can't do.

What Else ChatGPT Can’t Do

Aside from fake citations, the chatbot has many other limitations and cons that you should know about:

  • Biased answers and information. Because ChatGPT was trained on internet data, it may give prejudiced responses on controversial topics.
  • Lack of individuality. While texts created by the chatbot sound human-like, they are still artificially generated by combining cliché patterns and trite ideas.
  • Limited knowledge of subjects. ChatGPT’s database is enormous, but the tool still lacks genuine expertise in niche or fast-evolving academic fields.
  • No knowledge of recent events. The chatbot is also limited by the date of its latest update (January 2022,) so it might not have all the up-to-date information on the subject.
  • Unreadable texts. Whenever ChatGPT tries to write a formal text, it makes it overly lengthy and redundant. The repetition of difficult words and complex sentences makes such texts hard to comprehend.
  • Lack of originality. While ChatGPT’s responses sound original, they’re actually derivative since the tool rehashes existing texts to create them. For that reason, using AI to generate academic papers is considered cheating .

Stealing ideas from copyrighted texts is not the only ethical issue with AI usage – keep reading to learn more about them.

One essential aspect of using ChatGPT in your studies is that, in most cases, it’s seen as an unethical practice. There are many reasons for that, such as:

  • Lack of real effort from the student,
  • Unfair advantage over those who write their assignments themselves,
  • No attribution to the text’s original author,
  • Presence of made-up facts and false statistics.

Of course, there are ways to use the chatbot ethically but many students choose to ignore them and generate entire paragraphs or even essays. This is seen as academic dishonesty and can have serious consequences, from failing a class to getting expelled.

The fluency of AI texts can trick people into believing they won’t be caught if they submit a generated paper. The truth is, there are plenty of advanced AI-detecting tools that can identify texts written by ChatGPT. Even if you paraphrase every sentence of the essay, it doesn’t mean you won’t get caught cheating.

🤔 So, Should You Generate Essays with ChatGPT?

At this point, you may be wondering if creating essays with ChatGPT is even worth it.

Well, it is if you do it the right way .

Artificial intelligence can indeed create well-written texts, but it doesn’t mean you can copy and submit them as your own. This practice won’t get you an A+ or make you smarter. It will only put you at risk of being punished or even expelled from school.

But there’s another way of using ChatGPT that is both safe and beneficial. You can freely use the chatbot as an assistant and a source of inspiration for writing your own paper. This way, you’ll make the writing process easier and get an authentic, high-quality text in the end.

All you need is the correct prompts . Without them, you will get irrelevant results that won’t be of any help. In contrast, a well-written prompt will help you get exactly what you need.

Want to know how to develop the best possible prompts? Keep reading!

🚀 How to Use ChatGPT to Write an Essay in 5 Steps

To get the best out of AI-assisted essay writing process, follow the five steps:

  • Generate essay topics,
  • Find the necessary sources,
  • Create an outline ,
  • Generate samples ,
  • Adjust the resulting texts .

In the following sections, we will tell you all about these steps and show you examples of effective prompts that you can use.

Enumeration of 5 steps required to create essays with ChatGPT.

1. Ask ChatGPT to Generate Topics

If you were not assigned a specific topic for an essay, you can use AI to brainstorm ideas. For better results, give the bot as many details as possible, such as:

  • the type of essay you need to write,
  • the general subject you plan to write about,
  • the academic level your essay should have.

You may also ask the tool to add descriptions to the generated topics. This will allow you to have a clear starting point for your research.

To get the best topic ideas, you can use prompts like these:

Now, you can choose the idea you like best and modify it however you wish.

2. Ask the Chatbot to Find Sources

After you’ve chosen a topic, the next step is to find suitable sources. ChatGPT can’t provide sources with links, so you’ll have to look for them on your own. However, the tool can still suggest the works you can study and use as references.

When creating a prompt, you can specify what kind of sources you need.

For instance:

These prompts will yield results including real titles of existing works.

Tip: What if you want to include a quotation from a source, but you’re not sure about its meaning? In that case, feel free to use our quote explainer .

3. Use AI to Create an Outline

Now, you have all the necessary information to create an outline. Structuring an essay is one of the most challenging tasks for students. If that’s the case with you, ChatGPT will once again come in handy.

To get a good outline, specify the number of words and the topic of your essay in your prompt. We also recommend mentioning the main aspects you want to discuss in your work.

Here are prompt examples you could use:

Now, all you need to do is write your own essay plan based on what you’ve generated.

We strongly discourage you from using AI-made outlines as is since they may contain irrelevant information or be too for your word count. For example, if you look at the 500-word smoking essay outline above, you will notice that the first body paragraph includes as many as six discussion points. There’s no way you’ll be able to review them all in 100 words.

Tip: Want to get a customized outline without having to write a detailed prompt? Try using our essay outline generator .

4. Generate a Sample Essay

After you finish your outline, you can finally use ChatGPT to create a sample essay. Remember that you should use the generated text as an inspiration only. Instead of copy-pasting the sample, use it as a blueprint to write your own paper.

The easiest way to get a great sample is to include the outline in your prompt and ask the tool to write an essay based on it. Describing the essay’s contents in detail will ensure that the generated text is exactly what you need it to be.

It’s also possible to use simpler prompts, such as these:

Keep in mind that if you choose to use simple prompts like the ones above, you can’t be so sure of the results and how relevant they will be. We recommend taking your time to develop an outline and then use it to generate a sample essay.

5. Change the Generated Essay

The last step is to edit and improve the sample. While ChatGPT is capable of generating a complete essay, it may miss important details or include parts that are irrelevant.

Luckily, you can add or remove information by continuing your conversation with the chatbot. Just explain the tool what changes you want to make.

Suppose ChatGPT didn’t discuss the importance of the relationship between co-workers in an essay about the workplace environment. To add this information to your paper, you can use a request like this:

We also recommend you highlight the part you want to edit and click the “reply” button that will appear. The selected text will be automatically quoted in your prompt. This way, you will give the tool a clear idea of what exactly you want it to change without copying and pasting anything.

And there you have it – a customized essay sample on your topic. Use it to compose your own paper, and make sure to add a personal twist to it.

Tip: Our AI-based tools will help you make your essay perfect:

  • Is your text too short? Use an essay extender to make it longer.
  • Checking your paper’s structure and flow will be easier with our “ read my essay ” tool.
  • To ensure the final version of your paper has no traces of generated text, scan it with our Chat GPT essay detector .

How to Get ChatGPT to Write a Narrative Essay

The main goal of a narrative essay is to capture readers’ attention with its story. That’s why a prompt for such an essay needs to include:

  • Information about the readers,
  • What the essay should be about,
  • The aim of your paper.

Suppose you want to inspire your audience or convey a particular message. Here are two good examples of prompts that will help you achieve this:

Both of these prompts:

  • Identify a paper’s intended audience (teenagers in the first one and graduate students in the second one.)
  • Mention the narrative’s theme (passion as a cartographer and the importance of ethical leadership.)
  • State the purpose of an essay (inspiring and teaching a lesson.)

How to Make ChatGPT Write a Descriptive Essay

Compelling and memorable descriptions are crucial when writing a descriptive essay . ChatGPT can help you with that, but there is one important thing you should keep in mind to get the best results.

If you simply ask the AI tool to write a descriptive essay on your topic, you’ll get an unreadable text filled with awkward metaphors and corny descriptions like this:

Example: As I wrap myself in the comforting embrace of the quilt, I am enveloped in a cocoon of emotions. Joy mingles with sorrow, nostalgia with longing, creating a bittersweet symphony that resonates deep within my soul. In this moment, I am not just reliving memories, but experiencing them anew, each stitch a thread connecting past and present, heart and soul.

Terrible, right?

What you need is a more natural-sounding sample. So, how can you achieve this?

List of things to include in a ChatGPT prompt to generate a good descriptive essay.

First, you need to choose a well-written descriptive fragment from a literary work you like. We chose this passage from Nabokov’s story “First Love”:

“In the early years of this century, a travel agency on Nevski Avenue displayed a three-foot-long model of an oak-brown international sleeping car. In delicate verisimilitude it completely outranked the painted tin of my clockwork trains. Unfortunately, it was not for sale. One could make out the blue upholstery inside, the embossed leather lining of the compartment walls, their polished panels, inset mirrors, tulip-shaped reading lamps, and other maddening details. Spacious windows alternated with narrower ones, single or geminate, and some of these were of frosted glass. In a few of the compartments, the beds had been made.”

Now, we will ask ChatGPT to point out the text’s distinctive features using a prompt like this:

After that, you can include the features ChatGPT described in your essay prompt. Here’s what it can look like:

The result will be a readable descriptive text that you can slightly improve and use as a foundation for your essay.

Tip: Any descriptive essay needs to open with a great attention grabber. Feel free to use our hook generator to develop a catchy opening sentence.

How to Prompt ChatGPT to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

To write a comparative essay , you first need to identify the parameters according to which you’re comparing two or more things. ChatGPT can help you find them quickly and efficiently.

For instance, to compare fiction with non-fiction, you can use this prompt:

Now, you have your points of comparison: content and purpose. You can use this information to develop a brief outline and later use it in your prompt to generate an essay sample.

For a compare-and-contrast outline, specify what each part should cover:

  • The introduction will include a thesis statement explaining the subjects’ similarities and differences.
  • The body paragraphs can compare and contrast fiction and non-fiction books based on their content and purpose.
  • The conclusion can summarize the main points and express the final thought.

Next, copy the outline and add it to your prompt, like this:

Tip: You can generate a similar paper tailored to your needs with just a couple of clicks using our compare and contrast essay generator .

Best ChatGPT Prompts for Writing Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essay’s main goal is to convince the audience that the opinion or idea expressed in the paper is the right one. For that reason, persuasive essays are created with their audience in mind.

To write a good prompt, you must mention:

  • The paper’s purpose,
  • The opinion you want your audience to take,
  • The message you would like to convey,
  • The actions you aim to inspire.

Here’s a pro tip:

Before you start, try asking ChatGPT what persuasive strategies are best suited for your topic. Your prompt may look like this:

These strategies can be included in your prompt to get a better answer.

This is what your final prompt may look like:

Tip: Try our persuasive essay maker to generate a sample paper in seconds.

ChatGPT Prompts for Argumentative Essay Writing

The most important thing for an argumentative essay is to have a strong argument and counterargument. That’s why it’s best to take your time and develop these elements before generating a sample essay.

You can start by asking ChatGPT to help you develop counterarguments for your essay:

You may also ask the chatbot how to make your main argument more compelling:

Finally, you need to combine your arguments, counterarguments, and persuasive strategies in your prompt. The chatbot will generate a fantastic essay that includes everything you want:

Tip: Another way to generate a customized text of this type is to use our argumentative essay maker .

We also recommend using the following AI-powered tools to help you ace other types of assignments:

  • Analytical essay maker ,
  • Case study solver ,
  • Rhetorical device finder generator ,
  • Informative essay maker ,
  • AI scholarship essay writer .

ChatGPT can be super beneficial if you’re writing an essay and need a model paper on your topic for inspiration.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you decide to use this AI tool for assistance:

  • The chatbot can be helpful if you use it ethically.
  • To generate a high-quality sample, you need a well-written prompt based on your paper’s outline.
  • It’s best to consider the type of essay you are working on and pay attention to its specific features when generating samples.

Thanks for reading our article! We hope it helped you learn how to generate excellent essay samples with the power of AI. Have you tried using the chatbot this way? Tell us in the comment section!

Check out our guide on using ChatGPT for literature review writing to enhance your studies even further.

  • How ChatGPT (And Other AI Chatbots) Can Help You Write an Essay: ZDNet
  • Should I Use ChatGPT to Write My Essays?: Harvard Summer School
  • How to (Correctly!) Use ChatGPT for Essay Writing: eSchool News
  • ChatGPT and Fake Citations: Duke University Libraries
  • ChatGPT Can Write Your Essays, but Should You Use It?: Android Authority
  • Writing an Essay with ChatGPT: Machine Learning Mastery
  • How to Ethically Use ChatGPT to Write an Essay: Lifehacker
  • The Ethics of College Students Using ChatGPT: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • AI Ethicist Views on ChatGPT: Forbes
  • How to Use ChatGPT and Still Be a Good Person: The New York Times
  • Guidelines for the Ethical Use of Generative AI (i.e. ChatGPT) on Campus: Santa Clara University
  • How to Use ChatGPT to Write Essays That Impress: Beebom
  • How to Use ChatGPT for Research and Essays: MakeUseOf
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  1. Transition Words and Phrases, Detailed List

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  2. Transition Words for Essays: Great List & Useful Tips • 7ESL

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  3. Essay Paragraph Transitions Examples

    transitions to use in an argumentative essay

  4. Transition Words: A Comprehensive List to Enhance Your Writing • 7ESL

    transitions to use in an argumentative essay

  5. (FREE.CLICK.PRINT.USE) Transitions can make or break the flow for an

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  6. Good Transition Words for Argumentative Essays: Framing Your Argument

    transitions to use in an argumentative essay

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  1. Transition words, phrases|Transitional devices in reading and writing|Complete Concept| examples

  2. Argumentative Essay

  3. English Grammar Lesson: Transitional Words and Phrases (PART 1 of 4)

  4. Cuts and transitions- A video essay

  5. Success in Planning I Arguments & Counterarguments

  6. Crafting Research Paper Hooks with Statistics

COMMENTS

  1. 190 Good Transition Words for Essays

    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. Similarly. Likewise.

  2. A List of Transition Words to Use for Argumentative Essays

    Writing an argumentative essay requires a lot of effort aside from research. Besides grammar and structure, you definitely need to make sure your essay is coherent by using transitions. Argumentative essay transition words allow you to wrap up a piece of evidence to support your main point and then move on to another.

  3. 100 Transition Words For Argumentative Essays

    These transitions guide the reader through a sequence of points or ideas. First and second, provide a clear enumeration. "First, let's discuss the role of registered nurses. Second, we'll delve into the responsibilities of nurse practitioners.". Next signifies a continuation of a list or sequence. "Begin with a patient assessment.

  4. Transitions

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  5. 230+ Must-Have Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

    In conclusion, the use of transition words in argumentative essays is a must for anyone looking to make a persuasive impact with their writing. So, use them purposefully and judiciously to make your arguments clear, concise, and impactful. Take advantage of the opportunity to elevate your writing to new heights with the help of transition words.

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    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. Example of a transition sentence for a new paragraph. In this case, the researchers concluded that the method ...

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  11. Transition Words for Argumentative Essays: The Ultimate List

    Transitions to use in essay bodies. 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."

  12. The Role of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays

    Transitional expressions are words or phrases that help create a smooth connection in writing. In the same way, these transition words for argumentative essays are equally important as they help in structuring arguments and help maintain cohesion with persuasive words.Knowing how and where to use them will make the essay easier to read, understandable, and high quality.

  13. 220 Good Transition Words for Essays by Experts

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  15. A List of 200+ Transition Words For Essays

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  24. How to Get ChatGPT to Write an Essay: Prompts & Tricks

    Try using our essay outline generator. 4. Generate a Sample Essay . After you finish your outline, you can finally use ChatGPT to create a sample essay. Remember that you should use the generated text as an inspiration only. Instead of copy-pasting the sample, use it as a blueprint to write your own paper.

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