100 Best Transition Words to Start a Paragraph in an Essay

One of the hardest tasks in writing as a student is finding the best transition words to start a paragraph in that essay is – we often think it is easy to make sense without transition words at the beginning of the paragraph.

I have been writing custom essays and professional papers since 2009 when I first did my first essay at Walden University. My paragraphs were disjointed, no connection from one to another. Obviously, I came to learn so much with the essay help groups organized by Professor Mackenie at the time. Nobody knew of Grammarly guides back then. Over the years, I have realized one of the most critical words I ignored when doing my essays were transition words.

Abruptly switching topics in essays can be jarring; however, using transition words can help maintain a smooth flow, making it easier for the reader to follow your ideas. Moreover, these words and phrases allow you to start a paragraph, sentence, or clause more naturally, creating a seamless connection between thoughts. Additionally, they help link new information to previous statements, so you don’t have to present everything at once, ensuring clarity and coherence.

This guide explores the importance of transition words in essays. Specifically, we’ll define what they are, explain how to use them effectively, and provide a comprehensive list of the most common and useful transition words to enhance your writing.

What are transition words in writing?

In general, transition words and phrases bridge the gap between two ideas that aren’t obviously connected. Words like however, although, likewise, and on the contrary signal a shift, preparing the reader for a change.

Moreover, different transition words indicate different relationships. For example, words like therefore show cause and effect, while in conclusion introduces a summary. Conjunctive adverbs often work well as transitions.

Essentially, essay transition words function the same way as in other writing, helping to maintain flow in all types of essays, from informative to narrative.

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When to use transition words in an essay

• Firstly, use transition words at the start of a paragraph to introduce a new idea while maintaining flow.
• Additionally, place them within a paragraph to connect related thoughts or clarify relationships between ideas.
• Furthermore, transition words help shift between sections, ensuring smooth topic changes without abrupt jumps.
• Finally, use them in conclusions to summarize key points and reinforce the overall argument.

100 Transition Words to Start a Paragraph when Writing an Essay

Contradictions (Showing Contrast or Opposition)

• Above all
• Alternatively
• Anyhow
• As much as
• Conversely
• Despite this
• Even so
• However
• Instead
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• Notwithstanding
• On the contrary
• On the other hand
• Otherwise
• Rather
• Regardless
• Still
• Unlike
• Yet

Additions (Adding Information or Expanding a Point)

• Additionally
• Also
• Besides that
• By the same token
• Comparatively
• Coupled with
• Equally important
• Explicitly
• Furthermore
• In addition
• In the same way
• Likewise
• Moreover
• Not to mention
• Over and above that
• Plus
• Similarly
• Too
• Understandably
• What’s more

Introducing Examples (Providing Evidence or Illustrations)

• As an illustration
• For example
• For instance
• In particular
• Namely
• Notably
• Specifically
• Take, for instance
• To clarify
• To illustrate

Conditions & Cause-and-Effect (Explaining Consequences or Reasons)

• Accordingly
• As a result
• As long as
• Because of this
• Consequently
• Due to
• For fear that
• For this reason
• Given that
• Hence
• If so
• In effect
• In light of
• In the event that
• Since
• So that
• Subsequently
• Therefore
• Thus
• Under these circumstances

Extra Clarification (Reinforcing or Emphasizing a Point)

• After all
• All things considered
• By all means
• Certainly
• Clearly
• Especially
• Evidently
• In fact
• In general
• In other words
• Indeed
• Needless to say
• Naturally
• Notably
• Of course
• Obviously
• Predictably
• Significantly
• To put it another way
• Undoubtedly

Summarizing (Wrapping Up or Concluding a Point)

• All in all
• Briefly
• Finally
• In conclusion
• In summary
• On the whole
• Overall
• To conclude
• To sum up
• Ultimately

Time Relations (Indicating Time or Sequence)

• Afterward
• At the same time
• Beforehand
• Eventually
• From then on
• In the meantime
• Lately
• Meanwhile
• Now
• Subsequently

Series & Sequences (Ordering or Structuring Points)

• At first
• First, second, third, etc.
• Following that
• In turn
• Last but not least
• Moving forward
• Next
• Previously
• Then
• To begin with

Frequently Asked Questions on Transition Words

What are other words for while in an essay?

For simultaneous actions:

• Simultaneously: (More formal)
• Concurrently: (More formal)
• As: (Simple and effective)
• During: (Emphasizes the time period)
• In the midst of: (Emphasizes the action happening within another)
• At the same time as: (More explicit)

For contrasting ideas:

• Whereas: (Formal, strong contrast)
• Although: (Indicates a concession)
• Though: (Less formal than “although”)
• Conversely: (Directly contrasts)
• However: (Indicates a contrast or shift)
• In contrast: (Directly contrasts)
• Despite: (Indicates something happening regardless of another factor)

For indicating a period of time:

• During the period that: (More formal)
• Throughout: (Emphasizes the entire duration)
• In the time that:
• As long as:

What are essay transition words?

Essay transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas smoothly, making writing more coherent and readable. They help guide the reader through different points, ensuring a logical flow between sentences and paragraphs.

When should you use essay transition words?

Use transition words at the beginning of paragraphs to introduce new ideas, within sentences to clarify relationships, and between sections to ensure smooth topic shifts. They are also useful in conclusions to summarize key points and reinforce the main argument.

What are some essay transition words examples?

Common transition words include however, therefore, in addition, on the other hand, for example, in conclusion, and moreover. Each serves a different purpose, such as showing contrast, adding information, or emphasizing a point.

Which is the most popular transition word in an essay?

However is one of the most commonly used transition words because it effectively signals contrast between ideas. Other frequently used words include therefore, additionally, and for example, which help clarify relationships between thoughts.