Transitional Words and Phrases for Essay Writing

Transitional words and phrases are very important when writing papers for academia, business or English proficiency exams.

Transitions help the reader to follow along with what you’re writing,  to make the points of your essay flow, and to show the relationship of your ideas to one another.  Transitions can go at the beginning ( Therefore, we ate at a restaurant.) or in the middle (We ate at a restaurant instead of at home) of a sentence.  When used properly, transitions can showcase your command of the written English language and get you top marks!

I’ve compiled a list of good transitions for you to use in your essays.  One of my favourite places to look for ‘transition inspiration’ is at Smart Words, have a look if you’d like.

Remember – not all transitions can be used in each instance.  You need to find the correct transition to express what it is you’re trying to say.  For example, you cannot use  “On the other hand, …” when you’re trying to compare two things that are similar as this phrase is for things that are contrasting or dissimilar.

When adding a thought or point:

• also, moreover, as well as, in addition, furthermore, often, similarly, likewise, as expected, then, next, along these lines

When contrasting and comparing:

• in comparison, instead, instead of, on the other hand, consequently, therefore, in contrast, similarly, yet, but, with this in mind, instead of, in place of, rather than, as a result, comparatively, likewise, correspondingly, however, still, rather, opposite, besides, conversely, on one hand

When giving examples:

• for example, for instance, as you can see, as expected, namely, in this case, basically, often

When generalizing:

• generally, often, typically, usually, in general, basically, mostly, in essence, at this time, nearly all

When outlining consequences:

• consequently, therefore, finally, otherwise, so then, as a result, accordingly,

When sequencing your thoughts and points:

• also, next, in addition, while, at first, first of all, next, soon, then, later, in time,

When restating a thought:

• as mentioned, namely, that is to say, basically, as mentioned, to restate, in other words

When giving emphasis to a thought or point:

• especially, particularly, above all, singularly, most importantly, primarily, as outlined, nearly all

When summarizing:

• in conclusion, in essence, finally, in summary, on the whole, all things considered, to conclude

OTHER RESOURCES TO CHECK OUT:

Smart Words – List of transitional words for writing

Study Guides and Strategies – Transitional sentences

Writer’s Web – Transitional words and phrases