More than 150 transition words for essays, sorted by what they do, with example sentences, transitions for each part of an essay, and the mistakes to avoid.
Transition words for essays tell the reader how the next idea relates to the last one: whether you are adding a point, giving an example, showing a contrast, explaining a cause, or wrapping up. Choose the relationship first, then the word. The most useful ones to know are however (contrast), for example (example), in addition (addition), as a result (cause and effect), similarly (comparison), in fact (emphasis), and ultimately (conclusion).
The lists below sort more than 150 transition words and phrases by what they do, with an example sentence for each group. After the lists you'll find transitions for each part of an essay, how to write a full transition sentence between paragraphs, and the mistakes that make transitions sound forced or break grammar rules.
How to Choose the Right Transition Word
Every transition makes a promise about the next sentence. However promises a contrast. Therefore promises a conclusion that follows from what came before. For example promises a specific case. If the next sentence doesn't deliver what the transition promised, the reader gets confused, even if every sentence is correct on its own.
So pick the transition by asking one question: how does this sentence relate to the one before it?
- It adds another point in the same direction: use an addition word.
- It shows a specific case of the point: use an example word.
- It pushes against the point: use a contrast word.
- It happens because of the point: use a cause and effect word.
- It sums up the point: use a conclusion word.
The UNC Writing Center makes the key warning: transitions cannot substitute for good organization. If you can't say how two paragraphs connect, no word will fix it. Reorder the paragraphs or revise the topic sentence first, then add the transition.
Transition Words for Essays, Sorted by Purpose
Each list starts with the most common choices and moves toward more formal ones.
Transition words for adding an idea
also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, additionally, besides, as well as, along with, not only... but also, equally important, what is more, another
Example: "Later start times improve attendance. In addition, students who sleep more report fewer symptoms of depression."
Transition words for giving an example
for example, for instance, such as, including, in particular, specifically, to illustrate, namely, as an illustration, in this case, consider, one example is
Example: "Much of Gatsby's wealth is for show. For instance, his library is full of real books whose pages have never been cut."
Transition words for showing contrast
however, but, yet, on the other hand, in contrast, by contrast, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, whereas, while, instead, conversely, on the contrary, even so, unlike, despite
Example: "Online classes offer flexibility. However, students who struggle often fall behind without anyone noticing."
Transition words for showing similarity
similarly, likewise, in the same way, just as, in comparison, equally, correspondingly, by the same token, along the same lines
Example: "Gatsby builds his mansion to win Daisy back. Similarly, he invents a new name and past to seem worthy of her."
Transition words for cause and effect
because, since, so, as a result, therefore, consequently, thus, hence, for this reason, due to, owing to, accordingly, as a consequence, this leads to, this results in
Example: "The town cut its library hours on weekends. As a result, working families lost the only time they could visit."
Transition words for acknowledging the other side
although, even though, admittedly, granted, of course, to be sure, even if, while it is true that, some argue that, critics point out that, it may seem that, regardless
Example: "Admittedly, free buses cost cities fare revenue. Yet fares cover a small share of most systems' operating costs."
These are the words that introduce a counterclaim, the paragraph where you respond to the strongest objection to your thesis. They are worth practicing, because a fair counterclaim is what separates a persuasive essay from a one-sided one.
Transition words for emphasis
indeed, in fact, above all, most importantly, certainly, clearly, notably, significantly, undoubtedly, particularly, without a doubt, it is worth noting that
Example: "The policy didn't just fail to reduce absences. In fact, absences rose in the year after it began."
Use emphasis words sparingly. If every point is "most importantly," none of them is.
Transition words for sequence and order
first, second, third, next, then, after that, finally, lastly, to begin, initially, subsequently, following this, eventually
Example: "First, the Giver shares pleasant memories such as snow and sunlight. Then he begins to pass on memories of pain."
Transition words for time
before, after, meanwhile, during, until, previously, formerly, currently, soon, immediately, later, earlier, in the meantime, simultaneously, since then, by the time
Example: "By the time the levees failed, most residents who had cars had already left."
Transition words for clarifying
in other words, that is, to put it another way, simply put, put differently, to clarify, this means that, to be clear
Example: "The novel's ending is ambiguous. In other words, readers can't be sure whether Jonas survives."
Transition words for introducing evidence
according to, as [author] notes, as [author] puts it, in the words of, as stated in, as shown in, the data show that, research suggests that, evidence from [source] shows, [author] argues that
Example: "According to the CDC, most high school students don't get the recommended eight hours of sleep on school nights."
Transition words for explaining evidence
this shows that, this suggests that, this demonstrates, this reveals, which means, this matters because, this highlights, in doing so, here the author
Example: "Atticus tells Scout to climb into another person's skin. This shows that he sees empathy as a skill to practice, not a feeling to wait for."
Explaining evidence is where most essays lose points. A quote followed by a new quote, with no "this shows that" in between, leaves the reader to do the analysis. The claim, evidence, reasoning framework is built around this step.
Transition words for concluding
in conclusion, to sum up, overall, ultimately, in summary, in short, all in all, taken together, in the end, on the whole, to conclude, given these points
Example: "Ultimately, a later start time is the rare school reform that costs little and helps nearly every student."
Transition Words for Each Part of an Essay
The same word can work in different places, but each part of an essay has a job, and some transitions fit that job better.
Starting a body paragraph
The first sentence of a body paragraph should do two things: connect to the paragraph before and introduce the new point. Single words like "Furthermore" do the first job. A short phrase that names the new idea does both.
- "Beyond the cost, free buses would change who rides them."
- "Sleep is only part of the problem; early start times also push up first-period absences."
- "While Gatsby's mansion shows his ambition, his parties reveal his loneliness."
Introducing and explaining a quote
Every quote needs a lead-in that says who is speaking and a follow-up that explains what it shows.
- "As Harper Lee writes through Atticus, 'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.' This line shows that..."
- "The data from the district's attendance reports show that..."
Writing a counterclaim and rebuttal
Use a concession word to present the other side fairly, then a contrast word to turn back to your argument.
- "Some argue that phones are needed for emergencies. However, a phone locked in a pouch can still be reached in an emergency, while a phone in a pocket is reached every few minutes."
- "Granted, later start times complicate bus schedules. Even so, districts that made the change found ways to adjust."
Writing the conclusion
"In conclusion" is fine in middle school. In high school and college, readers notice it as a crutch. Starting with a phrase that restates your claim in new words usually works better:
- "Taken together, these effects make the case for a later start."
- "In the end, the boys' society falls apart because fear is easier to follow than rules."
If your conclusion just repeats the thesis, run the thesis back through our guide on how to write a thesis statement. A sharper thesis gives the conclusion something new to say about why it matters.
Transition Sentences Between Paragraphs
A single transition word links two sentences. Between paragraphs you often need a full transition sentence that names the old idea and the new one. Purdue OWL's advice is to make each transition specific to the two paragraphs it connects, not one that could join any two paragraphs.
The simplest pattern: echo a phrase from the end of the last paragraph, then introduce the new point.
- Last paragraph ends on: "...students lose about an hour of sleep each school night."
Next paragraph starts: "That lost hour shows up most clearly in first-period attendance." - Last paragraph ends on: "...Jack wins the boys over with the promise of meat."
Next paragraph starts: "Meat buys their loyalty, but fear is what keeps it."
Neither sentence uses a word from the lists above, and both are stronger than "Furthermore" or "Another reason is." The echo tells the reader exactly how the paragraphs connect.
Common Mistakes With Transition Words
Using a word that promises the wrong relationship. "Students need sleep. However, many stay up late on their phones." The second sentence doesn't contrast the first; it explains a cause of the problem. "Yet" or "Even so" would fit, or no transition at all.
Stacking transitions on every sentence. "Furthermore... Moreover... Additionally... In addition..." reads like a list, not an argument. Many sentences need no transition at all, because the order already makes the connection clear.
Comma splices with however and therefore. "Phones distract students, however, some teachers use them in class" joins two complete sentences with only a comma. Use a period or a semicolon before however and a comma after it: "Phones distract students; however, some teachers use them in class." The same rule applies to therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless, and otherwise. This is one of the most common errors our free essay checker flags in its grammar and spelling list.
Choosing a fancy word you wouldn't say. "Thus," "hence," and "notwithstanding" can sound stiff when the sentence around them is plain. If "so" or "but" says the same thing, use it, except in the most formal writing.
Starting sentences with "And" or "So" in formal essays. It isn't a grammar error, but many teachers mark it in academic writing. Check your assignment guidelines.
Forgetting the reasoning after a transition. "For example" followed by a quote, then a new paragraph, leaves the example unexplained. Follow every example with a sentence that says what it shows.
Transition Words by Grade Level
Students build their transition vocabulary in stages. These are good targets for each level.
- Elementary (grades 2 to 5): first, next, then, after that, finally, also, because, but, so, for example, in the end.
- Middle school (grades 6 to 8): in addition, however, for instance, as a result, on the other hand, similarly, in conclusion, although, therefore.
- High school and college: consequently, nevertheless, conversely, by contrast, admittedly, to be sure, in other words, taken together, ultimately.
The goal at every level is the same: the student can explain why they chose the word, not just that they used one.
For Teachers: Teaching Transitions That Work
Word lists alone tend to produce essays where every paragraph begins with "Furthermore." Students learn transitions faster when they have to decide what relationship a transition shows.
- Cut-up paragraphs. Cut a strong paragraph into sentences, remove the transitions, and have students reorder the sentences and add the connections back. Then compare their choices with the original.
- Relationship before word. Give students two sentences and ask them to name the relationship (contrast, cause, example) before they pick a transition.
- Highlight in revision. Have students highlight every transition in their draft in one color and every unexplained quote in another. The pattern usually tells them where to revise.
When you grade organization, quote the student's actual transition in your comment ("'Moreover' starts three paragraphs in a row") so they know exactly what to fix. A writing rubric with a separate organization row keeps that feedback specific. If you grade with GradeWithAI, the organization row gets its own score and a comment that quotes the essay, which you can edit before it goes back to students. The writing grader guide shows the workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are transition words in an essay?
Transition words are words and phrases that connect one idea to the next and show how they relate, such as however for contrast, for example for an example, and as a result for cause and effect. They help readers follow the logic of an argument.
What are some good transition words to start a paragraph?
Good paragraph starters include in addition, however, similarly, on the other hand, as a result, and beyond [the previous point]. The strongest option is often a short phrase that echoes the last paragraph and names the new point.
What are the main types of transition words?
The main types are addition, example, contrast, comparison, cause and effect, concession, emphasis, sequence, time, clarification, and conclusion. Each type signals a different relationship between ideas.
How many transition words should be in an essay?
There's no set number. Use a transition when the relationship between two ideas isn't obvious from the order alone. Most paragraphs need one at the start and one or two inside it, especially before evidence and before your explanation of it.
Is "in conclusion" a bad transition?
It isn't wrong, but it can feel mechanical in high school and college writing, because the reader can already see the essay is ending. Phrases like ultimately or taken together do the same job with less announcement.
Do I need a comma after a transition word?
Usually, yes, when the transition starts a sentence: "However, the data tell a different story." Short ones like so, yet, and then often skip the comma. When a transition like however joins two complete sentences, use a semicolon before it and a comma after it.
What is a transition sentence?
A transition sentence links two paragraphs by referring back to the previous point and introducing the next one. For example: "That lost hour of sleep shows up most clearly in first-period attendance."
Can a tool check my transitions?
The free GradeWithAI essay checker reads your whole essay and comments on organization, including paragraphs that don't connect, and lists grammar errors such as comma splices around however. To check the claim your transitions are building toward, try the thesis statement checker.
Sources
- The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Transitions
- Purdue Online Writing Lab, Writing Transitions
- American Psychological Association, Transitions Guide, APA Style 7th Edition
