paraphrasing transition words

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

Improving Your Writing Style

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Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

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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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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Transitional Devices

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Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help the reader to interpret ideas a paper develops. Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another. And finally, transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to make certain connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the building of an idea or thought, while others make readers compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.

Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue readers in a given way.

and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)

To Compare:

whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true

because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is

To Show Exception:

yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes

To Show Time:

immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then

in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted

To Emphasize:

definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation

To Show Sequence:

first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon

To Give an Example:

for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate

To Summarize or Conclude:

in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently

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Transition words and phrases: Examples and tips

Masooma Memon

Ever put together a sandwich without any sauce?

Even if you haven’t, you can tell there’s nothing to hold together your sandwich’s ingredients, which makes eating it a messy affair. Transition words are the same.

They’re English language’s garlic mayo (or whatever flavor you prefer) that glue ideas, sentences, and paragraphs so they stick together in a sensible whole.

See the ‘and’ and ‘so’ in the sentence you just read? They’re transition words examples that help make the sentence flow in logical sense.

Want to learn how to use them like a pro? Read on. We’ll cover everything from transition words to start a new paragraph to their types and how you can use them. 

Let’s get on with it:

What are transition words?

Transition words are words and even phrases that connect ideas. ‘Because,’ ‘consequently,’ ‘and,’ ‘what’s more,’ ‘resultantly,’ ‘in sum,’ and ‘briefly’ are a few common transition words examples.

Owing to their job as words that bridge ideas, transition words are also called connecting or linking words.

Here’s a look at transition sentences examples that I’ve pulled from Rework by David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried:

Now let’s imagine these sentences without good transition words gluing all the thoughts together:

What we get here is a mishmash of ideas that make zero sense about how they’re linked to each other. To top that up, the flow’s toast.

The takeaway? Whether it’s transition words between paragraphs, transition words at the start of a sentence, or those that stitch sentences together in a cohesive paragraph, you can’t take these words for granted.

Why do you need transition words?

Although we’ve briefly touched on the why already, it’s time we take a microscope to the role that a transitional word plays:

Transition words are link builders

They link ideas to one another, so that they form a whole when put together. With connecting words, you can see the link between actions and arguments – say something happens as a consequence of another thing as in the sentence below:

They put your thoughts in order

Organized thoughts breathe sense into your writing. Whether it’s academic writing that you’re doing or a blog post you’re working on, you’ll find this particularly valuable.

Why? Because the previous argument you make will flow in order as each idea builds upon another like a pyramid of cards.

Of course, the better your thoughts are organized, the smoother your piece will flow, which, in turn, gives your work a logical structure.

They’re proponents of brevity and clarity

Try as you might, you can’t create links between ideas without transition words acting as succinct bridges between them.

With these magic connectors, you can keep your writing clear, to the point, and sharp as a pencil.

Here’s an example:

Let’s omit the transition words here and try rewriting this sentence: Lightning struck all night. There were broken poles. A town without electricity for two days.

Something sounds off, doesn’t it?

For one, there’s no flow to these short phrases and the ideas feel foreign to each other without connecting words. And, two, you’ve to rely on multiple sentences that are better off as one.

Transition words make writing easy to read

All this talk about organization, logical structure, and good flow and clarity pool together to deliver the champion writing characteristic – good readability.

That’s when your content is easy to read, gently pushing the reader from one sentence to another until they get through to the end. Bingo!

When and how to use transition words

Now that you know what transition words can help you with, you’re in a better position to use them.

Want to add up points together? Transition words can help. Want to agree with something or stress on a message? Again, use transition words. Want to introduce a shift or bring things to a close? You know what to do.

Besides if you ever feel there’s a lack of coherence or logical connections between your thoughts, you’ll want to revisit the transition words you’re using. Same goes for a lack of order in your writing.

For a stronger hold on when and how to use transition words, get to grips on the different types of transition words such as conclusion transition words, introduction transition words, and more.

For instance, if there’s a consequence to an action, you’ll want to lean on cause and effect transition words such as ‘consequently,’ ‘subsequently,’ ‘next,’ and so on.

Similarly, if you’re sharing steps, you’ll need sequence or enumeration transition words like ‘firstly,’ ‘secondly,’ ‘thirdly,’ ‘lastly,’ and others. This example shows such transition words in action:

We’ll look at the types of transition words in just a bit. For now, here’s a look at the punctuation that goes hand in glove with the use of transition words. This way, you’ll get everything related to the use of transition words correct down to the bone.

Two rules to keep in mind here are:

Use a period (.) or semicolon (;) after the first sentence. Use the latter only when you’re connecting two independent sentences that’ll do just fine as standalone sentences as well.

Sarah was going through a rough patch in her personal life. Naturally, her performance at work started suffering.

Use a comma before the transition word in a sentence to separate it from the rest of the sentence

I’ve been very careful about going out alone, but I can’t help it if an emergency crops up.

Positioning transition words

Frankly, transition words can occupy every nook and cranny in your writing. Hard to believe?

Briefly, here are the different places transition words do their job as an adhesive

• At the start of a sentence

• At the end of a sentence

• Smack dab in the middle of a sentence

• Transition words that start a new paragraph

Types and examples of transition words

For each type of transition word, we’ve a list below. We’ve also compiled a list of transition words into a cheat sheet of 100 transition words that you can fetch here (no sign in required).

1. Addition/agreement transition words

As their name indicates, these transition words help build up points like putting Legos together.

In addition, another key point, indeed

2. Comparison/contrast words

These magic words make it easy for you to sketch differences.

But, (and) still, (and) yet, on the contrast, on the flip side, on the contrary, in contrast, in comparison, regardless, nevertheless, nonetheless, irrespective, regardless, above all, after all.

3. Clarity transition words

If you plan on explaining an idea further, clarity transition words can be of help.

To clarify, to put it differently, by all means, in other words, to put it differently, that is to say, to emphasize, to repeat, to explain, to go in detail, especially, to rephrase,

4. Cause and effect/results transition words

Did something occur as a reaction to an action? Explain them using cause and effect transition words.

Accordingly, resultantly, consequently, as a result, subsequently, thereupon, forthwith, accordingly, henceforth, under the circumstances, Consequently, subsequently, with this mind, with this intention, in the event that, in terms of, to this end, in as much as, owing to, lest, because of, in case, in view of, in order to,

5. Concession transition words

If there’s a compromise to be made, this type of transition words can help. You’ll typically find these at the start and end of a sentence.

Granted, of course, naturally,

6. Emphasis transition words

As is obvious, emphasis transition words play a useful role accentuating a point or stressing on something’s importance.

In fact, above all, to top it all, Importance: of less importance, chiefly, foundationally, primarily, secondarily, critically, of less importance.

7. Enumeration/sequence transition words

These words define time.

What’s more, furthermore, eventually, gradually, earlier, meanwhile, finally, in due time, from time to time, sooner or later, as long as, in the meantime, immediately, instantly, quickly, overtime, by the time, prior to, during, since, till, afterward,

8. Example/support transition words

If you’re backing things with examples, you’ll want to alert readers of an example coming through. How? Use example transition words.

to illustrate, to demonstrate, that is, For instance, for example that you’ll find in abundance in this post.

9. Location/place transition words

Next up, place transition words show location or explain when something happens, making them a helpful device for descriptive writing in particular.

in front of, in the middle of, in the distance, to the left/right, here and there, amid, amongst, beyond, further, alongside, in the background, adjacent, nearer,

10. Similarity transition words

Another batch of good transition words are similarity words that pull similarities – much the opposite of contrast words.

Likewise, similarly, in the same vein, by the same token, in like manner, in similar fashion, in the same way

11. Conclusion transition words

These words work in the summation department. They’re a huge help for writing conclusions or summing up different ideas under discussion.

Therefore, thus, in summary, to summarize, in sum, to sum it up, In other words, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, for the most part, in a word, overall, on the whole, all in all, in essence, ultimately, by and large, in short, generally speaking.

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Transition Words for Essays

What are Transition Words and how Do I use Transition Words for Essays? Transition words and phrases help make your essay flow smoothly from paragraph to paragraph. You can use them at the ends and beginnings of paragraphs, as well as in your introduction and conclusion. Transition words and phrases can be used in every type of essay, but they are most appropriate in expository or argumentative essays in which it’s important to present your ideas in a clear, logical flow. Read on for more insight into transition words for essays, including lists, examples and descriptions of how to use them in your writing.

Transition Words for Essays that Compare and Contrast

Comparison and contrast transition words are obviously helpful when writing a compare/contrast essay, but you can also use them to compare two different pieces of information in an expository or argumentative essay. You may also use comparison and contrast transition words to contrast two different experiences in a narrative essay or to compare two different people, places or objects in a descriptive essay.

Here are some of the most common comparison transition words for essays, followed by examples:

• in the same way

Comparison Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:

• In the same way , Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech inspired a generation.
• Similarly , my vacation to the beach was also peaceful and fun, just like my week at summer camp.

Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples:

• in spite of
• on the one hand/on the other hand
• in contrast
• on the contrary

Contrast Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:

• However , this delicious breakfast was not as memorable as the dinner my family shared that evening.
• In contrast , my grandmother is always cracking jokes while my grandfather stays serious.

Sequence/Order Transition Words for Essays

Sequence words are especially important in narrative essays, where you must guide your reader through the events of your story. Sequence words can be used at the start of each paragraph to clearly mark out what happened first, next and so on. In addition, you can also use sequence transition words for essays that are informational and communicate historical events. It is also helpful to use sequence transition words for essays where you are writing about a book or movie and need to briefly summarize the plot. Here are some sequence/ordering words, followed by examples:

• First , my mom dropped me off at school that fateful morning.
• Then , I saw an unbelievable sight!
• Finally , the zookeepers showed up and led the baby elephant into the back of a hay-filled truck.

Transition Word for Essays Examples

Example transition words can help you provide evidence in argumentative essays and add interesting detail in descriptive and narrative essays. There are many different kinds of example words and phrases you can use to keep your writing interesting and avoid repetition in a longer essay. Here are some of the most common example transition words for essays:

• for example
• for instance
• specifically
• to illustrate

Here are some additional example transition words for essays you may use in your writing, followed by examples:

• additionally
• equally important
• furthermore
• in addition
• For example , one study explained that students who participate in extracurricular activities have a higher overall homework completion rate.
• Furthermore , engagement in nonacademic activities has been shown to increase confidence in children between the ages of 11 and 14.

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

Conclusion words help signal to the reader that you are coming to the end of your essay. A strong conclusion paragraph will begin with a clear conclusion word or phrase that will help to sum up your overall points. Here are some of the most common conclusion words and phrases, followed by examples:

• in conclusion
• on the whole
• to conclude
• to summarize
• In conclusion , school uniforms can help improve students’ focus in the middle school classroom.
• In sum , voting is an important part of our democracy and something we shouldn’t take for granted.

Learn more about Transition Words

Transition Word Examples and How to Use Them Effectively

Table of contents

Meredith Sell

Have you ever gotten stuck writing, with no idea how to get from point A to point B?

Figuring out transitions could be your answer.

In this guide, we'll give you practical tips to using transitions better, like finding the right words to connect separate paragraphs:

Why are transitions so important for writers?

Transition sentences connect two points together. This connection is not always intuitive for writers.

Every time we write something, we have to figure out how to hop from one car on the train of thought to the next. From dialogue to description, showing to telling, explanation to argument.

If the train cars are paragraphs, transitions are the links and pins that connect the cars to each other 🚂. Skip a transition and you’re asking your readers to hurdle a gap between unconnected cars as the main train keeps plowing down the tracks.

Transitions are hard , but when done well, they’re also kind of magical. You can smoothly guide your reader from one type of discourse to another, drawing connections along the way that wouldn’t be drawn if you divided everything with section headings (like this blog 😬).

Get help with transition words from AI > Get help with transition words from AI >

How do you write a good transition?  

A lot of websites harp on transition words (we’ll join them in a moment), but honestly, good transitions have more to do with shaping your actual content to guide the reader in a particular direction. You use your knowledge of the subject and your writerly skills to order your content in a way that leads to natural transitions — sometimes with transition words, sometimes without.

Transition words have a utility, but if you don’t shape your content, slapping a “however” or “therefore” or “similarly” onto your next sentence won’t accomplish much.

Still, transition words deserve a look:

Transition words and phrases: examples to get you started

Transition words concisely describe the relationship between concepts or ideas. With a single word, you can point out that what you’re about to say supports, is similar to, or contradicts what you just wrote . 

A transition word may pivot the flow of thought — changing the direction of what you’re writing — or simply push the thought forward, continuing to build on what you’ve already said.

Here are a few examples:

There are serial transition words:

Then, next, thirdly

And concluding transition words:

In summary, in conclusion, overall

Some transition words set up causes and effects :

Since, while, consequently, thus

While others limit previous claims :

On the other hand, nevertheless, conversely

Transition words tend to be found toward the beginning or end of paragraphs, at the head or tail of sentences. They’re generally setting up what’s about to come — either establishing the tone of a new paragraph or launching the reader from this paragraph’s idea to the next. 

What you need a transition word to do depends on the type of segue you’re crafting.

How to use transition words

As I mentioned earlier, writing a good transition involves much more than choosing a transition word. You need to tap into the logic of whatever you’re writing — story, essay, research paper — and shape your writing to guide the reader from your train’s locomotive engine all the way to the caboose.

In any given piece, you may need to segue between ideas, subjects, or even time-based events. Here’s how those different transitions may look:

1. Time/events ⏰

If you’re writing a story or a research paper for a history class, you’ll need to craft transitions that bridge points in time. Maybe you jump from the Renaissance to the Victorian era, or from spring to summer, or from evening to morning. As you craft your transition, tune into what you’re aiming to accomplish through this section of your writing. 

• Are you drawing comparisons between the Renaissance and the Victorian era’s conceptions of manhood?
• Is the passing of the seasons meant to illustrate a bigger point? Perhaps how quickly or how slowly things change?
• Is your character conscious of the shift from evening to morning or does the new sunrise catch her off-guard?

One way to craft time-based transitions is to identify something that is either the same or different between the two points in time. This, of course, should relate to your project’s overarching theme. 

• Was education highly valued for men in both the Renaissance and the Victorian era?
• How does the lack of water over springtime affect the appearance of the plain in the summer?
• Is your character still sitting at her desk, lost in thought, when the sun comes back up?

Depending on what you’re writing, a rich description highlighting either what remains constant across time or what changes may work well to transition your reader.

Writing an argument? You probably have several points to make, some obviously related and others that stand out like a zebra in a herd of horses.

How do you smoothly transition from one point (or idea) to the next?

First, identify how your points relate to each other.

Make a list of your points and arrange them in the most logical order.

• Do any of your points set up or build upon other points? Put the set-up points first.
• Do any of your points raise questions that are answered by other points? Put the question-raising points before the question-answering points.

Look for ways that the zebra points are similar to the others. Maybe they touch on a similar aspect of your topic — or maybe they’re the only point that addresses a particular counterargument.

Once you know the best way to order your points, use that ordering to shape your transitions.

• Points that build on previous parts of your argument may use a simple transition word like “additionally” to show how they relate.
• Points that answer a question or counterargument raised by the previous point can start by simply launching into that answer.

This, of course, raises the question of how farmers could better plan for droughts. ❡ If a farm that has exclusively raised water-intensive crops can no longer count on enough rainfall or groundwater to support those crops, the farmers may need to start planting a wider range of crops — or shift entirely to drought-resistant crops.

• Zebra points that don’t obviously connect to the others, but are important to your argument, can be introduced by mentioning the outstanding problem or counterargument they address after the rest of the points have been made.

One problem remains: The overall food system in the U.S. depends on ample production of corn. If farms stop producing corn at current levels, the cost of food products nationwide could rise dramatically. These increased costs will most significantly impact people at or below the poverty level, who already struggle to keep food on the table. However, the impacts could be alleviated by taking federal funds that historically subsidized corn production and rechanneling them into food programs like SNAP.

3. Subjects 📚

In a research paper or explanatory essay, you’ll need to move from one subject to another within your overall topic. For example, if you’re writing about the evolution of the automobile, you may write about the engine, fueling, and tires. How do you leap from one of these topics to the next?

Use a similar method to what we described in the Ideas section: list the different subjects and identify ways they connect or relate to each other. Order them according to those connections.

Look for ways that one subject can “jump off” into part of another subject.

With our automobile example, the type of fuel may directly influence the engine, so maybe you talk about those two subjects together. Or maybe you describe the different types of fuel and then move on to cover how changing the fuel led to changing the engine design.

If you want to include an explanation of how the combustion engine works, that explanation could easily tie the two topic sections together — and even set you up to describe the exhaust system, which could lead into writing about vehicle pollution, catalytic converters, and electric cars.

4. Mixed transitions

Most pieces of writing will require you to transition between the previous three types — from writing about an event to explaining an idea, or covering an idea to exploring a specific subject.

As with the other transitions, crafting mixed transitions requires intention in your writing. You probably can’t put things in the first order that comes to mind, and you may find that some elements are too unrelated. (In fact, going through this process can help you identify pieces that aren’t central to what you’re writing and could be left out.)

The same principles discussed in the other sections apply here:

• Look for similarities or differences. What does your time period have in common with your ideas or your subject? What is completely different?
• Identify ways that some elements set up others. What ideas gained momentum in the Victorian era? 
• Pinpoint how different elements raise questions answered by the others. How has the development of car technology been shaped by environmental concerns (or the lack thereof)?

The idea is to find how the different pieces connect and then write your transitions to make those connections clear.

Mistakes to avoid when writing transitions

1. slapping a transition word onto a sentence with no extra thought..

Transition words only work if you make sure the surrounding sentences fit that word — if you’ve shaped the content to lead readers into the transition. Before you choose your favorite transition word to change the subject or move onto your next point, ask yourself these questions:

• Have I crafted the preceding sentence to set up my transition? 
• Does it naturally lead to my next sentence?

If the answer to both is “yes”, you’re free to choose your transition word.

2. Overly relying on adverbs (see what I did there?).

As a reminder: adverbs are words that describe actions, and they often end in “ly”.

A few examples: relatedly, admittedly, firstly, lastly.

A lot of adverbs are also transition words. Because there are so many of them and they sound kind of formal, it can be easy to find yourself using them for every transition you write. But if you use “ly” adverbs for every transition, you’re bound to annoy your readers or accidentally pick up a sing-songy tone that undercuts your message.

How do you avoid this?

Once you’re done writing, run a document search for “ly”. If you’re overusing these words, cut or replace them with other transition words or phrases.

3. Using “so,” “next,” “then,” and other run-of-the-mill transition words every time you need to move on.

Another frequent offender is “but” (at the beginning of sentences) or its more formal cousin “however”. 

It’s okay to use these words some of the time . But using them all of the time looks lazy and lacks creativity.

Just like you did with the “ly” adverbs, run a quick document search when you’re done with your draft. If you’ve used any individual transition word three or more times in a span of five pages, revise those transitional sentences (Wordtune can help!). You may need to mix up your sentence structures to set up for a better transition word.

Note: More unique transition words (e.g., despite, consequently) shouldn’t be used more than once in a shorter work.

‍ A lot of writing is drawing connections between different ideas, time periods, and subjects — which means transitions carry a lot of weight. Put in the extra effort to craft your content with these connections in mind, and you’ll be well on your way writing to seamless transitions your readers don’t think twice about.

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The Power of Transition Words and Phrases

Transition words are the often-overlooked heroes of clear and engaging writing. They act as invisible bridges, connecting ideas and guiding readers seamlessly through your text. Yet, many writers struggle to use them effectively, leading to choppy, unclear prose.

What are Transition Words?

Transition words are a collection of adverbs, conjunctions, and phrases that help connect ideas within a sentence, paragraph, or even an entire text.

They serve a variety of functions:

• Showing relationships between ideas:  Cause and effect, contrast, comparison, addition, time sequence, etc.
• Introducing new information or summarizing previous points
• Adding emphasis or clarification
• Smoothing transitions between sentences and paragraphs

Examples of Transition Words:

Here are some common examples of transition words categorized by function:

Cause and Effect:

• As a result of
• On account of
• For the reason that
• The reason why
• In light of
• Considering
• Consequently
• As a result
• For this reason
• Subsequently
• Accordingly
• That being the case
• As a result,
• Because of this,
• Consequently,
• For this reason,
• Since, therefore,
• Due to this,
• Owing to this,
• As a consequence,
• Significantly
• Particularly
• On the other hand
• Nevertheless
• Even though
• In contrast
• In the meantime
• Simultaneously
• Nonetheless
• In spite of
• On the contrary
• On the flip side
• However, in contrast to
• Alternatively
• Undoubtedly
• On the surface
• At first glance
• Superficially
• In other words
• To put it differently
• To explain further
• To elaborate
• That is to say
• In simpler terms
• In the same way
• In a similar fashion
• By the same token
• Compared to
• Correspondingly
• In parallel
• In like manner
• Comparable to
• Analogous to
• Parallel to this
• To an equal degree
• Without a doubt
• For example
• For instance
• To illustrate
• In particular
• As an illustration
• As a case in point
• Specifically
• Furthermore
• Additionally
• In addition
• Not only… but also
• Coupled with
• Together with

Time Sequence

• To begin with
• In the first place
• Following this
• Afterward(s)
• At the same time
• In conclusion
• To conclude
• In the long run
• Importantly
• Principally
• Fundamentally
• On the whole
• To emphasize
• To reiterate

Clarification

• To be specific
• To be precise
• More precisely
• To be exact
• In the final analysis
• In other terms
• To rephrase
• To express differently
• To say it another way
• To put it another way
• To paraphrase
• In a different light

Transition Words and Phrases with meaning and examples

Transition words for cause and effect with meaning and examples.

• Example: He didn’t go to the party because he was feeling unwell.
• Example: Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
• Example: As a result of his hard work, he was promoted to manager.
• Example: The delay was due to heavy traffic on the highway.
• Example: Owing to his absence, the meeting was postponed.
• Example: The event was canceled on account of bad weather.
• Example: He decided to leave early for the reason that he had an appointment.
• Example: The reason why she resigned was dissatisfaction with her job.
• Example: In light of recent events, we have decided to revise our strategy.
• Example: Considering his experience, he should have known better.
• Example: He forgot his umbrella; therefore, he got soaked in the rain.
• Example: He missed the train; thus, he was late for the meeting.
• Example: The factory closed down; consequently, many people lost their jobs.
• Example: The roads were icy; as a result, there were many accidents.
• Example: She didn’t have a ticket; hence, she couldn’t enter the concert.
• Example: He was tired; for this reason, he went to bed early.
• Example: The store was closed, so we couldn’t buy groceries.
• Example: He lost his job and subsequently had to sell his car.
• Example: The instructions were clear, and she acted accordingly.
• Example: The weather forecast predicts rain; that being the case, we should bring umbrellas.
• Example: He didn’t study for the exam; as a result, he failed.
• Example: Because of this mistake, he lost the game.
• Example: She missed the train; consequently, she arrived late.
• Example: He was allergic to cats; for this reason, he couldn’t visit his friend’s house.
• Example: Since it was getting late, she decided to leave.
• Example: The weather was bad; therefore, the picnic was canceled.
• Example: She forgot her umbrella; thus, she got wet in the rain.
• Example: He missed the train; hence, he was late for the meeting.
• Example: Due to this misunderstanding, they ended their friendship.
• Example: Owing to this delay, they missed the deadline.
• Example: He didn’t follow the instructions; as a consequence, he failed the task.
• Example: The store was closed, so they had to find another place to shop.
• Example: It was indeed a beautiful day for a picnic.
• Example: In fact, he had already finished the project.
• Example: She was notably absent from the meeting.
• Example: She loves all animals, especially dogs.
• Example: The new policy significantly improved employee morale.
• Example: The event was primarily for charity fundraising.
• Example: The project’s success was chiefly due to her efforts.
• Example: Above all, we need to ensure the safety of our employees.
• Example: The decision was mainly based on financial considerations.
• Example: She was particularly interested in the historical aspect of the museum.
• Example: She wanted to go out; however, it started raining.
• Example: He loves hot weather; on the other hand, she prefers cold climates.
• Example: The movie was long; nevertheless, it was enjoyable.
• Example: She thought it would be easy; conversely, it turned out to be difficult.
• Example: He likes tea; while she prefers coffee.
• Example: He studied hard; yet, he failed the exam.
• Example: Although it was raining, she went for a walk.
• Example: Even though she was tired, she stayed up late to finish the project.
• Example: Despite the rain, they went ahead with the outdoor event.
• Example: In contrast to her sister, she prefers quiet evenings at home.
• Example: Firstly, we need to gather all the necessary materials.
• Example: Secondly, we need to allocate roles and responsibilities.
• Example: Next, we will proceed with the planning phase.
• Example: Finish your homework first, and then you can play video games.
• Example: Afterward, they went out for dinner to celebrate.
• Example: Finally, we presented our findings to the board.
• Example: The repairs will take a few days. In the meantime, you can use the spare room.
• Example: He was cooking dinner. Meanwhile, she was setting the table.
• Example: The dancers moved across the stage simultaneously.

Transition words for Contrast with meaning and examples

• Example: The weather was hot; however, we still decided to go for a hike.
• Example: She loves ice cream; on the other hand, her sister prefers cake.
• Example: In contrast to her shy demeanor, she excelled in public speaking.
• Example: He thought it would be easy; conversely, it turned out to be quite challenging.
• Example: The movie was long; nevertheless, it was worth watching.
• Example: The results were disappointing; nonetheless, we remained optimistic.
• Example: She wanted to go out, but it started raining heavily.
• Example: She studied hard; yet, she failed the exam.
• Example: Although it was raining, they went ahead with the picnic.
• Example: He was hesitant; though, he eventually agreed to join us.
• Example: She enjoys reading; while her brother prefers watching TV.
• Example: In spite of the heavy rain, they decided to go for a walk.
• Example: Despite his fear of heights, he climbed to the top of the mountain.
• Example: He continued his studies regardless of the distractions around him.
• Example: I expected her to be angry; on the contrary, she was quite understanding.
• Example: On the flip side, the new policy may have unintended consequences.
• Example: The movie received rave reviews; contrarily, some viewers found it disappointing.
• Example: However, in contrast to popular belief, not all cats dislike water.
• Example: If you don’t want to go by car, you can alternatively take the train.
• Example: The new product is indeed an improvement over the previous version.
• Example: In fact, he had been planning the surprise party for weeks.
• Example: You can certainly count on me to help you with your project.
• Example: I absolutely agree with your proposal; it’s a great idea.
• Example: “Can I borrow your pen?” “Of course, here you go.”
• Example: Naturally, she was excited about her upcoming vacation.
• Example: You surely won’t forget to call me when you arrive, right?
• Example: His talent is undoubtedly one of his greatest strengths.
• Example: Granted, it’s a risky venture, but the potential rewards are significant.
• Example: Admittedly, the project took longer than expected to complete.
• Example: On the surface, the task seemed simple, but it was actually quite complex.
• Example: At first glance, the painting appeared abstract, but upon closer inspection, its meaning became clear.
• Example: Superficially, it seemed like a straightforward problem, but it was more complicated than it appeared.
• Example: Externally, the company appeared to be thriving, but internally, there were significant challenges.
• Example: Ostensibly, he seemed confident, but inwardly, he was nervous.
• Example: Apparently, she had already left, as her car was not in the driveway.
• Example: He failed the test because he didn’t study enough; in other words, he didn’t prepare adequately.
• Example: He wasn’t fired; to put it differently, his contract wasn’t renewed.
• Example: To clarify, we will provide detailed instructions for the next steps.
• Example: To explain further, let me give you some background information on the topic.
• Example: To elaborate, let me provide some specific examples to illustrate my point.
• Example: He didn’t win the award; that is to say, he wasn’t nominated.
• Example: The concept may seem complex, but in simpler terms, it’s just a matter of supply and demand.
• Example: We need to focus on three key areas, namely, productivity, efficiency, and innovation.

Transition words for Comparison with meaning and examples

• Example: Similarly, both novels explore themes of love and betrayal.
• Example: He enjoys hiking; likewise, his brother is also an avid hiker.
• Example: In the same way, both teams approached the problem with caution.
• Example: Both artists paint in a similar fashion, using vibrant colors and bold strokes.
• Example: By the same token, we can expect similar results from the experiment.
• Example: Just as the sun sets in the west, the moon rises in the east.
• Example: Compared to last year, this year’s sales have significantly increased.
• Example: The rise in temperature correspondingly led to an increase in ice cream sales.
• Example: Both candidates are equally qualified for the position.
• Example: The two projects are progressing in parallel, each with its own set of challenges.
• Example: In like manner, we need to approach this problem with caution.
• Example: Her dedication to her studies is comparable to that of a professional athlete.
• Example: The relationship between a teacher and student is analogous to that of a mentor and protégé.
• Example: The increase in crime rates is relatedly linked to socioeconomic factors.
• Example: Parallel to this argument, the author presents another viewpoint.
• Example: As with any investment, there are risks involved.
• Example: Both teams contributed to the project’s success to an equal degree.
• Example: She enjoys swimming as well as hiking.
• Example: He enjoys reading; also, he loves to cook.
• Example: She expected him to be rude; on the contrary, he was quite polite.
• Example: She thought it would be difficult; conversely, it turned out to be easy.
• Example: She loves cats; on the other hand, her sister prefers dogs.
• Example: While she prefers summer, her brother prefers winter.
• Example: He wanted to go out; however, it started raining heavily.
• Example: In contrast to her calm demeanor, he was visibly nervous.
• Example: Unlike his classmates, he prefers to study alone.
• Example: Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
• Example: The results were indeed impressive.
• Example: You can certainly trust her to deliver excellent work.
• Example: Without a doubt, she is the best candidate for the job.
• Example: “Can I borrow your book?” “Of course, here you go.”
• Example: His intentions were clearly misunderstood.
• Example: The team’s success was undoubtedly due to their hard work.
• Example: I absolutely agree with your proposal; it’s brilliant.
• Example: Obviously, she was not pleased with the outcome.
• Example: Evidently, he was not prepared for the presentation.
• Example: There are many outdoor activities to enjoy, for example, hiking, cycling, and swimming.
• Example: Many fruits are rich in vitamins; for instance, oranges are high in vitamin C.
• Example: Many countries have beautiful beaches, such as Greece, Thailand, and Australia.
• Example: To illustrate my point, let’s consider the following scenario.
• Example: In particular, I would like to draw your attention to paragraph three.
• Example: There are three primary colors, namely red, blue, and yellow.
• Example: The package includes various amenities, including free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
• Example: As an illustration of his dedication, he worked overtime to meet the deadline.
• Example: As a case in point, let’s examine the recent economic downturn.
• Example: Specifically, I would like to address the issue of customer satisfaction.
• Example: The project was successful, and furthermore, it received positive feedback from clients.
• Example: The hotel offers stunning views, and moreover, it provides excellent customer service.
• Example: Additionally, the company offers flexible working hours to its employees.
• Example: In addition to the main course, the meal includes a selection of appetizers.
• Example: Not only does he speak Spanish fluently, but he also understands French.

Transition words for Addition with meaning and examples

• Example: Additionally, the company offers comprehensive health benefits to its employees.
• Example: Furthermore, the study found a correlation between exercise and mental health.
• Example: Moreover, the new policy has resulted in increased productivity.
• Example: In addition to regular meetings, we will also provide training sessions.
• Example: She enjoys hiking, as well as camping and fishing.
• Example: He is proficient in programming; also, he has excellent problem-solving skills.
• Example: She loves pizza, and I do too.
• Example: Besides studying, she also enjoys playing the guitar.
• Example: Further, research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
• Example: Not only did she finish the project ahead of schedule, but she also exceeded expectations.
• Example: In the same way, the second experiment yielded similar results.
• Example: She enjoys hiking; likewise, her brother shares the same passion.
• Example: Similarly, both articles discuss the impact of climate change on wildlife.
• Example: Just as the sun rises in the east, it sets in the west.
• Example: Along with the main course, the meal includes a selection of side dishes.
• Example: Coupled with his determination, his skills make him a formidable competitor.
• Example: Together with his team, he achieved remarkable success.
• Example: The package includes various amenities, including a gym and swimming pool.
• Example: She enjoys reading, hiking, and painting.
• Example: There are many outdoor activities to enjoy, for example, hiking, biking, and swimming.
• Example: Many fruits are rich in vitamins, for instance, oranges and strawberries.
• Example: Many countries have beautiful beaches, such as Greece and Thailand.
• Example: In particular, I would like to discuss the implications of this decision.
• Example: As an illustration of her dedication, she worked overtime to meet the deadline.
• Example: Like his father, he excels in mathematics.
• Example: The team meeting will cover various topics, including budget planning and project updates.
• Example: She enjoys outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping.
• Example: The results of the study are indeed remarkable.
• Example: You can certainly rely on him to deliver high-quality work.
• Example: His contributions to the project were undoubtedly significant.
• Example: “Can I join you?” “Of course, the more the merrier!”
• Example: In fact, she had been planning the surprise party for weeks.
• Example: Obviously, the solution to the problem is straightforward.
• Example: Evidently, the new software has improved efficiency.
• Example: Clearly, there is a need for change in our approach.
• Example: Surely, you must have heard about the new restaurant in town.
• Example: To be sure, the project will require additional resources.
• Example: Firstly, we need to assess the current situation.
• Example: Secondly, we must identify potential solutions.
• Example: Next, we will implement the chosen strategy.
• Example: First, we’ll gather the necessary materials. Then, we’ll start the project.
• Example: Finally, we will review the outcomes and make adjustments if necessary.
• Example: The repairs will take a few days. In the meantime, we can use the spare room.
• Example: He was preparing dinner. Meanwhile, she was setting the table.
• Example: Subsequently, the company implemented new safety measures.
• Example: The dancers moved across the stage simultaneously, creating a mesmerizing performance.

Transition words for Time Sequence with meaning and examples

• Example: To begin with, we’ll discuss the main objectives of the project.
• Example: Initially, there were some concerns about the project timeline.
• Example: Why did you decide to take this job in the first place?
• Example: Second, we’ll assign tasks to each team member.
• Example: Secondly, we’ll analyze the data collected from the survey.
• Example: Next, we’ll schedule a meeting to discuss the findings.
• Example: We’ll prepare the presentation. After that, we’ll rehearse it.
• Example: Subsequently, the team implemented the proposed changes.
• Example: Following this, we’ll need to revise the budget allocation.
• Example: We’ll discuss the details later in the meeting.
• Example: Afterward, we’ll need to submit the progress report.
• Example: I’ll prepare dinner. Meanwhile, you can finish your homework.
• Example: The conference will be broadcast simultaneously online.
• Example: While she was studying, he was watching TV.
• Example: During the presentation, please turn off your cell phones.
• Example: He was working on the report. At the same time, she was answering emails.
• Example: The repair works will take a few days. In the meantime, we can use the temporary office.
• Example: Please submit your report before the deadline.
• Example: We’ll have a meeting after the presentation.
• Example: The issue was addressed previously, but it resurfaced again.
• Example: Finally, we’ll present our recommendations to the board.
• Example: Ultimately, it’s up to the client to make the decision.
• Example: In the end, everything worked out as planned.
• Example: At last, the project was completed on time.
• Example: The speaker talked at length about the importance of teamwork.
• Example: Eventually, she managed to finish the assignment.
• Example: Lastly, we’ll review the key takeaways from today’s meeting.
• Example: Certainly, we can accommodate your request.
• Example: The results of the experiment were indeed surprising.
• Example: Undoubtedly, she is the most qualified candidate for the job.
• Example: Of course, you can count on my support.
• Example: Clearly, there is a need for improvement in our communication.
• Example: Obviously, the project requires more resources to be completed.
• Example: Evidently, there was a misunderstanding between the parties involved.
• Example: In fact, she is the youngest person to ever hold this position.
• Example: Surely, you must have heard about the new policy changes.
• Example: In conclusion, I believe we should reconsider our approach to this problem.
• Example: To sum up, the project has been a success due to effective teamwork.
• Example: To conclude, I would like to thank everyone for their contributions.
• Example: Finally, I’d like to announce the winner of our competition.
• Example: In summary, our findings suggest a need for further research.
• Example: In brief, we need to address the issue of budget allocation.
• Example: All in all, it was a challenging but rewarding experience.
• Example: Overall, the event was a great success.
• Example: To wrap up, I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work.
• Example: In the long run, investing in education will benefit society as a whole.

Transition words for Emphasis with meaning and examples

• Example: The results of the study indeed support our hypothesis.
• Example: We can certainly meet the deadline with proper planning.
• Example: Undoubtedly, his contributions to the project were invaluable.
• Example: “Can I join you?” “Of course, you’re welcome!”
• Example: Clearly, there is room for improvement in our approach.
• Example: Obviously, the solution to the problem lies in effective communication.
• Example: Certainly, we can proceed with the next phase of the project.
• Example: Surely, we can find a solution to this problem.
• Example: In particular, I’d like to highlight the importance of teamwork.
• Example: I enjoy outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping.
• Example: The new policy has significantly improved employee morale.
• Example: Notably, the company achieved record sales this quarter.
• Example: Remarkably, she managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.
• Example: Importantly, we need to consider the long-term effects of our decisions.
• Example: Above all, safety should be our top priority.
• Example: The event was attended principally by industry leaders.
• Example: The report focuses chiefly on market trends.
• Example: I found the last chapter particularly insightful.
• Example: In essence, the project aims to promote environmental sustainability.
• Example: Basically, we need to increase our production capacity.
• Example: Fundamentally, success depends on hard work and dedication.
• Example: On the whole, the event was a great success.
• Example: In reality, the situation is more complex than it seems.
• Example: She is truly passionate about her work.
• Example: He genuinely cares about the well-being of his team.
• Example: In truth, I wasn’t fully prepared for the presentation.
• Example: Without a doubt, this is the best option available.
• Example: Inarguably, he is one of the most talented musicians of our time.
• Example: In other words, we need to rethink our strategy.
• Example: The company aims to expand its operations. That is to say, it plans to open new branches in different cities.
• Example: To put it differently, we need to approach the problem from a different angle.
• Example: In simpler terms, let me break down the process for you.
• Example: To repeat, punctuality is key to our success.
• Example: To emphasize the importance of teamwork, let me share a success story.
• Example: To reiterate, the deadline for submissions is next Friday.
• Example: Again, I want to stress the importance of meeting deadlines.
• Example: To clarify, we’re looking for innovative solutions to the problem.

Transition words for Clarification with meaning and examples

• Example: The company aims to expand its market share. In other words, it plans to target new demographics.
• Example: We need to improve our customer service. That is to say, we must respond to inquiries more promptly.
• Example: Some people prefer outdoor activities, while others enjoy indoor hobbies. To put it differently, recreational preferences vary among individuals.
• Example: The concept may seem complex, but in simpler terms, it boils down to effective communication.
• Example: To clarify, the new policy applies to all employees, regardless of their department.
• Example: The initial results were promising. To explain further, we observed a significant increase in user engagement.
• Example: The project proposal outlines the key objectives. To elaborate, it also includes a timeline and budget breakdown.
• Example: There are three main components to consider, namely cost, quality, and time.
• Example: The report addresses various issues. Specifically, it highlights the impact of climate change on agricultural practices.
• Example: Our company values teamwork. In particular, we encourage cross-departmental collaboration.
• Example: The project requires additional resources. To be specific, we need more funding and manpower.
• Example: The deadline is approaching. To be precise, it’s next Friday at 5:00 PM.
• Example: The research findings support our hypothesis. More precisely, they indicate a correlation between the two variables.
• Example: The project will cost $10,000. To be exact, it’s $10,345.
• Example: Many countries face similar challenges. For instance, lack of access to clean water is a common issue in developing nations.
• Example: We offer various amenities, such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and spa.
• Example: The package includes various perks, including free meals and transportation.
• Example: In essence, the proposal aims to streamline our operations and improve efficiency.
• Example: Basically, the report outlines the key findings from our market research.
• Example: In summary, the study highlights the importance of early childhood education.
• Example: To sum up, we need to prioritize customer satisfaction above all else.
• Example: To conclude, I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions to this project.
• Example: In brief, the proposal recommends increasing funding for education programs.
• Example: Overall, the event was a great success, thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.
• Example: All in all, the project exceeded our expectations in terms of both quality and timeliness.
• Example: In the final analysis, the decision rests with the board of directors.
• Example: To restate, our primary objective is to increase customer satisfaction.
• Example: To recap, let’s review the main highlights of the presentation.
• Example: To review, the report covers the key developments over the past year.
• Example: In other terms, we need to adapt our marketing strategy to target a younger demographic.
• Example: To rephrase, the deadline for submissions is next Monday.
• Example: To reword, please make the instructions clearer for the participants.
• Example: To express differently, we can explore alternative solutions to the problem.
• Example: To say it another way, we need to adapt to changing market trends.
• Example: To put it another way, the project timeline needs to be adjusted to accommodate new requirements.
• Example: To paraphrase, the author suggests that technology has revolutionized communication methods.

Transition words may seem like small details, but they play a crucial role in effective writing. By mastering their use, you can take your writing to the next level and make a lasting impression on your readers.

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Introducing Quotations and Paraphrases

The work you produce at university usually involves the important ideas, writings and discoveries of experts in your field of study. These contributions are always acknowledged by referencing, and there will be times when you introduce other people's views into your work and want to name them in the text. Naming other authors when you're introducing their views into your work can be done with quotations or paraphrases.

When to introduce quotes or paraphrases

• when you want to use an author as an authoritative voice
• to introduce an author's position you may wish to discuss
• to provide evidence for your own writing
• to make a clear distinction between the views of different authors
• to make a clear distinction between an author's views and your own

Introductory phrases

Use introductory phrases to tell the reader what the author thinks or does in their text. Consider using the following after you have given the author's name (and the year or notation):

• X states that . . .
• X claims that . . .
• X asserts that . . .
• X agrees that . . .
• X strongly argues . . .
• X comments that . . .
• X suggests that . . .
• X says that . . .
• X observes that . . .
• X takes the view that . . .
• X contends that . . .
• X believes that . . .
• X proposes that . . .
• X concludes that . . .
• X maintains that . . .
• X concedes that . . .
• X notes that . . .
• According to X . . .
• As X states . . .

With Different Referencing Styles

Quotation with Harvard referencing:

Braitman (2012, p. 167) argues Freud was very fond of dogs and was "a believer in interspecies friendship".

Quotation with  Footnote referencing:

Braitman asserts that Freud was very fond of dogs and was "a believer in interspecies friendship". 1

Paraphrase with Harvard referencing:

Braitman (2012, p. 167) states that it was Freud's relationship with Jofi and Lun, his pet Chow, that convinced him that relationships between different species could exist.

Paraphrase with Footnote referencing:

As Braitman points out, it was Freud's relationship with Jofi and Lun, his pet Chow, that convinced him that relationships between different species could exist. 1

Agreeing and disagreeing

You can indicate your agreement or disagreement with a statement by the introductory phrase you choose.

When you want to disagree with a statement

Harrison (1992, p. 566) mistakenly argues that Freud disliked animals.

When you want to show agreement with a statement

Greenleaf (2002, p. 146) correctly argues that it was his own pet dogs that stimulated Freud's interest in the human-animal bond.

As Greenleaf (2002, p. 146) points out, Freud developed an interest in "interspecies relationships" through experiences with his family pets.

A Neutral Approach

Harrison (1992) and Greenleaf (2002) both examine the relationship between Freud and his dogs.

Hirsh, EP 1996, Writing About Art , Longman, Melbourne.

• Transition signals in writing
• Quotations and paraphrases
• Punctuation
• Paraphrasing, summarising, quoting
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• Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on 20 October 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on 15 March 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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Table of contents

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

• Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

• A second round of testing was also carried out.
• Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before ‘as well as’ but not before ‘and’.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
• Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

• Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
• Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

• Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
• Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Cite this Scribbr article

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

Caulfield, J. (2023, March 15). Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 14 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/academic-style/transition-words-examples/

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• Academic writing
• Commonly confused words
• Critical thinking
• PEEL Paragraphs
• Linking/transition words
• Paraphrasing
• Proofreading
• Terms and definitions
• Action Words: What is description, application, analysis and evaluation

Linking/transition words: Things you need to know...

All assignments are written in formal language.   You need to ensure that you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding alongside your ability to answer the question/solve the problem. 

Below are some ideas to help you to develop your structure and flow.

• Linking / transition words and phrases join ideas, sentences and paragraphs together. They should be used within sentences and to move from one idea to another (between sentences).   

These words and phrases indicate the direction, order and flow of ideas. Significantly, they strengthen the quality and structure of your work.

• Redundant Words - less is more.  P articularly when trying to reduce the word count, it is important to look for phrases which can be replaced with a single word.

Linking/Transition Words

Transitions link one main idea to another separated by a semi-colon or full-stop.  When the transition word is at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed by a comma:

Among other functions, they can signal cause and effect or sequencing (see examples in the table below).

Linking words: conjunctions

Linking words within a sentence  are referred to as coordinating conjunctions.  Do not worry about the term: think about the function.

Conciseness / redundant words

Microsoft Word now has an additional feature within the Edito r - it is called conciseness or wordiness.  

• If you cannot see the Editor menu a quick tip is to hold down the function (fn key at the bottom left of the keyboard) + F7 (top line of keys).
• From the Refinements section - select Conciseness - if there are any suggestions a number will appear in the box alongside this option
• A dotted line will appear under any groups of groups
• Either select the identified text by clicking with your right mouse button OR click on the down down next to the Conciseness menu.
• MS Word will display any alternative words which you can either select and they will be replaced in your text or reject if you want to keep the original phrases.

Examples:  try to replace phrases with a single words which mean the same.

Need to know more...

• Related pages
• External links
• Academic writing Illustrates the main features of academic writing so that you are aware of what it is and what it involves
• Critical Thinking Academic work involves thinking, not just accepting what you read or are told.
• Terms and Definitions Important words appear in your assignments and examinations. The aim of this factsheet is to help you to fully understand what they mean.

Additional resources to help you to improve your confidence and grades:-

• Writing Effectively  demonstrates the importance of: clarity, structure, relevance, argument and precision.
• Writing Mechanics  gives further examples and resources on areas including: sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Linking/Transition words - Scribbr  https://www.scribbr.co.uk/syntax/transition-words-examples/ [Accessed 10 February 2023]

There are many books concerning academic writing, look around Dewey number  808

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13 Tips to Master Paragraph Transition Words and Improve Your Writing

Paragraph transition words.

Paragraph transition words are essential for clear communication and understanding in writing. Connectors, linkers, phrase connectors, transition phrases, connective words, conjunctions, connective adverbs, discourse markers, connective phrases, and conjuncts are all integral components of paragraph transitions. These words and phrases help to connect ideas within and between paragraphs, allowing for a smooth flow of thought throughout a text.

By using paragraph transition words, a writer can convey the order in which ideas should be presented, the relationships between ideas, and the logical connections between sentences. They help to make a text more cohesive, allowing readers to easily follow the writer’s train of thought. Furthermore, they allow for a more dynamic and engaging text, providing the reader with a better understanding of the writer’s point.

Paragraph transition words also help to fill in the gaps between ideas, providing additional information and context. They can be used to introduce new topics, explain the connections between ideas, or provide additional information or examples to support a point. By using these words and phrases, a writer can ensure that their ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner.

Finally, paragraph transition words can help to create a more unified and polished writing style. They can help to create a more natural and consistent flow throughout a text, allowing for smoother transitions between topics and ideas. They can also add to the overall readability of a text, making it easier for readers to quickly find the information they are looking for.

Overall, paragraph transition words are an essential tool for any writer, allowing them to create clear, cohesive, and engaging writing. By using these words and phrases, writers can ensure that their ideas are presented in a logical and understandable manner, while providing readers with a more enjoyable and informative writing experience.

What are the most commonly used paragraph transition words?

One way to think about this question is by looking for resources online. A simple Google search for “most commonly used paragraph transition words” returns a wealth of information, including this list of the most common transition words on College Writing.

Another great resource is this article on The Balance, which lists 12 of the most commonly used transition words and phrases.

How can I use paragraph transition words effectively?

Paragraph transition words are tools to help the reader understand where you are going with the story. But how effective can these words be? That depends on the writer’s ability to use them effectively. The most important thing is to know what type of paragraph transition words you can use. For example, if you are writing a story that is descriptive, you can go crazy with adjectives. However, if you are writing a report, you may want to be more subtle with your choice.

The second most important thing is to know when to use a paragraph transition word. For example, if you write a paragraph with only one sentence, you may want to add a transition word to break the monotony. Your readers will appreciate the helpful touch.

How can I ensure the transition words I use are appropriate for the context?

When you’re writing, you’re creating a scene in the mind of the reader with your words. Using too many transition words can slow down the pace of your writing, which you don’t want to do if you’re writing a mystery or action-packed story. High-paced stories need to have high-paced writing. Write in a way that keeps your audience engaged and excited to see what happens next.

What are some specific tips for using transition words in my writing?

The use of transition words can be an art form, but remember that your writing should be as clear and concise as possible. Don’t get so caught up in using the perfect transition word in every sentence or paragraph that you lose your readers. It’s important to use transition words when you are changing topics, but try to limit your use of them in the beginning and end of your sentences. For example, “In conclusion,” is great as a transition word, but try not to begin a sentence with it. By limiting your use of transition words, you can ensure that your writing is clear and concise, while still being interesting and engaging.

How can I make sure my transitions are smooth and flow well?

Transitions are a great way to connect your writing together, however, if you’re using the same transition throughout your writing, it can come off as redundant and annoying. I find that using the same transition twice in a piece of writing is more than enough. After that, it’s time to mix it up.

My personal favorite transitions are “therefore”, “however” and “in addition”. These transitions show that you’re about to make a new point, or are about to change the direction of your writing. I use “therefore” and “however” more than “in addition” as I find that it’s a bit overused.

How can I incorporate transitions into my writing without making it too repetitive or choppy?

Transitions can be a challenge when writing, especially if you don’t know what to include or how to incorporate them into your writing. If you’re finding that your writing is too repetitive or choppy, try changing up your transitions. For example, you could use “however,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” or “on the contrary.” You could also try starting a new sentence or paragraph, or using a list or graphic to help break up your writing. By experimenting with different types of transitions, you can ensure that your writing is smooth and cohesive.

What are some examples of how I can use transition words to provide my readers with a better overall understanding?

Transition words and phrases add variety to your writing, giving it a more professional feel. They also keep readers engaged, holding their interest so that they can follow your arguments more closely. When you use transition words and phrases to connect your paragraphs, you present your information in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for your readers to follow your train of thought.

How can I avoid repetition of transition words in my writing?

This is a tough one, but there are a few ways to go about it. One way is to read your work aloud. When we read silently, our eyes skip over words, which can make repetition seem less noticeable. But when we read aloud, our minds are forced to process more of the sentence and our ears catch on to the repetition more easily.

Another technique is to read your work backwards. Reading from the last sentence to the first can help you identify the words you’re using to transition between ideas and determine if they can be re-used.

If you’re struggling to find a transition word that works, you can always lean on synonyms and try a thesaurus. Though be careful to not overuse words that sound similar to each other.

What strategies can I use to ensure my transitions are effective?

One of the best transitions is to use dialogue. For instance, you could start with the street with a bunch of people walking. You could describe some of the people, what they’re wearing, etc. Then, you could write something like, “I was so tired, I wanted to lie down on the sidewalk.” You could even have the character say this! You could write a whole paragraph about how the character is tired and how they love walking at night and then start the next paragraph talking about the street. You want to avoid starting a new paragraph and a new topic with the same word.

How can I make sure my transitions are appropriate for each paragraph?

Transitions are an important part of writing and can help guide the reader through your thoughts. However, it is important to remember that each paragraph should have a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea. this sentence should then be followed by support sentences that expand upon the main idea.

What types of transition words should I avoid using?

Transition words are great for helping your prose flow, but avoid the overuse of phrases like “however,” “moreover,” and “on the other hand.” These phrases are often used in an attempt to smooth out an essay’s flow and build momentum, but they’re so overused that they’ve lost their impact.

A writer should instead look to build momentum and smooth out their prose with less overused phrases like “in conclusion” and “in the first place.” Using these words sparingly will keep your writing sharp and help you avoid monotony.

What are some best practices for using transition words?

Transition words are an essential part of writing. They help the reader understand the flow of the piece, and they can even add to the writing in a subtle way. A writer should think about the question, “What are some best practices for using transition words?” by thinking about what kind of effect the writer is going for. Are they trying to build excitement? Are they trying to create a sense of calm? The answer to this question will help a writer choose the best transition words for their piece.

How can I ensure my transition words are helping to strengthen my writing?

To ensure that your transition words are helping to strengthen your writing, make sure to use them sparingly. Many writers tend to overdo it with using transition words and it makes the writing look unprofessional and cluttered. Use a maximum of two transition words per paragraph, and if possible, just use one. It will help your writing look clean and concise, which is what every writer is aiming for.

In conclusion, paragraph transition words are an important part of any written piece of work and can be used to help create a smooth and cohesive argument. When using transition words, it is important to ensure that they are used appropriately and effectively. To do this, consider the context of the situation and ensure that the words you choose are appropriate for the occasion. Additionally, ensure that your transitions are smooth and don’t make the writing too choppy or repetitive. Examples of effective use of transition words can help ensure that your transitions are effective for the readers. Finally, understanding best practices for using transition words, avoiding overused words, and using a variety of transition words can help make sure your writing is strong and cohesive. By following these tips and taking the time to consider the context of each situation, you can make sure your transitions are effective and improve the overall flow of your writing.

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Paragraph makers are nice, but what about a short story generator? Because our AI is generalized, it serves a story generator, an essay generator, a poem generator, and much more. To generate compelling stories, you should provide the story generator with useful keywords from which it can develop plot elements, including characters, setting details, and any situational information. To generate reasonably good essays, you should likewise provide the essay maker with details around argumentative positions and any other pertinent ideas. If you more specifically want an introduction paragraph generator or conclusion paragraph generator, you can provide starter text and keywords that will best enable our essay creator to produce them.

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Plagiarism checker free

Like everything else on our site, you can check plagiarism free within a trial, which is a great opportunity for those who want to check a paper for plagiarism without committing to paying before they see results. This free plagiarism checker is great for students and clearly indicates how to check for plagiarism by highlighting areas of similarity between the two texts. Just to be sure you are not accidentally plagiarizing, be sure to check all of your paraphrases as well.

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Words that introduce Quotes or Paraphrases

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Remember that you are required to cite your sources for paraphrases and direct quotes. For more information on MLA Style, APA style, Chicago Style, ASA Style, CSE Style, and I-Search Format, refer to our Gallaudet TIP Citations and References  link.

Words that introduce Quotes or Paraphrases are basically three keys verbs:

• Neutral Verbs( here )
• Stronger Verbs( here )
• Inference Verbs( here )

Neutral Verbs: When used to introduce a quote, the following verbs basically mean “says”

Examples of Neutral Verbs

The author  says. The author  notes. The author  believes. The author  observes. The author  comments. The author  relates. The author  declares. The author  remarks. The author  discusses. The author  reports. The author  explains. The author  reveals. The author  expresses. The author  states. The author  mentions. The author  acknowledges. The author  suggests. The author  thinks. The author  points out. The author  responds. The author  shows. The author  confirms.

Sample Sentences

• Dr. Billow  says  that being exposed to television violence at a young age desensitizes children to violence in real life (author’s last name p.##).
• As the author  notes , “In an ideal classroom, both gifted children and learning disabled children should feel challenged” (p.##).
• Burdow  believes  that being able to write using proper English grammar is an important skill (author’s last name p.##).
• Dr. Patel  observes  that “most people tend to respond well to hypnotherapy” (p. ##).
• We see this self doubt again in the second scene, when Agatha comments , “Oh, times like this I just don’t know whether I am right or wrong, good or bad” (p. ##).
• Goeff then relates  that his childhood was “the time he learned to live on less than bread alone” (p. ##).
• The author declares , “All people, rich or poor, should pay the same taxes to the government” (p. ##).
• Godfried remarks , “Ignorance is a skill learned by many of the greatest fools” (author’s last name p.##).
• The article discusses the qualities of a good American housewife in the 1950s (author’s last name p.##).
• After the war is over, the General reports that “It seemed a useless battle to fight even from the start” (p.##).
• Danelli explains , “All mammals have hair” (p.##).
• The author reveals his true feelings with his ironic remark that we should “just resort to cannibalism to defeat world hunger” (p. ##).
• Forton expresses disapproval of the American welfare system (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• The author states that “More than fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce” (p. ##).
• He also mentions , “Many children grow up feeling responsible for their parents’ mistakes” (p. ##).
• Jones acknowledges that although the divorce rate is increasing, most young children still dream of getting married (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• The author suggests that we hone our English skills before venturing into the work force (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• The author thinks that the recent weather has been too hot (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• Folsh points out that there were hundreds of people from varying backgrounds at the convention (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• Julia Hertz responded to allegations that her company was aware of the faulty tires on their cars (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• His research shows that 7% of Americans suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• Jostin’s research confirmed his earlier hypothesis: mice really are smarter than rats (author’s last, year, name p. ##).

Stronger Verbs: These verbs indicate that there is some kind of argument, and that the quote shows either support of or disagreement with one side of the argument.

Examples of Stronger Verbs The author agrees . . .The author rejects . The author argues . The author compares . (the two studies) The author asserts . The author admits . The author cautions . The author disputes . The author emphasizes . The author contends . The author insists . The author denies . The author maintains . The author refutes . The author claims . The author endorses .

Sample Sentences MLA Style

• Despite criticism, Johnston agrees that smoking should be banned in all public places (author’s last name p.##).
• The author argues that “subjecting non-smokers to toxic second-hand smoke is not only unfair, but a violation of their right to a safe environment” (p.##).
• Vick asserts that “cigarette smoke is unpleasant, and dangerous” (p.##).
• The author cautions that “people who subject themselves to smoky bars night after night could develop illnesses such as emphysema or lung cancer” (p.##).
• Rosentrhaw emphasizes that “second-hand smoke can kill” (p.##).
• Still, tobacco company executives insist that they “were not fully aware of the long term damages caused by smoking” when they launched their nationwide advertising campaign (author’s last name p.##).
• Though bar owners disagree, Johnston maintains that banning smoking in all public places will not negatively affect bar business (author’s last name p.##).
• Jefferson claims that banning smoking in public places will hurt America’s economy (author’s last name p.##).
• Johnson refutes allegations that his personal finances have been in trouble for the past five years (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• Whiley rejects the idea that the earth could have been formed by a massive explosion in space (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• Lucci compares the house prices in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• Although they have stopped short of admitting that smoking causes cancer in humans, tobacco companies have admitted that “smoking causes cancer in laboratory rats” (p. ##).
• For years, local residents have been disputing the plans to build a new highway right through the center of town (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• Residents contend that the new highway will lower property values (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• The Department of Transportation denies claims that the new bridge will damage the fragile ecosystem of the Potomac River (author’s last name, year, p. ##).
• Joley endorses the bridge, saying “our goal is to make this city more accessible to those who live outside of it” (p. ##).

Inference Verbs: These verbs indicate that there is some kind of argument, and that the quote shows either support of or disagreement with one side of the argument. Examples of Inference Verbs The author implies . The author suggests . The author thinks . Sample Sentences MLA Style

• By calling them ignorant, the author implies that they were unschooled and narrow minded (author’s last name p.##).
• Her preoccupation with her looks suggests that she is too superficial to make her a believable character (author’s last name p.##).
• Based on his research, we can assume Hatfield thinks that our treatment of our environment has been careless (author’s last name p.##).

One phrase that is often used to introduce a quotation is: According to the author, . . .

• According to the author, children with ADD have a shorter attention span than children without ADD (author’s last name, year, p. ##).

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