In a well-written essay, the sequence of sentences and paragraphs allows the reader to build their understanding of your argument gradually and logically.
Becoming familiar with appropriate transitional expressions is an essential part of learning to write essays that have this sense of flow and focus. Exactly which transitional expression to use in a given situation depends upon the purpose and on the effect you wish to create.
| Purpose | Transitional expression |
| Introduce body paragraph 1 | The author introduces this concept by; One of the ways in which...; The author constructs the idea first by... |
| Introduce additional body paragraphs | Another way in which the author...is by...; The author continues to develop this idea by...; In order to further construct this idea, the author...; In addition to..., the author... to show that... |
| Progress from one idea to another | First; second; third; next; then; finally; after; afterward; at last; before; currently; during; earlier; immediately; later; meanwhile; now; recently; simultaneously; subsequently; then |
| Show that two ideas are similar | Also; in the same way; just as ____, so too ______; likewise; similarly |
| Show that two ideas are different | But; however; in spite of; on the one hand, _______, but on the other hand _______; nevertheless; nonetheless; notwithstanding; in contrast; on the contrary; still; yet |
| Purposes | Transitional expression |
| Integrating a supporting quotation | For example; for instance; namely; specifically; to illustrate; the author writes, “___________”, which _________ |
| emphasize the following sentence | Even; indeed; in fact; of course; truly |
| Show a cause and effect relationship | Accordingly; consequently; hence; so; therefore; thus |
| Provide additional support or evidence | Additionally; again; also; and; as well; besides; equally important; further; furthermore; in addition; moreover; then |
| Wrap up a paragraph | Finally; in a word; in brief; briefly; in conclusion; in the end; on the whole; thus; to conclude; to summarize; in summary |
Note: Overusing transition words lessens their impact. Use them sparingly for maximum effect!
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