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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Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Nova A.

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

13 min read

transition words for essays

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Are your essays lacking smooth flow and failing to engage your readers? Transition words can help bridge gaps between ideas and improve the overall clarity of your writing. 

In this guide, we'll introduce you to these essential tools. We'll show you effective ways to use them to create structured and compelling essays that will impress your teachers. 

Let's get started!

Arrow Down

  • 1. What are Good Transition Words for Essays
  • 2. How To Use Transition Words in Essays
  • 3. Examples of Different Types of Transition Words
  • 4. Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
  • 5. Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
  • 6. Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays
  • 7. Transition Words for Informative Essays
  • 8. Transition Words for Expository Essays
  • 9. Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays
  • 10. Transition Words for Synthesis Essays
  • 11. Transition Words for Analysis Essays
  • 12. Conclusion Transition Words for Essays
  • 13. Beginning Transition Words for Essays
  • 14. Paragraph Transition Words for Essays
  • 15. Transition Words for Essays Counter Argument
  • 16. Transition Words for Essay For Third Body Paragraph
  • 17. Transition Words for Essays After a Quote
  • 18. Transition Words for Essays Middle School
  • 19. Transition Words for Essays High School
  • 20. Transition Words for Essays College
  • 21. Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

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.

How To Use Transition Words in Essays

Transition words help make your essays flow better and easier to read.

To use them well, know the purpose of each type of transition word. Use words for addition, contrast, sequence, example, and conclusion. Place them at the start, middle, or end of sentences and paragraphs to connect ideas smoothly.

Mix up your transition words to avoid repeating the same ones and to keep a logical flow. Use them only when needed to keep your writing natural. 

Combine them with topic sentences to help guide readers through your essay. For example, change “The experiment was a success. It provided new insights” to “The experiment was a success; moreover, it provided new insights.” 

Avoid mistakes like placing them in the wrong spot, using too many, or choosing the wrong ones.

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

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

Addition Transitions

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

Comparison Transitions

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

Contrast Transitions

  • On the other hand
  • In contrast
  • Nevertheless
  • Nonetheless
  • Even though

Cause and Effect Transitions

  • Consequently
  • As a result
  • For this reason
  • Accordingly

Time Transitions

  • Simultaneously
  • In the meantime
  • Subsequently
  • At the same time

Illustration Transitions

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

Emphasis Transitions

  • Undoubtedly
  • Without a doubt

Summary Transitions

  • To summarize
  • To conclude

Sequence Transitions

Example transitions.

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

For Showing Exception

  • But at the same time
  • Despite this

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

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

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

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

Transition Words for Essays PDF

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 
  • In other words

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

  • In order to
  • Provided that
  • Because of this

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

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

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

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

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

  • In any event
  • As mentioned
  • As you can see
  • In conclusion

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

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

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

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

  • To put it differently
  • Once and for all

Transition Words for Essays Counter Argument

  • While this may be true

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

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

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

  • In addition to this 
  • Furthermore 

Transition Words for Essay For Third Body Paragraph

Here are some transition words you can to 3rd body paragraph when writing a more extensive, 5 paragraph essay :

  • Another point
  • Alongside this

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

  • Finally 
  • Last but not least 
  • To sum up 
  • Altogether 
  • As a final point

Transition Words for Essays After a Quote

  • Acknowledges

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

  • In conclusion 
  • For instance 

Transition Words for Essays High School

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

Transition Words for Essays College

Here are some college level transition words for essay:

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

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

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

Here are the basic 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.

If you still feel that your essay is not properly conveying your ideas, you might be wondering, “ Can I pay someone to do my essay ?” Turn to our expert essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com .

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Nova A.

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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