Have you ever come across essays that transition so easily between topics without seeming jarring? This is because of the transition words for essays, which act as bridges and ensure that you can smoothly move from one idea to another.
But what are transition words and phrases for essays? In this guide, we’ll look into what transition words are and how to use them. Moreover, we’ll also share a list of transition words with examples of how to use them.
What are Transition Words?
Transition words and phrases are basically words that connect two ideas that don’t have an obvious connection. These bridge the gap between ideas and cue the readers that a change is coming, so when the change actually comes, it won’t seem abrupt, and the readers will be expecting it.
There are various types of transition words, and each type signals a specific change or connection. For example:
- ‘Therefore’ shows a cause-and-effect relationship.
- ‘Whereas’ is used when you are trying to establish a comparison or point out a difference.
- And transition words like ‘in conclusion,’ ‘hence,’ and ‘to summarize’ indicate a summary or wrap-up.
Transition words for essays are the same as those used in other pieces of writing and are used for all types of essays, whether the essay is informative, descriptive, or persuasive.
Why are Transition Words Important in Essays?
Transition words are an important part of your essays. Why? Because they act as bridges and connect ideas. Other than that, transition words are also crucial for essays because:
- They enhance readability, making your essays easier to read and understand.
- They make your essays cohesive, ensuring that the ideas are logically connected.
- They act as a guide that helps your readers follow your arguments effortlessly.
When you add transition words and phrases into your essays, you are creating a smooth narrative that keeps your readers on track.
How to Use Essay Transition Words?
By now, we know that transition words and phrases are used in transition sentences and help you quickly and smoothly transition between conflicting ideas, helping the readers follow the complex ideas with ease.
But how should you use essay transition words? Is there a trick behind using them, or can you just use any transition word anywhere?
Now, it is essential to remember that every sentence in your essay would not need a transition word. These are only to be used when you need to shift from one idea to another, i.e., in your transition sentences.
Here is how to use essay transition words:
- Understand how to use different types of transition words. Remember, different transition words serve different purposes; some are used to add information or show conflicting ideas, while other types can indicate cause and effect or show time. Hence, it is important to first understand the purpose each type of transition word serves.
- Choose transition words that accurately reflect the relationship between two sentences.
- Transition words can either be placed in the beginning or in the middle of the sentence to show the transition of ideas.
- Don’t overuse your transition words or repeat the same transition word over and over again, as it can make your essay look redundant or repetitive.
- Be sure to use transition words that won’t compromise the clarity of your sentence.
Let’s Look at a Few Examples!
Read the following two sentences:
The proposed solution to the problem did not work. We tried a second solution.
The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore, we tried a second solution.
Although both sentences are grammatically correct, the second one makes more sense because of the transition word ‘therefore,’ which signals to your readers that a specific situation had a certain effect.
Let’s look at another example:
I got to the airport two hours early. However, my flight was delayed.
The addition of the transition word ‘however’ here prepares your readers to expect a contrast. If the transition word was not used here, the sentence might have seemed jarring. Moreover, some of your readers would have wanted to reread the sentence in order to understand the meaning.
Here is another example of transition words for essays:
First, you need to fill the pan with water and then wait for it to boil. Lastly, add the noodles and wait for them to cook.
In the above-mentioned example, the transition words show a relationship of time and indicate what happens first and what follows. Other transition words of time include finally, consequently, afterward, and so on.
It is also essential to note here that transition words are not always sentence starters but can also occur in the middle of the sentence or even at the end of the sentence. Transition words and phrases like ‘also,’ ‘too,’ or ‘above all’ come at the end of the sentence as well.
Transition Word List for Essays
Here is a list of good transition words for essays. We have divided our transition word list into various categories for the sake of convenience and understanding. Each of the transition words is followed by an example to clarify its use further.
Essay Transition Word List to Add Additional Comments or Ideas
When you want to add further information, comments, or ideas to a topic, consider using the following transition words and phrases for essays.
- additionally / in addition
You can pay the bills over the Internet. Additionally, you can check your balance or order statements.
In addition to paying your bills over the Internet, you can check your balance and order statements as well.
- moreover
Moreover, this brew appears to kill insects faster than either of its ingredients alone.
- furthermore
She always arrives on time; furthermore, her work is always excellent.
- besides
The decision, besides being practical, is morally right.
- too
She decided to sell the house and furniture, too.
- correspondingly
It has fewer problems and correspondingly requires less maintenance.
Essay Transition Word List for Contradiction or Alternatives
To highlight differences, contradictions, and alternative ideas, the following are the best transition words for essays.
- whereas
He works slowly and precisely, whereas I tend to rush things and make mistakes.
- however
I am all out of eggs. However, I can still make us a nice breakfast.
- in comparison
He is a well-behaved child in comparison with his brother.
- nevertheless
The math test was very hard. Nevertheless, she earned a good grade.
- nonetheless
Kate wasn’t sure if she would like her new school, she made tons of new friends nonetheless.
- otherwise
You should better tell him about the letter. Otherwise, he’ll be angry.
- on the other hand
On the one hand, I’d like a job that pays more, but on the other hand, I enjoy the work I am doing at the moment.
- on the contrary
I thought Jim didn’t like melons. On the contrary, he loves them.
- unlike
Unlike many other vitamins, B12 is rarely found in fruits and vegetables.
- Notwithstanding
Notwithstanding a brilliant defense, he was found guilty.
Essay Transition Word List for Time
If you want to indicate the timing of events or sequence, the following transition words can come in handy.
- after
After we finally settled in Australia, my father had to go back to Canada for a meeting.
- afterwards
I have to attend a meeting; I will call you afterward.
- during
I woke up several times during the night.
- earlier
When I interviewed her earlier, this is what she said.
- in the meantime
The new computers won’t arrive until next week, but you can keep on working on the old ones in the meantime.
- later
They later regretted the decision.
- simultaneously
He wore headphones, spoke into the microphone, and simultaneously responded to a dozen chat windows open on his computer.
Essay Transition Word List for Cause and Effect
In sentences that indicate the cause and effect, you can use the following transition words.
- since
Since you were ill, I decided to do all the chores at home.
- therefore
I slept late last night. Therefore, I wasn’t able to wake up earlier today.
- thus
No one showed up to water aerobics. Thus, the class was canceled.
- for that reason
I decided to take up yoga, and for that reason, I am much calmer.
- as a result
He sprained his wrist, and as a result, he won’t be playing in the tournament.
- on the account of
Dinner was somewhat delayed on account of David’s late arrival.
- because
She spoke quietly because she didn’t want Catherine to hear.
- hence
She has just got a pay raise, hence the new car.
Essay Transition Word List for Combination
You can even use transition words to combine a series of events or part of elements that make up something bigger.
- and, or
Many students have extra classes in the evenings and / or at weekends.
- first, firstly
First, mix the flour.
- second, secondly
There are two reasons why I am angry. Firstly, you are late, and secondly, you have forgotten your homework.
- last, lastly, finally
Finally, she has arrived.
Essay Transition Word List for Examples
If you want to explain the topic further with the help of examples, you should use the following transition words.
- for example
A driving test, for example, is something we expect all competent adults to be able to pass.
- for instance
For instance, we could develop our own service.
- namely
The scene showed off his best qualities, namely his quick wit and perfect timing.
- to illustrate
To illustrate, if you eat five apples a day, you will get an ample supply of vitamins and minerals.`
- in particular / particularly
his decision led to some arguments with his family, in particular his brother.
Essay Transition Word List for Emphasis on the Earlier Statement
To place emphasis on the earlier statement, consider using the following transition words for essays.
- in the final analysis
It was a difficult decision, but in the final analysis, it was the right choice.
- despite
He was able to lead a normal life despite the illness.
- in spite of
he got the job in spite of his prison record.
- while x may be true
While this may be true, this reason may be not persuasive.
Essay Transition Word List For Extra Clarification
To further clarify the subject, you can use the following transition words and phrases for essays.
- In other words
She said the movie was a bit predictable; in other words, she did not like it.
- To clarify
To clarify, there are several methods to purify water.
- Undoubtedly
Undoubtedly, this is the best dessert I have ever had.
- Indeed
It was indeed he who saw Sameul last.
Transition Words from Paragraph to Paragraph for Essays
Other than the list of transition words we have shared above, some transition words can be used between paragraphs to make the transition from one idea to another between paragraphs easier and smoother.
Here is a list of transition words that can be used from paragraph to paragraph in your essays.
If your second paragraph supports the statements in the first paragraph, you should use the following transition words:
- Furthermore
Furthermore, several studies have confirmed these findings.
- What’s more
What’s more shocking than this is that a similar unrealistic approach is observed among both parties.
- Similarly
Similarly, he has impressive records in sports.
- Supporting evidence finds
Supporting evidence finds global warming is directly linked to human activity.
- likewise
Likewise, most chefs like trying new foods.
However, if your second paragraph contradicts the first one, the following transition words should be ideally used.
- However
However, the same might not be true when it comes to bacteria.
- Nevertheless
Nevertheless, they continued their journey.
- Contradictory evidence finds
Contradictory evidence finds that free-market environmentalism is the right approach to countering pollution.
- Despite the above points
Despite the above points, people still believe in supernatural beings and powers.
Transition Words for Conclusion
Conclusions are an important part of your essay. Effective transition within an essay, especially the conclusion, depends on the accuracy of the use of ending transition words.
Here is a list of good transition words for the conclusion with examples.
- All in all
All in all, nowadays, it is best to sell products both online and in stores.
- All things considered
All things considered, it seems the new tax imposed by the government will make the wealthy wealthier and the poor poorer.
- By and large
By and large, horror movies have become extremely predictable.
- For the most part
For the most part, they kept out of local disputes,
- Given these points
Given these points, it is easy to see how the two approaches differ.
- In conclusion
In conclusion, it would not be wrong to say that all dogs are loyal.
- In essence
In essence, Malcolm X advocated for African Americans to exercise their right to vote.
- In short
In short, global warming will lead to an increase in infectious diseases, further stressing human health.
- To summarize
To summarize, the economic infrastructure of many countries will be severely strained by global warming.
- To sum up
To sum up, many regions in developed countries will be vulnerable to rising sea levels.
When using transition words in your sentences, it is important to remember that they don’t always come at the beginning of the sentence; they can come in the middle and occasionally at the end of the sentence as well.
To Sum Up
Transition words in essays can transform your writing from good to great. These words not only make your essay easy to read but also help your readers follow your argument with ease.
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FAQs
Q: What are essay transition words?
A: Essay transition words are words and phrases that connect two ideas that don’t have an obvious connection. These bridge the gap between ideas and cue the readers that a change is coming.
Q: How many types of essay transition words are there?
A: According to their use, essay transition words can be divided into various categories, including:
- Causation
- Chronology
- Combinations
- Contrast
- Example
- Clarification
- Conclusion
- Addition
Q: How do transition words improve your essay writing?
A: Transition words enhance the readability and coherence of your essays and guide the readers through your argument.
Q: How many times should I use transition words in my essay?
A: When using transition words in your essays, it is important to use them sparingly. Overusing transition words can make your essay seem redundant and repetitive.
