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.

Word of the Day

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Games & Quizzes

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Usage Notes

Prepositions, ending a sentence with, 8 more grammar terms you used to know: special verb edition, point of view: it's personal, 31 useful rhetorical devices, fun funner funnest, grammar & usage, words commonly mispronounced, more commonly misspelled words, is 'irregardless' a real word, 8 grammar terms you used to know, but forgot, homophones, homographs, and homonyms, great big list of beautiful and useless words, vol. 3, even more words that sound like insults but aren't, the words of the week - mar. 15, 10 scrabble words without any vowels.

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

transition words for essays middle school writing

Improving Your Writing Style

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

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

Writing Studio

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

In order to access certain content on this page, you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader or an equivalent PDF viewer software.

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

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 words for essays middle school writing

Transition Words (List for Essays, Paragraphs, and Writing)

transition words and phrases

In grammar , transition words play a very important role. If used correctly, they can link your ideas, make your paragraphs more coherent, and enhance your writing.

But first – what exactly are transition words and how should you use them ?

What exactly are transition words?

Simply put, transition words are words that basically act as the powerful link that holds your sentences together. They are used to show the relationship between two (or more) phrases, sentences, and even paragraphs.

Transition words improve the flow of your writing, and make it more sensible and easier to read . Words like “and,” “additionally,” “because,” “therefore,” etc. are all transition words. Along with transition words, we also have transition phrases like “as well as,” “for example,” “after all,” etc.

Why are transition words used in a sentence?

1. they are link builders.

Using transition words helps you connect your ideas and thoughts clearly. It helps the reader understand how different ideas logically are related and not get confused. In addition, these words also prepare the readers for what they should expect next.

Let’s consider the following example:

  • Shannon couldn’t sleep well last night. Therefore , she drank two cups of coffee before starting her day.

Now, using the transition word “therefore” helped you achieve two things here:

  • It told the reader the cause-and-effect relationship between two things
  • It described how these sentences are connected and are a part of one process.

From the above example, the reader will understand that Shannon requires two cups of coffee because she couldn’t sleep well last night. These are two different sentences, but they are glued together with the transition word. Remove the transition word and both of these sentences will lose coherency.

2. Transition words help you put your thoughts in a logical order

Organized thoughts are essential elements of clear and concise writing. Writers should ensure that all the points mentioned in a sentence have a logical flow and there should not be any abrupt pauses between them.

Transition words help in introducing sequence or order to your writing. Here’s how:

  • First , we will go shopping. Then , we will go to a movie.

Here, we have used two transition words (“first” and “then”) at the beginning of two different sentences. They are used to denote a particular order in which two actions are to be performed.

3. Transition words make your work logical and easy to read

High-quality writing is always clear and easy to understand. It has a logical structure and helps the reader move from one thought to another effortlessly. The simpler the writing, the better the readability!

Transition words are the magic connectors that help you write in clear and plain English.

In both the above-mentioned examples, we have used the transition word at the beginning of the sentences. However, these words can also be used in the middle or at the end of a sense or phrase.

Consider the following sentence, for example:

  • I love watching the TV show F.R.I.E.N.D.S because it makes me laugh.

Here, the transition word “because” helps in joining two clauses . It helps the reader understand two things clearly:

  • Which TV show does the writer loves watching
  • Why do they love watching that particular show

Different categories of transition words

Depending upon their usage and the types of transition a writer wishes to make, transition words are usually divided into multiple categories. There are transition words to show contrast, similarity, examples, and whatnot!

Generally, we have more than one transition word for a particular situation/ transition and so writers can pick the ones according to their liking.

Most of the time, these words mean the same things. However, sometimes they have slightly different meanings. Thus, it is important to understand the meaning and use-case of these words before making your final choice.

Here are some transition word examples according to different categories:

Transition words (contrast)

When it comes to displaying contrast “but” is the most common transition word. However, it is not the only word. There are several other transition words that you can use to display contrast in your sentences. Some of the common words include:

  • On the contrary
  • On the other hand
  • Despite this
  • Nevertheless

More on in contrast transition words .

Transition words (example)

The following transition words should be used for showing examples:

  • For example
  • For instance
  • To illustrate
  • Specifically

Transition words (cause and effect)

Cause and effect

These transition words are used for denoting the cause-and-effect relationship between two sentences. The common transition words you can use for this are as follows:

  • Accordingly

Transition words (similarity)

Another common use of transition words is to show the similarity between sentences and phrases. Here are some commonly used transition words for denoting the similarity between two sentences:

  • In the same way

Transition words (time)

For showing different periods, the following transition words should be used:

  • Immediately
  • Subsequently

Transition words (sequence)

These transition words also define sequence or time. Here are some common sequence-based transition words that writers can include in their work:

Transition words (location)

These transition words are used to connect things based on their location or where they are placed to each other. Here are some of them:

  • Adjacent to

Transition words (emphasis)

As the name suggests, emphasis transition words help you in stressing an important point and accentuate your argument. Here are some common emphasis transition words:

These transition words offer huge help when you are drafting the conclusion of your work . Whether you are working on a school essay, summing up an idea, or working on your blog, conclusion transition words are an integral part of all kinds of writing.

Here are some common conclusion transition words that writers can use to simplify their writing:

  • In conclusion
  • To sum it up
  • On the whole

More on conclusion transition words .

Do transition words actually make a difference?

The main purpose of transition words is to make clunky, confusing, and disjointed sentences smooth , logical, and coherent. These words must be used to improve the flow of sentences and make your paper more engaging.

When trying to write in plain English, using appropriate transition words wherever possible can make a significant positive impact.

Writers must avoid making abrupt pauses or jumping from one sentence to another illogically. Instead, it is recommended to use transition words to establish an organizational flow in your work.

But the question is – do transition words actually work?

Let’s consider the following sentences – with and without the transition word – and see the difference:

  • Jess is going back home for three months. He needs two big bags to carry all his belongings.

While there is nothing wrong with these two sentences, they lack a logical flow. Here’s how using a transition word can improve it.

  • Jess is going back home for three months therefore he needs two big bags to carry all his belongings.
  • Robin decided to stop studying. She failed high school .

Again, while both of these sentences are grammatically correct, they neither sound good nor logical, There’s an abrupt pause between them. Let’s see how they’ll sound after adding a transition word.

  • Robin decided to stop studying. Consequently , she failed high school.
  • I could go home. I could stay at the office and finish my work.

Now, these two sentences don’t sound coherent at all. There is something off about them, they lack flow, and they don’t make any logical sense, right? However, once we add a simple transition word between them, they will become so much better. Here’s how:

  • I could go home, or I could stay at the office and finish my work.

By adding “or” (a contrast transition word), we linked the sentences. No need to rely on two awkward sentences that are better off as one.

How to use transition words correctly

In order to make a positive difference in your writing, the transition words must be used in a grammatically correct way.

When including transition words in their sentences, writers must remember the following important points:

1. The correct placement: When writing an essay, a blog, or an academic paper, the placement of the transition words plays a crucial role. Writers must plan where they want to place the transition words beforehand and then proceed with writing the sentences.

Generally, transition words can be placed –

  • At the beginning of the sentences
  • At the end of the sentences
  • In the middle of a sentence

2. Use a comma : When using a transition word in the middle of the sentence, it is important to always use a comma (,) before it. Doing so will separate the transition word from the rest of the sentence and give more clarity to your writing.

3. Consider the relationship between two sentences: It is another important tip that every writer must use while including transition words in their writing. Two sentences can have different kinds of relationships. They can be in agreement or disagreement with each other, there can be a cause-and-effect relationship, they can be in chronological order, etc.

Thus, it is crucial to have a clear idea about their relationship before deciding on a transition word.

Key takeaways

In English, using transition words can do wonders for your writing. It can make it more appealing, logical, and clear for the readers. Today, we have learned a lot about transition words and how writers should use them in their work.

Here is a quick summary of everything that we have learned in this article:

  • Transition words are words that are used when a writer is transitioning from one point to another.
  • They are commonly used as “linking words” that join two or more sentences, phrases, and paragraphs.
  • Some common and widely used transition words in English include “also,” “or,” “therefore,” and “thus.”
  • There are various categories of transition words and writers can use them depending on the relationship between sentences. Common categories of transition words include – cause-and-effect transition, similarity transition, emphasis transition, contrast transition, and more.

The 10 most commonly used transitional words include the following:

  • Furthermore
  • Consequently

When using transition words, it is important to strike the correct balance. Overusing transition words can make your work hard to read and reduce its quality.

While you can use multiple transition words in a paragraph, it is recommended to use just one transition word in a sentence.

With SEO becoming more and more important, using the right amount of transition words in your content has become all the more important. Following the best SEO practices and including the ideal amount of transition words in blogs and articles can help in increasing their Google ranking.

Ideally, a writer must ensure that at least 30% of their sentences include transition words. This will go a long way in improving the readability of their content and making it more engaging and simple.

There are several ways to write effective transition sentences . Here are some writing tips that can help writers write effective transition sentences:

  • Generally, it is advisable to use transition words at the beginning of your sentences. It helps you introduce the paragraph topic and logically connect the new sentence with the previous one.
  • As much as possible, it is advisable to avoid using the transition word “this.” It is because it can make your sentences confusing as it is not always clear what or who “this” refers to. Moreover, many people use pronouns like “this” or “that” as filler words.

The five most common types of transitions include the following:

  • Comparison – For example, “similarly”, “likewise,” “in the same way,” etc.
  • Contrast – For example, “on the contrary,” “or,” “otherwise,” “however,” etc.
  • Emphasis – For example, “in fact,” “above all,” etc.
  • Sequence – For example, “first,” “next,” “eventually,” etc.
  • Consequence – For example, “accordingly,” “as a result,” “consequently,” etc.
  • Wikipedia – Transition
  • Yoast SEO – Transition words: why and how to use them
  • Your Dictionary – How do I include transition words in my essay
  • Writer’s Room – Transition words and phrases

Inside this article

transition words for essays middle school writing

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

transition words for essays middle school writing

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

Core lessons

  • Abstract Noun
  • Accusative Case
  • Active Sentence
  • Alliteration
  • Adjective Clause
  • Adjective Phrase
  • Adverbial Clause
  • Appositive Phrase
  • Body Paragraph
  • Compound Adjective
  • Complex Sentence
  • Compound Words
  • Compound Predicate
  • Common Noun
  • Comparative Adjective
  • Comparative and Superlative
  • Compound Noun
  • Compound Subject
  • Compound Sentence
  • Copular Verb
  • Collective Noun
  • Colloquialism
  • Conciseness
  • Conditional
  • Concrete Noun
  • Conjunction
  • Conjugation
  • Conditional Sentence
  • Comma Splice
  • Correlative Conjunction
  • Coordinating Conjunction
  • Coordinate Adjective
  • Cumulative Adjective
  • Dative Case
  • Declarative Statement
  • Direct Object Pronoun
  • Direct Object
  • Dangling Modifier
  • Demonstrative Pronoun
  • Demonstrative Adjective
  • Direct Characterization
  • Definite Article
  • Doublespeak
  • Equivocation Fallacy
  • Future Perfect Progressive
  • Future Simple
  • Future Perfect Continuous
  • Future Perfect
  • First Conditional
  • Gerund Phrase
  • Genitive Case
  • Helping Verb
  • Irregular Adjective
  • Irregular Verb
  • Imperative Sentence
  • Indefinite Article
  • Intransitive Verb
  • Introductory Phrase
  • Indefinite Pronoun
  • Indirect Characterization
  • Interrogative Sentence
  • Intensive Pronoun
  • Inanimate Object
  • Indefinite Tense
  • Infinitive Phrase
  • Interjection
  • Intensifier
  • Indicative Mood
  • Juxtaposition
  • Linking Verb
  • Misplaced Modifier
  • Nominative Case
  • Noun Adjective
  • Object Pronoun
  • Object Complement
  • Order of Adjectives
  • Parallelism
  • Prepositional Phrase
  • Past Simple Tense
  • Past Continuous Tense
  • Past Perfect Tense
  • Past Progressive Tense
  • Present Simple Tense
  • Present Perfect Tense
  • Personal Pronoun
  • Personification
  • Persuasive Writing
  • Parallel Structure
  • Phrasal Verb
  • Predicate Adjective
  • Predicate Nominative
  • Phonetic Language
  • Plural Noun
  • Punctuation
  • Punctuation Marks
  • Preposition
  • Preposition of Place
  • Parts of Speech
  • Possessive Adjective
  • Possessive Determiner
  • Possessive Case
  • Possessive Noun
  • Proper Adjective
  • Proper Noun
  • Present Participle
  • Quotation Marks
  • Relative Pronoun
  • Reflexive Pronoun
  • Reciprocal Pronoun
  • Subordinating Conjunction
  • Simple Future Tense
  • Stative Verb
  • Subjunctive
  • Subject Complement
  • Subject of a Sentence
  • Sentence Variety
  • Second Conditional
  • Superlative Adjective
  • Slash Symbol
  • Topic Sentence
  • Types of Nouns
  • Types of Sentences
  • Uncountable Noun
  • Vowels and Consonants

Popular lessons

transition words for essays middle school writing

Stay awhile. Your weekly dose of grammar and English fun.

transition words for essays middle school writing

The world's best online resource for learning English. Understand words, phrases, slang terms, and all other variations of the English language.

  • Abbreviations
  • Editorial Policy

ELA Common Core Lesson Plans

transition words for essays middle school writing

  • Create Characters Lesson Plan
  • Creative Writing Lesson Plan: Using Details
  • How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay
  • How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay Lesson Plan
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay
  • How to Write a Reflective Essay
  • How to Write an Article Critique and Review
  • How to Write an Introduction to an Essay
  • How to Write a Problem Solution Essay
  • Lesson Plan: Effective Sentence Structure
  • Lesson Plan: Improve Writing Style with Improved Sentence Structure
  • Logical Fallacies Lesson Plan with Summary & Examples
  • Teaching Active and Passive Voice
  • Teaching How to Revise a Rough Draft
  • Teaching Instructional Articles: How to Write Instructions
  • Teaching Word Choice: Using Strong Verbs
  • Using Imagery Lesson Plan
  • Writing for Audience and Purpose

Writing Transitions Lesson

  • Analyzing Humor in Literature Lesson Plan
  • Analyzing Shakespeare Strategies
  • Fun Reading Lesson Plan
  • How to Write a Literary Analysis.
  • How to Annotate and Analyze a Poem
  • Lesson Plan for Teaching Annotation
  • Literary Terms Lesson Plan
  • Literature Exemplars – Grades-9-10
  • Teaching Short Story Elements
  • Using Short Stories to Teach Elements of Literature
  • Bill of Rights Lesson Plan
  • Fun Ideas for Teaching Language
  • Comma Rules: How to Use Commas
  • Difference between Denotation and Connotation
  • Effective Word Choice Lesson Plan
  • Fun Grammar Review Game or Vocabulary & Language Arts
  • Lesson Plans for Substitute Teachers and Busy English Teachers
  • Lesson Plan: Creating the Perfect Title
  • 4.08 – Lesson Plan: Using Semicolons Correctly
  • Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Lesson Plan
  • Sentence Combining Made Easy Lesson Plan
  • Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary
  • Using Tone Effectively Lesson Plan
  • 4.12 – Word Choice Lesson Plan: Eliminate and Replace “To Be” Verbs
  • Using Voice in Writing Effectively Lesson Plan
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Teacher Guide Central

Writing Transitions Lesson Plan

If the reader is confused, it’s the writers fault. Clear up the confusion with clear transitions.

Cleaning Up the Essays

After teaching the basics of essay writing, I felt good about myself again. I bragged to the custodians at my school and invited them to take a break (after emptying my trash) and just read what I write on the board every day. Then I realized parts of my students’ writing were incoherent.

I had neglected to teach them how to make effective transitions in writing. In shock, I ran back to the custodians, begged them to leave my room (after emptying the trash and cleaning the white board), and cancelled my camping trip to Big Bear Lake.

I had work to do. I had to devise a lesson plan that helped students make coherent transitions in writing. Here’s what I came up with.

But first, a free topic sentence lesson plan just for the heck of it.

Free Topic Sentence Sample Plan

Common core standards.

Teaching transitions in writing satisfies the following common core standards.

  • W.9-10.1c   Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
  • W.9-10.2c   Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.
  • W.9-10.3c   Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.
  • W.9-10.4   Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

transition words for essays middle school writing

Introducing the Lesson

Have students come up with their own definition of transition and write their responses on the board. Definitions will vary but most can be applied to writing. Understanding transitions in other contexts facilitates understanding their importance in writing.

Be sure your discussion includes the following:

  • Good writing presents and connects ideas in a clear, logical manner.
  • When used appropriately (please emphasize when used appropriately; otherwise, transitions bog down the reader (ironic, you must agree)), transitions clarify connections for the reader and make writing coherent.
  • Effective transitions are more than just a list of words your middle school teacher taught you.

Writing Transitions Lesson Procedures

1.  Explain that transitions have different functions. Instruct students to copy down the following examples of how transitions in writing function.

  • to show time – one day later …
  • to clarify cause and effect – as a result. ..
  • to show location – to the right. ..
  • to introduce examples – for example.. .
  • to add more information – in addition.. .
  • to contrast information – otherwise…
  • to conclude – in conclusion…
  • to compare – much like…

2. Give students a writing sample, one with good transitions.

3. Instruct students to identify transitions and the function they serve. This is best done in groups of 3-4.

4. Discuss answers.

Revision Activity

Do this transitions in writing activity if you are teaching revision.

  • After you discuss each groups’ findings, have them reassemble.
  • Instruct students to read each other’s rough draft.
  • Readers should identify any part of the rough draft that lacks clarity.
  • Readers should identify and circle all transitions.
  • After the rough drafts have been marked appropriately, each student will revise his or her essay for coherence. For confusing parts, the writer should ask if transitions would make it more clear.
  • For each transition the writer used, he or she should ask if the meaning of the passage would be less clear without the transition. If the transition adds no clarity, it should be deleted.

TIP : Many teachers drudge up a list of transition words. Although students should be aware of these words, they usually lead to lazy writing. In fact, I bet if you went through your writing and got rid of 3/4 of your “transition words,” it would make very little difference in meaning.

Lessons on Paragraph Writing

Here are some more lesson plans and lesson ideas for writing paragraphs. Each lesson plan contains discussion/notes information, lesson procedures, and a list of ELA Common Core Standards in case your administrator shows up.

  • Writing Topic Sentences
  • Teaching Paragraph Structure
  • Using Transitions Effectively
  • Paragraph Challenge
  • The Methods of Paragraph Development
  • Using Supporting Details Effectively
  • How to Revise and Grade an Essay

I’ve taken these lesson plans and added notes, graphic organizers, and more lesson options to create what I consider an invaluable resource for middle school and high school teachers. It’s only $5.95.

It includes 10 lesson plans aligned to common core standards, notes, and over 15 assignments with answer keys. All you need to do is print out each assignment, make copies, and pass them out. Here’s a Free Topic Sentence Sample Plan to give you an idea of what the paragraph teaching guide has to offer.

Of course, you’re more than welcome to make your own handouts and assignments that took me weeks to make and years to perfect.

Last Updated on December 7, 2016 by Trenton Lorcher

Get 5 Short Story Lesson Plans Now!

We specialize in teacher-ready lesson plans.

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Facebook

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 | By: WebsiteRedesign.nz

MAKE WAVES WITH THIS FREE WEEKLONG VOCABULARY UNIT!

transition words for essays middle school writing

How to Teach Paragraph Writing – Using Transitions in Paragraph Writing

How to Write Paragraphs Using Transitions in Writing

This is the last of four in my series on Teaching Paragraph Writing.

If you’ve been following along, you know that we’ve discussed Topic Sentences, Supporting Ideas and Details , and even Conclusions …

And now we’re going to do a little more advanced work by adding transitions to our paragraph. These tiny words and phrases can make a big difference in paragraph writing. Transitions really make paragraphs flow. They also help readers understand the paragraph’s organization.

So, how exactly do I teach transitions for paragraph writing? Well, compared to teaching conclusions…it’s a breeze! 🙂

1. Brainstorm a Transition List

Some students have a pretty good foundation for basic transitions in writing by the time they enter my class for 4th/5th grade. Of course, I would like to expand their little brains with additional ones, but overall, I’d say many students in upper elementary are off to a good start.

Before I give examples and do any real modeling of transitions, I like to have students work in pairs to come up with a list of possible transitions on their whiteboards. Once they’ve worked on this for a while, we go over their answers and try to make a class list of as many new transitions as possible.

Paragraph Bulletin Board Transitions

2. Go Over the Transitions Reference List

Next, (notice the transition?) I pass out a mega-list of transitions I have compiled. We discuss category types and appropriate times to use the general groups of transition categories.

transition words for essays middle school writing

When we’re finished discussing these, I ask students to keep this list and use it as a reference. I may either ask them to put it in their binders or glue it into their Writer’s Notebooks. The list below is the one I actually use and is included in the Transition packet.

Transitions list for writing paragraphs

3. Talk Through the Paragraph Using Transitions

I know that sometimes students see writing as a chore. I may love it and I try to get them excited about it too, but even if I do cartwheels about what we’re doing, it’s still about as fun as brushing teeth for some students.

One of the ways I try to keep their motivation high is to sometimes do writing lessons or “work”, without students actually lifting a pencil. I often make a deal with my students when we do certain practice or modeling activities that if they stay with me, stay tuned, stay on task, AND participate, that they won’t have to do the actual writing part…this time, for the modeling part that is.

There will come a time when it’s their turn to write, of course. So, how we “Talk Through” a paragraph is that I start a simple paragraph…like How to Take Care of a Dog or How to Succeed in School, and students help me by “feeding me” the sentences as we build the paragraph together.

When we get to the supporting ideas especially, we discuss which set of three transitions would work the best for where we want to take our paragraph. This oral practice (visual too, as I sometimes speed write it as they tell me ideas) is a great way to practice using transitions.

4. Independent Working Times

Before students actually write paragraphs with the correct use of transitions, I have them look at some paragraph examples to find as many transitions as they can find. They also do a number of worksheets that ask them to add a transition that makes sense or to circle the best transition for a particular sentence or paragraph.

All of this practice reinforces the concept of using transitions before asking students to write on their own. This process for each component of paragraph writing has made a huge difference for my students.

Paragraph Writing Linking Writing Using Transitions

You can definitely make your own materials for this, but if you’d like a ready-to-use resource, I created a unit on transitions that will save you time.

Transitions in Writing

Transitions in Writing Print and Digital - Paragraph Writing Adding Transitions

5. Time to Actually Write!

Now that my students have a really good foundation for transitions, it’s time to put all of this together and have them actually write their own paragraphs. I always have students make a t-chart ( see the post on topic sentences for an explanation ) on the back of their paper or on a separate sheet of paper before we start to organize their ideas and to pre-plan it out.

I make sure to choose my paragraph topics carefully, so they are familiar to ALL students. For example, writing one on Disneyland or Hawaii is not going to work for many students who haven’t been able to go there. Also, I try to make them fairly interesting, so they’ll enjoy the writing process a bit more.

A few of my favorite topics include My Favorite Place, My Favorite Sport/Hobby, and My Best Friend (or one of my best friends for those who have too many to choose just one!). I also make sure to give students a specific assignment of what to write in the beginning. I have found over the years that for many students, an open-ended assignment of “Write a paragraph about anything you’d like” means that they often spend MOST of their time trying to decide what to write. I try to avoid this by choosing the paragraph topic for them but once in a blue moon, I let students choose.

Once students learn a concept, we’re never really finished with it. I like to spiral whatever important skills we learn in order to strengthen them and build upon them throughout the year. So, we continue to practice paragraph writing as we go, and eventually, I teach students to write a five-paragraph essay…whew! 

My philosophy is that if we can get students to truly understand the parts of a paragraph and master the basic structure of a paragraph, we can help them create quality paragraphs. This leads to quality essays and reports.

If you are in need of a huge time-saver bundle of paragraph writing resources, I would encourage you to take a look at my Complete Paragraph Writing Bundle .

These are the materials i have created and used for many years and i cannot tell you how much they have helped my students grow as writers. this bundle comes with both print and digital formats to give you greater flexibility, here it is if you’d like to check it out:.

Complete Paragraph Bundle - Explicit Writing Instruction - The Teacher Next Door Product Cover

If you’d like to get more teaching ideas for paragraph writing, here are a few posts you might like:

Topic Sentences

Supporting Ideas and Details

Conclusions

5 Tips for More Effective Paragraph Writing

The Teacher Next Door - Creating upper elementary resources that target standards for busy teachers

  • Read more about: Writing & Grammar

You might also like...

transition words for essays middle school writing

Unlocking Student Writing Success: The Power of Explicit Writing Instruction

As upper elementary teachers, our goal is to create strong writers. However, the lack of Explicit Writing Instruction has caused students in the US to

transition words for essays middle school writing

The Major Problem with Writing Instruction and How to Fix It

Writing instruction at the elementary level needs an overhaul. The last time the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) measured 8th-grade students’ writing proficiency in

How to Optimize Grammar Instruction in 15 Minutes a Day

How to Optimize Grammar Instruction in 15 Minutes a Day

As elementary school teachers, we are always thinking about how to integrate subjects. History content and nonfiction text features. A science equation and a math

Hi, I’m Jenn, CEO and owner of The Teacher Next Door!

I know that you strive to be an effective upper elementary teacher while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

In order to do that, you need resources that are impactful, yet simple .

The problem is that most resources and curriculums out there are far from simple. The pages upon pages of daily lesson plans are just plain overwhelming .

At TTND, we believe teachers should be living their lives outside of the classroom, and not spend hours lesson planning and searching for resources.

We understand that now, more than ever, teachers need space to be themselves which is why we create and support teachers with timesaving tips and standards-aligned resources.

Want access to TTND's Free Resource Library? Sign up for our newsletter and we'll email you the exclusive password!

Trending posts.

transition words for essays middle school writing

SEARCH BY TOPIC

  • Classroom Ideas
  • Holidays and Seasonal
  • Mentor Texts
  • Reading Block
  • Uncategorized
  • Writing & Grammar

POPULAR RESOURCES

Complete Paragraph Bundle - Explicit Writing Instruction - The Teacher Next Door Product Cover

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER

Gain access to a library of FREE resources for upper elementary grades!

transition words for essays middle school writing

Facebook Group

Teachers Pay Teachers

Free Resource Library

💌 Contact Us

Disclosures

Privacy Policy

Refund Policy

Purchase Orders

Your Downloads

Reward Points

©  The Teacher Next Door, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • Link to facebook
  • Link to linkedin
  • Link to twitter
  • Link to youtube
  • Writing Tips

Thirty Transition Words for Essays

Thirty Transition Words for Essays

3-minute read

  • 10th August 2023

When writing an essay, you may know the main ideas and points you’re going to cover, but connecting them into a smooth, flowing piece of text that’s easy for readers to follow can seem like a challenge.

 Enter transition words . These words work like bridges between sentences and paragraphs so there are no jumps or choppy parts of your writing. Which transition words are appropriate for formal writing, and how do you choose the right ones for the connections you need to make? Check out our guide below.

Comparing or Contrast

If you want to introduce an idea in comparison to another, here are some transition words you can use:

If you want to add information or an extra point to an established one, try these transition words:

Proving or Causing

If you want to establish that one concept is the reason for another or serves as proof of an idea, some suitable transition words to use are:

Showing Sequence

Whether you’re establishing literal timing or just organizing your points into a sequence, use these transition words:

Emphasizing

If you want to emphasize or repeat a point, these transition words work well:

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Summarizing

If you want to lead into a conclusion or summary of an idea, here are some transition words you can use:

Tips for Using Transition Words in Essays

While transition words can be very useful in essays, you should keep a few things in mind. When using transition words or phrases, make sure that you:

Understand Their Meaning

Each transition word or phrase has a slightly (or vastly) different meaning than the next, so don’t view them as words that you can use interchangeably. Make sure you understand a word’s exact meaning and that it aligns with the connection you’re trying to make.

Don’t Overuse Them

Use transition words sparingly. Littering your paper with transitions can make your readers feel like you’re overexplaining concepts, and it adds unnecessary wordiness.

Don’t Start Sentences With Informal Transitions

Although starting a sentence with and or but is more acceptable than we may have once learned in elementary school, it’s still considered informal . You should avoid starting a sentence with informal transition words like and , but , or , so , and also , swapping them for more formal terms that have the same effect.

There are loads of transition words that you can use to help you connect ideas in your essay. We hope this post gave you some ideas. And once you finish a draft, send a copy our way. We can make sure you use transition words correctly as well as check your writing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and more. Try it out for free today.

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

The 5 best ecommerce website design tools .

A visually appealing and user-friendly website is essential for success in today’s competitive ecommerce landscape....

The 7 Best Market Research Tools in 2024

Market research is the backbone of successful marketing strategies. To gain a competitive edge, businesses...

4-minute read

Google Patents: Tutorial and Guide

Google Patents is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about patents, whether...

How to Come Up With Newsletter Ideas

If used strategically, email can have a substantial impact on your business. In fact, according...

Free Online Peer Review Template

Having your writing peer-reviewed is a valuable process that can showcase the strengths and weaknesses...

How to Embed a Video in PowerPoint

Including a video in your PowerPoint presentation can make it more exciting and engaging. And...

Logo Harvard University

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

ELA Brave and True by Marilyn Yung

Teaching transitions in writing, part 1 (updated 6/2021)

transition words for essays middle school writing

Don’t teach just transition words… teach transition ideas as well.

Note added on June 5, 2021: I often go back to my previous blog posts and see the details of how I taught a certain book or writing mini-lesson. In fact, I recently did that with this post. In April, I was working with my junior English classes and I used the photos from Chasing Lincoln’s Killer as examples of ways to connect the six essays they had compiled for their “Transcendentalism and the American Identity” essays. Having this blog post handy helped them see actual examples from the “real world” of ways to connect their essays into a cohesive whole. This is another way to show students that their sentences, paragraphs, and even sections of an essay should “hold hands” for better flow and clarity, as the text They Say, I Say suggests. And now back to our regularly scheduled programming. 🙂

I taught this book for eight years in my middle school ELA classes. It’s such a ride! Plus, when you read it as a writer, you notice key skills the author James Swanson utilized heavily when he wrote this little gem.

For me, teaching transitions is one of the most difficult concepts to teach in writing and one of the most needed. When you teach transitions, you are helping students learn how to write smoothly, to make their ideas flow from one paragraph to the next, even from one sentence to the next.

In short, we’re talking about the concept of cohesion in writing. As you know, cohesion happens when an idea is carried through from the introductory paragraph(s) to the supporting sections of the text and finally, to the summary or conclusion. There are two ways to accomplish cohesion: transition words and ideas as transitions.

Transition words

I’ve done what many other teachers have done. We post anchor charts around our classrooms that divide transition words into groups based on their intended jobs within a piece of writing. It’s a fairly cut-and-dry skill to teach. Here are three examples of many:

  • Transitions that show sequence: first, second, third, etc.
  • Transitions that show cause and effect: as a result, consequently, etc.
  • Transitions that compare and contrast: on the other hand, in contrast, etc.

Yes, anchor charts do an adequate job of supplying these phrases for students as they write. In addition, I’ve also distributed handouts that list these same groups of words. And that’s all fine and good. Most students understand how transition words can help their writing flow smoothly so the reader can easily follow their ideas.

Transition ideas

But there’s another kind of transition—transition ideas—that are just as important, if not more important, than all those transition words. It’s also more difficult to teach because you can’t point to a list of words and phrases for students to use. That’s why I was excited when I found several examples of transition ideas in a text that I routinely taught, Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James Swanson.

Transition ideas rely on words used in the text by the author to connect the scenes in a story, the claim in an argument from one paragraph to the next, or important big ideas in an informative article.

IMG_1973

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer contains several examples of transition ideas. And since it’s often easier for me to show this than it is to explain it, take a look at the photos below.

The first photo below is from Chapter IV in the book. I’ve underlined in red the transition ideas… places where the writer wanted to move the story from one scene to another on the night of April 14, 1865 when President Lincoln was assassinated. To continue his story from one location to another Swanson utilized key words to carry the reader from the home of Secretary of State William Seward to the scene of the Lincoln shooting, Ford’s Theater.

As you can see, Swanson intentionally repeated key words and phrases–“drenched in blood”– to help his reader make the leap in the story with him.

IMG_1835 (2)

Here’s another example. Swanson’s narrative needed to transfer from the farm and home of Dr. Mudd back to Ford’s Theater. Swanson showed the Mudds sleeping and transitioned that idea to President Lincoln, who was also “sleeping” after being shot by the assassin John Wilkes Booth.

IMG_1836 (1)

Below is yet another example where Swanson carries the reader, at the conclusion of Chapter VII, into the action of Chapter VIII. He uses transition ideas to switch the reader from the lowland river areas where Booth and conspirator David Herold prepared for camping to Washington, D.C., where Mary Surratt, another conspirator, also was wrapping up the busy day.

IMG_1837 (1)

And below you can see how Swanson began Chapter VIII in a way that echoed the action at the end of Chapter VII.

IMG_1838 (1)

If you’d like even more explanation of transition ideas, show your middle school and high school students this video by Shmoop . It’s quirky and a little weird, but that’s Shmoop.  It gets the point across well, I think.

Transition words and transition ideas are super important. They help students write smoothly and cohesively. Both are the key to writing pieces that absorb the reader, causing them to focus intently on the message of the writing. Use these passages from Chasing Lincoln’s Killer and this Shmoop video the next time you prepare a mini-lesson on transitions.

How do you teach transitions? Leave a comment to share your ideas and follow my blog for weekly ELA teaching posts.

Need a new poetry lesson.

Enter your email below and I’ll send you this PDF file that will teach your students to write Treasured Object Poems , one of my favorite poem activities. I know your students will enjoy it!

Treasured Object poem instructions

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Published by Marilyn Yung

Writes | Teaches | Not sure where one ends and the other begins. View more posts

5 thoughts on “ Teaching transitions in writing, part 1 (updated 6/2021) ”

This is great! I love looking for author’s techniques for students to use in their writing. And this is such a good mentor text.

Thank you so much! Yes, this is such a great book. Now that I teach high school, I’m thinking of using Swanson’s Manhunt, the book CLK is based on, with them.

  • Pingback: Teaching transitions in writing, part 2 – ELA Brave and True: A Blog by Marilyn Yung
  • Pingback: My Top 12 Posts of 2020 – ELA Brave and True by Marilyn Yung
  • Pingback: My Top 10 Posts of 2021 – ELA Brave and True by Marilyn Yung

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from ela brave and true by marilyn yung.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

  • Transcripts
  • Cost & Tuition

image description

Transitional Words

Transitional words are like bridges between parts of your essay. They are cues that help the reader interpret your ideas. Transitional words or phrases help carry your thoughts forward from one sentence to another and one paragraph to another. Finally, transitional words link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

Here is a list of common transitional words and the categories to which they belong.

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, 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 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

placeholder

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • Transition sentences | Tips & examples for clear writing

Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing

Published on June 9, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: They show the reader how different parts of your essay, paper, or thesis are connected. Transition sentences can be used to structure your text and link together paragraphs or sections.

… In this case, the researchers concluded that the method was unreliable.

However , evidence from a more recent study points to a different conclusion . …

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

Table of contents

Transitioning between paragraphs, transitioning to a new section, transitions within a paragraph, other interesting articles.

When you start a new paragraph , the first sentence should clearly express:

  • What this paragraph will discuss
  • How it relates to the previous paragraph

The examples below show some examples of transition sentences between paragraphs and what they express.

Placement of transition sentences

The beginning of a new paragraph is generally the right place for a transition sentence. Each paragraph should focus on one topic, so avoid spending time at the end of a paragraph explaining the theme of the next one.

The first dissenter to consider is …

However, several scholars dissent from this consensus. The first one to consider is …

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

While transitions between paragraphs are generally a single sentence, when you start a new section in a longer text, you may need an entire transition paragraph. Transitioning to a new section involves summarizing the content of the previous section and expressing how the new one will build upon or depart from it.

For example, the following sentences might be an effective transition for a new section in a literary analysis essay.

Having established that the subjective experience of time is one of Mann’s key concerns in The Magic Mountain , it is now possible to explore how this theme facilitates the novel’s connection with World War I. The war itself is not narrated in the book, but rather hinted at as something awaiting Castorp beyond the final pages. In this way, Mann links his protagonist’s subjective experience of time to more than just his illness; it is also used to explore the period leading up to the outbreak of war.

As in academic writing generally, aim to be as concise as you can while maintaining clarity: If you can transition to a new section clearly with a single sentence, do so, but use more when necessary.

It’s also important to use effective transitions within each paragraph you write, leading the reader through your arguments efficiently and avoiding ambiguity.

The known-new contract

The order of information within each of your sentences is important to the cohesion of your text. The known-new contract , a useful writing concept, states that a new sentence should generally begin with some reference to information from the previous sentence, and then go on to connect it to new information.

In the following example, the second sentence doesn’t follow very clearly from the first. The connection only becomes clear when we reach the end.

By reordering the information in the second sentence so that it begins with a reference to the first, we can help the reader follow our argument more smoothly.

Note that the known-new contract is just a general guideline. Not every sentence needs to be structured this way, but it’s a useful technique if you’re struggling to make your sentences cohere.

Transition words and phrases

Using appropriate transition words helps show your reader connections within and between sentences. Transition words and phrases come in four main types:

  • Additive transitions, which introduce new information or examples
  • Adversative transitions, which signal a contrast or departure from the previous text
  • Causal transitions, which are used to describe cause and effect
  • Sequential transitions, which indicate a sequence

The table below gives a few examples for each type:

Grouping similar information

While transition words and phrases are essential, and every essay will contain at least some of them, it’s also important to avoid overusing them. One way to do this is by grouping similar information together so that fewer transitions are needed.

For example, the following text uses three transition words and jumps back and forth between ideas. This makes it repetitive and difficult to follow.

Rewriting it to group similar information allows us to use just one transition, making the text more concise and readable.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
  • Post hoc fallacy
  • Appeal to authority fallacy
  • False cause fallacy
  • Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

  • Choosing Essay Topic
  • Write a College Essay
  • Write a Diversity Essay
  • College Essay Format & Structure
  • Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

  • Grammar Checker
  • Paraphrasing Tool
  • Text Summarizer
  • AI Detector
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Citation Generator

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 Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing. Scribbr. Retrieved March 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/transition-sentences/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, transition words & phrases | list & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

  • Try for free

Transition Words and Phrases for Writing

Use this list of 100+ high school transition words and phrases for instances where you need to provide comparison/contrast, summarization, conclusion, or to indicate more information., transition words for high school essays.

In this guide, we explore high school transition words. Transition words play a crucial role in structuring and bridging ideas in writing. They are the glue that binds sentences and paragraphs together, ensuring a smooth flow of thoughts and concepts.

The importance of these words cannot be underestimated, especially in high school writing, where complexity and cohesiveness of ideas start to play a more significant role.

This guide will provide an in-depth look into various categories of transition words and how to use them effectively in your writing.

What are transition words? 

Transition words are functional parts of speech that writers use to help readers move easily and clearly from one idea to another. They add necessary organization and structure to a text, and they are critical for creative, expository, or academic writing.

Successful writers use common transition words and phrases in both fiction and non-fiction works.

Why do we use transition words? 

Also called connecting or linking words, transition words and phrases help  establish clear connections between ideas and ensure that sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly , making them easier to read. 

Examples of high school transition words

Using transitional words properly is crucial to the development of good writing composition skills. By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays.

Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances.

Cause, purpose, or intent transition words

Here is a list of transition words/linking words and phrases when you want to indicate cause, intent, or condition. They can be coordinating conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs, etc.

Example: "We can probably finish this hike in less than two hours, as long as we stick to the marked trails and don't stop too often to rest."

Types of transition words for cause, purpose, and intent:

  • For the reason that
  • For the purpose of
  • In order to
  • In light of
  • On condition of
  • Out of fear of
  • On account of
  • Provided that

Effect, consequence, or result transition words

These connecting words and phrases demonstrate effects or results, cause and effect, and are sometimes used to denote consequences that occur after the fact (using time words like "after" and "then"). They are predominantly conjunctive adverbs and are mostly used when starting a new paragraph.

Example: "Kevin never changed the oil in his car - as a result , the engine seized and he had to pay $2000 to get it replaced."

Use transition words for better accessibility. Below are some examples of transitional expressions:

  • Accordingly
  • Consequently
  • In that case
  • As a result
  • Due to circumstances
  • Because of that
  • In light of that
  • For that reason

Comparison or agreement transition words

These transition phrases and words reinforce the concepts and ideas directly preceding them, or enable the reader to directly compare two preceding statements, previous arguments, ideas, or concepts.

Example: "Needing to gain only 2 yards for a critical first down, the coach was faced with going for it or kicking the ball away. Calling a pass play seemed the safest bet. Moreover , the quarterback hadn't thrown an incomplete pass all game."

Check the following examples:

  • Comparatively
  • In similar fashion
  • Identically
  • Furthermore
  • In addition
  • In the same vein
  • Additionally
  • As a matter of fact
  • First of all
  • In the first place
  • Compared to
  • In the same way
  • In addition to
  • Part and parcel of
  • By the same token

Contrast or contradiction words & phrases

Use these transition words and phrases to point out differences in ideas, or suggest to the reader that there are alternative ideas to consider.

Example: "The coach decided to go for it on 4th down, albeit with a very simple quarterback sneak."
  • In spite of
  • Nonetheless
  • Nevertheless
  • Be that as it may
  • On the contrary
  • Even though
  • Rather than
  • At the same time
  • In contrast with

Sequence and time transition words

Convey a sequence of events or the structure and limits of time with these transition words.

Example: "Attention, passengers: At the present time , the subway is delayed because of a signal issue at the Ashmont station."
  • At the present time
  • Immediately
  • Simultaneously
  • Subsequently
  • To begin with
  • All of a sudden
  • In an instant
  • Once in awhile
  • Right this minute
  • Not a second too soon

Transition words for place and location

Indicate location, presence, and state with these transition words.

Example: "The town finally voted to build a new high school adjacent to the old railway station."
  • In the background
  • To the right/left
  • In the back/front
  • In front of
  • In proximity to
  • Kitty-corner to/from
  • Across from
  • In the vicinity of
  • On the horizon
  • In the distance

Summarizing and concluding transition words

Use these connecting words and phrases to summarize ideas and concepts, convey conclusions to readers, or restate particular ideas and concepts.

Example: " Generally speaking , commuting into the city usually takes me an hour, except on rainy or snowy days, when it can take as many as 3 hours to get to work."
  • To summarize
  • In the final analysis
  • For the most part
  • At the end of the day
  • After all is said and done
  • By and large
  • In the short run
  • All things considered
  • In conclusion
  • To conclude
  • As demonstrated
  • As discussed
  • As indicated

Transition words for examples, emphasis, and more information

This group of linking words and phrases will help illustrate, add more information, and provide examples for readers.

Example: "There were a number of accidents and breakdowns on the highway today - surprisingly , I still made it to school on time."
  • For example
  • For instance
  • In particular
  • Particularly
  • Specifically
  • To illustrate
  • To demonstrate
  • For this reason
  • In this case
  • Putting it another way
  • By all means
  • Hypothetically
  • Putting it differently
  • Significantly

Keep practicing!

Transition words are essential tools for enhancing the cohesiveness and flow of your writing. Learning and effectively using these high school transition words will not only improve your writing skills but also increase your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and logically.

Keep practicing and enriching your writing with these high school transition words and phrases.

Featured High School Resources

Vocabulary Building Activities and Templates

Related Resources

sandbbox logo

transition words for essays

110 Transition Words for Essays: Student's Helpful Guide

Ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, wondering how to smoothly sail from one idea to the next? Wondering how to glue those paragraphs together without sounding like a robot? That's why I'm here to share some simple yet powerful techniques to help you connect your ideas seamlessly because, let's face it, writing essays can be tough!

In this article, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know about transition words when writing an essay. From basic definitions to practical examples, you'll find everything right here. Whether you're working on an English assignment or crafting a college application essay, mastering these examples will surely impress your teachers or admissions officers.

What are Transition Words

First, let's find out what are transition words in an essay. Also known as linking or connecting words, transition words hold your essay together. They help establish connections between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, creating a smooth and cohesive flow in your writing.

These words can indicate various relationships, such as addition, contrast, comparison, cause and effect, and sequence. Examples include 'however,' 'in addition,' 'on the other hand,' 'therefore,' 'finally,' and many more.

Transition words not only make your writing clearer and easier to follow but also add sophistication and coherence to your essay. They show that you've thoughtfully structured your ideas and that your argument progresses logically from one point to the next.

Using Essay Transition Words Right Way

tips for using transition words

Now that you've got a killer essay ready to roll, that's where transition words and phrases swoop in to save the day. As someone who's spent countless hours writing and editing essays, I can tell you that these tips will help you use them effectively. So, let me break it down for you:

  • Tailor transitions to the specific relationship between ideas.
  • Experiment with different transition words to find the perfect fit.
  • Avoid repetitive transition word usage within close proximity.
  • Ensure transition words don't overshadow the main argument.
  • Proofread specifically for transition effectiveness and coherence.

Struggling with Essay Flow?

Let's tackle it together! Share your thoughts, and we'll craft custom transitions to elevate your essay.

Transition Words to Start a Paragraph

Starting a new paragraph is like entering a new room in your essay. So, if you're feeling unsure about how to begin the next one, don't worry; I've been there countless times. Here are some tried-and-true examples that I swear by.

  • Firstly , let's dissect the psychology behind decision-making.
  • To begin with , consider the factors influencing climate change.
  • Initially , it is important to understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics.
  • At the outset , it is necessary to establish clear goals for the project.
  • To kick things off , let's discuss the main objectives of the research study.
  • To commence , let's review the key findings from the literature review.

Connecting Words for Essays

Let's keep the conversation going and check out some helpful connecting words to smoothly move from one topic to another.

  • Likewise , the second paragraph provides additional examples to support the argument.
  • Similarly , the data from the study aligns with previous research findings.
  • Consequently , the company experienced a significant increase in profits.
  • In this manner , the essay transitions smoothly from one topic to the next.
  • Therefore , it is important to consider the implications of these findings for future research.

Transition Word for Continuation

Now, when it comes to keeping the conversation flowing, there's one more trick up my sleeve: transition words for continuation.

  • Subsequently , the team implemented the proposed changes to the project plan.
  • Following this , the discussion shifted to potential solutions to the problem.
  • Thereafter , the focus turned to analyzing the data collected from the experiment.
  • Afterwards , the group reconvened to finalize the presentation slides.
  • In the aftermath of the incident, stricter safety measures were put in place.
  • Succeeding this , the research team will conduct further experiments to validate the findings.

Transition Words for College Essays

As someone who's navigated their fair share of college papers, I can vouch for the power of transition words in making your writing stand out.

  • Albeit challenging, the coursework provided valuable insights into the subject matter.
  • Notwithstanding the initial setbacks, she persevered and completed her degree.
  • In light of this new research , we must reconsider our approach to climate change.
  • In retrospect , choosing this college was one of the best decisions I ever made.
  • In consideration of the diverse student body, the university promotes inclusivity and diversity initiatives.

Transition Words for High School Essays

Ah, high school essays—the battleground of late nights and looming deadlines. But, having been through the trenches of high school myself, I can attest to the power of these words in transforming your essays from mediocre to magnificent.

  • Still , many students struggle to find a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
  • Yet , some argue that homework assignments are beneficial for reinforcing concepts learned in class.
  • Even so , the debate over the effectiveness of standardized testing continues.
  • Meanwhile , students eagerly anticipate the upcoming school dance.

Transition Words for Informational Essays

Let's talk about informational essays. You know, the ones packed with facts and details? Well, to keep things clear and easy to follow, here are some helpful transition words.

  • Correspondingly , as temperatures rise, so does the rate of ice melt in polar regions.
  • Significantly , the discovery of antibiotics revolutionized modern medicine.
  • Notably , Shakespeare's works continue to influence literature and theater today.
  • In particular , the study focused on the effects of caffeine on sleep patterns.
  • By the same token , increased screen time has been linked to decreased physical activity levels.

Contradicting Transition Words

Here are some contradicting transition words to keep things balanced when viewpoints clash.

  • Nevertheless , she decided to pursue her dream despite the challenges.
  • On the contrary , some argue that technology has hindered face-to-face communication.
  • Conversely , while some prefer hot weather, others enjoy the cold.
  • Nonetheless , the team persevered and completed the project ahead of schedule.
  • Despite this , he remained optimistic and focused on finding a solution.

Bridge Words for Essays

Let's now bridge our ideas smoothly with some bridge words for essays.

  • There was a chance of seeking assistance from external consultants. Thereupon , the team began brainstorming solutions to the problem.
  • It's essential for employees to adapt to new tools and systems. Henceforth , we will implement stricter guidelines to prevent future incidents.
  • With this in mind , let's consider the long-term effects of our decisions.
  • We risk facing the consequences of our inaction. For this reason , it's crucial to address the issue promptly and proactively.

Mid Paragraph Transition Words

But what happens when we're in the thick of it? That's where mid-paragraph transition words come in. They're our trusty companions, keeping us on track.

  • Equally , both options offer advantages and disadvantages.
  • Alternatively , you could use a different method to achieve the same result.
  • Otherwise , we risk facing the consequences of our inaction.
  • In comparison , the second approach may be more cost-effective.

Transition Words for Chronology

Here are some helpful transition words for chronology to guide you through the timeline of events.

  • Simultaneously , while the sun rose in the east, the moon set in the west.
  • Eventually , after years of hard work, he achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.
  • In the meantime , while waiting for the results, she focused on improving her skills.
  • Later on , after the meeting, we can discuss the details further.
  • Concurrently , as she worked on her thesis, she also pursued a part-time job.
  • In the interim , while waiting for the renovations to be completed, they temporarily moved in with family.

Transition Words for Opposing Ideas

Sometimes, we need to acknowledge different perspectives, and that's where transition words for opposing ideas come in.

  • That being said , some argue that technology has improved communication, while others believe it has led to increased social isolation.
  • In spite of this , the company's profits continued to decline.
  • Be that as it may , some people still prefer traditional forms of entertainment.
  • In any event , whether it rains or shines, the event will go on as planned.

Transition Words for Similar Ideas

These words help us link related thoughts smoothly, making our writing easy to follow.

  • Analogously , the new policy mirrors the guidelines established in previous years.
  • In the same vein , both novels explore themes of love and loss.
  • In like manner , the two paintings share a similar color palette and composition.
  • Parallelly , the two experiments yielded similar results.
  • Consistently , the data from multiple studies support the hypothesis.

Transition Words for Clarification

Ever felt like your point needed a little extra clarity? That's where these words for clarification come in handy.

  • The new policy will affect all employees, specifically those working in customer service.
  • Many students struggle with time management; in other words , they find it difficult to balance school and personal life.
  • The deadline for the project is next Friday, to clarify , February 28th.
  • We need to gather more data to support our hypothesis, namely , by conducting surveys among different demographics.
  • The dress code requires business casual attire; that is to say , no jeans or sneakers are allowed.

Transition Words for Examples

You know when you're trying to explain something and wish you had a good example? That's where transition words come to the rescue.

  • For instance , many fruits, such as apples and oranges, are high in vitamin C.
  • For example , various sports, such as basketball and soccer, require teamwork.
  • Pets, such as dogs and cats, provide companionship and emotional support.
  • To illustrate , many successful entrepreneurs, like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, started their careers in garages.
  • To give an example , hobbies such as painting and gardening can be relaxing and therapeutic.

Transition Words to Show Cause and Effect

Transition words for cause and effect can help us understand the reasons behind events. They show us how one thing leads to another, making our writing more logical.

  • Due to heavy rainfall, the streets flooded.
  • Resultantly , the company's profits increased.
  • Owing to his hard work, he earned a promotion.
  • As a consequence of the accident, traffic was delayed.
  • On account of the power outage, the event was canceled.

Transition Words to Emphasize a Point

When you really want to drive a point home, you need some extra firepower. That's where transition words to emphasize a point come in handy. They help us make our arguments stronger and more convincing.

  • Indeed , vaccination is crucial in preventing infectious diseases.
  • Undoubtedly , quality education empowers and reduces disparities.
  • Unquestionably , climate change requires immediate action.
  • Absolutely , regular exercise is essential for overall well-being.

Addition Transition Words for Essays

These transitions help us expand on our ideas, making our essays richer and more detailed.

  • Moreover , regular exercise improves physical health and boosts cognitive function.
  • Additionally , renewable energy sources reduce carbon emissions and create job opportunities.
  • Furthermore , mindfulness meditation reduces stress and enhances emotional well-being.
  • In addition , public transportation reduces traffic congestion and promotes environmental sustainability.
  • Also , eating more fruits and vegetables improves health and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.

Transition Words for Persuasive Essay

When you're trying to convince someone of your point of view, you need all the help you can get. That's where persuasive transitions come in.

  • Evidently , the statistics demonstrate a clear need for stricter gun control laws.
  • Clearly , the benefits of recycling are numerous and undeniable.
  • Convincingly , the argument presents a compelling case for implementing renewable energy sources.
  • Certainly , the evidence supports the assertion that exercise improves mental health.

Transition Words for Evidence

If you're feeling like your argument needs some solid evidence to back it up, check out the terms below:

  • Demonstrably , the data shows a clear correlation between smoking and increased risk of lung cancer.
  • Conclusively , the experiment results confirm the effectiveness of the new drug in treating hypertension.
  • Indisputably , the documentary provides undeniable evidence of the environmental impact of deforestation.
  • Substantially , the survey findings indicate a significant decrease in student satisfaction with online learning platforms.
  • Irrefutably , the court documents prove the defendant's guilt beyond any doubt.

Ending Transition Words for Essays

And finally, when it's time to wrap things up, you need some good ending transition words. They help us conclude our essays smoothly, leaving our readers with a clear sense of closure.

  • In essence , the research highlights the importance of early childhood education in shaping future success.
  • To sum up , the evidence presented strongly supports the need for stricter environmental regulations.
  • In a nutshell , the findings suggest that exercise can significantly improve overall well-being.
  • Ultimately , the goal of this essay is to encourage readers to reflect on the impact of their actions on the environment.

transition words

Transition Phrases and Sentences

Introductory phrases for essays.

With the right introductory phrases, getting started on an essay is like finding your footing in a familiar place. They help set the stage for what's to come, giving our readers a taste of what's in store.

  • In today's society , social media plays a significant role in shaping our interactions and relationships.
  • Throughout history , literature has served as a reflection of societal values and beliefs.
  • With the advent of technology , our lives have become more convenient but also more complex.
  • As the world becomes increasingly interconnected , cultural exchange has become more prevalent than ever before.
  • It is widely acknowledged that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for personal and societal growth.
  • In recent years , mental health awareness has become a prominent topic of discussion in mainstream media.
  • The issue of climate change has garnered significant attention from policymakers and activists alike.
  • As Shakespeare aptly stated , 'All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.'
  • In light of these developments , it's crucial to consider the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
  • From a historical perspective , revolutions have often been catalysts for social and political change.

Transition Sentences for Essays

Ever been in the middle of an essay and felt like you were jumping from one idea to the next? I've definitely been there. But that's where transition sentences swoop in to smooth out the bumps and keep our writing flowing.

  • Building upon this idea , let's dig a little deeper into how music influences our mood.
  • Turning our attention to movies , let's see how special effects can make or break a film.
  • Expanding on this notion , let's explore how technology has changed the way we communicate.
  • Furthermore, it is important to consider the environmental impact of our daily choices.
  • Shifting the focus to healthcare, let's discuss the importance of mental health awareness.
  • Additionally, it is worth noting that exercise has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
  • To further illustrate the point , let's take a look at a real-life example.
  • In a similar vein , we can apply the same principles to improve our personal relationships.
  • In contrast to this viewpoint , some argue that technology has made us more disconnected from each other.

Type of Transition Words

Let's now take a stroll through the different types of transition words and see how they impact your writing.

Sequential transitions indicate the progression of events within the text. Examples include 'Firstly,' 'Secondly,' 'Next,' and 'Finally,' which help structure the flow of information and guide readers through a series of points or steps.

Causal transition words demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships between ideas or events. Words like 'Therefore,' 'Consequently,' and 'As a result' show how one concept leads to another, clarifying the logical connection between them.

Concession transition words acknowledge opposing viewpoints or counterarguments while reinforcing the main argument. Examples include 'Despite' and 'Even though,' which introduce concessions or exceptions without undermining the overall thesis.

Tips for Using Transition Words Effectively in an Essay

Here are some simple tips to remember when using transition words:

  • Avoid overwhelming your essay with transition words. Use them to connect ideas or show relationships, but avoid excessive use, which can confuse readers.
  • Select transition words that match the tone and purpose of your essay. Choose words that make sense within your context, such as 'but' or 'however' for contrasting points.
  • Transition words should seamlessly integrate into your sentences, guiding readers without causing disruptions.
  • Stick to straightforward transition words that are easy to understand. Complexity can confuse readers, so opt for clarity.
  • After writing, double-check your transition words. Replace any that don't enhance the flow or clarity of your essay.

Final Words

As we come to the end of our journey through the world of transition words, I hope you're feeling more confident about using these powerful tools in your writing.

I used to struggle with making my essays flow smoothly, but now, with the help of transition words, my writing feels like a well-oiled machine. It's amazing how a simple 'however' or 'in addition' can make such a big difference in how my ideas come across.

So, as I sign off, I want to encourage you to embrace transition words in your writing. Trust me, they'll become your best friends in no time.

Feeling like your essay is missing something?

Let our expert writers sail through your ideas effortlessly with perfect transitions.

190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

good transitions words for essays, college

Essay writing consists of two primary procedures: coming up with the content we want to include and structuring that content. These procedures might take place in either order or they could occur simultaneously. When writing an essay it is important to think about the ways that content and structure complement one another. The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing.

When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page. You should put down as many ideas and trajectories as you can without worrying too much about phrasing or whether they will make it into the final draft. The key here is to be loose—to get ahead of our self-editors and expel everything we can from our minds.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

While this is a good strategy for beginning an essay it will likely leave you unsure how everything fits together. This is where transition words come in. As you will see in this list (which is necessarily incomplete) the range of transition words for essays is vast. Each transition word implies a different relation, often in subtle ways. After accumulating content, the next step is to figure out how the elements fit together towards an overall goal (this could be but is not necessarily an “argument”). Consulting this list of transition words for essays can provide a shortcut for determining how one piece might lead into another. Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing.

Transition Words for College Essays

While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays . The goal of a college essay is to give a strong overall sense of its author in the tight space of 650 words. As you might imagine, it’s not easy to encompass a life or convey a complex personality in such a space. When writing a college essay you are working with a huge amount of potential content. Students often want to squeeze in as much as they can. To this end, transition words for college essays are essential tools to have at our disposal.

Here is our list of transition words for college essays and other essays. It is organized by the different types of transition words/phrases and their functions. While this organization should be convenient, keep in mind that there’s plenty of overlap. Many of these words can function in multiple ways.

1) Additive Transitions

These words function in an additive manner, accumulating content to build upon what has already been stated. They can be used to construct an argument or establish a scene through the accumulation of details.

  • Additionally
  • In addition to
  • Furthermore
  • Not to mention
  • In all honesty
  • To tell the truth
  • Not only…but also
  • As a matter of fact
  • To say nothing of
  • What’s more
  • Alternatively
  • To go a step further

 2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

  These transition words draw a parallel or bring out a similarity between images or ideas. They can be used not only in a straightforward sense but also to establish relations of similarity between objects or ideas that might appear to be dissonant.

  • In the same way
  • In a similar vein
  • Along the lines of
  • In the key of

 3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

  While also functioning comparatively, the following words demonstrate difference between ideas or images. These transition words are useful when it comes to establishing contrasting points of view, an important component of any argument.

  • On the other hand
  • On the contrary
  • In contrast to
  • In contradiction
  • Nevertheless
  • Nonetheless
  • In any event
  • In any case
  • In either event

4) Sequential Transitions

  The following are particularly effective transition words for college essays. They will allow you to order ideas chronologically or in a sequence, providing a sense of continuity over time. This is particularly useful when an essay leans into something more creative or involves telling a story.

  • Subsequently
  • At the same time
  • Concurrently
  • In the beginning
  • At the start
  • At the outset
  • Off the bat

5) Spatial Transitions

Rather than organizing ideas or images in regards to sequence, these transitions indicate spatial relationships. They are particularly useful when it comes to painting a scene and/or describing objects, but they can also be used metaphorically. Consider, for example, how you might use the transition, “standing in […’s] shadow.”

  • Standing in […’s] shadow
  • In front of
  • In the middle
  • In the center
  • To the left
  • To the right
  • On the side
  • Adjacent to
  • Around the bend
  • On the outskirts
  • In the distance
  • On the horizon
  • In the foreground
  • In the background
  • Underground
  • Through the grapevine

 6) Causal Transitions

These transition words for essays indicate cause and effect relationships between ideas. They will be particularly useful when you are structuring a logical argument, i.e. using logos as a mode of persuasion . Causal transitions are an important element of academic, legal and scientific writing.

  • Accordingly
  • Resultingly
  • As a result
  • Consequently
  • In consequence
  • As a consequence
  • For this reason
  • So much that
  • Granting that
  • That being the case
  • Under those circumstances
  • With this in mind
  • For the purpose of
  • For all intents and purposes
  • In the event that
  • In the event of
  • In light of
  • On the condition that
  • To the extent that

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

  These transition words for college essays can be used to introduce supporting evidence, emphasis, examples, and clarification. There is some overlap here with additive transitions and causal transitions. These transitions are also useful when it comes to building an argument. At the same time, they can signal a shift into a different linguistic register.

  • For example
  • For instance
  • In other words
  • As an illustration
  • To illustrate
  • To put it differently
  • To put it another way
  • That is to say
  • As the evidence illustrates
  • It’s important to realize
  • It’s important to understand
  • It must be remembered
  • To demonstrate
  • For clarity’s sake
  • To emphasize
  • To put it plainly
  • To enumerate
  • To speak metaphorically

8) Conclusory Transitions

These transition words for essays serve to bring an idea or story to a close. They offer a clear way of signaling the conclusion of a particular train of thought. They might be followed by a summary or a restatement of an essay’s argument. In this way they also provide emphasis, setting the reader up for what is about to come.

  • In conclusion
  • To summarize
  • To put it succinctly
  • To this end
  • At the end of the day
  • In the final analysis
  • By and large
  • On second thought
  • On first glance
  • That’s all to say
  • On the whole
  • All things considered
  • Generally speaking

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

Even when elements appear to be disparate on first glance, transition words are a great tool for giving your essay a smooth flow. They can also create surprising juxtapositions, relationships, and equivalences. The way a reader will understand a transition word depends on the context in which they encounter it.

Individual words and phrases can be used in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the literal to the figurative to the colloquial or idiomatic. “Through the grapevine” is an example of the colloquial or idiomatic. When we encounter this phrase we don’t interpret it literally (as hearing something “through” a grapevine) but rather as hearing news secondhand. There are, of course, a vast number of idioms that are not included in this list but can also function as transitional phrases.

This list of transition words for college essays (and really any form of writing you might be working on) is a resource that you can return to again and again in your life as a writer. Over years of writing we tend to fall into patterns when it comes to the transition words we use. Mixing things up can be exciting both as a writer and for your readers. Even if you don’t choose to stray from your trusted transitions, considering the alternatives (and why they don’t work for you) can offer a deeper understanding of what you are trying to say.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

As an exercise in self-understanding, you may want to try highlighting all of the transition words in a piece of your own writing. You can then compare this to the transition words in a piece of writing that you admire. Are they using similar transitions or others? Are they using them more or less often? What do you like or dislike about them? We all use transition words differently, creating different tonal effects. Keeping an eye out for them, not only as a writer but also as a reader, will help you develop your own aesthetic.

  • College Essay

' src=

Emmett Lewis

Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.

  • 2-Year Colleges
  • Application Strategies
  • Big Picture
  • Career & Personality Assessment
  • College Search/Knowledge
  • College Success
  • Costs & Financial Aid
  • Dental School Admissions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Graduate School Admissions
  • High School Success
  • High Schools
  • Law School Admissions
  • Medical School Admissions
  • Navigating the Admissions Process
  • Online Learning
  • Private High School Spotlight
  • Summer Program Spotlight
  • Summer Programs
  • Test Prep Provider Spotlight

College Transitions Sidebar Block Image

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

Sign Up Now

IMAGES

  1. Transitions, For the beginning, For the middle, For the end For the

    transition words for essays middle school writing

  2. Transition words Writing Lessons, Writing Resources, Writing Activities

    transition words for essays middle school writing

  3. Middle School Transition Words List

    transition words for essays middle school writing

  4. Transitions, For the beginning, For the middle, For the end

    transition words for essays middle school writing

  5. Transition Words for 2nd and 3rd Grade Students

    transition words for essays middle school writing

  6. Paragraphing & Transitioning

    transition words for essays middle school writing

VIDEO

  1. Instructions for Essay #3

  2. Essay writing + Transitions / Second & Third Year

  3. My School’s first Vlog / HM’s Farewell / School annual function ideas @Kappusaran10m #shorts #vlog

COMMENTS

  1. 92 Essay Transition Words to Know, With Examples

    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.

  2. 33 Transition Words for Essays

    33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. 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 ...

  3. Transition Word List for Elementary and Middle School Students

    Clarify: Transition words used to emphasize or further explain an idea. Conclude: Transition words used to summarize or restate ideas. Location: Transition words used to show the where something is located or the physical relationship between two things. Click the button below to download a FREE printable PDF list of over 100 transition words!

  4. Transition Words & Phrases

    Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.

  5. Transition Words and Phrases Examples

    These are the transition words that bring paragraphs, arguments, and pieces of writing to a close. They can also be used to summarize and restate ideas. These transition phrases and words include: in summary. in conclusion. to conclude. in any event. in either case. overall.

  6. Transitional Words and Phrases

    Using Transitional Words and Phrases. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its ...

  7. PDF transitional words and phrases

    These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions. at the present time. from time to time. from time to time. sooner or later. at the same time. at the same time.

  8. Transition Words: Examples In Sentences, Paragraphs & Essays

    The last thing you want is your transition words to feel trite and uninspired. Discover what these words are and a variety of examples for your writing here.

  9. Common Transition Words and Phrases

    Common Transition Words and Phrases. ... 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 ...

  10. Transition Words for Essays

    Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples: but. however. in spite of. on the one hand/on the other hand. in contrast. on the contrary. still. yet.

  11. Transition Words (List for Essays, Paragraphs, and Writing)

    They are commonly used as "linking words" that join two or more sentences, phrases, and paragraphs. Some common and widely used transition words in English include "also," "or," "therefore," and "thus.". There are various categories of transition words and writers can use them depending on the relationship between sentences.

  12. Transition Words

    Oliver Olsen learns how to change his own world as the engaging third grader works on a school science project. The telling (third person) is natural and the situations plausible. The story can be retold using transition words to emphasize or identify individuals' favorite (or most memorable) parts. Book Details.

  13. Writing Transitions Lesson

    Effective transitions are more than just a list of words your middle school teacher taught you. Writing Transitions Lesson Procedures. 1. Explain that transitions have different functions. Instruct students to copy down the following examples of how transitions in writing function. to show time - one day later…

  14. How to Teach Paragraph Writing

    1. Brainstorm a Transition List. Some students have a pretty good foundation for basic transitions in writing by the time they enter my class for 4th/5th grade. Of course, I would like to expand their little brains with additional ones, but overall, I'd say many students in upper elementary are off to a good start.

  15. Transition Words for Essays: Great List & Useful Tips • 7ESL

    Learn more about conclusion transition words in English. Tips for Using Transition Words for Essays. Now you have the tools—the transition words for essays. All you need now is to remember a couple do's and don'ts. DO: Change transitions as you change ideas. Read through what you have written several times.

  16. A List of 200+ Transition Words For Essays

    A Complete 500 Word Essay Writing Guide; A Catalog of 500+ Essay Topics for Students; Explore Different Types of Essays, their Purpose, and Sub-types; ... Transition Words for Essays Middle School; 16. Transition Words for Essays High School; 17. Transition Words for Essays College; 18. Do's and Don'ts of Using Transition Words

  17. Thirty Transition Words for Essays

    Tips for Using Transition Words in Essays. While transition words can be very useful in essays, you should keep a few things in mind. When using transition words or phrases, make sure that you: Understand Their Meaning. Each transition word or phrase has a slightly (or vastly) different meaning than the next, so don't view them as words that ...

  18. Teaching transitions in writing, part 1 (updated 6/2021)

    Here are three examples of many: Transitions that show sequence: first, second, third, etc. Transitions that show cause and effect: as a result, consequently, etc. Transitions that compare and contrast: on the other hand, in contrast, etc. Yes, anchor charts do an adequate job of supplying these phrases for students as they write.

  19. Transitional Words

    Transitional words are like bridges between parts of your essay. They are cues that help the reader interpret your ideas. Transitional words or phrases help carry your thoughts forward from one sentence to another and one paragraph to another. Finally, transitional words link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

  20. Transition Sentences

    Transition sentence This paragraph… Further evidence in support of this hypothesis is provided by Smith (2019). …complements the previous one, providing more support for the same idea. However, Patel's arguments are not the final word on the matter. …contradicts the previous one by presenting new evidence related to the previous discussion. Having established the relationship between ...

  21. Transitional Words & Phrases List and Examples

    Examples of high school transition words. Using transitional words properly is crucial to the development of good writing composition skills. By the 8th grade and high school, students should have a strong grasp of common transition words and use them in their essays. Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances. Cause ...

  22. 110 Transition Words for Essays: Student's Helpful Guide

    Here are some simple tips to remember when using transition words: Avoid overwhelming your essay with transition words. Use them to connect ideas or show relationships, but avoid excessive use, which can confuse readers. Select transition words that match the tone and purpose of your essay.

  23. 190 Good Transition Words for Essays

    Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing. Transition Words for College Essays. While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays. The ...