essay writing transition words

33 Transition Words and Phrases

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

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

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

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

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

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

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

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

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

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

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

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

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

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

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

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

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

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

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

in addition : MOREOVER

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

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

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

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

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

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

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

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

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

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

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

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

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

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

if not : or else

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

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

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

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

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

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

for that reason : because of that

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

immediately after that

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

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

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

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

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

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

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

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Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List For 2025

12 min read

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

Transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas within sentences, paragraphs, or sections of a piece of writing.

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

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

Need flawless transitions? Leave it to our experts!

How To Use Transition Words in Essays

Transition words help make your essays flow better and easier to read. They help connect ideas, making it easier for readers to follow your points.

To use them effectively, first understand their purpose . For example, some words are used to add information (furthermore, in addition), while others show contrast (however, on the other hand) or provide examples (for instance, such as).

Place them where they make sense —at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a new idea, within a sentence to link ideas, or at the end to lead to the next point.

Avoid overusing the same transitions by mixing them up. For example, instead of always using moreover, try additionally or besides .

Make sure the transition fits the context to keep the flow natural. For instance, you could say, “The experiment provided new insights. Furthermore, it revealed unexpected results.”

Use transitions only when needed and combine them with clear topic sentences to create a logical structure.

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essays

Transition words are essential for creating a smooth flow in your essay. Here are transition words for different parts of an essay:

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

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

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

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

Here are some transition words for essays body paragraph:

Generally speaking
To put it differently
Once and for all
In the meantime
As you can see
Furthermore

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

You can use these transition words for essays to start a paragraph:

To start with
First and foremost
In the beginning
From the outset

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

Simultaneously
Subsequently
In addition to this
Furthermore
Additionally

Transition Words for Essay For Third Body Paragraph

Here are some transition words for 3rd body paragraph when writing a more extensive essay:

In addition
Another point
Alongside this
Correspondingly

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

Consider these ending transition words for essays:

Not only that
What’s more
The last key point
The final aspect to consider
As the last supporting detail
A significant factor to address
This highlights that
These points reinforce
This demonstrates that
All of this leads to

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

In any event
As mentioned
In other words
Consequently
Accordingly
In conclusion

Transition Words for Essays Counter Argument

Despite this
In contrast
On the contrary
While this may be true
Nonetheless

Transition Words for Essays After a Quote

Acknowledges

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

As a result
In conclusion
For instance

Transition Words for Essays High School

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

Transition Words for Essays College

Here are some college level transition words for essay:

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

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

Transitions for essays can be of different types according to their purpose. Here are some transition words for essays examples:

Addition Transitions

Not only...but also

Comparison Transitions

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

Contrast Transitions

On the other hand
Even though

Cause and Effect Transitions

For this reason

Time Transitions

At the same time

Illustration Transitions

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

Emphasis Transitions

Undoubtedly
Without a doubt

Summary Transitions

To summarize
To conclude

Sequence Transitions

Example transitions.

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

For Showing Exception

But at the same time

For Proving

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

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

By contrast
One alternative is
To put more simply
With this in mind
All things considered
That is to say
Yet another

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

furthermore
Moreover
Because
Besides that
Pursuing this further
Additionally,
Equally important

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Notwithstanding

Transition Words for Informative Essays

As can be expected
Obviously

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Another reason
Not long after that
Looking back

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In order to
Provided that
Because of this

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

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

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

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

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

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

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

Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
Place transition words appropriately, where they connect to the previous statement and make your narrative flow. This is important for maintaining a clear essay format .
Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.
Don’t rely solely on transition words to connect ideas; ensure your sentences and paragraphs are logically structured. A well-organized essay outline supports this structure.

So, now you have an extensive list of transition words and phrases.

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

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IMAGES

Transition Words and Definitions, Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words For 3rd Paragraph
Transition Words For Personal Narratives
200+ Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words For Informative Writing
CONCLUSION Transition Words: Useful List & Examples

VIDEO

Transition words for Essay, Part 1
Instead of saying Firstly…Secondly…Thirdly…, use better transition phrases ✍️ #english #englishtips
ADD Transition words in your paragraph to create IMPACT on your Narrative Writing #shorts #english
Transition Words for Essay, Part 2
Therefore (Linking words)
كيف تربط بين الجمل والفقرات : الجزء الأول How to organize your writing (Transition Words:Part 1)