Writing tips
Transition words for essays, by what they do.
By the EssayMate team · Updated November 4, 2026
Transition words show the reader how one idea relates to the next: whether you are adding a point, changing direction, giving a reason or reaching a conclusion. Used well, they make an essay easy to follow. Used badly, they make it sound mechanical.
Below are the most useful transitions for academic writing, grouped by purpose, with an example of each in a sentence and advice on when to leave them out.
Adding a point
Additionally, furthermore, moreover, in addition, also, as well as, besides, equally important, not only… but also, what is more.
Restricting phones improves concentration. Furthermore, it reduces distraction for the students sitting nearby.
Contrasting or conceding
However, in contrast, on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, whereas, while, although, even though, despite, conversely, instead, on the contrary, admittedly, granted.
Phones can support learning in class. However, most of that benefit can be kept with supervised school devices.
On the contrary means the opposite of what was just said is true; it is not a general synonym for however.
Cause and effect
Therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, hence, because, since, due to, for this reason, so, accordingly, it follows that, leads to, results in.
Notifications interrupt attention every few minutes. As a result, students struggle to follow a whole lesson.
Giving examples
For example, for instance, such as, in particular, specifically, to illustrate, notably, namely, including, in the case of.
Several cities have introduced congestion charges, for example London, Stockholm and Singapore.
Emphasising
Indeed, in fact, above all, especially, particularly, clearly, significantly, most importantly, undoubtedly, it should be noted that.
Words like clearly and undoubtedly only work when the point really is clear from your evidence; otherwise they read as overconfidence.
Showing order and time
First, second, third, next, then, afterwards, finally, subsequently, previously, meanwhile, simultaneously, at the same time, initially, eventually, before, after, until.
Initially, the policy applied only to younger students; two years later, it was extended to the whole school.
Comparing
Similarly, likewise, in the same way, equally, just as, correspondingly, compared with, in comparison.
Remote work saves commuting time; similarly, it reduces office costs for employers.
Clarifying and restating
In other words, that is, to put it differently, to clarify, in simpler terms, put another way, namely, i.e., to rephrase, simply put.
Concluding and summarising
In conclusion, to sum up, overall, in summary, ultimately, all in all, taken together, on the whole, in short.
Many instructors find In conclusion flat. Often the first sentence of a conclusion works better with no transition, or with Taken together or Ultimately.
Conditions and exceptions
If, unless, provided that, as long as, in case, even if, otherwise, in that case, except, apart from, with the exception of.
The policy will work as long as teachers apply it consistently; otherwise, students will treat it as optional.
Generalising and qualifying
Generally, usually, in most cases, as a rule, for the most part, typically, on balance, to some extent, in some respects, arguably, broadly speaking.
Qualifiers like to some extent and arguably make claims more accurate, not weaker. Use them when the evidence is mixed.
Showing purpose
In order to, so that, so as to, with this in mind, for this purpose, to this end, with the aim of.
To this end, the school introduced lockers at every classroom door.
Specifying and focusing
In particular, especially, specifically, more precisely, chiefly, mainly, primarily, with regard to, regarding, in terms of, as for, concerning.
Transitions between paragraphs
Between paragraphs, a single word is rarely enough. The strongest transitions are sentences that connect the idea you have just proved to the one you are about to introduce:
Weak: Another reason is cost.
Strong: If phones cost students attention in the classroom, they also cost schools money outside it.
Using transitions well
- Use a transition only when the relationship isn't already obvious.
- Vary them; starting three sentences in a row with Furthermore is a giveaway of padding.
- Make sure the word matches the logic: therefore needs a real cause, however a real contrast.
- Prefer short, plain transitions (but, so, also) inside sentences; save formal ones for the start of a sentence.
- Punctuate them: a comma after an introductory transition (However,) and a semicolon before one that joins two clauses (…; however, …).
Frequently asked questions
What are transition words in an essay?
Words and phrases such as however, therefore and for example that show how one idea connects to the next, so the reader can follow your reasoning.
Can you start a sentence with "And" or "But"?
Yes, it's grammatically correct, but many academic instructors prefer "In addition" or "However" at the start of a sentence. Follow your course's style.
How many transition words should an essay have?
There's no number. Use one where the relationship between ideas needs signalling, usually at the start of most paragraphs and at turns in the argument, and leave them out elsewhere.
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