Transition Words for Essays
Similar ideas Agreement / Addition / Similarity
The transition words add information, support ideas, and express agreement with previous
ideas.
in the first place
also
not only ... but also
then
as a matter of fact
equally
in addition
moreover
in the same fashion / way
together with
first, second, third
likewise
in the light of
correspondingly
equally important
similarly
by the same token
furthermore
and
additionally
I believe music is more important than art.
First, music helps people release their stress. in addition, it helps people feel better.
Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction
These transition phrases express that there is evidence for disagreement and introduce a
different idea that changes the line of reasoning (contrast).
although this may be true
in contrast
different from
on the other hand
on the contrary
at the same time
in reality
after all
but
besides
even though
although
instead
whereas
despite
conversely
otherwise
however
nevertheless
nonetheless
Examples / Support / Emphasis
These transitional words and phrases are used to introduce examples as support and to
show importance.
in other words
to point out
for example
on the positive side
for instance
on the negative side
as an illustration
with this in mind
in this case
especially
for this reason
specifically
another key point
particularly
first thing to remember is
in general
to clarify
in particular
to explain
in detail
to demonstrate
to emphasize
one of the most compelling evidence is
Music is more beneficial to humans than art. To demonstrate, research proves that people who
listen to music everyday have happier lives.
Effect / Consequence / Result
Some of these transition words are time words that are used to show that after a particular
time there was a consequence (result) or an effect.
as a result
then
in that case
consequently
for this reason
therefore
Conclusion / Summary / Restatement
These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a
final general statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect /
Consequence category can be used to summarize.
as can be seen
in the final analysis
as shown above
given these points
as has been noted
after all
in summary
in conclusion
to summarize
overall
to sum up
on the whole