75 linking words for academic writing (+examples)

Photo of Master Academia

Linking words play an important role in academic writing: They connect different paragraphs, sections or ideas in a text. Therefore, they considerably improve the readability and argumentation of academic texts such as a thesis, dissertation, essay or journal publication. This list of 75 linking words includes examples of how they can be used in academic writing.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the links below at no additional cost to you . I only recommend products or services that I truly believe can benefit my audience. As always, my opinions are my own.

Linking words expressing order and sequence in academic writing

Linking words expressing additions in academic writing, linking words expressing cause and effect in academic writing, linking words expressing contrasts and comparisons in academic writing, linking words expressing emphasis in academic writing, linking words expressing illustrations in academic writing, linking words expressing summaries and conclusions in academic writing, linking words expressing conditionality in academic writing, linking words expressing generalisations in academic writing, linking words expressing concessions in academic writing.

1. First(ly), second(ly), third(ly)

Example: First, I review the existing literature on cross-border collaboration. Second, I explain the methodology …

Example: The thesis starts with a literature review. Next, I describe the case study design.

Example: Finally, recommendations for future research are presented.

4. Subsequently

Example: Study participants underwent several experiments and were subsequently examined.

5. Afterwards

Example: The event increased public awareness of this issue. Afterwards, politicians debated it more openly.

6. Eventually

Example: Eventually, this led to the creation of a social movement.

Example: Before scientists discovered the role of neurons in information processing, they assumed that…

8. Previously

Example: Previously, scholars believed that nurture was the most important factor in a child’s development.

linking words bachelor thesis

Example: Scholars examine the causes and effects of poverty.

10. Furthermore

Example: Furthermore, the data illustrates the number of chemicals that can be found in drinking water.

11. Additionally

Example: Additionally, the interviewee lamented a lack of attention to his work.

12. As well as

Example: Scholars utilise qualitative as well as quantitative methods to study this phenomenon.

13. Besides

Example: Besides the public outreach component, we wrote a handbook to disseminate the research results in the academic community.

Example: The financial compensation was also appreciated by the study participants.

15. Moreover

Example: Moreover, interviewees were asked to describe their own experiences.

You may also like: How to paraphrase a quote: 4 simple strategies

16. Because

Example: This theory was ultimately rejected because it was built on a flawed dataset.

Example: The outcomes improved since different parties joined forces.

Example: As the number of studies increases, better conclusions can be drawn.

Example: Scientists realised that the data analysis had flaws. So they decided not to run the same data analysis again.

20. Therefore

Example: Many researchers have conducted this experiment with similar results. Therefore, this theory can be debunked.

21. Consequently

Example: The literature highlights the importance of age and physical fitness. Consequently, these factors will be investigated further.

Example: Due to a low response rate, the study’s validity is low.

23. Nevertheless

Example: One academic study found the opposite results. Nevertheless, it can be argued that…

Example: Many scholars have explored this issue. Yet, to date, no inclusive framework exists to explain…

25. Although

Example: Although a confidentiality agreement was provided, study participants were hesitant to disclose private information.

26. In spite of

Example: In spite of the different study contexts, all experiments pointed to similar results.

27. Whereas

Example: People often stated that they are aware of the rules whereas they behaved as if they did not.

Example: While older studies often emphasise structural effects, newer ones tend to highlight the role of agency.

29. In contrast

Example: In contrast to previous findings, my analysis shows that…

30. Similarly

Example: One study found that the majority of residents in disadvantaged areas do not have access to sufficient resources. Similarly, my research revealed that most residents live too far away from the services and resources they would need to climb the social ladder.

31. Equally

Example: E qually important, however, is the role of personal beliefs in decision-making processes.

32. Likewise

Example: The interviewee considered this issue important and expected his colleagues to do likewise.

33. On the other hand

Example: On the one hand, research in this field advanced considerably in the last 20 years. On the other hand, a lot remains unclear.

Example: Unlike social scientists, physical scientists often conduct laboratory examinations.

linking words bachelor thesis

If you are looking to elevate your writing and editing skills, I highly recommend enrolling in the course “ Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization “, which is a 4 course series offered by the University of Michigan. This comprehensive program is conveniently available as an online course on Coursera, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Plus, upon successful completion, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a valuable certificate to showcase your newfound expertise!

35. Particularly

Example: Particularly relevant for this study is the molecular orbital theory.

36. Especially

Example: Especially younger interviewees expressed dissatisfaction with the status quo.

37. Above all

Example: Above all, this method can generate better insights into the physical processes at hand.

Example: Indeed, motivation turned out to be a defining factor of academic success.

38. Clearly

Example: Clearly, these scholars were not aware of recent advances in medical sciences.

39. Definitely

Example: This was definitely the most important event of the year.

40. Importantly

Example: More importantly, the findings underscore the importance of conflict resolution.

41. Undoubtedly

Example: Undoubtedly, all stakeholders had good intentions.

42. Obviously

Example: Obviously it is too early to draw final conclusions.

43. Of course

Example: Of course, this study should be replicated in a different context.

44. Surprisingly

Example: Surprisingly, all results were unambiguous.

45. Such as

Example: Scientists have explored different parts of the problem, such as CO2 emissions and hydrological processes.

46. For example

Example: Many interviewees were nervous. For example, when asked to describe the event, some of them started to stutter.

47. For instance

Example: Scholars have criticised this approach for different reasons. For instance, they argued that qualitative methods are insufficient to draw generalisable conclusions.

48. In this case

Example: Difficulties arise when no study participants can be found. In this case, alternative methods should be considered.

50. To conclude

Example: To conclude, the empirical analysis supports previous research findings.

51. In conclusion

Example: In conclusion, the reviewed literature highlights a clear research gap.

52. To sum up

Example: To sum up, a mixed methods approach is a better choice than a purely quantitative one.

53. In summary

Example: In summary, it is my opinion that conditions should be improved.

54. In short

Example: In short, scholars call for more research on climate change mitigation.

55. Altogether

Example: Altogether, these examples support the main argument.

Example: Energy supply became a growing problem. Thus, new policies were implemented.

Example: The first dataset was incomplete. Hence, a new dataset had to be developed.

Example: Unless stated otherwise, I refer to the concept as…

59. As long as

Example: As long as the conditions do not change, the results should remain stable.

Example: If scientists study this phenomenon in the future, they should pay attention to structural drivers.

61. Provided that

Example: Provided that nothing changes, the effects on society will be negative.

Example: Should the distribution change, it is fair to expect…

63. Even if

Example: Even if more experiments are conducted, human behaviour remains hard to predict.

Example: Often, this issue was flagged by interviewees themselves.

65. Commonly

Example: Commonly, this criterion is used for categorising plants.

66. Overall

Example: Overall the data confirmed the hypothesis.

67. Typically

Example: Typically emotions run high in such situations.

68. Generally

Example: Generally speaking, scholars address this issue from two angles.

Example: Mainly researchers in the global North discuss this phenomenon.

Example: Mostly, these results cannot be replicated outside of the lab.

71. Even if

Example: This is hard to prove. Even if the study sample is large enough.

72. Regardless of

Example: Regardless of their genetic makeup, mice showcased the same symptoms.

Example: Albeit experiencing setbacks, successful students do not get discouraged.

74. Admittedly

Example: Admittedly, the validity of this study should be increased.

75. Nonetheless

Example: Nonetheless, this study can be seen as a valuable contribution to the international literature.

Photo of Master Academia

Master Academia

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.

Subscribe and receive Master Academia's quarterly newsletter.

How to paraphrase a quote: 4 simple strategies

The best coursera courses for phd researchers in 2023, related articles.

Featured blog post image for Writing article reviews for academic journals

How to peer review an academic paper

linking words bachelor thesis

Theoretical vs. conceptual frameworks: Simple definitions and an overview of key differences

Featured blog post image for The best Coursera courses for PhD researchers in 2023

How to write a fantastic thesis introduction (+15 examples)

Elite Editing

50 linking words to use in academic writing

It’s very common for students to use long words they don’t understand very well in their essays and theses because they have a certain idea of what academic writing should be. Many students believe that academic writing is wordy and convoluted, and uses a lot of jargon. This leads many students to fall into a trap of imagining that the longer the word, the more impressive and intelligent their writing will seem.

We often see long sentences and multisyllabic words where shorter sentences and simpler words would do. Some students even use Microsoft Word’s thesaurus function to replace a common word with a more complicated word. This is a risky move, because unless you’re very careful, the new word may not carry quite the same meaning as the original, even if it’s similar.

The result can range from funny to confusing, which defeats the purpose of academic writing: to be as clear and concise as possible, using just the right words to convey your argument. Using uncommon words, instead of making your paper seem smarter, generally detracts from your ideas.

To avoid this, using linking or transition words that signpost your arguments can help to clarify your views and show the reader what to expect from certain paragraphs or sentences. These words give structure to the whole, helping you to organise your ideas and assist the reader in understanding them.

We have prepared some flashcards containing linking words you can use in academic writing.

CLICK HERE to download these FREE flashcards

Below is a handy list of words that are both useful and appropriate to academic language.

Describing similarities

Correspondingly

Not only… but also

In the same way

Showing cause and effect

Consequently

As a result

Hence (never ‘hence why’)

Since (try to avoid ‘as’ when showing cause and effect)

Accordingly

This suggests that

It follows that

For this reason

Comparing and contrasting

Alternatively

On the other hand

On the contrary

Showing limitation or contradiction

Despite/in spite of

While (not whilst!)

Nevertheless

Nonetheless

50 linking words to use in academic writing

Emphasis, addition or examples

To illustrate

Further (not ‘furthermore’)

First, second and third (not firstly, secondly and thirdly)

For instance

In addition

To summarise

It can be concluded that

As can be seen

Given the above

As described

The best way to get better at writing academic language is to read academic writing. You’ll pick up all sorts of useful tips from published papers in your area of study.

linking words bachelor thesis

Updated 31 January 2023 Ellen McRae, PhD, AE (IPEd), MNZSTI Senior Managing Editor

Request a quote

Please enter your details and we will email a quote to you.

  • Enter the Word Count of your document *
  • Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

HELP: FORMATTING

  • Choose 'leave formatting as it is' if you would like us to maintain the current formatting in your document. We will make sure it is neat and consistent.
  • Choose 'I will upload the formatting guidelines' if you have specific instructions about formatting that need to be followed, for example, if you are submitting a thesis for editing and your university has specific thesis-formatting guidelines. Then, upload these guidelines when you upload your document for editing.
  • Choose 'Elite Editing House Style' if you would like us to format your document according to our own guidelines, which have been specially designed to meet general university requirements.
  • Choose 'APA 6th edition' if you want your document to be formatted according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition. APA formatting is designed specifically for draft manuscripts of journal articles and certain aspects are not appropriate for a thesis that is divided into chapters and is in its final form. If you are submitting a thesis we will modify APA style according to the preferred thesis style of most universities.

Editing guidelines

Please paste a link to the journal editing guidelines if possible.

Copyright 2024, Elite Editing

Terms & Conditions   |   Privacy Policy

Bremond

Linking Words and Phrases in a Thesis

Linking words (also known as transitions) are one of the most important elements in writing, since they allow readers to see the relationships between your ideas. There are several categories of transitions, ranging from words and phrases that signal contrast to words and phrases that signal agreement.

Because they are so important, it’s critical that you don’t misuse them. This article presents some commonly misused linking words that you should be aware of, and then presents some of the most common types of linking words, along with examples.

The most important thing I can emphasize here is to always be aware of the definition of any word or phrase you use. You may be familiar enough with a word to feel comfortable using it, but if you don’t actually know its definition and you don’t take the time to look it up, you may occasionally (or frequently) misuse it.

Linking words present a particularly important case in which you should be aware of definitions, since your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Linking words often (Ab)used

Easily one of the most commonly misused linking words,  therefore  indicates a logical relationship between two things, such that the first thing proves or necessitates the second. Think of it as equivalent to the phrase “as a result.” Confused uses of therefore often imply odd logical connections.

Problem : To see the problem more clearly, simplify the sentence: “We know it’s a competitive environment, so it’s important for lawyers to set themselves apart.” The implication here is that lawyers need to set themselves apart  because people know  that law firms are highly competitive.

However, the fact that people know of the highly competitive environment is more or less irrelevant to the reasons lawyers set themselves apart from each other.

Explanation :  Here, the logical connection is between law firms being highly competitive environments and lawyers needing to set themselves apart from each other.

Herewith, therewith, hereby

These are all examples of transition words not in common use. They are most common in the technical definitions of legal documents, and often sound archaic when used in other contexts. Though they have their uses, it’s best to avoid these words.

Explanation :  “Hereby” was above being used as an equivalent to “herewith,” meaning roughly “along with this,” “in this way,” or “by means of this.”  The language is simply much more natural in the rephrasing.

This slash-transition (and with most other words joined by a slash) can be very difficult to understand. Some writers mean “ either   A   or B  or  both A and B, ” yet others simply mean  A and B , and still others simply mean  A or B . It gets confusing.

Avoid  and/or  altogether in formal writing. Almost always the context of the discussion will clarify your meaning if you use simply  and  or  or . In cases that might be confusing, it’s generally best to spend the extra words to clarify your meaning.

Explanation :  It’s difficult to tell whether she might take 1) either the bus or the train, 2) both the bus and the train, or 3) either the bus or the train or both. Making the ambiguity worse, the intended meaning will change depending on the writer. This confusion of use among beginning writers makes it difficult for a reader to decide among the choices.

Solution :  Simply avoid “and/or” and spell out the option that you mean:

  • the bus or the train
  • the bus and the train
  • the bus and the train, or both of them.

The phrase “as well as” is often used as a substitution for “and,” but the meaning is not quite the same. “As well as” implies a difference of emphasis or importance, with whatever comes after “as well as” being less important, so receiving less emphasis. “And,” on the other hand, is used between two equally important things.

Problem :  The emphasis seems not to be right here, at least if we think that whether staff will be paid is at least as important as the time of the meeting.  To see the problem more clearly, we can keep the emphasis as it is and rephrase the sentence: “The mayor will decide on not only whether or not staff will be paid for their time, but also on next week’s meeting time.”

Here it should be obvious that the “not only … but also” sentence structure downplays the importance of a seemingly important issue (whether or not staff gets paid).  The emphasis is the same in the original sentence.

Explanation :  “And” gives equal emphasis to both the time of the meeting and the issue of staff pay.  If we think these are issues that should receive equal emphasis, we need to use “and.”

Different examples of linking words*

Note that many of these may appear at the beginning, middle, and end of sentences. If in doubt about the use of any of the linking words below, a quick search for example sentences should help clarify.

Additive linking words

These show addition, introduction, similarity to other ideas, etc.

Adversative linking words

These linking words are used to signal conflict, contradiction concession, dismissal, etc.

Causal linking words

These linking words signal cause and effect, reason and result, etc.

Sequential linking words

These linking words are used to signal a chronological or logical sequence.

it was very useful. thank you indeed.

That is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate info… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!

I read this paragraph fully regarding the comparison of latest and earlier technologies, it’s amazing article.

If some one wishes to be updated with most up-to-date technologies then he must be visit this website and be up to date all the time.

Thanks , I’ve just been searching for information approximately this topic for ages and yours is the best I have discovered till now. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you sure in regards to the source?

Hi there, just wanted to mention, I enjoyed this article. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

Having read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

Your method of describing the whole thing in this post is in fact good, all be capable of easily be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thanks

Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your blog. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Kudos!

always i used to read smaller content which also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post which I am reading here.

Very good article. I’m experiencing a few of these issues as well..

Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Many thanks for sharing!

If some one desires expert view concerning blogging and site-building after that i suggest him/her to pay a visit this blog, Keep up the nice work.

This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Appreciate it!

Hi! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you have got right here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.

Wow, this paragraph is nice, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of things, therefore I am going to tell her.

Hi, I check your blogs like every week. Your humoristic style is awesome, keep up the good work!

You have made some really good points there. I looked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.

Hello, its pleasant paragraph regarding media print, we all know media is a wonderful source of information.

Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to mention that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing in your rss feed and I’m hoping you write once more soon!

Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity on your post is just nice and i could assume you’re a professional on this subject. Well with your permission let me to clutch your feed to stay updated with imminent post. Thanks one million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

Hi! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate!

He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

I am actually happy to glance at this website posts which contains plenty of valuable information, thanks for providing these data.

Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of info on your site. Im really impressed by your blog. Hello there, You’ve done an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this website.

Great weblog right here! Also your website so much up fast! What host are you using? Can I am getting your associate link in your host?

I desire my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

I like it when people get together and share ideas. Great website, stick with it!

What’s up friends, how is all, and what you desire to say regarding this piece of writing, in my view its in fact amazing in favor of me.

It’s great that you are getting thoughts from this post as well as from our discussion made at this place.

A person essentially lend a hand to make seriously posts I might state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and to this point? I surprised with the analysis you made to make this actual put up amazing. Magnificent process!

Leave a Comment

Cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published.

Required fields are marked *

  • Academic writing
  • Commonly confused words
  • Critical thinking
  • PEEL Paragraphs
  • Linking/transition words
  • Paraphrasing
  • Proofreading
  • Terms and definitions
  • Action Words: What is description, application, analysis and evaluation

Linking/transition words: Things you need to know...

All assignments are written in formal language.   You need to ensure that you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding alongside your ability to answer the question/solve the problem. 

Below are some ideas to help you to develop your structure and flow.

  • Linking / transition words and phrases join ideas, sentences and paragraphs together. They should be used within sentences and to move from one idea to another (between sentences).   

These words and phrases indicate the direction, order and flow of ideas. Significantly, they strengthen the quality and structure of your work.

  • Redundant Words - less is more.  P articularly when trying to reduce the word count, it is important to look for phrases which can be replaced with a single word.

Linking/Transition Words

Transitions link one main idea to another separated by a semi-colon or full-stop.  When the transition word is at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed by a comma:

Among other functions, they can signal cause and effect or sequencing (see examples in the table below).

Linking words: conjunctions

Linking words within a sentence  are referred to as coordinating conjunctions.  Do not worry about the term: think about the function.

Conciseness / redundant words

Microsoft Word now has an additional feature within the Edito r - it is called conciseness or wordiness.  

  • If you cannot see the Editor menu a quick tip is to hold down the function (fn key at the bottom left of the keyboard) + F7 (top line of keys).
  • From the Refinements section - select Conciseness - if there are any suggestions a number will appear in the box alongside this option
  • A dotted line will appear under any groups of groups
  • Either select the identified text by clicking with your right mouse button OR click on the down down next to the Conciseness menu.
  • MS Word will display any alternative words which you can either select and they will be replaced in your text or reject if you want to keep the original phrases.

Examples:  try to replace phrases with a single words which mean the same.

Need to know more...

  • Related pages
  • External links
  • Academic writing Illustrates the main features of academic writing so that you are aware of what it is and what it involves
  • Critical Thinking Academic work involves thinking, not just accepting what you read or are told.
  • Terms and Definitions Important words appear in your assignments and examinations. The aim of this factsheet is to help you to fully understand what they mean.

Additional resources to help you to improve your confidence and grades:-

  • Writing Effectively  demonstrates the importance of: clarity, structure, relevance, argument and precision.
  • Writing Mechanics  gives further examples and resources on areas including: sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Linking/Transition words - Scribbr  https://www.scribbr.co.uk/syntax/transition-words-examples/ [Accessed 10 February 2023]

There are many books concerning academic writing, look around Dewey number  808

Cover Art

  • << Previous: PEEL Paragraphs
  • Next: Paraphrasing >>
  • Last Updated: Mar 13, 2024 6:24 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/academic_writing
  • Library and Learning Services, Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DE
  • Accessibility
  • Library Regulations
  • Appointments
  • Library Search

LLS logo

Federation University Study Skills

Linking words & connecting ideas

Get your writing to flow by trying these words and phrases to link words and connect your ideas. Once you are tuned into these words, you will see them throughout academic writing.

Download these on our helpsheet, University Speak .

Quick links

  • Apply online
  • Course Finder
  • Scholarships
  • Indigenous matters
  • my Student Centre
  • Student Webmail
  • FedUni Moodle
  • ePortfolios
  • Staff email
  • Captive portal
  • Change password
  • General enquiries
  • Staff directory
  • Facilities and services
  • Emergency and security
  • ITS Service Desk portal

linking words bachelor thesis

The Plagiarism Checker Online For Your Academic Work

Start Plagiarism Check

Editing & Proofreading for Your Research Paper

Get it proofread now

Online Printing & Binding with Free Express Delivery

Configure binding now

  • Academic essay overview
  • The writing process
  • Structuring academic essays
  • Types of academic essays
  • Academic writing overview
  • Sentence structure
  • Academic writing process
  • Improving your academic writing
  • Titles and headings
  • APA style overview
  • APA citation & referencing
  • APA structure & sections
  • Citation & referencing
  • Structure and sections
  • APA examples overview
  • Commonly used citations
  • Other examples
  • British English vs. American English
  • Chicago style overview
  • Chicago citation & referencing
  • Chicago structure & sections
  • Chicago style examples
  • Citing sources overview
  • Citation format
  • Citation examples
  • College essay overview
  • Application
  • How to write a college essay
  • Types of college essays
  • Commonly confused words
  • Definitions
  • Dissertation overview
  • Dissertation structure & sections
  • Dissertation writing process
  • Graduate school overview
  • Application & admission
  • Study abroad
  • Master degree
  • Harvard referencing overview
  • Language rules overview
  • Grammatical rules & structures
  • Parts of speech
  • Punctuation
  • Methodology overview
  • Analyzing data
  • Experiments
  • Observations
  • Inductive vs. Deductive
  • Qualitative vs. Quantitative
  • Types of validity
  • Types of reliability
  • Sampling methods
  • Theories & Concepts
  • Types of research studies
  • Types of variables
  • MLA style overview
  • MLA examples
  • MLA citation & referencing
  • MLA structure & sections
  • Plagiarism overview
  • Plagiarism checker
  • Types of plagiarism
  • Printing production overview
  • Research bias overview
  • Types of research bias
  • Example sections
  • Types of research papers
  • Research process overview
  • Problem statement
  • Research proposal
  • Research topic
  • Statistics overview
  • Levels of measurment
  • Frequency distribution
  • Measures of central tendency
  • Measures of variability
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Parameters & test statistics
  • Types of distributions
  • Correlation
  • Effect size
  • Hypothesis testing assumptions
  • Types of ANOVAs
  • Types of chi-square
  • Statistical data
  • Statistical models
  • Spelling mistakes
  • Tips overview
  • Academic writing tips
  • Dissertation tips
  • Sources tips
  • Working with sources overview
  • Evaluating sources
  • Finding sources
  • Including sources
  • Types of sources

Your Step to Success

Plagiarism Check within 10min

Printing & Binding with 3D Live Preview

Transition Words & Phrases – Definition, Use & Examples

How do you like this article cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Transition-words-01

Effective communication is crucial in academic writing . To guide a reader effortlessly through a text, a writer should employ transition words . They act as the glue that binds together different sections of your essay, ensuring a seamless flow from one idea to the next. Therefore, in this article, we’ll talk about how to use them, why they’re important, and answer common questions about them.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

  • 1 Transition words in a nutshell
  • 2 Definition: Transition words
  • 3 Transition words for paragraphs
  • 5 Common mistakes with transition words
  • 6 Transition words for essays

Transition words in a nutshell

Transition words are like bridges in writing. They link thoughts, making reading smooth and clear. These words guide readers, connecting one idea to the next, ensuring clarity and a natural flow throughout the text.

Definition: Transition words

Transition words, also known as linking or transitional words , are words or phrases used to link ideas together and create a smooth flow in writing or speech. They help to guide readers or listeners through a text by connecting one idea to the next, indicating relationships (such as cause and effect, contrast, or addition) between different sections or complete sentences. These words improve the coherence of the writing when used appropriately. However, different transitions serve different purposes.

Transition words for paragraphs

Transition words in English are crucial as they bridge ideas and can indicate shifts, contrasts, emphases, agreements, intentions, outcomes, and more within an argument. Smooth transitions between sentences are essential for maintaining coherence in a written piece, as common transitions help establish a clear and logical relationship between sentences . They’re essential for clarity and understanding, making them indispensable in any paper. Transition words are essential for clear and concise writing. Overuse slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive, so you should be careful not to overuse them. While these transition terms have been placed into specific categories for clarity, it’s worth noting that some types of transition words can fit into multiple categories . Below, you’ll find a list of transition words used across different fields.

Further readings about expressions for linking different paragraphs can be found in our respective paragraph transitions article.

Transition words like “especially” or “such as” are used to present examples to support, illustrate, or indicate the importance of an idea or previous arguments. Here are some examples.

  • As an illustration
  • By all means
  • For example
  • For instance
  • For one thing
  • For this reason
  • In other words
  • In particular
  • In this case
  • Particularly
  • Specifically
  • To demonstrate
  • To emphasize
  • To enumerate
  • To put it differently
  • With attention to

As you can see, you can use a plethora of words to transition to examples in your text. For better understanding, we will provide a few sentences below.

  • Many foods are rich in vitamins; for instance , oranges and carrots.
  • There are many strategies to reduce stress, such as practicing yoga.
  • To illustrate the importance of exercise, consider the benefits for mental health.

Some transition words, like “thus,” “then,” “accordingly,” “consequently,” “therefore,” and “henceforth,” are used to tell us what happened after a certain time and what resulted from it.

  • Accordingly
  • As a result
  • Because the
  • Consequently
  • In that case

Note : Linking words such as “for” and “because” come before the reason something happened, while the other words come before what happened as a result.

Transition words and phrases are essential in writing to connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs smoothly, helping to improve the flow and coherence of your writing. Here are some examples of how they can be used.

  • He didn’t study for the exam; therefore , the low score did not surprise him.
  • The company failed to invest. As a result , it fell behind its competitors.
  • The road was icy, and consequently , the school closed for the day.

These transition words are frequently employed within adverbial expressions and serve to restrict, confine, or qualify spatial relationships and aspects. Many of them can also be located in the Time category and are adaptable for describing spatial arrangements or references.

  • Here and there
  • In front of
  • In the background
  • In the center of
  • In the distance
  • In the foreground
  • In the middle
  • On this side
  • To the left/right

Learn how to use these words correctly by studying the following sentences:

  • Hang the painting above the sofa to create a focal point in the living room.
  • The small alley between the buildings leads to a quaint courtyard.
  • There’s a lovely park near the apartment complex where residents can relax.

Transition words serve as bridges between ideas in your writing, guiding readers through your thought process and enhancing the flow of your text. These words can be categorized based on the function they perform in a sentence. Here are the main types of transition words.

Adversative

These additive transition words can help you to add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement.

  • Additionally
  • As a matter of fact
  • As, likewise
  • By the same token
  • Correspondingly
  • Coupled with
  • Equally important
  • First, second, third,..
  • Furthermore
  • Identically
  • In addition
  • In the first place
  • In the light of
  • Not only … but also
  • Not to mention
  • To say nothing of
  • Together with
  • She bought apples and oranges from the market.
  • He is a talented artist; furthermore , he plays several musical instruments.
  • In addition to the salad, they ordered a soup.

Adversative transition words, such as “but,” “rather,” and “or,” signify the presence of contrasting evidence or present alternative viewpoints, thereby signaling a shift in the logical flow of a text (contrast). They usually refer to the previous statement.

  • (And) still
  • (Even) though
  • At the same time
  • Different from
  • In contrast
  • In spite of
  • Nevertheless
  • Nonetheless
  • Of course …, but
  • On the contrary
  • On the other hand
  • She studied hard; however , she didn’t pass the exam.
  • The job pays well, but it’s very stressful.
  • He’s very outgoing; on the other hand , his sister is quite shy.

Causal transition words like “due to” or “because of” represent specific intentions or conditions .

  • As/so long as
  • Because (of)
  • In order to
  • Inasmuch as
  • Only/even if
  • Provided that
  • Seeing/being that
  • With this in mind
  • With this intention
  • They won because they worked hard.
  • She was the top candidate; given that , she got the job.
  • Due to system failure, the data was lost.

Sequential transition words such as “finally” serve to specify and define the meaning of time, either independently or as part of adverbial expressions , by setting limits and constraints.

  • All of a sudden
  • At the present time
  • By the time
  • First, second, …
  • From time to time
  • Immediately
  • In a moment
  • In the meantime
  • Occasionally
  • Simultaneously
  • Sooner or later
  • First , we will discuss the budget.
  • We met at the café; meanwhile , my friend went to the bathroom.
  • Then , after hours of discussion, they reached a decision.

Comparative

Contrastive, clarification.

These are used for highlighting similarities or comparisons between two ideas or pieces of information.

  • He is passionate about painting; similarly, his sister loves drawing.
  • She enjoys classical music; likewise, her brother often attends opera performances.
  • The course covers basic as well as advanced topics.

These are used to highlight differences between two ideas or pieces of information.

  • Even though
  • Despite the rain, the event was well-attended.
  • He loves to travel; however, he can’t afford it right now.
  • She’s very outgoing; in contrast , they prefer quiet evenings at home.

These transitions help clarify or explain an idea more clearly:

  • That is to say
  • To explain further
  • To illustrate
  • To put it another way
  • The event is exclusive; that is to say , not everyone can attend.
  • To clarify , only members of the committee need to attend the briefing.
  • She’s a vegan; in other words , she doesn’t eat any animal products.

They indicate a conclusion or summary of the points made, these transitions help to wrap up a discussion or argument. Furthermore, they help to  reiterate ideas or make a final general statement.

  • All things considered
  • As can be seen
  • As has been noted
  • As shown above
  • Generally speaking
  • Given these points
  • In any event
  • In conclusion
  • In either case
  • In the final analysis
  • In the long run
  • On the whole
  • To summarize
  • In summary , the report outlines three key strategies for improving team productivity.
  • Overall , the project was a success, meeting most of our initial objectives.
  • To conclude , the evidence overwhelmingly supports the theory.

Common mistakes with transition words

Even the most experienced writers can occasionally trip   when using transition words and phrases due to not knowing the exact meaning of the word they’re using, especially, when English is not the primary language. It’s crucial to put them appropriately. “Even if” and “even though” are examples of transitions that are commonly misused. The former explains a present or past conditional , whereas the latter pertains to a future conditional .

Another common problem arises from the improper use of transitional phrases within sentences. For instance, although certain words like “and,” “but,” “also,” and “so” are commonly used as transitions, they should not be used at the beginning of a sentence in formal academic writing. Instead, consider using alternatives such as “in addition,” “although,” “therefore,” and so forth to initiate your sentences.

Below, you’ll find a list of common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Transition words for essays

In academic writing, your primary objective is to convey information concisely. Transitional devices help you achieve your objective by establishing sensible connectives between words, sentences and entire paragraphs. Apart from improving the flow of your writing, and making it sound better, transition words guide readers through complex ideas and information.

These words carry specific meanings that cue the reader to think or react a certain way. Whether words or phrases, transitions act as a guide. They convert the reader’s thoughts to your way of thinking, enabling smooth delivery of information. Using transition phrases and words can affect your grades, so you must be careful not to misuse them. Students who use transition words correctly earn higher grades compared to those who misuse or do not use these words, as incorrect usage gives the impression of disorganization and a lack of flow of ideas.

Transition words are:

  • Commonly at the start of a new sentence or clause
  • Used to express how this clause relates to the previous
  • Followed by a comma

What are some good transition words?

Words such as “and,” “as a result,” “in fact,” “however,” and “although” are good examples of common transition words in academic writing. They help to improve the coherence and cohesion of your writing. Without transition words, it would be difficult to recognize the different ideas and thought processes in your work.

What are the 3 types of transitions?

Transitions can be divided into transition words, transitions between sentences, and transitions between paragraphs. These all help with the flow of sentences and paragraphs in academic writing. Without them, your writing will be difficult to read, and your essay or thesis formatting will confuse the reader.

How do you choose your transition words?

When deciding which transition words to use, test which ones will lay out your ideas most clearly and concisely. Be sure that you haven’t recently used the transition word to avoid awkward repetition and redundancy . You need to make an explicit connection between the ideas in your academic writing.

How do you transition to the next paragraph?

By using a reverse hook, you can tie the first sentence of the paragraph with the last sentence of the previous paragraph. This works especially well for the first body paragraph following the introduction . Ideally, the end of a paragraph should always connect with the next paragraph in some manner. Using transition words or starting a paragraph with a topic sentence are examples of connectors used to transition to the next paragraph.

How do you begin a paragraph?

Using linking words or phrases is a great way to introduce a new paragraph. These words relate the ideas of the previous paragraph to those of the new paragraph. This also means they typically do not begin abstracts , which are usually at the very beginning of your academic work.

What is the importance of transition words?

Transition words are important for connecting ideas in a sentence. They ensure a smooth flow when reading and also help prevent jarring mental leaps between sentences and paragraphs. In essence, they help give flow to the numerous paragraphs in your thesis, essay, or research paper .

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.

  • External Media

Individual Privacy Preferences

Cookie Details Privacy Policy Imprint

Here you will find an overview of all cookies used. You can give your consent to whole categories or display further information and select certain cookies.

Accept all Save

Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.

Show Cookie Information Hide Cookie Information

Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website.

Content from video platforms and social media platforms is blocked by default. If External Media cookies are accepted, access to those contents no longer requires manual consent.

Privacy Policy Imprint

--> Read more » -->