how to write a transition sentence for an essay

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

Improving Your Writing Style

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Clear, Concise Sentences

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Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

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Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

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• Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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Table of contents

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

• Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

• A second round of testing was also carried out.
• Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
• Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

• Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
• Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

• Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
• Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Transitions

What this handout is about.

In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively.

The function and importance of transitions

In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues:

• Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers.
• Your readers (instructors, friends, or classmates) tell you that they had trouble following your organization or train of thought.
• You tend to write the way you think—and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly.
• You wrote your paper in several discrete “chunks” and then pasted them together.
• You are working on a group paper; the draft you are working on was created by pasting pieces of several people’s writing together.

Organization

Since the clarity and effectiveness of your transitions will depend greatly on how well you have organized your paper, you may want to evaluate your paper’s organization before you work on transitions. In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or short phrase what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order of and connection between your ideas more clearly.

If after doing this exercise you find that you still have difficulty linking your ideas together in a coherent fashion, your problem may not be with transitions but with organization. For help in this area (and a more thorough explanation of the “reverse outlining” technique described in the previous paragraph), please see the Writing Center’s handout on organization .

How transitions work

The organization of your written work includes two elements: (1) the order in which you have chosen to present the different parts of your discussion or argument, and (2) the relationships you construct between these parts. Transitions cannot substitute for good organization, but they can make your organization clearer and easier to follow. Take a look at the following example:

El Pais , a Latin American country, has a new democratic government after having been a dictatorship for many years. Assume that you want to argue that El Pais is not as democratic as the conventional view would have us believe.

One way to effectively organize your argument would be to present the conventional view and then to provide the reader with your critical response to this view. So, in Paragraph A you would enumerate all the reasons that someone might consider El Pais highly democratic, while in Paragraph B you would refute these points. The transition that would establish the logical connection between these two key elements of your argument would indicate to the reader that the information in paragraph B contradicts the information in paragraph A. As a result, you might organize your argument, including the transition that links paragraph A with paragraph B, in the following manner:

Paragraph A: points that support the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

Transition: Despite the previous arguments, there are many reasons to think that El Pais’s new government is not as democratic as typically believed.

Paragraph B: points that contradict the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

In this case, the transition words “Despite the previous arguments,” suggest that the reader should not believe paragraph A and instead should consider the writer’s reasons for viewing El Pais’s democracy as suspect.

As the example suggests, transitions can help reinforce the underlying logic of your paper’s organization by providing the reader with essential information regarding the relationship between your ideas. In this way, transitions act as the glue that binds the components of your argument or discussion into a unified, coherent, and persuasive whole.

Types of transitions

Now that you have a general idea of how to go about developing effective transitions in your writing, let us briefly discuss the types of transitions your writing will use.

The types of transitions available to you are as diverse as the circumstances in which you need to use them. A transition can be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire paragraph. In each case, it functions the same way: First, the transition either directly summarizes the content of a preceding sentence, paragraph, or section or implies such a summary (by reminding the reader of what has come before). Then, it helps the reader anticipate or comprehend the new information that you wish to present.

• Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.
• Transitions between paragraphs: If you have done a good job of arranging paragraphs so that the content of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.
• Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.

Transitional expressions

Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical relationship.

Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Understanding Transition Sentences (For Essays and Writing with Examples)

What are transition sentences? And how do they work? Is there a correct way to use them? And an incorrect way? Understanding transition sentences is critical when writing essays, articles, or any type of logical flow.

Learn what transitional sentences are in this short guide…

What are transition sentences?

When you write an article, essay (or anything), you’ll want to write it in a logical sequence. You start with an introduction, highlight your points, and then end with a conclusion. Throughout your writing, you would be using sentences to express your thought. To make your writing effective, you need to link the sentences together in a logical way .

This is where transition sentences can be helpful.

As the name suggests, a transition sentence links the thoughts you are expressing in your writing. They make use of words and phrases that act as a bridge between different parts of your writing.

Transition sentences allow your reader to move smoothly from one section to another. Without transition sentences, your reader might not be able to understand the link between different parts of your writing.

What makes a good transition sentence?

Look at this example:

The CEO was very clear that productivity and efficiency were the two key things he would focus on. However , the legacy systems followed by the company acted as a detriment. Tech modernization was the solution that would enhance productivity and efficiency.

Sentences one and three make sense by themselves. But it is important to establish a relationship between the two. This is what the second sentence does . It acts as a bridge (or transition) between the first and third sentences. By doing so, it helps the writer communicate their ideas more effectively.

A good transition sentence would bring clarity by linking ideas expressed in the sentences before and after it. Words and phrases like ‘however,’ ‘in contrast,’ ‘for instance,’ ‘in fact,’ and ‘therefore’ can get used to help make the transition.  

Many transition words are available to use. Choose the appropriate word for the situation.

For example, if you want to show the sequence between two sentences, you can use a word like ‘then’ or ‘after.’ If you want to emphasize a point through the transition, you can use ‘indeed,’ ‘especially,’ or ‘particularly.’

Transition words can be used at the start of the sentence ( e.g. , Surely , you are not going to go now!). It can also be used within the sentence (e.g., I rejected the job offer because the salary was lesser than my present pay ).

Here are a few tips that will help you use transition words correctly:

• When sentences within a paragraph sound abrupt or awkward, you need to use transition words to link them.
• Choose the correct transition word that is appropriate to the situation. A wrong selection can make your reader confused.
• When moving from one idea to another, use a transition word to let the reader know.
• Don’t make the mistake of overusing transition words. Too many transition words can end up making your writing look messy.

List of words for transition sentences

Some common words used in transition sentences are:

• Furthermore
• Nevertheless
• Specifically

List of phrases for transition sentences

Transition sentences would use both words and phrases as the bridge. A few phrases that are used include:

• In other words
• On the contrary
• As a result
• In the long run
• As you can see
• In the following
• In the previous
• Having established
• Most importantly
• For example/instance
• By the time

5 Examples of Transitions (Types of Transitions)

Conjunctive adverbs can be used to establish the logical link between ideas. They can be classified under five heads. It must be noted some words appear in multiple categories.

Of addition

• Additionally
• In addition
• In the same way

The following example will make this clear.

First , put a pan on the stove and heat it. Next , add oil to the pan.

In the above, first and next act as the transition and are adding on to what is being said previously.

Of contrast

These words establish a contrast or difference while making the transition.

• In contrast
• Even though
• At any rate
• In spite of that
• On the other hand

The island was not the paradise we were hoping for. On the contrary , it was dirty, noisy, and had unmanageable traffic.

The above example brings out a contrast between expectations and reality.

Of comparison

• By comparison
• In the same manner

Jonathan is crazy about chess. His daughter is similarly a big fan of the board game.

In this example, the word similarly shows a comparison between father and daughter. You may note the transition word need not be at the start of the sentence. It can be placed anywhere.

These transition words are indicative of a result. It shows the result of the previous sentence/idea.

• Consequently

Their star player was suffering from a hamstring injury and could not play. Hence , their team faced a humiliating defeat on match day.

The star player’s absence resulted in the team’s defeat. The transition word ‘Hence’ in the example is the bridge between the cause/event and the result.

Some transition words show relationships in time. They include:

• Simultaneously
• Subsequently

The speaker will be a bit late for the talk. Meanwhile , let’s ask the participants to share their views on the program .

As the speaker will be late, there is time left. So, the participants are asked to share their views and opinions. In this example, ‘Meanwhile’ is a transition word that shows relationship to time.

Subordinating conjunctions and transition sentences

You can use a subordinating conjunction in a sentence to join a dependent clause to an independent clause .

Example: When the postman came, my dog greeted him with a volley of barks.

In this example, the word ‘when’ is the subordinating conjunction that joins ‘the postman came’ and ‘my dog greeted him …’

The subordinating conjunction serves a special purpose here. It acts as a transition between two ideas. The use of the coordinating conjunction provides a logical flow.

Example: He is smarter than you are.

In this example, “than” is the subordinating conjunction that connects ‘He is smarter’ and ‘you are.’ It provides the bridge or transition between the two clauses .

Let’s look at another example to understand this. There are two clauses – ‘The spring arrives’ and ‘my hay fever gets aggravated. A subordinating conjunction can link the two. We can use ‘As’ here. So, the sentence would now read – ‘ As the spring arrives, my hay fever gets aggravated.’

Correlative conjunctions and transition sentences

The correlative conjunction shows a correlation between two words or phrases within a sentence. They play a key role in transition sentences. The use of a correlative conjunction ensures a smooth flow between two sentences or ideas.

Example: My boss totally ignored my work. Neither my hard work nor my punctuality impressed him. So, I decided to move on and look for a new job.

In the above example, sentences one and three are independent and convey the meaning clearly. However, the second sentence acts as a transition explaining why sentence one leads to sentence two.

In the second sentence, we see the use of neither … nor. This combination of words acts as correlative conjunctions in this example.

Some other words that work as correlative conjunctions are:

• Either … or
• Neither … nor
• Whether … or
• Not only … Also

Whether you want to have dinner or prefer to skip it is entirely left to you.

The above example uses Whether … or as correlative conjunctions in the sentence.

Examples of transition sentences

Examples of transition sentences:

Communicate similarities

To communicate similarities, you can use transitional words like:

Examples of sentences where the transition word communicates similarities:

• He decided to join the army just as his brother had done five years back.
• You can fly this plane the same way you flew the trainer jet; there is no real difference.
• All the employees in the Production department come from the neighboring town . Similarly , the store staff is also from that town.

Express emphasis

Words like ‘especially,’ ‘above all,’ ‘particularly’, ‘indeed,’ in fact,’ and ‘in particular’ can be used to express emphasis. When used in transition sentences, they emphasize the idea express previously.

• She was overweight. In fact , it won’t be wrong to say she was grossly obese.
• I liked the blue dress in particular .
• Indeed , it won’t be wrong to say that her arrogance led to the engagement’s breakup.
• There is a lot of focus on improving public services, especially education.

Cause and effect

Transition sentences can be very helpful in showing cause and effect or result. The following words can be used for this:

• Accordingly
• At that time
• They spent the entire semester binge-watching shows. Consequently , they failed to obtain pass marks on any of the papers.
• There are just ten items left in stock. Hence , it would be better if we suspend taking new orders at present.
• The tests revealed that his blood pressure and cholesterol levels were very high. As a result , the doctor decided that he had to increase the dosage of his medicines.

Position or place can be indicated through the use of transition words like:

• At the back

Here are some example sentences:

• Walk towards the bookshelf. Adjacent to the shelf is a table, that’s where you will find the money.
• The house was located a few yards from the river. Next to the house was the scary-looking tree.
• You will see the building with the red flag. The storeroom is at the back of this building.

Describe a sequence

Transition words are perfect to use while describing a sequence. The words that can be used are:

• Followed by
• First , write down all the numbers in the form of a list. Next , add all the numbers. Finally , write down the total.
• Initially , three employees were working on the project. Subsequently , the project grew the numbers rise to twenty.
• The private plane owned by the CEO was the first to land. This was followed by the helicopter containing the crew.

To show examples

Transition words can be used to show examples or illustrate a particular point. Some words to use are:

• For example
• For instance
• Illustrated by
• As an example
• In this case
• On this occasion
• To illustrate
• To demonstrate
• The speaker displayed the blueprint of the equipment on the screen. To illustrat e its working, he showed a video.
• There are seven tools you can use to solve this problem. As an example , I will talk about the fishbone diagram.
• Different essential oils can help you feel relaxed. For instance , using lavender oil makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

How to use transition sentences between paragraphs

Transition sentences can get used within a paragraph. It also can get used between paragraphs.

This is important since the transition sentence provides a flow between paragraphs . It allows the readers to understand the relationship between the ideas expressed in those two different paragraphs.

When you start writing a paragraph , show a link to the previous paragraph in the first sentence. This establishes a bridge between both paragraphs.

Here’s an example:

There is no doubt that the effects of pollution by industries. This is why activists call for a ban on industries to stop pollution.

Despite the previous argument , we must also think about the economy. Banning industries will bring the economy to a standstill.

This example, ‘despite the previous argument’ is used to transition between the two paragraphs.

In contrast, the first part calls for a ban on industries, and the second discusses the economic effect. Using a transition allows for a smooth flow between the two.

Examples of transition sentences for essays

The use of transitions is very important in essays. An essay is written to convey an idea, opinion, or viewpoint. To ensure its effectiveness, transition sentences are needed at different parts of the essay. Transition sentences are needed between sentences, between sections, and at the conclusion of the essay.

A few examples of this:

• Having established that a large majority of students have internet access, we can conclude t hat e-learning is a distinct possibility.
• All the employees have a smartphone. In fact , most of them connect to the company’s Wi-Fi using their phone.

Examples of transition words for concluding sentences

Transition sentences are used throughout a write-up. It is imperative that the conclusion also has a transition. Your write-up needs to end with a summary of what you are trying to say. Or with a call-to-action. Using transition words in the conclusion can help you achieve this.

A few transition words you can consider using are:

• In conclusion
• As shown above
• On the whole
• Generally speaking
• To summarize
• To summarize , sustained use of this medicine offers significant benefits to patients.
• In summary, democracy has many limitations but no other acceptable alternative.
• Ultimately , it all boils down to the decision taken by the customer.
• In short , the best option available is to get funds from a new investor.

Sentence structure

More on sentence structure:

• Dangling modifier
• Transition sentences
• Active voice
• Passive voice
• Adverbial clause
• Parallelism
• Transition Sentences Tips and Examples for Clear Writing
• Transitional devices
• How to Use Transition Sentences for Smoother Writing
• Transition Words: Examples in Sentences, Paragraphs & Essays

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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

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How to Use Transition Sentences: Definition, Tips, and Examples

Transition sentences are crucial components of written and spoken language that serve as bridges between different ideas, paragraphs, or sections within a piece of writing. These sentences smoothly guide the reader from one point to another, ensuring coherence and logical progression in the narrative. Transition sentences play a vital role in maintaining the flow of a text, helping readers navigate through complex information or arguments with ease. 

The primary function of transition sentences is to establish connections and relationships between different text parts, creating a sense of unity and coherence. By using transitional words or phrases, writers create a cohesive and well-organized structure, enhancing the overall readability and comprehension of their work. They can take various forms, including words like "however," "meanwhile," or phrases like "on the other hand." Students who use our essay writing service receive their papers where transitional words and sentences are used on point.

What Are Transition Sentences Explained

Transitional sentences are crucial links within a written or spoken discourse, aiding in the seamless connection between ideas, paragraphs, or sections. These sentences play a pivotal role in ensuring a cohesive narrative flow and logical progression, enhancing the overall clarity and comprehension of the text. Here are several examples:

• Addition Transition: “Building on this idea, the next section delves into…”
• Contrast Transition: “While the previous paragraph discussed the benefits, it is essential to examine the drawbacks…”
• Causation Transition: “The initial steps in the process set the foundation; consequently, the final stages produce tangible results…”
• Time Transition: “As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist's journey takes unexpected turns, ultimately leading to a surprising climax…”
• Comparison Transition: “In contrast to the traditional approach, the modern methodology offers a more efficient and streamlined solution…”

These transitional sentences exemplify how authors seamlessly guide readers through shifts in thought, emphasize relationships between ideas, and ensure a coherent and engaging narrative structure. Remember that before you learn how to use transitions, we recommend you read this guide on how to write an essay introduction .

What Are Good Transition Sentences

Good transition sentences are the linchpin of effective writing, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas and maintaining the reader's engagement. These sentences serve as roadways, connecting one thought to the next and guiding the audience through the narrative. Achieving a balance between cohesion and variety is essential for crafting effective transitions, which can be seen in the examples of transition sentences below.

Consider the transition from one paragraph to another. Instead of abruptly shifting topics, a good transition sentence introduces the upcoming idea while connecting it to the previous one. For example, "Having explored the historical context of the Industrial Revolution, we now delve into its profound socio-economic impacts."

Another critical function of transition sentences is to indicate contrasts or contradictions in ideas. By using words like "however," "on the contrary," or "in contrast," writers signal a shift. For instance, "The benefits of renewable energy are undeniable. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges associated with its widespread implementation."

Time transitions are indispensable for chronological order. "In the following years" or "Meanwhile" are cues that seamlessly guide the reader through the timeline of events. For instance, "The initial phase of the project laid the groundwork. Meanwhile, unforeseen challenges arose during the implementation stage."

To highlight similarities or draw comparisons between ideas, phrases like "similarly," "in the same vein," or "likewise" prove valuable. For example, "Just as the scientific method revolutionized research in the natural sciences, applying a similar empirical approach can advance social sciences."

Good transition sentences are versatile tools that elevate writing by ensuring coherence, progression, and reader understanding. A thoughtful integration of transitions contributes to the overall rhythm and clarity of the narrative, enhancing the impact of the written work. If you are just about to write your paper and want to know the difference between Metaphors and Analogies, we suggest you take a look at our guide to help you find a good topic ideas example.

How to Write a Transition Sentence

When writing a transition sentence, there are three very important aspects to consider: The logical relationship between the ideas, Wording, and Placement. Use this as a rule of thumb; you will always write good transition sentences.

Start with identifying the relationship between the key point and the ideas. Ask yourself whether to contrast them, make a smooth connection, summarize the point, or bring in a new idea. Once you know why you need an effective transition, consider half of the job done.

The wording of transitions is equally important. You must choose words that express the relationship between the previous paragraph and a new one. Every language has common transitional words that smoothly make logical connections between the ideas. There are so many that you can easily avoid overusing the same transition words and phrases. The following examples of transition sentences will give you a clearer understanding of the concept: 'In conclusion…', 'On the other hand…' 'Previously mentioned…' and so on.

The right placement helps you outline the logical connections more effortlessly. You should put the transition words where they fit naturally. Usually, it's either at the beginning of a new paragraph or at the end to let the reader know you are about to draw conclusions. 

All the above is an ABC of how to write a transition sentence. Follow our guide; you will master the art of transitional devices in no time. 

You can be interested: Metaphors and Analogies: How to Use Them in Your Academic Life

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Transition Sentences Between Paragraphs

Transition sentences between paragraphs play a pivotal role in weaving a cohesive tapestry of ideas, guiding readers through the narrative with fluidity and clarity. These sentences act as connective tissue, smoothly transitioning from one paragraph to the next, enhancing the overall readability of the text.

Consider the scenario where a narrative shifts from introducing a problem to presenting a solution. A well-crafted transition sentence can bridge this gap seamlessly. For instance, "Having identified the challenges, let's now explore viable solutions that can pave the way for meaningful change."

Similarly, when delving into a contrasting idea, a transition sentence becomes the compass that guides readers through the shift in perspective. "While the benefits of technology are evident, it is imperative to acknowledge the potential drawbacks that accompany such rapid advancements."

Time transitions are indispensable when narrating a sequence of events. "As the story unfolds" or "In the subsequent years" serve as cues, allowing readers to effortlessly follow the chronological progression of the narrative. For example, "The initial experiments yielded promising results. In the subsequent years, researchers encountered unforeseen challenges that reshaped the trajectory of their investigations."

Furthermore, comparison transitions help draw parallels between concepts. "In a similar vein" or "Likewise" act as highways, linking one idea to another for a smoother transition. "Just as the characters in the novel undergo personal growth, the storyline also evolves, creating a nuanced exploration of human experiences."

In general, transition words and sentences are the architects of narrative coherence, ensuring that readers navigate through the text seamlessly. By strategically placing these transitions, writers can guide their audience through shifts in ideas, perspectives, and timelines, creating a harmonious and engaging reading experience. If you are just about to write your paper and want to know how to write a hypothesis, we suggest you take a look at our guide to help you find a good example of topic ideas.

You can be interested: How to Write a Hypothesis

Where to Place Transition Sentences

Transition sentences are powerful tools, but their effectiveness depends on strategic placement within a text. Correct usage enhances coherence, while incorrect placement can disrupt the flow. Let's explore where to appropriately position these sentences with examples.

Placing a transition sentence at the start of a new paragraph signals a shift in focus, preparing the reader for what lies ahead. This ensures a logical progression.

• Correct: "Having examined the historical context, we now shift our focus to the societal impacts of the Industrial Revolution."
• Incorrect: "The Industrial Revolution, a turning point in history. Its impacts on society were profound."

Within a paragraph, transitions can signal a shift in perspective, introducing contrast or contradiction smoothly without abrupt interruptions.

• Correct: "The advantages of renewable energy are evident; however, challenges in infrastructure remain significant."
• Incorrect: "Renewable energy has numerous benefits. The challenges in infrastructure are, however, significant."

Transition sentences guide readers through time, indicating progression. Placing them at natural breakpoints helps readers follow the chronological sequence effortlessly.

• Correct: "The project's initiation marked a period of excitement. Subsequently, unforeseen challenges altered the course."
• Incorrect: "The project's initiation marked a period of excitement. However, unforeseen challenges altered the course."

When comparing ideas, transitions can smoothly connect concepts, creating a link that aids in understanding relationships.

• Correct: "The scientific method revolutionized natural sciences. In a similar vein, applying empirical approaches can advance social sciences."
• Incorrect: "The scientific method revolutionized natural sciences. Likewise, empirical approaches can advance social sciences."

Concluding with a transition sentence summarizes key points, guiding readers out of the main discussion gracefully.

• Correct: "In conclusion, the evidence supports the hypothesis. However, further research is needed to explore long-term effects."
• Incorrect: "The evidence supports the hypothesis. In conclusion, further research is needed to explore long-term effects."

By placing transition sentences strategically, writers guide readers through the narrative, creating a coherent and engaging reading experience. Incorrect usage disrupts the flow, making it essential to consider the context and purpose when incorporating these transitions.

Transition Sentences Between Sections

Transition sentences serve as pathways, seamlessly connecting different segments of your text and ensuring a cohesive and logical flow. These sentences play a pivotal role in guiding readers through shifts in themes, perspectives, chronological progressions, or comparative analyses. For instance, when transitioning from an exploration of historical context to an in-depth analysis of the economic ramifications of the Industrial Revolution, the text might gracefully progress: "Having delved into the historical backdrop, the narrative now shifts focus to the economic repercussions of the Industrial Revolution, shedding light on its profound impact on commerce and societal structures."

Similarly, in contrasting perspectives, a transition sentence such as "While the benefits of renewable energy are evident, a closer examination reveals potential challenges in its widespread implementation. This nuanced perspective prompts a deeper exploration of the complexities inherent in adopting sustainable practices on a global scale."

In cases of chronological progression, a transition like "With the foundation laid, the narrative progresses to the crucial developments during the implementation phase. This chronological shift allows readers to follow the evolution of ideas, connecting past events to present implications and fostering a comprehensive understanding."

Likewise, during comparative analyses, a transition sentence such as "In contrast to traditional methodologies, the discussion now centers on the innovative approaches that have reshaped the field. This shift in focus invites readers to critically evaluate the transformative impact of progressive strategies and their implications for future practices."

In conclusion, transition sentences between sections are indispensable for maintaining coherence and guiding readers through different thematic or analytical shifts. The strategic use of these sentences provides clarity and ensures a seamless reading experience, allowing readers to navigate through diverse ideas with ease. Keep in mind that you can always order an essay online if anything seems too difficult or you don’t have time to deal with the assignment personally. 

Transition Sentences Within Paragraphs

Let’s find out how to use transition sentences to connect ideas, ensuring a seamless flow of thoughts. They are like subtle guides that help readers navigate through the evolving narrative. For instance, when introducing additional information, consider a transition like: "Moreover, the data suggests a clear correlation between regular exercise and improved mental well-being." This transition smoothly leads the reader to a deeper understanding by introducing supporting evidence.

In cases of contrasting ideas, a transition sentence can gracefully shift the focus. Imagine exploring technological advancements and social inequality, with a transition like: "On the contrary, some argue that technological advancements may exacerbate social inequality rather than alleviate it." This transition introduces an opposing viewpoint without causing abrupt disruption, encouraging a more nuanced examination of the topic.

For sequential progression, a transition sentence paves the way for the next step in reasoning. Visualize transitioning from theoretical discussions to practical implications: "Following this line of reasoning, the next logical step is to examine the practical implications of these theoretical frameworks in real-world scenarios." This transition guides the reader through the logical progression of ideas within the paragraph, enhancing overall comprehension.

As you can see, transition sentences within paragraphs are subtle tools that enhance readability by smoothly connecting thoughts and ideas. These examples illustrate how these transitions create a cohesive and engaging reading experience.

Transition Words and Phrases

What transforms ordinary sentences into transition sentences? The answer lies in transition words that serve as the guiding signposts, steering your writing's flow from one thought to the next. 

The choice of a transition word in a sentence is crucial to your reader's ability to comprehend your writing, as seemingly identical sentences can take on vastly different meanings with different transition words. Let's delve into quick examples illustrating how the selection of words can reshape an idea:

Consider the following sentences:

• We love to try different local restaurants and explore new cuisines. Recently, we tried two new restaurants downtown.
• We love to try different local restaurants and explore new cuisines. Hence, we tried two new restaurants downtown.
• We love to try different local restaurants and explore new cuisines. On the whole, we tried two new restaurants downtown.

Observe how the foodies' point undergoes a dramatic shift simply by substituting various transition words and phrases. This exemplifies the profound impact of word choice on the overall meaning of a sentence. While working on short assignments like essays, this information might seem easy. But when longer papers are due, one may easily get lost in the abundance of transition words and phrases scattered around the document. That’s why we have a professional coursework writing service that can help you with this matter. 

Explore the following list of commonly used transition words and phrases tailored for specific transitions:

Transition Words and Phrases to Communicate Similarities

When highlighting similarities between ideas, events, or concepts in your writing, the careful use of transition words is essential. These linguistic tools serve as bridges, guiding your readers through parallel thoughts seamlessly.

• In the same vein
• Correspondingly
• Similarly to
• Analogously

Transition Words and Phrases to Express Emphasis

Adding emphasis to key points in your writing can significantly impact the reader's understanding and engagement. Transition words designed for emphasis play a crucial role in signaling the importance of specific ideas.

• Undoubtedly
• Unquestionably

Transition Words and Phrases to Demonstrate Cause and Effect

Unraveling the cause-and-effect relationship in your writing requires the strategic use of transition words. These words guide readers through the logical progression of events and help them understand the connections between actions.

• Consequently
• As a result

Transition Words and Phrases to Denote Position

When conveying the spatial or logical arrangement of ideas, transition words indicating position become invaluable. They provide clarity and structure, allowing readers to follow the sequential or spatial organization of your content.

• Adjacent to
• Furthermore
• In the background
• In the foreground

Transition Words and Phrases to Illustrate a Sequence

Sequencing ideas in your writing demands a smooth flow to keep readers engaged. Transition words that denote sequence act as navigational tools, guiding your audience through a logical progression of events.

• Subsequently
• In the meantime

Transition Words and Phrases to Show Examples

Providing examples enhances the clarity and credibility of your writing. Transition words tailored for illustrating examples help seamlessly integrate supporting details into your narrative.

• For example
• For instance
• In particular
• To illustrate
• Specifically

Logical Connectors Examples

When it comes to logical connectors English grammar offers a wide range of words and phrases you can use to enrich your text. Below you will find a logical connectors table full of logical connectors examples from our dissertation writing services . 

Incorporating transition sentences and phrases is an indispensable skill for any proficient writer. These linguistic tools act as the adhesive that binds individual thoughts, creating a seamless and coherent narrative. The strategic use of transitional elements ensures readers can effortlessly follow the flow of ideas, enhancing comprehension and engagement. Through the judicious selection of transition words, writers wield the power to guide their audience through a logical journey, connecting concepts and building a narrative that is both compelling and easily digestible.

Moreover, the importance of employing transitional sentences extends beyond mere stylistic finesse. It is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, whether in academic writing, professional documents, or creative pieces. As seen in the examples of transition sentences, they not only facilitate the smooth progression of ideas but also serve as cues for readers, signaling shifts in tone, perspective, or logical structure. Our dissertation writing service can help you with smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections of text in complex documents such as theses and capstones. 

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How to Use Transition Words for Essays + Examples

Transition words play a key role in essay writing. They connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, helping readers follow your text easily. These words do many jobs, from comparing things to showing cause and effect. They turn scattered thoughts into a clear story.

Learning to use transition words for essays isn't just about making your writing sound better. It's about making your ideas clearer and easier for readers to understand. Let's look at transition words and how to use them well in your essays.

Understanding Transition Words for Essays

Transition words for essays are like road signs. They guide readers through your ideas. They help show how your thoughts connect, making your writing easier to follow.

The Purpose and Placement of Transition Sentences

Transition sentences do several important things:

• They make your ideas flow better
• They help readers grasp your main point
• They link sentences and paragraphs
• They show how ideas relate to each other
• They make your writing easier to read

Where you put transitions matters. They're often used:

• Between parts of an essay to sum up or introduce new ideas
• Between paragraphs to show connections or changes in focus
• Within paragraphs to link related thoughts

Here's an example: 

"The Industrial Revolution brought many new technologies. On the other hand, it also caused social problems."

In this case, "On the other hand" shows a contrast between the good and bad effects of the Industrial Revolution.

Putting transitions in the right places helps your ideas flow smoothly. For instance, transition words to start a paragraph in an essay can signal a new point or a shift in focus, preparing the reader for what's next.

Types of Transitions Words

There are different types of transition words for essays, each with its own job. Knowing these types can help you pick the right words for different parts of your writing.

• Adding information: "Also," "In addition," "Furthermore"
• Showing contrast: "But," "However," "On the other hand"
• Showing cause and effect: "So," "As a result," "Therefore"
• Showing order: "First," "Second," "Finally"
• Giving examples: "For example," "Such as," "To illustrate"

Using different transition words can make your essay flow better and be more coherent. Aithor can suggest good transition words based on what your essay is about, helping you improve your writing.

Creating Smooth Transitions in Your Writing

To make your transitions smooth:

• Use your essay's structure to find logical connections between sections.
• Put transitions where they best show how ideas relate.
• Don't use too many transition words, or your writing might sound forced.
• Try not to use the same few transitions over and over.

Remember, sometimes less is better. Using too many transition words can make your writing sound unnatural. Writing tools like Aithor can help you find places where transitions might make your essay flow better, suggesting good transition words based on your essay's content.

List of Transitions

Let's look at different types of transition words and phrases you can use in your essays:

1. Addition

Transition words to start a paragraph in an essay that add information include:

• Furthermore
• Additionally
• In addition

Example: "The new policy aims to cut down on carbon emissions. Also, it encourages the use of energy from renewable sources."

2. Contradiction

To show contrast, you can use:

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• In contrast
• Despite this

Example: "Many people thought the project would fail. On the other hand, it did better than anyone expected."

3. Condition

Conditional transitions include:

• Provided that
• In the event that

Example: "The company will grow bigger if the market stays good."

4. Emphasis

To highlight important points, use:

• Undoubtedly

Example: "The experiment gave surprising results. In fact, it made people question many old theories in the field."

5. Similarity

Transition words for the second body paragraph showing similarity include:

• In the same way

Example: "The novel explores themes of love and loss. In the same way, the author's previous work dealt with complex human emotions."

To show outcomes or consequences, use:

• As a result
• Consequently

Example: "The team worked very hard on the project. As a result, they finished it early."

7. Conclusion Transitions

Transition words for the conclusion paragraph include:

• In conclusion
• To summarize

Example: "In conclusion, the study shows that social media greatly affects how consumers behave."

8. Sequence

To show order or progression, use:

• First, Second, and Third
• Subsequently

Example: "First, we'll look at the data. Then, we'll explain what it means. Finally, we'll make conclusions based on what we found."

9. Location

Spatial transitions include:

• Adjacent to
• In the vicinity of

Example: "The rare plant was found growing nearby the river bank."

As you start writing, remember this important tip: use transition words carefully. While these words help make your writing easy to read, using too many can confuse your reader. Think of transition words like spices in food — they make it taste better, but too much can ruin the dish.

Your goal is to help your reader easily follow your ideas, not to create a maze of connecting words. So, when you write your next essay, remember: when it comes to transitions, often using fewer is better. Use them thoughtfully to make your argument clear, and your writing will be easy to understand and follow.

If you want to get even better at writing essays, Aithor has special features that can help you choose the best transitions for what you're writing about, making sure your essays flow smoothly from start to finish.

Happy writing!

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Writing Transitions

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Good transitions can connect paragraphs and turn disconnected writing into a unified whole. Instead of treating paragraphs as separate ideas, transitions can help readers understand how paragraphs work together, reference one another, and build to a larger point. The key to producing good transitions is highlighting connections between corresponding paragraphs. By referencing in one paragraph the relevant material from previous paragraphs, writers can develop important points for their readers.

It is a good idea to continue one paragraph where another leaves off. (Instances where this is especially challenging may suggest that the paragraphs don't belong together at all.) Picking up key phrases from the previous paragraph and highlighting them in the next can create an obvious progression for readers. Many times, it only takes a few words to draw these connections. Instead of writing transitions that could connect any paragraph to any other paragraph, write a transition that could only connect one specific paragraph to another specific paragraph.

Transition sentence examples

Published March 20, 2021. Updated August 16, 2021.

When writing a paper, you may have received feedback that your writing is choppy or blocky. A teacher may have even explicitly said that you need better transitions. You may worry that your writing is awkward or could flow better. These are all signs that you could benefit from working on your transition sentences, connecting each piece of your essay into a coherent whole.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

What are transition sentences, and why do they matter?

Transition sentences are signposts that help direct readers through your essay, telling them how each idea relates to the one that came before it. These sentences often make use of transition words or expressions, such as “nevertheless.”

George had never been skiing in his life. Nevertheless, he bought the used ski equipment at the garage sale.

The word “nevertheless” clues the reader that the following information is true despite the previous information. Without it, the second sentence would come as a confusing surprise after the first.

Essays often require transition sentences or even paragraphs, which perform a similar function, linking what the reader knows after reading the previous part to the new information or idea coming up.

Transition sentences can improve your writing in many ways:

• They improve your ability to communicate and the reader’s ability to understand your points.
• Transitions help writing to flow more easily, enhancing the reader’s enjoyment.
• With transitions, you can refine the logic of your paper. Without clear transitions, the implicit connection between two pieces of the paper is “and also,” which lacks nuance. Better transitions allow you to build more sophisticated frameworks for your essay.

Where should you put transitions?

Transitions introduce paragraphs, sections, and different parts of a paragraph.

At the beginning of a new paragraph

Paragraphs often begin with transition phrases or sentences that segue from the previous paragraph.

In the same way that Theseus won Hippolyta with his “sword,” Oberon determines to sexually humiliate his queen and bring her back under his control.

While the previous paragraph discussed the relationship between Theseus and Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this new paragraph turns to the relationship between Oberon and Titania. The transition prepares the reader for this shift in topic and clarifies that the two are united under the same theme: male political and sexual dominance through violence.

At the beginning of a new section

When transitioning into a new section in a longer essay, you might require a couple of sentences or even a full paragraph at its beginning.

Male-on-female violence is only the most extreme method that the men of Midsummer use to keep their women under control. Shakespeare shows us a world that restricts women to a limited number of roles and sets them against one another once they reach marital age. He even reminds us that women don’t actually have any roles at all on this Elizabethan stage. The rude mechanicals’ play of Pyramus and Thisbe is an all-male affair. Whenever a woman speaks in Midsummer, her words testify to so many qualifications on her agency that we’re left to wonder: who is really speaking?

In a larger paper on Midsummer’s patriarchy, this paragraph introduces a new section or movement. It acknowledges the material of the previous section – male-on-female violence – and relates it to what’s coming: more subtle methods of control.

Within paragraphs

You also want to ensure that your sentences and smaller points flow, one into the next, linking them with clear transitions.

Egeus brings his recalcitrant daughter before Theseus and demands that he execute her if she refuses to marry Demetrius, Egeus’s choice for her husband. In response, Theseus offers Hermia a third option: she may also become a nun. However , his description of this life presents the vow of chastity as a kind of living death, similar to execution. He reminds Hermia that nuns separate from the world to live “in shady cloister mewed” where they “wither on the virgin thorn” (1.1.73, 79).

Notice the way that the bolded phrases help the reader to follow the logic; Theseus’s offer seems like a third option, but it is really a variation of the second.

Different connections, different transitions

There are many different ways that ideas can relate to one another and different transitional words or phrases associated with these relationships.

This new thought is related to or builds upon the previous one. There are several varieties:

Similarity (y is like x)

Sample transition words: likewise, similarly, in the same way, just as, still

Example (y is an example of x)

Sample transition words: for example, such as, for instance, to illustrate, namely

Emphasis (look at the y part of x)

Sample transition words: above all, even, to clarify, without a doubt, in particular, indeed, it should be noted

Complement/Supplement (y and x both matter with respect to my larger point/theme)

Sample transition words: moreover, furthermore, not only…but also, along with, in addition to this

Summation (y summarizes x and previous points)

Sample transition words: altogether, finally, in brief, to sum up, to conclude, on the whole, all things considered

This new thought contradicts or limits what came before it.

Contrast (y is different than x)

Sample transition words: alternatively, despite, contrary to, instead, on the other hand, unlike, conversely

Exception (y qualifies or limits x)

Sample transition words: granted that, even if, admittedly, nevertheless, although, however

These two things are part of a sequence. One of them follows or precedes the other one.

Timeline (y follows or precedes x in time)

Sample transition words: at this time, previously, following, before, after, still

Order (y follows x in logic)

Sample transition words: first of all, firstly, first and foremost, last but not least

Cause and Effect

One of these things produces the other one.

Cause and effect (y is caused by or causes x)

Sample transition words: consequently, therefore, hence, thus, for this reason, due to

Planning and editing for transitions

How can you identify where you will need to put transitions or where your paper still needs them?

Before you start to write the paper, outlining can help you figure out the different elements of your paper and how they all fit together. Add little notes about the transitions you will need between each of them.

After you have a draft, you can do much the same thing, in reverse. In reverse outlining, you outline something that is already written rather than something you have yet to write. As you read over your paper, note each new idea in the margins – not what should be there but what is there. Have you adequately connected each of these ideas? Or do you need to add some sentences to help guide your reader through your paper?

The transitions of your paper aren’t the place to be ambiguous or to make your readers do the work. Make it as easy as possible for them to follow your logic, and you stand a better chance of convincing them of your point.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Key takeaways

• Transition words and sentences serve as signposts, helping the reader to follow your argument.
• They connect each piece of your essay to what came before it.
• You should make use of transitions between paragraphs, between sections, and within paragraphs to clarify the flow and logic of your argument.
• Different transition words and phrases establish different relationships between ideas.
• You can help yourself to identify places that need transitions by outlining or reverse outlining your paper.

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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

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.

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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.

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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.

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Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

220 Best Transition Words for Essays

By: Nova A.

15 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jul 9, 2019

Writing essays can be hard, and making sure your transitions are smooth is even harder. 

You've probably heard that good essays need good transitions, but what are they? How do you use them in your writing? Also, your essays are assessed according to particular criteria and it is your responsibility to ensure that it is being met.

But don't worry, we are here to help. This blog will give you transition words for essays, including how to choose the right ones and where to place them for maximum impact. Essay writing is a technical process that requires much more effort than simply pouring your thoughts on paper.

If you are new to the concept of transition words and phrases, deep dive into this article in order to find out the secret to improving your essays.

On this Page

What Are Transition Words 

Transition words are essential elements in essay writing that create smooth transitions between ideas. 

Think of a transition as a conjunction or a joining word. It helps create strong relationships between ideas, paragraphs, or sentences and assists the readers to understand the word phrases and sentences easily.

As writers, our goal is to communicate our thoughts and ideas in the most clear and logical manner. Especially when presenting complex ideas, we must ensure that they are being conveyed in the most understandable way.

To ensure that your paper is easy to understand, you can work on the sequencing of ideas. Break down your ideas into different sentences and paragraphs then use a transition word or phrase to guide them through these ideas.

Why Should You Use Transitions

The purpose of transition words goes beyond just connectivity. They create a cohesive narrative , allowing your ideas to flow seamlessly from one point to another. These words and phrases act as signposts and indicate relationships. 

These relations could include:

• Cause and Effect
• Comparison and Contrast
• Addition and Emphasis
• Sequence and Order
• Illustration and Example
• Concession and Contradiction
• Summary and Conclusion

They form a bridge and tie sentences together, creating a logical connection. In addition to tying the entire paper together, they help demonstrate the writer’s agreement, disagreement, conclusion, or contrast.

However, keep in mind that just using or including transitional words isn’t enough to highlight relationships between ideas. The content of your paragraphs must support the relationship as well. So, you should avoid overusing them in a paper.

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Types of Transitions

Transitions in essays can be classified into different types based on the relationships they indicate between ideas. Each type serves a specific purpose in guiding readers through your arguments. 

Let's explore some common types of transitions and their examples:

Additive Transitions 

These transitions are used to add information or ideas. They help you expand on your points or provide additional supporting evidence. Examples:

• In addition
• Furthermore
• Additionally
• Not only... but also
• Coupled with

Adversative Transitions

Adversative transitions show contrast or contradiction between ideas. They are used to present opposing viewpoints or highlight differences. Examples:

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• In contrast

Causal Transitions

Causal transitions explain cause-and-effect relationships. They help you establish the reasons behind certain outcomes or actions. Examples:

• As a result
• Consequently
• Resulting in
• For this reason

Sequential Transitions

Sequential transitions indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas. They help you present your thoughts in a logical and organized manner. Examples: 

• Subsequently
• In the meantime
• Simultaneously

Comparative Transitions

Comparative transitions highlight similarities or comparisons between ideas. They help you draw connections and illustrate relationships. Here are some transition words for essays examples: 

• In the same way
• Compared to
• In comparison
• Correspondingly
• By the same token
• Equally important
• Analogous to

Getting started on your essay? Check out this insightful read on essay writing to make sure you ace it!

List of Good Transition Words for Essays

As mentioned above, there are different categories of transitions that serve a unique purpose. Understanding these different types will help you pick the most suitable word or phrase to communicate your message.

Here we have categorized the best transition words for essays so you can use them appropriately!

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

In argumentative essays , the effective use of transition words is essential for presenting a well-structured and coherent argument. 

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

In compare and contrast essays , transition words play a crucial role in highlighting the similarities and differences between the subjects being compared. 

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in compare and contrast essays:

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In cause and effect essays , transition words help illustrate the relationships between causes and their corresponding effects. 

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in cause-and-effect essays:

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essays

Transition words are valuable tools that can be used throughout different parts of an essay to create a smooth and coherent flow. By understanding the appropriate transition words for each section, you can logically connect your ideas. 

Introduction Transition Words for Essays

Introductions are one of the most impactful parts of the essay. It's important that it connects logically with the rest of the essay. To do this, you can utilize different transition words for essays to start. Here are some starting transition words for essays:

Transition Words for Essays Body Paragraph

In an essay, body paragraphs play a crucial role in presenting and developing your ideas. To ensure a logical flow within each body paragraph, the strategic use of transition words is essential.

Here are lists of transitions for essays for different body paragraphs:

Transition Words for Essays for First Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words that you can use for the first body paragraph of an essay:

Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words for the second body paragraph of an essay:

Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essays Last Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essays Conclusion 

Here is a list of ending transition words for essays:

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Essay Transitions

When it comes to using transitions in your essay, there are certain do's and don'ts that can help you effectively enhance the flow of your writing. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

• Add transitions only when introducing new ideas.
• Go through the paper to make sure they make sense.
• Start by creating an outline, so you know what ideas to share and how.
• Use different transitions for each idea.
• Don’t overuse them.
• Don’t keep adding transitions in the same paragraph.
• Don’t completely rely on transitions to signal relationships.
• Don’t incorporate it into your content without understanding its usage.

By now, you have probably understood how transition words can save you from disjointed and directionless paragraphs. They are the missing piece that indicates how ideas are related to one another. You can also generate more essays with our AI powered essay writer to learn the art of transitioning smoothly from one paragraph to another. 

If you are still unable to distinguish transitions to open or conclude your essays, don’t be upset - these things require time and practice.

If you are looking for the perfect essay-writing service, get in touch with the expert writers at 5StarEssays.com. We will include the right transitions according to the type of paper, ensuring a coherent flow of ideas.

Just say ‘ write my essay ’ now and let our essay writer create quality content at the most pocket-friendly rates available.

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Transition Words and Phrases: Boost Your Writing Clarity

Have you ever read a piece of writing that felt choppy, disjointed, or hard to follow? Chances are, it needed transition words. These linguistic bridges are essential for clear, coherent writing. They’re the secret sauce that transforms a jumble of sentences into a smooth, flowing narrative. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, mastering the art of transitions will take your content to the next level.

What are Transition Words?

Transition words are the linguistic glue that holds your writing together. They’re the connective tissue that links ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, creating a seamless flow of thought. But what exactly are transition words, and why are they so crucial for effective communication?

Transition words are words or phrases that show the relationship between ideas. They act as signposts, guiding your readers through the text and helping them understand how different sections and ideas relate to each other. These linguistic bridges can indicate addition, contrast, cause and effect, sequence, and much more.

Just like road signs help drivers navigate unfamiliar terrain, transition words help readers navigate the ideas you put down in writing. They provide direction, indicating whether you’re adding to a previous point, contrasting ideas, or moving on to a new topic altogether.

But why are transitional words and phrases so important? Simply put, they enhance the readability and coherence of your writing. Without them, your text will feel disjointed or abrupt, leaving your reader struggling to connect the dots. With well-chosen transitions, however, your writing flows smoothly from one idea to the next, making it easier for your audience to follow your train of thought.

Consider this example:

“I love coffee. It keeps me awake. I drink it every morning.”

Now, let’s add some transition words:

“I love coffee because it keeps me awake. Therefore, I drink it every morning.”

See the difference? The transition words “because” and “therefore” clarify the relationships between these ideas, making the passage more cohesive and easier to understand.

Transition words are subtle yet powerful tools that transform your writing from a series of disconnected statements into coherent, persuasive arguments. By mastering these transition keywords, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your writing clarity and engaging your readers more effectively.

Detailed Classification of Transition Words with Examples

Understanding the various types of transition words and how to use them effectively can significantly enhance your writing. Let’s explore different categories of transition words and phrases, along with examples to illustrate their usage.

Addition, Agreement, and Amplification

Transition words help you introduce additional information or ideas that support your previous statements. These words signal to the reader that you’re expanding on a point or providing more evidence. Some common examples include:

• In addition
• Furthermore
• Additionally

Example: “The new policy will reduce costs. In addition, it will improve efficiency.”

“In addition” transition words are particularly useful when you want to build upon an argument or provide supplementary information. They help create a logical flow between ideas, making your writing more cohesive and persuasive.

Opposition, Limitation, and Contradiction

Opposing transition words introduce contrasting ideas or limitations to previous statements. They help you present a balanced argument by acknowledging different viewpoints or potential drawbacks. To do so, you can use:

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand

Example: “The product has many benefits. However, its high cost may deter some customers.”

The “although” transition is particularly effective when you want to concede a point while maintaining your overall argument. It shows that you’ve considered multiple perspectives, which can make your writing more credible and nuanced.

Cause, Condition, and Purpose

These transition words help explain why something happens, under what conditions it occurs, or for what purpose. They’re crucial for establishing cause-and-effect relationships in your writing. Examples include:

• In order to

Example: “We decided to postpone the event because of the weather forecast.”

Examples, Support, and Emphasis

These transition words come in handy when you need to provide specific examples or emphasize a point. They help clarify your ideas and make your writing more concrete. Some examples are:

• For instance
• Specifically
• In particular
• To illustrate

Example: “Many factors contribute to climate change. For instance, deforestation plays a significant role.”

Effect, Consequence, and Result

Result transition words show the outcomes or consequences of actions or events. They help readers understand the impact of what you’re describing. Common options include:

• As a result
• Consequently

Example: “The company invested heavily in research and development. As a result, they were able to launch several innovative products.”

Conclusion, Summary, and Restatement

These transition words signal that you’re wrapping up your thoughts or restating your main points. They help provide closure to your writing. Consider these options:

• In conclusion

Example: “In conclusion, the benefits of the new system far outweigh its drawbacks.”

Time, Chronology, and Sequence

When describing events in a particular order or timeline, these transition words are invaluable. They help your reader follow the sequence of events or ideas. Examples include:

• Subsequently

Example: “First, preheat the oven. Next, mix the dry ingredients. Finally, add the wet ingredients and stir.”

Space, Location, and Place

These transition words help describe spatial relationships or locations. They’re particularly useful in descriptive writing or when giving directions. Some examples are:

• To the left
• In the distance

For instance: “The old lighthouse stands on the cliff. Below, waves crash against the rocky shore.”

By mastering these different types of transition words, you can significantly improve the flow and clarity of your writing. The key is using them naturally and appropriately, ensuring they enhance rather than disrupt your message.

Transition words for introduction with examples

Introductory transition words bridge your opening hook and the main body of your work, guiding your readers smoothly into your argument or narrative. They signal to your reader that you’re about to embark on a journey of ideas and help establish your content’s direction. Here are some examples of using transitions in an introduction:

• “To begin with”: This phrase is excellent for signaling that you’re about to present your first point or argument. Example: “To begin with, let’s examine the historical context of this issue.”
• “First and foremost”: Use this to emphasize the importance of your opening statement. Example: “First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics.”
• “At the outset”: This helps clarify your initial position or premise. Example: “At the outset, I want to make it clear that this essay will argue in favor of renewable energy sources.”
• “Initially”: A perfect option for introducing the first in a series of points or steps. Example: “Initially, we’ll explore the causes of climate change before reviewing potential solutions.”
• “To start with”: A casual yet effective phrase that can make your introduction more conversational and engaging. Example: “To start with, let’s consider why so many people are turning to plant-based diets.”

When it comes to introductions, these words can help you:

• Capture your reader’s attention
• Provide context for your topic
• Smoothly introduce your thesis statement
• Outline the structure of your essay

The key to using transitions effectively is ensuring they sound natural in your writing. Rather than forcing them, use these words and phrases to connect ideas and guide your reader through your content.

As you practice using these transition words for writing, you’ll find that they become an integral part of your writing toolkit. They’ll help you create introductions that are informative, engaging, and cohesive.

Mastering the art of using introductory transition words can elevate your essay writing from good to great. So, the next time you sit down to write an essay, pay special attention to how you proceed from your opening hook to your main argument. With practice, you’ll find that these transitions become second nature and enhance your essays’ overall quality and readability.

Transition words for paragraph with examples

Paragraph transition words connect one paragraph to the next and ensure that your essay maintains a logical progression.

One of the most effective ways to understand the power of transitional phrases is through an example of an essay that uses them. Consider this excerpt:

“The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in manufacturing processes. However, it also led to numerous social challenges. For instance, working conditions in factories were often hazardous and exploitative. Moreover, the rapid urbanization that accompanied industrialization resulted in overcrowded cities with poor sanitation. Nevertheless, the Industrial Revolution ultimately paved the way for modern technological advancements.”

In this short passage, we can see several transition words at work, each serving a specific purpose:

• “However”: Introduces a contrasting idea
• “For instance”: Provides a specific example
• “Moreover”: Adds additional information
• “Nevertheless”: Acknowledges the previous point while introducing a counterargument

Now, let’s cover more examples of transitional phrases for essays:

Sequence transitions:

• First, Second, Third
• Next, Then, Finally
• Subsequently, Afterwards

Example: “First, we’ll examine the causes of climate change. Then, we’ll explore its effects on ecosystems. Finally, we’ll discuss potential solutions.”

Comparison transitions:

• Similarly, Likewise, In the same way
• Compared to, In contrast, On the other hand

Example: “Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming increasingly popular. Similarly, geothermal energy is gaining traction in many countries.”

Cause and effect transitions:

• Therefore, As a result, Consequently
• Due to, Because of, Since

Emphasis transitions:

• Indeed, In fact, Certainly
• Notably, Especially, Particularly

Example: “The new policy has had wide-ranging effects. Indeed, it has transformed the entire industry landscape.”

Conclusion transitions:

• In conclusion, To sum up, In summary
• Ultimately, Finally, In the end

Example: “In conclusion, while the challenges are significant, the potential benefits of sustainable practices far outweigh the initial costs.”

By incorporating these transition words into your paragraphs, you can create a more cohesive and engaging essay. They help guide your reader through your argument, showing how each idea relates to the next and ensuring that your writing flows smoothly from one point to another.

It’s essential to choose phrases that accurately reflect the relationship between your ideas. Don’t force transitions where they don’t naturally fit. Instead, use them to clarify and strengthen the connections in your writing.

Transition words for conclusion with Examples

Transition words for a conclusion are vital in signaling to your reader that you’re about to summarize your main points and provide a final thought. These words help create a sense of closure and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Some of the best transition words for concluding your essay include:

“In conclusion”

“To sum up”

“Finally”

“Ultimately”

“In summary”

Let’s explore how to use these in conclusion transition words effectively, with examples of how to apply them:

This is one of the most common and straightforward ways to signal the end of your essay.

Example: “In conclusion, the evidence clearly demonstrates that renewable energy sources are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable in the long term.”

A useful option when you want to briefly recap your main points.

Example: “To sum up, we’ve explored the causes, effects, and potential solutions to climate change. It’s evident that immediate action is necessary to mitigate its impact.”

This transition word can introduce your last point or final thoughts.

Example: “Finally, it’s worth noting that individual actions, when combined, can have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.”

Emphasizes the most important takeaway from your essay.

Example: “Ultimately, the success of any environmental policy depends on the collective effort of governments, businesses, and individuals.”

This phrase is perfect for providing a brief overview of your main arguments.

Example: “In summary, we’ve discussed the benefits of exercise, including improved physical health, mental well-being, and increased longevity.”

When using transition words to conclude your essay, it’s important to choose options that fit your writing style and tone. Here are some tips for using transition words effectively in your conclusion:

• Vary your transitions: Don’t rely solely on “In conclusion” to start your final paragraph. Mix it up with other transition words to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
• Use transitions that match your tone: If you’ve maintained a formal tone throughout your essay, stick with transitions like “In conclusion” or “To summarize.” For a more casual tone, you can opt for phrases like “All things considered” or “When all is said and done.”
• Avoid introducing new information: Your conclusion should summarize and reinforce your main points, not introduce new ideas. Use transition words to guide your reader through this recap.
• Connect back to your introduction: If possible, use a transition that allows you to refer back to your opening paragraph, creating a full-circle effect.
• Be concise: Your conclusion should be relatively brief. Use transition words to help summarize your main points efficiently.

Here’s an extended example of how you might use transition words in a conclusion:

“In conclusion, we’ve explored the multifaceted impact of social media on modern society. From its influence on personal relationships to its role in shaping political discourse, it’s clear that social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. To sum up, while social media offers unprecedented connectivity and information sharing, it also presents challenges such as privacy concerns and the spread of misinformation. Ultimately, the responsible use of social media platforms lies in the hands of both users and developers. Finally, as we continue to navigate this digital landscape, it’s crucial to remain mindful of both the benefits and pitfalls of social media and strive for a balanced approach in our online interactions.”

By mastering the use of transition words in your conclusion, you ensure that your essay ends on a strong note, leaving your reader with a clear understanding of your main arguments and a lasting impression of your writing skills.

Transition Words Associated with AI: Overuse and Alternatives

As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in content creation, certain transition words and phrases have become telltale signs of AI-generated text. While these transitions are not inherently problematic, their overuse can make writing feel robotic and less natural. Here are some transitions that AI commonly overuses, along with alternatives and advice for more organic writing:

• “Moreover” and “Furthermore”: AI tends to rely heavily on these words to add information. Instead, try using “In addition,” “Also,” or simply starting a new sentence without a transition.
• “However” and “Nevertheless”: While useful for contrasts, these can become repetitive. Alternatives include “Yet,” “Still,” or “On the other hand.”
• “Therefore” and “Thus”: AI often uses these for conclusions. Mix it up with “As a result,” “Consequently,” or by rephrasing to show cause and effect without an explicit transition.
• “Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “Lastly”: These sequential transitions are AI favorites but can feel mechanical. Instead, use “To begin with,” “Next,” or “Finally,” or simply omit them when the sequence is clear from context.
• In conclusion”: This phrase is a red flag for AI-generated content . Try “To sum up,” “In summary,” or a more specific concluding statement relevant to your topic.

To avoid overusing these common transitions, focus on creating a logical flow with the ideas presented rather than relying on explicit transition words. Vary sentence structures and use contextual cues to guide the reader. When transitions are necessary, choose options that sound natural in conversation and fit the tone of your writing.

By being mindful of AI tendencies and employing a diverse range of transitions – or sometimes no transition at all – you can craft more authentic and engaging writing that resonates with human readers.

Tools like SEOwind are designed to help writers create more natural, human-like content that avoids these AI pitfalls. By using SEOwind to write long-form content , you ensure that your transitions are varied, appropriate, and sound more organic. This tool helps you strike the right balance between using necessary transitions and maintaining a natural flow in your writing.

Best Practices for Seamlessly Incorporating Transition Words

• Understand the purpose: Before using a transition word, make sure you understand its function. Is it to contrast, add information, or show cause and effect? Choosing the proper transition for the context is crucial.
• Don’t overuse: While transitions are important, using too many can make your writing feel forced or choppy. Use them judiciously to maintain a natural flow.
• Vary your transitions: Avoid repetition by using a variety of transition words. This keeps your writing engaging and demonstrates your linguistic abilities.
• Place transitions strategically: Transitions can be used at the beginning of sentences, between clauses, or even between paragraphs. Experiment with placement to find what works best for your essay.
• Consider your audience: The level of formality in your transitions should match your audience and the essay’s purpose. Academic writing should use more formal transitions, while a personal essay can employ more casual options.
• Read aloud: After incorporating transitions, read your essay aloud. This can help you identify any awkward phrasing or unnatural transitions.

Improving Your Writing with the Right Transitions

Mastering the art of using transition words can significantly enhance the clarity and flow of your writing. However, it’s not just about knowing what transition words are; you need to use them effectively. Let’s explore some common mistakes, how to avoid them, and tips for choosing the ideal transitions for any context.

Identifying Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overuse of transitions: While transitions are important, too many can make your writing feel awkward and unnatural. A study found that 72% of customers will share their good experiences with others. This means that readers are more likely to share well-written content. To avoid overuse, aim for a balance where transitions enhance readability without overwhelming the text.
• Misusing transitions: The wrong transition word can confuse your reader and disrupt the flow of your argument, such as using “however” when you’re adding to a point rather than contrasting it. To avoid this, always double-check the meaning and context of your chosen transition.
• Relying on the same transitions: Just as 67% of customers report a terrible customer experience as the reason for switching businesses, readers might disengage if your writing becomes repetitive. Vary your transitions to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
• Placing transitions incorrectly: Transitions should logically connect ideas. Misplacing them can lead to confusion. Always ensure your transition words for essay paragraphs are positioned where they most effectively link ideas.
• Ignoring the need for transitions: Some writers underestimate the importance of transitions, leading to disjointed writing. In 2020, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, highlighting the importance of clear, well-structured writing in all contexts.

Tips for Choosing the Appropriate Transitional Phrase for Any Context

• Understand the relationship between ideas: Before choosing a transition, clearly identify how your ideas relate to each other. Are you adding information, contrasting points, or showing cause and effect?
• Consider your audience: Your readers will appreciate transitions that help them quickly understand your points. Choose transitions that match your audience’s level of understanding and the formality of your writing.
• Read your writing aloud: This can help you identify where transitions are needed and whether they sound natural. They should provide quick, clear connections between ideas.
• Use transition words as signposts: Guide your reader through your argument or narrative. For example, “First,” “Second,” and “Finally” can clearly structure your points.
• Balance specificity and variety: While it’s good to use specific transitions (e.g., “In contrast” rather than just “But”), you should also aim for variety to keep your writing engaging.
• Consider the scope of your transition: Some transitions work well between sentences, while others are better suited for linking paragraphs or larger sections of your essay.
• Revise and refine: After writing your first draft, go back and review your transitions. Are they all necessary? Do they effectively link your ideas? Refine your choices to ensure each transition serves a clear purpose.

Using transition words effectively is about more than just inserting them into your writing. You should create a smooth, logical flow of ideas that guides your reader through your argument or narrative and work together to resolve any potential confusion in your writing.

By avoiding common mistakes and following these tips for choosing appropriate transitional phrases, you can significantly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Practice and conscious effort in using transitions will help you develop this crucial skill, enhancing your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively in any context.

Kate Kandefer

Entrepreneur passionate about scaling SaaS companies on a global B2B stage. My expertise in AI, SEO, and Content Marketing is my toolkit for driving tangible results. I'm a hands-on executor guided by results, deeply passionate about marketing, and skilled at aligning business objectives with people's needs and motivations. With a pragmatic mindset. My approach is all about clarity, efficiency, and open dialogue.

Table of Contents

• 1 What are Transition Words?
• 2 Detailed Classification of Transition Words with Examples
• 3 Transition words for introduction with examples
• 4 Transition words for paragraph with examples
• 5 Transition words for conclusion with Examples
• 6 Transition Words Associated with AI: Overuse and Alternatives
• 7 Improving Your Writing with the Right Transitions

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Writing Sentences Correctly

A high-quality essay is composed of high-quality sentences. This page focuses on rules for writing complete sentences that flow together to create a well written academic piece.

Clauses and Sentences are the structures through which we communicate our ideas. Understanding what constitutes a clause and a sentence is important for clear writing and accurate punctuation.

Clauses are the smallest grammatical units that carry meaning. They consist of two parts: a subject and a predicate. The subject is a thing, animal or a person. The predicate tells us what the subject is doing, or what state it is in. The predicate must contain a verb that is in the finite form (a form that indicates time and does not just have ‘to’ in front of it).

Sentences must also contain a subject and a predicate, but the difference is that a sentence is always a complete idea or thought that can stand alone. A clause, on the other hand, can be a complete idea, and so equal to a sentence, or it can be part of an idea, and so not able to stand on its own without some more information.

Examples and Explanation

In the sentence ‘I went to work.’, ‘I’ is the subject and ‘went to work’ is the predicate. The verb in this sentence is ‘went’, which is the past tense of ‘to go’.

The following is another example: ‘The research on the issue was completed by a large team.’ In this example, ‘the research’ is the subject and ‘was completed by a large team’ is the predicate. The verb is made up of two words: ‘was completed’.

Both examples above are complete ideas, and so they can stand on their own as sentences. We can say they are ‘independent’. However, in other sentences you may have a clause that is not a complete idea and so cannot stand on its own. In this case, we would say the clause is dependent, as it needs other information to truly make sense.

For example, in the following sentence we have one dependent clause that starts with ‘although’ and ends before the comma, and one ‘independent clause’ that starts after the comma:

Although the dog was big, it could run very quickly. ‘Although the dog was big’ is not a complete idea on its own, so it is a dependent clause. ‘It could run very quickly’ is a complete idea, so it is an independent clause.

Another name that you might hear for a dependent clause is ‘subordinate clause’ and another name you might hear for an independent clause is ‘main clause’. You can choose to use whichever names you prefer.

Think of the main/independent clause as the one that communicates the main message of the sentence. The subordinate/dependent clause is the one that adds extra information that is helpful, but not really critical, for communicating the main message.

Sentence Fragments

In a sentence fragment one of the key components is missing: it doesn’t have a subject, it doesn’t have a verb or verb phrase, or it is a dependent/subordinate clause on its own. This means a complete idea isn’t being presented. Below are some examples:

' While the second result was positive. ' – This is a dependent clause on its own.

' Running in the park. ' – This one doesn’t have a subject or complete verb phrase.

' The journalist in the first office. ' – This one doesn’t have a verb

Conjunctions

1. coordinating conjunctions.

They are often remembered through the acronym FANBOYS. Examples of their use include:

' I completed the course but I didn’t get a time. '

' There was no evidence that the suspect committed the crime, so he was released. '

In both of these examples there are two complete ideas either side of the conjunction that could form sentences on their own. The second example uses a comma before the second clause. Commas can be used before any of these conjunctions.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

These are conjunctions that start a subordinating clause (also called a dependent clause). There are more examples of this type of conjunction than coordinating conjunctions. They include words like although, whilst and if. They introduce extra information about a main clause that can often be non-essential, but may be useful in communicating the message (hence them being called subordinate). Examples include:

' Although I enjoy walking to work, I prefer to cycle most days. '

' Supposing that she breaks the record, what will be her plan after? '

' If I go to work early, I can also leave early. '

In these examples, the subordinating (dependent clause) comes first and the dependent clause second, but it could be the other way around. The clauses are separated by a comma. With conditional sentences, where one thing depends on another, as in the third example (they usually contain ‘if’), the clauses can be moved around but the comma would then be removed:

' I can also leave early if I go to work early. '

3. Correlative Conjunctions

These conjunctions are used to explain the relationship between clauses. They work in pairs. They include words like ‘either...or...’, ‘not only...but also...’, and ‘rather...than...’. Examples include:

' Either I go to work early or I come home late. '

' Not only was the food bad but it was also expensive. '

' I would rather play rugby than football. '

Transition Words

Transition words are adverbs that can be used to start a new sentence or independent clause and indicate that we are moving on to a new, but related, idea. They include words or phrases like ‘also’, ‘furthermore’, ‘in contrast’, ‘therefore’ and ‘in conclusion.’ It is also useful to make sure you are confident with using a range of words such as these in order to help make your writing flow. When written in a sentence, transition words are followed by a comma. Here are some examples:

' Also , there seems to be other factors influencing the results. '

' In contrast , the cost of the second design option is far cheaper. '

' Therefore , we can conclude that the policy was ineffective. '

Common Errors

People frequently use conjunctions and transition words incorrectly, which can easily confuse the audience. For example, they may use a word that indicates contrast when they want to indicate addition. For example:

' This was the main factor that influenced the result. Conversely , there was one other important factor. ' –  Incorrect

' This was the main factor that influenced the result. Additionally , there was one other important factor. ' –  Correct

Make sure you are confident about the meaning of the word before you use it.

People also overuse more informal expressions, such as ‘one the one hand’ and ‘on the other hand’, or use the same transition word or conjunction over and over again. This isn’t incorrect, but makes the writing less enjoyable to read, and so may impact the clarity of the text. To avoid this, try to vary the words that you use, or alternatively use colons and semi-colons to indicate relationships between clauses

The four types of sentence structure are as follows:

1. the simple sentence, 2. the compound sentence, 3. the complex sentence, 4. the complex-compound sentence (or compound-complex sentence), how the structures can help us.