By Matt Ellis, Grammarly
Abruptly switching topics in essays can be jarring; however, transition words can smooth the change for the convenience of the reader. Moreover, you can use essay transition words to start a paragraph, sentence, or clause more naturally. Additionally, essay transition words can connect new information to the previous statement so you don’t have to say everything at once.
This guide looks at how to use transition words in essays. We’ll explain what they are and how to use them, plus we even share an essay transition word list with the most common and useful transition word examples.
What are essay transition words?
In general, transition words and phrases bridge the gap between two topics whose connection isn’t obvious. Transition words and phrases like however, although, likewise, and on the contrary cue the reader that a change is coming so they know to expect it.
The type of transition word or phrase signals which type of change is coming. For example, transition words like therefore show a cause-and-effect relationship, while transition words like in conclusion introduce a summary or wrap-up. Often, conjunctive adverbs work well as transition words.
Essay transition words are no different from other types of transition words. They are often the same words and phrases used in other pieces of writing, just used for all types of essays, such as an informative essay or a narrative essay.
How to use essay transition words
Transition words and phrases are used to make transition sentences, which either contain two opposing topics in the same sentence or join together the opposing sentences or paragraphs that come before and after the transition sentence.
Essay transition words aren’t necessary for every sentence; you need them only when a topic shift is so pronounced that it interrupts the writing flow. For example, consider this example, which doesn’t use transition words:
The GPS told us to go left. We went right.
Although those two sentences are grammatically correct, the abrupt change in topic is a bit jarring to readers. Some may feel like they need to reread the passage because they’re worried they missed something. That’s where transition words come in handy.
The GPS told us to go left. However, we went right.
The transition word however acts as a signal to the reader to prepare for a change in topic. When the reader sees transition words like this, they know to expect the switch, so it’s not so jarring.
You can use transition words to start a paragraph, sentence, clause, or even a brief phrase or individual word.
Although tired, we had to continue.
Even in situations when the connection between topics is obvious, essay transition words can help keep your writing organized and comprehensible. This is especially true with ordinal numbers and transition words like next, then, and last, all of which keep items from a series or sequence in order.
First, you wet your hair, and then you apply the shampoo. Last, you rinse the shampoo with warm water.
Keep in mind that transition words aren’t always sentence starters. Sometimes essay transition words and phrases like also, too, or above all can come at the end of a sentence, clause, or phrase.
We were happy to get second place, but we wanted first place above all.
However, most essay transition words work best at the beginning of a sentence, where they can more effectively bridge the gap between two seemingly unrelated topics.
92 transition words examples
Essay transition word list for contradictions
above all
alternatively
anyway
as much as
conversely
however
instead
nevertheless
nonetheless
on the contrary
on the other hand
otherwise
rather
regardless
still
unlike
Essay transition word list for additions
accordingly
additionally
also
comparatively
coupled with
equally important
explicitly
further
furthermore
in addition
in the same way
likewise
moreover
similarly
too
typically
understandably
Essay transition word list for introducing examples
for example
for instance
in particular / particularly
namely
specifically
to illustrate
Essay transition word list for conditions and cause and effect
as a result
as long as
because of
consequently
due to
for fear of
for this reason
hence
in effect
in the event of
since
subsequently
thereby
thus
under these/those circumstances
whenever
while
Essay transition word list for extra clarification
after all
by all means
certainly
especially
in fact
in general
in other words
incidentally
indeed
markedly
naturally
notably
of course
predictably
significantly
to clarify
undoubtedly
Essay transition word list for summarizing
briefly / in brief
in conclusion
in summary/summation
in the end
to summarize
ultimately
Essay transition word list for time relations
at the same time
in the meantime
lately
meanwhile
now
Essay transition word list for series and sequences
finally
first, second, third, etc.
last
next
then
Essay transition words FAQs
What are essay transition words?
In general, transition words and phrases bridge the gap between two topics whose connection isn’t obvious. Transition words and phrases like however, although, likewise, and on the contrary cue the reader that a change is coming so they know to expect it. Essay transition words have the same function in essays.
When should you use essay transition words?
Use essay transition words and phrases to either contain two opposing topics in the same sentence or join together the opposing sentences or paragraphs that come before and after them. Essay transition words aren’t necessary for every sentence; you need them only when a topic shift is so pronounced that it interrupts the writing flow.
What are some essay transition words examples?
Some of the most common essay transition word examples include however, although, ultimately, in summary, next, last, also, in general, for that reason, as a result, for example, in the meantime, therefore, similarly, and likewise.
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