Do you remember way back, when you first learned how to write essays? We’re almost sure you were taught words like “additionally, firstly, secondly, further, etc. These are but a few of the transition words you learned. 

However, not all transition words are individual words. To make a smooth transition into your writing, you’ll require a whole phrase. Simply put, transition words aid the smooth and logical flow of information.

Note: Each bold word is a transition word.

In fact, it’s crucial to use transition words effectively when crafting well-structured body paragraphs and a compelling conclusion.

Throughout this article, we will discuss the various transition words, along with some real-life examples to help you better understand. By the end of our article, you’ll have extensive knowledge of using transition words in your body and conclusion paragraphs. 

What Are Transition Words?

Transition words help to make your writing more understandable, smoother, and relevant. 

They help you move from one topic to another with great ease, and without confusing the reader. In such cases, you can use words like however, next (in the body) to prepare the reader by signalling a change in topic. 

Transition words for the first body paragraph  introduce the readers to your topic. Their role is to set the tone, signaling the initiation of a thought sequence. 

Then we move into the second body paragraph. Transition words help to transform into connectors. Words like – “Secondly,” “In the second place,” or “Additionally” seamlessly link to the next sentence while bridging the logical gap between ideas. 

In the final body paragraph, transition words have a different use. They summarize, often introducing phrases like “In conclusion,” “To sum up,” or “Ultimately.” Here, their role is to synthesize the key takeaways. If you don’t know how to use transition words, consult essay writing services to help you ace your papers. 

Here is a list of common transitional words and how you can use them: 

To Add: – And, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what’s more, moreover, in addition, first, etc.

To Compare: – Whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against

To Prove: – Because, for, since, for the same reason, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover.

To Show Exception: – Yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes

To Show Time: – Immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first, next, and then

To Repeat: – In brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted

To Emphasize: – Definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact,always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, without reservation

To Show Sequence: – First, second, third, and so forth, next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon

To Give an Example: – For example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration

To Summarize or Conclude: – In brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently

Furthermore – transition words form connections between other sentences, introduce new ideas, and show cause-and-effect relationships.

Firstly, transition words help to organise your arguments within each paragraph. Using words like “additionally,” “furthermore,” or “in turn,” can introduce new points to help build upon your main ideas. Secondly, if you want to create a sense of coherence between paragraphs, use transition words. “However,” “conversely,” or “on the other hand” signal a change or an introduction of a counterargument. Phrases like “in conclusion,” “to summarize,” or “as a result” not only state your main points but also leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Types of Transition Words

Generally, speaking, three types of transitions are used while drafting a piece of document. Depending on the complexity, length, complexity, and kind of text, transition

words take the following form:

• Transition Between Sections – If you have a lengthy document, use transition paragraphs to summarise a particular section for the readers. In addition, transition words also link the reader to information that’s to follow.

For example:

• For instance
• For example
• To illustrate

Moving from one point to another:

• Furthermore
• In addition
• Moreover

Introducing a contrasting idea:

• However
• On the other hand
• In contrast

Transitioning to a new topic:

• In turn
• Next
• This leads us to

A conclusion:

• In conclusion
• To summarise
• As a result

 

• Transition Within Paragraphs – These are like cues for the readers to prepare them for what is coming next. They are usually single words or small phrases.

For example:

• For instance
• In particular
• To illustrate
• Additionally
• Moreover

 

• Transition words that introduce, agree, and add on – These are the most commonly used transition words because they are used to introduce new ideas and add onto topics that have already been explored.

For example:

• Coupled with
• Further
• Likewise
• Equally important
• Too
• Uniquely

 

• Transition words that oppose and limit – Such transition words can help to communicate limits to ideas or opposition phases.

• Unlike
• Or
• But
• While
• As much as
• Conversely
• On the contrary
• Above all
• Notwithstanding
• Despite

When to Use Transition Words

Transition words help to illustrate a connection between other words and phrases. Note: Transition words aren’t meant to be used only at the beginning of sentences. 

Generally, not every sentence must have a transition word. But when one does, the transition word is critical to its question or statement. 

Common Mistakes With Transition Words

Using transition words isn’t as easy as it sounds. If English isn’t your primary language, you can accidentally use the wrong words. 

Examples of Transition Words

• However
• Instead
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• Notwithstanding
• Rather
• Regardless
• Still
• Unlike
• Besides
• Comparatively
• Coupled with
• Equally important
• Explicitly
• Further
• Furthermore
• In addition
• In the same way
• Likewise
• Above all
• Alternatively
• Anyway
• As much as
• Conversely
• Despite
• On the contrary
• On the other hand
• Otherwise
• Accordingly
• Additionally
• Also
• Moreover
• Similarly
• Too
• Typically
• Understandably

Transition words for First Body Paragraphs

• Firstly
• To begin with
• Initially
• To begin
• At the outset
• First and foremost
• In the beginning
• To start with
• For starters
• At first glance

Transition Words for Second Body Paragraph

• Additionally 
• Likewise 
• Similarly 
• Not only…but also  
• As well as  
• Apart from that.
• Furthermore 
• Besides 
• Moreover 
• In addition 

Transition Words for Third Body Paragraph 

• Subsequently
• Similarly
• Ultimately
• Accordingly
• Thusly
• Specifically
• Therefore
• Furthermore
• Moreover
• Consequently

Wrapping Up

The above list of transitional words should help you understand how, and when to use them. They will also help you to organize your thoughts logically. Now, you you ever need academic help, dont hesitate to reach out to Peachy Essay, a team of professionals, 24/7 or with any enquiries you may have.