how to transition to a conclusion paragraph in an essay

10 Good Transitions for a Conclusion Paragraph

The Importance of a Conclusion

Why transitions are necessary, 10 ideas for concluding transitions, writing strong transitions between paragraphs, other times to use transitions, 5 overused conclusion sentences, how to start a conclusion paragraph, how to write your conclusion, how to write a concluding sentence.

Writing a proper conclusion paragraph to an essay is something you've probably spent significant time learning about, whether you're in grade school or college. It's especially important to learn how to write a conclusion with strong transitions as well as having good transitions between body paragraphs. This skill ensures that the essay will flow nicely, ultimately forming a cohesive paper.

Though writing strong transitions for a concluding paragraph can be a challenge for both beginner writers and even seasoned writers, it just takes some constructive feedback to make sure you are on the right track.

When writing a paper, whether it is a persuasive essay, a research paper, a news article or even a portfolio essay, there is a specific format that all writers must follow. Though there is never a wrong way to write an essay, there is a standard that is accepted worldwide and across different languages. Essays must be organized, well composed, include key points, and most of all, a strong conclusion.

While it is always important to begin your essay with a strong and engaging introduction, many writers tend to neglect the ending of their work. After all, writing is undoubtedly an exhausting process. However, it is necessary to keep the reader engaged until the very last sentence.

If your reader somehow is not convinced after reading your paper, the conclusion is the final chance for persuasion.

Though a conclusion can be written differently depending on the essay type, its main purpose is to bring the key ideas of the text to the surface. This is done by rephrasing the thesis as well as reiterating information discussed in the body paragraphs.

The most important aspect of a conclusion paragraph is to not introduce new topics to the reader. Mention of a new idea at the end of a paper reveals that it should have received its own paragraph earlier on. This also may distract from the thesis, ultimately meaning that new information does not belong in the conclusion.

Most people write or speak in transitional phrases without even realizing that they are doing it. For example, using words and phrases such as ​ "then," "after that" ​ and ​ "anyway" ​ in basic conversations. Without transitions, there is a lack of word flow, making it challenging for the reader or listener to grasp what you are attempting to say.

Due to the fact that transitions often come easier while speaking, writers need to be more aware of including transitions while constructing their essay. Without a transition word or a transitional phrase, the reader may not understand why you are suddenly going from one idea to the next. Transitions help guide readers through the piece with ease as they read it in their head or out loud. Think of transitions as the glue that holds the different parts of your essay together.

If you want to get away from the overused conclusion statements, then there are several options to choose from. Of course, you also have to be mindful of how much you use those in your paper as well. If your teachers notice that you are using the same transitions repeatedly, it is likely they will advise you to use something else. Thankfully, there are tons of ​ "In conclusion" ​ replacements you can resort to instead:

• By and large
• Generally speaking
• In any event
• Given these points
• All things considered

Before writing the conclusion, body paragraphs will be included that must be written cohesively. This means that the information is written in a logical order, making the essay flow nicely. You know how long a paragraph should be, how it should start and what sentences to put inside. But one thing that several college students struggle with is how to implement transitions between paragraphs. If your professor tells you that your writing is ​ "too abrupt" ​ or asks you ​ "how do these things relate?" ​ then it probably means you neglected the use of strong transitions between paragraphs.

The transitions you use between two paragraphs will be different than the transitions you use in your conclusion. Transitions can occur at the end of the previous paragraph, the beginning of the next paragraph or both and include words or phrases such as:

• For example
• In addition to or additionally
• Nevertheless
• Even though
• Despite this
• As mentioned before
• Nonetheless
• That being said
• Due to this

The more you practice the incorporation of transitions, the more you will naturally have the ability to select which phrases work. Younger students may use other types of transitions between paragraphs, which are to demonstrate their basic understanding of sequencing events:

In addition to using transitions between paragraphs ​ and ​ as part of your conclusion paragraph, you will also be required to use transitions in other parts of your writing. This includes using transitions within the actual paragraphs themselves, as well as between sections if you are writing a much longer, in-depth piece.

When incorporating transitions within a paragraph, you may use short words or phrases to bring together sentences. This helps readers expect what's to come before they read the next sentence, even if that happens quickly. Sometimes, you may not even notice this transition as it is subtle, but present.

Likewise, you will also need to use transitions between sections in a larger piece of writing. These will need to be more explicit because you are coming off a whole other section that may not be as easily connected to the next one. Think of it as a recap of the previous season of a television series, that catches you up on all the events you may have forgotten about. You do this before pressing play on the next season in the series. The two sections must be connected in some way, and a transition helps achieve that.

Two sections must be connected in some way, and a transition helps achieve that.

Oftentimes, students tend to rely on certain conclusion sentences and transitions more so than others. Most teachers would advise that if they had a dime for every time a student used the transition ​ "In conclusion" ​ to start their concluding paragraph, that they'd be rich. But this is not the student's fault. However, students should try to stay away from the overused conclusion sentences as much as possible:

• In conclusion
• As you can see

Once you've decided on a concluding transition that has not been overused, you will have to start to think of your beginning conclusion sentence.

• Sometimes, the transition phrase you have chosen is enough to have a solid start to your conclusion, but other times, you may need to also take a few words or a sentence to transition between the most recent paragraph and the conclusion.
• You may also need to write two concluding paragraphs instead of just one, which will, of course, involve using more than one transition sentence starter.

After beginning your conclusion paragraph, it's time to write the rest of the conclusion. This can be tricky, but good conclusions come after practice, persistence and careful use of words and vocabulary.

Your conclusion is your last opportunity to tell the reader why you feel the way you do about whatever you're talking about, whether it's an opinion or closing statement based on factual research. Here, you should reiterate the main points of your paper without getting too repetitive, and if applicable, leave the reader with something to think about.

You can always ask a friend to read over your conclusion to see if you've succeeded.

The only part of your essay with the most potential to influence the reader more so than the introduction of your paper, is ​ the closing sentence of your paper ​.

If you're wondering whether or not you can end a conclusion with a question, the answer is, it depends. If you're writing a research paper that discusses some controversial topics, then it's absolutely a great idea to end your conclusion with a question. This can be a rhetorical question or it can be directed straight to the reader, but either way, it should be somewhat open-ended and ultimately be a conversation starter.

At the same time, though, a persuasive essay is meant to convince the reader of your opinion, so leaving them with a question instead of a strong, believable statement, could be a mistake. You'll really need to read over your paper several times to make sure your conclusion and your concluding sentence makes sense with the rest of the piece.

Things to Consider

If you are still wondering, ​ "How can I end my essay without saying, 'in conclusion'?" ​this is either because the other transition words and phrases do not make sense to you, or you simply cannot think of anything else to say.

Ultimately, if you can include a variety within your transition words and phrases, that will build a strong paper. However, if you are having a hard time with it, just do what you feel comfortable with. In the meantime, ask your teacher or professor if they have any additional advice that may be useful for you, or consult the writing resources at your school for support.

Writing a strong conclusion paragraph with good transitions is the key to a solid essay. Hopefully these tips will help you learn how to write a good conclusion paragraph.

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• UNC Writing Center: Transitions
• K12 Reader: Conclusion Transition Words
• UNC Writing Center: Conclusions

Hana LaRock is a freelance content writer from New York, currently living in Mexico. She has spent the last 5 years traveling the world and living abroad and has lived in South Korea and Israel. Before becoming a writer, Hana worked as a teacher for several years in the U.S. and around the world. She has her teaching certification in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a TESOL certification. Hana spent a semester studying abroad at Tel Aviv University during her undergraduate years at the University of Hartford. She hopes to use her experience to help inform others. Please visit her website, www.hanalarockwriting.com, to learn more.

50 Transitional Phrases for Conclusions(+ Examples You Can Use)

When writing a conclusion, you want to ensure that your final thoughts are clear and concise. Using transitional phrases can help you achieve this by linking your ideas together and making your writing flow smoothly.

There are various types of transitional phrases that can be used in a conclusion. Some examples include:

Transitional Phrases for Conclusions

When writing an essay or a speech, it is important to use transitional phrases to signal that you are reaching the end of your argument or presentation. These phrases help to summarize your main points and prepare your audience for the conclusion.

These phrases can be used to signal that you are about to wrap up your argument or presentation. They help to guide your audience to your final thoughts and summarize the main points you have made throughout your work.

50  Transition Phrases for Conclusions(+Examples)

Transitional phrases for adding information.

When writing a conclusion, it is important to add information that supports your thesis statement. Transitional phrases can help you do this by linking your ideas together and making your writing more coherent. Here are some transitional phrases that you can use to add information to your conclusion:

Transitional Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting

When writing an essay or article, it is important to compare and contrast different ideas or concepts. Transitional phrases can help you do this effectively by guiding the reader through your thought process. Here are some transitional phrases that you can use to compare and contrast different ideas:

Transitional Phrases for Cause and Effect

When writing an article or essay, it is important to use transitional phrases to link ideas and concepts. One of the most commonly used types of transitional phrases is the cause-and-effect transitional phrase. These phrases help to connect two events or actions and describe how one event or action led to another.

For example, you can use the transitional phrase “because” to indicate the cause of an event or action. For instance, “Because of the heavy rain, the streets were flooded.” Here, the cause of the flooded streets is heavy rain.

Another commonly used transitional phrase for cause and effect is “as a result.” For example, “The company experienced a loss of profits this quarter. As a result, they are considering cutting back on expenses.” Here, the effect of the loss of profits is the company’s decision to cut back on expenses.

Transitional Phrases for Time and Sequence

Using these transitional phrases for time and sequence can help you structure your writing in a clear and organized way. For example, if you are writing a process essay, you can use these phrases to describe each step of the process in a logical order.

Transitional Phrases for Concluding Thoughts

When writing an essay or a speech, it is essential to conclude your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Transitional phrases can help you achieve this by linking your ideas together and providing a smooth transition to your conclusion. Here are some transitional phrases that you can use for concluding thoughts:

Practical Examples of Transitional Phrases

When it comes to writing conclusions, transitional phrases can help you effectively summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on your reader. Here are some practical examples of transitional phrases that you can use to make your writing more cohesive and engaging:

Related posts:

35 Transition Words for Conclusions

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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When transitioning to conclusions, we can simply use the term “In conclusion”, but over time, this word starts to feel tedious and repetitive. There are better ways to do it.

Transition words help your essays flow more easily and act as signposts for your reader so they know when you’re moving from one part of an essay to another.

So, for your next essay conclusion , consider the following transition words which can help you to improve your vocabulary and academic writing skills .

I’ve saved five bonus transition words for the very end which are my personal favorites. These are for advanced students who really want to demonstrate an academic tone – don’t miss them! They’re at the very end.

Transition Words for Conclusions

1. in conclusion.

This phrase is typically used to signal the final remarks in a piece of writing. It helps summarize the main points or findings that have been discussed throughout the text. It is still generally appropriate to use, but can sometimes appear rudimentary use of the English language.

Sample Sentences:

“ In conclusion , implementing green technology in our daily lives can significantly reduce carbon footprints.”

“The research findings were quite revealing. In conclusion , more emphasis should be put on early childhood education.”

2. To sum up

This is often used to encapsulate the main points of a discussion or argument in a succinct way. It is used almost as frequently as ‘in conclusion’.

“ To sum up , a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

“The evidence points towards the need for more environmental protections. To sum up , without immediate action, our natural resources may become irreversibly damaged.”

3. In summary

Similar to “to sum up”, this phrase is used to provide a brief overview of the main points or findings discussed in the writing.

“ In summary , the research suggests a strong correlation between air pollution and respiratory diseases.”

“ In summary , the novel is a fascinating exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity.”

4. All in all

This phrase is used to express a final general statement or judgment considering everything that has been said. It is somewhat more colloquial than the three phrases above, making it potentially less valuable for an essay. However, in reflective pieces, it may be used. See the reflective examples below.

“ All in all , the team performed well despite the challenging circumstances.”

“ All in all , the benefits of recycling outweigh any potential disadvantages.”

5. Ultimately

This word is used to indicate the final result or fundamental reason after considering everything.

“ Ultimately , the success of the project depends on the dedication of the team members.”

“Despite initial hurdles, the venture was successful. Ultimately , perseverance and commitment were key to our success.”

6. Therefore

This word is used to introduce a logical conclusion from the evidence or reasons previously stated. It is used best to conclude a paragraph of sub-section than as the final essay conclusion.

“The cost of production has significantly decreased. Therefore , we can expect an increase in profit margins.”

“He didn’t meet the eligibility criteria. Therefore , his application was rejected.”

This is similar to “therefore” and is used to introduce a conclusion, a result or an implication. As with ‘therefore’, ‘It ‘hence’ is used best to conclude a paragraph of sub-section than as the final essay conclusion.

“He was late for his interview. Hence , he didn’t make a good impression.”

“The data was incomplete. Hence , the results of the study may not be entirely accurate.”

8. Consequently

This word is used to express a result or effect of a previous statement. It is best used mid-paragraph or in the middle of a sub-section, not an overall conclusion.

“There was heavy rainfall throughout the night. Consequently , the match was postponed.”

“The company didn’t adapt to the changing market trends. Consequently , they faced heavy losses.”

This is used to denote the conclusion or summary of something previously stated. It indicates that what follows is a result or inference from what has been stated before. It is best used mid-paragraph or in the middle of a sub-section, not an overall conclusion. While I quite like this term, some teachers see it as a bit old-timey.

“She didn’t study hard. Thus , she failed the exam.”

“The evidence is clearly inadmissible. Thus , the case should be dismissed.”

10. This essay’s final analysis is…

This phrase is used to introduce the ultimate conclusion that has been reached after consideration of all the facts.

“ This essay’s final analysis is that it is the lowest earners in society who have been hit hardest by this economic downturn.”

“ This essay’s final analysis is that it’s clear that the policy has had a positive impact on the community.”

11. On the whole

This phrase is often used when you want to make a general summary statement about a larger body of information or arguments. It implies that the statement accounts for all the details and complexities discussed previously. Generally, this is more colloquial so should only be used in less formal essay styles.

“On the whole” can help to simplify complex arguments, and it can signal that the writer has given due consideration to different perspectives or evidence before arriving at their conclusion.

“ On the whole , the company’s strategy has been effective, leading to an increase in profits and customer satisfaction.”

“Despite some negative feedback, on the whole , the policy has received wide public approval.”

12. To conclude

Similar to “In conclusion,” this phrase is a clear signal that the writer is about to wrap up their argument or findings.

“To conclude” can provide a sense of closure for the reader and it reaffirms the significance of the arguments or findings that have been presented.

“ To conclude , the study revealed that regular exercise can significantly reduce stress levels.”

“ To conclude , it is evident from the data that our marketing strategies have significantly boosted sales.”

13. To recap

This phrase is used when the writer wants to summarize the key points of their argument or discussion.

“To recap” can help to reinforce the importance of these points for the reader and it also serves as a quick reference or summary.

“ To recap , our findings suggest that the new drug can effectively alleviate symptoms in 80% of patients.”

“ To recap , our team achieved all project milestones on time and under budget.”

14. In essence

This phrase is often used when the writer wants to encapsulate the fundamental nature or core idea of their argument or discussion.

“In essence” can help to distill complex ideas or arguments down to their most basic and important elements.

“ In essence , the concept of freedom is at the heart of democratic societies.”

“ In essence , our project aims to develop sustainable solutions for waste management.”

15. In retrospect

This phrase is typically used when the writer wants to look back on a situation, decision, or period of time and make a summary statement or conclusion about it. Use it in reflective essays.

“In retrospect” can be useful for conveying a sense of learned wisdom or insight gained after the fact. It often suggests that the writer’s perspective has evolved or deepened over time.

“ In retrospect , investing in renewable energy technologies was a wise business decision.”

“ In retrospect , we could have implemented additional measures to ensure the safety of our staff during the pandemic.”

16. Overall

This is commonly used to indicate a consideration of all factors or an assessment of the situation in its entirety.

“Overall” is often used to summarize complex scenarios involving multiple elements. It represents a comprehensive viewpoint that takes into account all the variables discussed.

“ Overall , our company’s performance this year has been exceptional, with growth in nearly all sectors.”

“While the program faced some obstacles initially, overall , it has been successful in achieving its main objectives.”

17. Finally

This word is often used to indicate the last point or idea in a list or sequence.

“Finally” is a transition word that suggests the end of a discussion. It can also indicate the final and often most important point in an argument or discussion.

“ Finally , the most compelling evidence for climate change is the consistent rise in global temperatures over the past century.”

“ Finally , it’s worth mentioning the commitment and dedication of our team, which played a significant role in the project’s success.”

18. Accordingly

This word is used to express the idea that something is a logical result of something else.

“Accordingly” signifies that the statement that follows is based on what was previously mentioned. It reflects a cause-effect relationship between two points or arguments.

“We have noticed a significant increase in demand for our product. Accordingly , we have decided to increase our production capacity.”

“The weather forecast predicts heavy snowfall. Accordingly , we have postponed the event.”

19. As a result

Similar to “accordingly”, this phrase is used to indicate that something is a consequence of a previous action or situation.

“As a result” introduces the outcome of a given circumstance or set of circumstances, signifying a cause-effect relationship.

“Our competitors have lowered their prices. As a result , we have also decided to adjust our pricing strategy.”

“The new policies were not well received. As a result , the company faced significant backlash from the public.”

20. In short

This phrase is used when you want to summarize a complex idea, argument, or discussion in a concise way.

“In short” helps to condense complex or lengthy explanations into a simpler and shorter summary. It indicates a concise conclusion.

“ In short , the environmental benefits of renewable energy make it a vital component of our fight against climate change.”

“ In short , the project was a success, meeting all its goals and objectives within the allocated time and budget.”

21. In brief

This phrase is used to provide a concise summary of information or to draw a quick conclusion.

“In brief” helps to distill longer discussions or complex arguments into their most critical points. It aims to convey the gist of the matter succinctly.

“ In brief , adopting sustainable practices is not just beneficial for the environment, but it also makes economic sense.”

“ In brief , our research findings confirm the hypothesis that regular exercise can improve mental health.”

22. To summarize

This phrase helps encapsulate the key points discussed in the conversation or writing.

“To summarize” allows the writer to highlight the most important points or findings, reaffirming them for the reader. It reinforces the primary arguments or conclusions.

“ To summarize , we believe investing in renewable energy is a strategic decision that will yield long-term benefits.”

“ To summarize , the data clearly shows an upward trend in consumer demand for eco-friendly products.”

This word is often used to introduce a conclusion or a result based on the previous discussion.

“So” is a simple and effective way to link cause and effect, or problem and solution. It leads the reader directly to the outcome or conclusion.

“The experiment failed to produce the expected results, so we’ll need to revise our approach.”

“Our marketing campaign has been highly successful, so we plan to increase our advertising budget.”

24. Clearly

This word is often used to express that something is obvious or noticeable, especially after analyzing the data or arguments presented.

“Clearly” can emphasize the strength of the evidence or arguments, and it signals confidence in the conclusion.

“ Clearly , our efforts to improve customer service have resulted in higher client satisfaction rates.”

“After reviewing the data, it’s clearly evident that our sales have significantly increased since launching the new product line.”

25. After all

This phrase can be used to emphasize a decisive argument or fact that should be considered.

“After all” often introduces a compelling reason or justification that supports the conclusion. It can help stress the importance of the points previously mentioned.

“We should move forward with the merger, after all , it presents a unique opportunity to expand our market reach.”

“The committee decided to fund the project, after all , it aligns with our goals and has significant potential.”

26. As mentioned earlier

This phrase refers back to something that was stated previously in the conversation or text.

“As mentioned earlier” can be used to re-emphasize an important point or piece of evidence that supports the conclusion. It can reinforce the argument by reminding the reader of what has been discussed previously.

One downside of this is it seems redundant – why are you repeating what you said earlier rather than doing what a conclusion should do: summarizing and synthesizing your points.

“ As mentioned earlier , the correlation between the variables is strong, indicating a significant relationship.”

“ As mentioned earlier , our success is largely due to our dedicated and talented team.”

27. As has been noted

This phrase is often used to restate something important that has been pointed out in the discussion.

“As has been noted” functions similarly to “as mentioned earlier,” serving to underscore a significant point or detail previously discussed. It strengthens the conclusion by referencing crucial information.

As with the phrase “as mentioned earlier”, this one may come across as a redundant phrase and could even signal that you’re repeating yourself rather than adding value through an evaluation or revision exercise.

“ As has been noted , the high turnover rate in the company is a significant concern that requires immediate attention.”

“ As has been noted , the initiative has resulted in substantial benefits for our community.”

28. As has been shown

This phrase is used to reference evidence or arguments that have been presented earlier.

“As has been shown” emphasizes the proof or reasoning that led to the conclusion. It reaffirms the legitimacy of the conclusion based on the presented evidence.

This can also come across as redundant, though.

“ As has been shown , our new marketing strategies have significantly boosted our brand visibility.”

“ As has been shown , the new policy has had a substantial positive impact on our employees’ work-life balance.”

29. As we have seen

Similar to the above, this phrase refers to the evidence or arguments discussed earlier in the text.

“As we have seen” serves to revisit important details or arguments that have been presented. It strengthens the conclusion by directly linking it to the evidence discussed.

“ As we have seen , the implementation of stricter environmental regulations has led to significant improvements in air quality.”

“ As we have seen , investing in staff training and development leads to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.”

30. Given the above points

This phrase is used to draw a conclusion from the arguments or points that have been presented.

“Given these points” signals that the following statement is based on the information discussed earlier. It helps establish a logical connection between the conclusion and the supporting points.

“ Given the above points , it’s clear that we must take immediate action to address the climate crisis.”

“ Given the above points , our company should continue to prioritize customer service as a key aspect of our business strategy.”

31. By and large

This phrase is often used to indicate a general conclusion, considering all the information.

“By and large” is used to sum up general trends or themes that have been discussed. It signals that the conclusion takes into account all the points made, rather than focusing on one particular point.

However, it can come across as a bit informal.

“ By and large , our team’s performance this quarter has exceeded expectations.”

“ By and large , customer feedback about our new product line has been positive.”

32. For the most part

Similar to “by and large”, this phrase indicates that the conclusion drawn applies broadly but allows for exceptions.

“For the most part” suggests a nuanced conclusion that covers the majority of situations or cases but acknowledges that there may be exceptions. It indicates a balanced and fair summary.

This one’s formality level is also quite low

“ For the most part , the new legislation has been successful, though there are a few areas that require further refinement.”

“ For the most part , our employees have embraced the new remote working arrangements, though a small number have experienced challenges.”

33. As has been demonstrated

This phrase refers to the evidence or arguments presented in the body of the text that support the conclusion.

“As has been demonstrated” underscores the points or evidence that have been made and connects them directly to the conclusion. It is a way of affirming the strength of the presented arguments or evidence.

“ As has been demonstrated , the innovative design features of our product set us apart from the competition.”

“ As has been demonstrated , implementing green initiatives in our operations has both environmental and economic benefits.”

34. With this in mind

This phrase suggests that the conclusion follows logically from the information or arguments that have been presented.

“With this in mind” sets up the conclusion as a direct response or reaction to the evidence or points made. It indicates that the conclusion is informed by these considerations.

“ With this in mind , we propose an expansion of our research and development department to drive future innovation.”

“ With this in mind , it’s crucial that we continue our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices.”

35. Taking everything into account

This phrase is used to express a comprehensive conclusion that considers all the arguments, evidence, or factors presented.

“Taking everything into account” shows a thorough and thoughtful conclusion that takes into account all aspects of the discussion. It signifies a balanced and careful consideration of all the relevant information.

“ Taking everything into account , we recommend a strategic pivot towards digital marketing in order to reach a broader audience.”

“ Taking everything into account , our analysis suggests that investing in renewable energy sources would be beneficial for our long-term growth.”

Advanced Transition Phrases for Conclusions

The following are five phrases I personally use in my own academic conclusions, especially for argumentative essays. They’re for advanced students aiming to show depth of knowledge!

36. Based on the available evidence

This phrase is demonstrating that you’re about to sum up the essay’s key arguments. You are saying that you’re making an evaluation after examining all of the evidence and research on the topic. It helps to show your argument is based on evidence , which is good to show in an academic paper.

“ Based on the available evidence , it appears that the best path forward for addressing AI in the workplace is to allow it but regulate it to prevent unwanted negative externalities such as job losses.”

“ Based on the available evidence , teachers should be paid more than they currently are, given that they contribute significantly to social and economic development of societies.”

37. According to the key literature outlined in this paper

Similar to the above example, this one demonstrates that your final decision and thesis statement in your argumentative essay is based on real evidence and research, not just your opinion. So, you could begin your conclusion like this!

“ According to the key literature outlined in this paper , it appears that the best path forward for addressing AI in the workplace is to allow it but regulate it to prevent unwanted negative externalities such as job losses.”

“ According to the key literature outlined in this paper , teachers should be paid more than they currently are, given that they contribute significantly to social and economic development of societies.”

38. From an evaluation of the above arguments

This point doesn’t lean on evidence for your conclusion directly, but it does lean on the culminated evidence of the arguments you’ve put forward. You’re saying that you have put forward a range of arguments, and now, you’re going to powerfully sum them up and present your final thesis statement.

“ From an evaluation of the above arguments , the most compelling argument is that students should still be given homework, despite the fact there is evidence on both sides of the homework argument.”

“ From an evaluation of the above arguments , it is the position of this paper that schools should start later to allow children to sleep in and therefore be more rested when it is time to study.”

39. The balance of evidence finds

This statement highlights that you have looked at both the pros and cons of your topic before coming to a position. The metaphor of ‘balance’ makes us think of someone holding the points for one side of the argument in one hand, the opposing points in the other hand, and they’re weighing each up before deciding which is heavier.

“ The balance of evidence finds that essays help students to reinforce their knowledge, learn more deeply, and develop academic skills.”

“ The balance of evidence finds that taxation should be lowered in order to stimulate economic growth which, on balance, will lead to a more prosperous and thriving society.”

40. The research compellingly indicates

Lastly, the phrase “the research compellingly indicates” can be used in a transition to a conclusion because it demonstrates that you’re about to sum up all the research you’ve just made and you’re going to make a final evaluation.

“ The research compellingly indicates that visiting the doctor for a yearly check-up saves money overall, prevents backlog in hospitals, and prolongs life.”

“ The research compellingly indicates that essay writing helps students to learn their topics more deeply, develop critical thinking skills, and improve long-term retention of knowledge.”

Other Types Of Transition Words

• Compare and Contrast: In comparison, In contrast, However, Despite this, Other researchers argue, Unlike the above point, Conflicting research finds
• Cause and Effect : Therefore, Thus, As a result, This has led to, As a result, Because, Consequently, For that reason, Hence, For that reason
• List Order: First, Second, Third, Forth, In the first instance, In the second instance, Firstly, Secondly, Next, Lastly, Finally
• Time Order: Afterwards, Concurrently, Later, Meanwhile, Following, In the meantime, Simultaneously, Concomitantly, Subsequently
• Evidence Transition Words : As can be seen in, To demonstrate, Evidence of this fact can be seen in, Proof of this point is found in, For instance, For one thing, Compelling evidence shows
• Transitioning to examples : For example, for instance, as illustrated by, take the following case in point.
• Emphasis and addition : In fact, Indeed, Furthermore, Particularly, Surely, Undeniably, Indesputably, Confirms, Certifies, Proves
• Similarity: Similarly, In a similar way, Concurring research finds, likewise, equivalently, also, significantly

Well, how would someone conclude an article about how to write a good conclusion? I’ll finish up like this: every conclusion is unique. Work on your own writerly voice, come up with your own transition words for conclusions, and be creative with it. The biggest challenge you will face is staying within the formal guidelines of an academic essay. For this, rely on your teacher. Keep asking for feedback, and even specifically ask for feedback on your transition words. This will help you learn what your teacher prefers and help you to keep refining your writing style.

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• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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Transitions

What this handout is about.

In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively.

The function and importance of transitions

In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues:

• Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers.
• Your readers (instructors, friends, or classmates) tell you that they had trouble following your organization or train of thought.
• You tend to write the way you think—and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly.
• You wrote your paper in several discrete “chunks” and then pasted them together.
• You are working on a group paper; the draft you are working on was created by pasting pieces of several people’s writing together.

Organization

Since the clarity and effectiveness of your transitions will depend greatly on how well you have organized your paper, you may want to evaluate your paper’s organization before you work on transitions. In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or short phrase what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order of and connection between your ideas more clearly.

If after doing this exercise you find that you still have difficulty linking your ideas together in a coherent fashion, your problem may not be with transitions but with organization. For help in this area (and a more thorough explanation of the “reverse outlining” technique described in the previous paragraph), please see the Writing Center’s handout on organization .

How transitions work

The organization of your written work includes two elements: (1) the order in which you have chosen to present the different parts of your discussion or argument, and (2) the relationships you construct between these parts. Transitions cannot substitute for good organization, but they can make your organization clearer and easier to follow. Take a look at the following example:

El Pais , a Latin American country, has a new democratic government after having been a dictatorship for many years. Assume that you want to argue that El Pais is not as democratic as the conventional view would have us believe.

One way to effectively organize your argument would be to present the conventional view and then to provide the reader with your critical response to this view. So, in Paragraph A you would enumerate all the reasons that someone might consider El Pais highly democratic, while in Paragraph B you would refute these points. The transition that would establish the logical connection between these two key elements of your argument would indicate to the reader that the information in paragraph B contradicts the information in paragraph A. As a result, you might organize your argument, including the transition that links paragraph A with paragraph B, in the following manner:

Paragraph A: points that support the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

Transition: Despite the previous arguments, there are many reasons to think that El Pais’s new government is not as democratic as typically believed.

Paragraph B: points that contradict the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

In this case, the transition words “Despite the previous arguments,” suggest that the reader should not believe paragraph A and instead should consider the writer’s reasons for viewing El Pais’s democracy as suspect.

As the example suggests, transitions can help reinforce the underlying logic of your paper’s organization by providing the reader with essential information regarding the relationship between your ideas. In this way, transitions act as the glue that binds the components of your argument or discussion into a unified, coherent, and persuasive whole.

Types of transitions

Now that you have a general idea of how to go about developing effective transitions in your writing, let us briefly discuss the types of transitions your writing will use.

The types of transitions available to you are as diverse as the circumstances in which you need to use them. A transition can be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire paragraph. In each case, it functions the same way: First, the transition either directly summarizes the content of a preceding sentence, paragraph, or section or implies such a summary (by reminding the reader of what has come before). Then, it helps the reader anticipate or comprehend the new information that you wish to present.

• Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.
• Transitions between paragraphs: If you have done a good job of arranging paragraphs so that the content of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.
• Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.

Transitional expressions

Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical relationship.

Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Conclusion transition words: Phrases for summarizing and ending

Transition words help us structure our thoughts and guide the reader or listener through what we are saying. When it’s time to summarize your message or end a paragraph, conclusion transition words let you signal this closing.

It’s good to know some synonyms for ‘in conclusion’ and ‘to conclude’, because although these are good examples of concluding words, they can get repetitive.

Our comprehensive list of transition words for conclusion and summary should give you all the inspiration you need, whether you are writing an essay or speech, or just want to become more confident forming an argument. These signal words can also be helpful for restating ideas, drawing attention to key points as you conclude.

We have included plenty of examples of how you can use these transition words for concluding paragraphs or sentences, so by the end of this article, you should be clear on how to use them properly.

Conclusion transition words with examples

We have grouped these summarizing and concluding transition words according to how and where they can be used. For example, some should only be used when forming a final conclusion, whereas others can be used to summarize sections mid-way through your speech or writing.

First, let’s be clear about the difference between a summary and a conclusion .

Summary vs conclusion

A conclusion comes at the end of a speech, chapter, or piece of text, and it brings together all of the points mentioned. A summary, however, can be placed anywhere (even at the beginning). A summary gives a brief outline of the main points but is not as in-depth as a conclusion.

If you are giving a presentation or writing a blog, you may wish to summarize the main points in your introduction so that people know what you are going to cover. You could also summarize a section part-way through before moving on to another angle or topic.

In contrast, the conclusion always comes at the end, and you should only use specific conclusion transition words as you are drawing to a close.

Transition words for conclusion paragraphs

Let’s begin with some discourse markers that signal you are moving to the concluding paragraph in your presentation, speech, essay, or paper. These can all be used to start a conclusion paragraph.

• In conclusion
• To conclude
• We can conclude that
• Given these points
• In the final analysis
• As can be seen
• In the long run
• When all is said and done
• I’ll end by
• As we draw to a close

The last three on this list, the ‘closing’ transition words, would generally only be used in spoken discourse.

Some transition words for order and sequencing should also help with structuring what you want to say, including the ending.

Example conclusion sentences

The following sentences show how to use conclusion words correctly:

• In conclusion , we can say that plan A will be of greater benefit to the company.
• When all is said and done , it’s clear that we should steer clear of this investment strategy.
• Given these points , I believe the trial was a great success.
• I’ll end by reminding you all that this experiment was just the beginning of a much larger project.
• To wrap up , let’s look at how this learning can be applied.
• In the long run , we will make more profit by investing heavily in new machinery.
• Having analyzed seven of our competitors in detail, we can conclude that our content marketing strategy should be updated.

Transition words for summary

The following summary transition words may be used as part of a conclusion paragraph, but they are especially helpful for concisely drawing together several points.

• To summarize
• On the whole
• Generally speaking
• All things considered
• In a nutshell (informal)
• In any case

Note that although you can insert summary transition words anywhere, the specific phrases ‘In summary’, ‘To summarize’ and ‘To sum up’ are generally only used at the end, similar to conclusion phrases.

Example summary sentences

• In brief , this presentation is going to cover the pros and cons of the device and how we can apply this to our own product development.
• This new technology is, in a word , revolutionary.
• All things considered , we found that Berlin was a great city for a weekend break.
• To summarize , we can say that Shakespeare’s writing continues to have a global influence.
• We can say that the combustion engine was, on the whole , a good invention.
• In any case , we should put the necessary precautions in place.
• Generally speaking , girls are more thoughtful than boys.

Transition words to end a paragraph

You may wish to add ending transition words in the final sentence of a paragraph to conclude the ideas in that section of text, before moving on to another point.

Here are some transition words to conclude a paragraph:

• This means that
• With this in mind
• By and large
• For the most part

Note that some of these could equally be used to begin a new paragraph, so long as that paragraph is summarizing the points previously mentioned.

Cause and effect transition words could also be helpful in this context.

Examples of transition words for the end of a paragraph

• Jamie is a vegan and Sheryl has a lot of allergies. This means that we should be careful which restaurant we choose.
• The weather forecast said it would rain this afternoon. With this in mind , should we postpone our hike?
• Each of the students has their own opinion about where to go for the field trip. Ultimately , though, it’s the teacher who will decide.

Restating points as you conclude

Conclusion transition words can also signal that you are restating a point you mentioned earlier. This is common practice in both writing and speaking as it draws the reader or listener’s attention back to something you want them to keep in mind. These are, therefore, also examples of transition words for emphasizing a point .

Here are some helpful transition words for concluding or summarizing by restating points:

• As mentioned previously
• As stated earlier
• As has been noted
• As shown above
• As I have said
• As I have mentioned
• As we have seen
• As has been demonstrated

You may switch most of these between the passive and active voice, depending on which is most appropriate. For example, ‘As has been demonstrated’ could become ‘As I have demonstrated’ and ‘As shown above’ could become ‘As I have shown’.

Example sentences to restate a point in conclusion or summary

• As I stated earlier , the only way we can get meaningful results from this survey is by including at least a thousand people.
• As has been demonstrated throughout this conference, there are exciting things happening in the world of neuroscience.
• As shown by this study, the trials have been promising.

If you were researching these transition words for concluding an essay, you might find it helpful to read this guide to strong essay conclusions . Of course, there are many ways to use summary transition words beyond essays. They may be a little formal for casual conversation, but they certainly can be used in speech as part of a presentation, debate, or argument.

Can you think of any other concluding words or phrases that should be on this list? Leave a comment below to share them!

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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

250 Best Transition Words and Phrases (+Examples)

Transition words are the glue that holds writing together, providing smooth shifts from one idea to the next.

These words and phrases enhance readability, flow, and comprehension. With that said, I’ve put together the largest and best list of transition words and phrases for you below.

Addition Transitions

Table of Contents

Addition transitions help introduce new ideas that build upon what was previously said.

• Furthermore Example: “The project was a success. Furthermore, it opened doors for future collaboration.”
• Moreover Example: “He’s an excellent athlete. Moreover, his academic record is outstanding.”
• In addition Example: “In addition to the rain, the wind was particularly strong today.”
• Also Example: “She enjoys reading. Also, she loves to travel.”
• Additionally Example: “Additionally, the report highlights new market trends.”
• And Example: “We visited the museum, and we took a walk in the park.”
• Plus Example: “She completed the report ahead of time, plus she helped others finish theirs.”
• Along with Example: “Along with learning new languages, he also mastered coding.”
• Not only… but also Example: “Not only did she ace the test, but she also set a new record.”
• Alongside that Example: “She’s working on several projects. Alongside that, she’s taking night classes.”

Contrast Transitions

These transitions show a shift in ideas or highlight a difference between two points.

• However Example: “I wanted to go out. However, the weather was terrible.”
• On the other hand Example: “She’s good at math. On the other hand, her science grades need improvement.”
• Nevertheless Example: “It was difficult. Nevertheless, we succeeded.”
• Yet Example: “He’s very capable, yet he tends to procrastinate.”
• Despite Example: “Despite the challenges, the team persevered.”
• In contrast Example: “In contrast to her outgoing personality, her brother is shy.”
• Still Example: “The work is tiring. Still, I find it fulfilling.”
• Although this may be true Example: “Although this may be true, there are still some risks involved.”
• But Example: “We planned a picnic, but it started raining.”
• Conversely Example: “Conversely, the new policy brought unexpected benefits.”

Cause & Effect Transitions

These transitions indicate a reason or result.

• Therefore Example: “He didn’t study. Therefore, he failed the exam.”
• As a result Example: “The marketing strategy was flawed. As a result, sales dropped.”
• Consequently Example: “The team didn’t prepare. Consequently, they lost the match.”
• Thus Example: “Thus, we decided to change our approach.”
• For this reason Example: “She was unwell. For this reason, she missed the meeting.”
• Hence Example: “The demand increased. Hence, the prices rose.”
• Because Example: “We stayed indoors because it was raining heavily.”
• Due to Example: “Due to the heavy snow, flights were canceled.”
• Since Example: “Since you’re here, we can start the meeting early.”
• As a consequence of Example: “The team did not complete the assignment on time. As a consequence of this, the project was delayed.”

Time Transitions

Time transitions indicate when something happens or the order in which events occur.

• Meanwhile Example: “The bread was baking. Meanwhile, I prepared the salad.”
• Later on Example: “The team worked on the project. Later on, they presented it to the client.”
• Earlier Example: “She arrived earlier than expected.”
• Later Example: “We’ll meet for dinner later.”
• At the same time Example: “She was speaking at the same time as the presentation started.”
• Eventually Example: “Eventually, the project was completed after several delays.”
• And Then Example: “We visited the museum, and then we went for lunch.”
• Before Example: “Before leaving, she checked her emails one last time.”
• Afterward Example: “We finished the meeting and went to dinner afterward.”
• Soon Example: “Soon, the results will be announced.”

Agreement & Emphasis Transitions

These transitions emphasize or strengthen an argument or idea.

• Indeed Example: “She is indeed one of the best in her field.”
• Certainly Example: “This is certainly an opportunity not to be missed.”
• Of course Example: “Of course, hard work plays a crucial role in success.”
• In fact Example: “In fact, this study proves the theory.”
• Truly Example: “He truly understands the essence of leadership.”
• As a matter of fact Example: “As a matter of fact, the data supports this conclusion.”
• To explain further Example: “To explain further, the data suggests that the market will grow.”
• Without a doubt Example: “Without a doubt, she is the most qualified candidate.”
• Undoubtedly Example: “Undoubtedly, this decision will benefit the company.”
• Definitely Example: “This solution will definitely improve our workflow.”

Conclusion Transitions

These transitions signal the end of a discussion or summarize the key points.

• In conclusion Example: “In conclusion, the evidence strongly supports the hypothesis.”
• To sum up Example: “To sum up, we achieved our goals and exceeded expectations.”
• In summary Example: “In summary, the results were better than anticipated.”
• Overall Example: “Overall, it was a successful event.”
• As the last step Example: “As the last step, review the document before submission.”
• To wrap up Example: “To wrap up, let’s review the key points.”
• Ultimately Example: “Ultimately, the decision rests with the board.”
• In brief Example: “In brief, the project was a great success.”
• As a final point Example: “As a final point, we should consider future challenges.”
• In the end Example: “In the end, teamwork led to our success.”

Example Transitions

Example transitions help introduce clarifying examples to support a point.

• For example Example: “She loves outdoor activities. For example, she often goes hiking on weekends.”
• To cite an instance Example: “To cite an instance, we’ve seen this strategy succeed in similar markets.”
• As an example Example: “There are many forms of renewable energy, as an example, solar and wind power.”
• As a demonstration Example: “As a demonstration of the process, the team shared their prototype.”
• Specifically Example: “She was concerned with one specific issue, specifically the lack of resources.”
• Namely Example: “Several factors contributed to the failure, namely poor planning and execution.”
• Such examples are Example: “Several products showed promising results. Such examples are electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances.”
• Specifically speaking Example: “Specifically speaking, the North American market saw a significant increase.”
• More precisely Example: “The policy needs revision. More precisely, it’s not suitable for the current situation.”
• As an illustration Example: “As an illustration, here’s how the new system works.”

Sequence Transitions

Sequence transitions show the order of steps, instructions, or events.

• First Example: “First, mix all the dry ingredients.”
• Second Example: “Second, add the wet ingredients to the mixture.”
• Next Example: “Next, stir the ingredients together until smooth.”
• Then Example: “Then, pour the mixture into the baking tray.”
• Finally Example: “Finally, bake for 20 minutes at 180 degrees.”
• After that Example: “After that, let the cake cool before serving.”
• Initially Example: “Initially, the project faced some challenges.”
• At first Example: “At first, the plan seemed too ambitious, but we succeeded.”
• Subsequently Example: “Subsequently, we saw a significant increase in performance.”
• Lastly Example: “Lastly, ensure all documents are signed before submission.”

Comparison Transitions

Comparison transitions highlight similarities between two or more elements.

• Similarly Example: “Her approach to problem-solving is similarly effective.”
• Likewise Example: “Likewise, his presentation was well-received by the audience.”
• In the same way Example: “In the same way, the new policy aims to increase efficiency.”
• Just as Example: “Just as water is essential for life, education is crucial for success.”
• As well as Example: “He is skilled in design as well as programming.”
• Equally Example: “The students were equally enthusiastic about the project.”
• In a similar manner Example: “In a similar manner, the new system will streamline operations.”
• Correspondingly Example: “The demand for electric cars increased. Correspondingly, the production rate was adjusted.”
• Analogously Example: “Analogously, the marketing strategy needs a similar revamp.”
• In like manner Example: “In like manner, the second phase will follow the same structure.”

Condition Transitions

Condition transitions set up hypothetical or conditional situations.

• If Example: “If you work hard, you’ll achieve your goals.”
• Unless Example: “We can’t proceed unless the documents are signed.”
• Provided that Example: “You can go on the trip, provided that you finish your homework.”
• As long as Example: “You can stay here as long as you behave responsibly.”
• In case Example: “In case of emergency, follow the exit signs.”
• On the condition that Example: “I’ll help you, on the condition that you help me later.”
• Supposing Example: “Supposing it rains tomorrow, we’ll have to cancel the event.”
• Even if Example: “Even if it’s difficult, we must continue trying.”
• Only if Example: “The refund will be issued only if the product is returned within 30 days.”
• Assuming Example: “Assuming we have enough time, we can visit both museums.”

Clarification Transitions

Clarification transitions help explain or clarify a point that was previously made.

• In other words Example: “He’s not interested in the project. In other words, he won’t be joining the team.”
• That is Example: “She’s focused on her career, that is, she’s not considering moving.”
• To clarify Example: “The terms are non-negotiable. To clarify, you’ll need to agree before proceeding.”
• Simply put Example: “Simply put, we need to improve our customer service.”
• To put it another way Example: “We need to cut costs. To put it another way, we’re overspending.”
• In simpler terms Example: “The process is complex. In simpler terms, it involves several stages of approval.”
• Let me explain Example: “We’re facing budget cuts. Let me explain why this is happening.”
• To be more specific Example: “We’re changing the layout. To be more specific, we’re removing redundant elements.”
• To rephrase Example: “The plan failed. To rephrase, we didn’t achieve our target.”
• That is to say Example: “He’s very talented, that is to say, he has a natural aptitude for art.”

Purpose Transitions

These transitions explain the intent or purpose behind an action.

• In order to Example: “We updated the software in order to improve performance.”
• For the purpose of Example: “He studied hard for the purpose of passing the exam.”
• So that Example: “She left early so that she could catch the train.”
• With the intention of Example: “We designed the app with the intention of making it user-friendly.”
• To Example: “They organized the meeting to discuss the project.”
• With this in mind Example: “With this in mind, we adjusted the timeline for delivery.”
• For this reason Example: “For this reason, we decided to postpone the event.”
• To that end Example: “The company hired more staff. To that end, they could meet demand.”
• For the sake of Example: “She made sacrifices for the sake of her children.”
• In an effort to Example: “In an effort to reduce waste, we implemented recycling initiatives.”

Concession Transitions

Concession transitions acknowledge a counter-argument or alternate view.

• Although Example: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
• Even though Example: “Even though the odds were against us, we tried our best.”
• Granted Example: “Granted, this approach takes more time, but it’s more effective.”
• While it is true that Example: “While it is true that the market is competitive, our product stands out.”
• Even with Example: “Even with the challenges, the team completed the project.”
• Admittedly Example: “Admittedly, the project went over budget, but it was a success.”
• Though Example: “Though the task was difficult, we managed to finish it.”
• Recognizing your opinion/feelings/reluctance Example: “Recognizing your opinion on the matter, we need to make a decision.”
• Regardless Example: “Regardless of the weather, we’ll have the event outdoors.”
• Nonetheless Example: “The hike was exhausting. Nonetheless, it was worth it for the view.”

Location Transitions

These transitions help describe where something is located or where an event happens.

• Nearby Example: “There’s a coffee shop nearby where we can meet.”
• Opposite Example: “The library is opposite the park.”
• Adjacent to Example: “The hotel is adjacent to the conference center.”
• Beyond Example: “Beyond the mountains, there’s a small village.”
• Next to Example: “The restaurant is next to the bookstore.”
• In the distance Example: “In the distance, we could see the city skyline.”
• Alongside Example: “The path runs alongside the river.”
• To the left Example: “To the left, you’ll find the entrance to the gallery.”
• Underneath Example: “We stored the supplies underneath the table.”
• In front of Example: “The car is parked in front of the building.”

Similarity Transitions

These transition words emphasize similarity between ideas or topics.

• In the same vein Example: “In the same vein, the second proposal offers cost savings.”
• Just like Example: “Just like her brother, she excels at sports.”
• Comparable to Example: “The new policy is comparable to the one introduced last year.”
• In a similar way Example: “In a similar way, the redesign will improve user experience.”
• Corresponding to Example: “The results are corresponding to our expectations.”
• In much the same way Example: “In much the same way, we plan to tackle the next phase.”
• Equally important Example: “Customer satisfaction is equally important as product quality.”
• Like Example: “Like the first version, this model is user-friendly.”
• Similarly to Example: “The new process works similarly to the old one.”
• Comparable with Example: “The outcomes are comparable with last year’s data.”

Exception Transitions

These transitions indicate something that is outside the norm or an exception.

• Except Example: “Everyone was invited except John.”
• Apart from Example: “Apart from the weather, the trip was perfect.”
• Besides Example: “Besides the main course, we offer several desserts.”
• Aside from Example: “Aside from the noise, the neighborhood is peaceful.”
• Other than Example: “Other than the cost, there are no downsides to the plan.”
• Excluding Example: “Excluding the holidays, I work from home most days.”
• All but Example: “All but Sarah agreed.”
• With the exception of Example: “With the exception of the CEO, all executives were present.”
• Save for Example: “Save for a few glitches, the software runs smoothly.”
• Excepting Example: “Excepting unforeseen delays, the project will be completed on time.”

Illustration Transitions

These transition words help emphasize a point by illustrating it with examples.

• To illustrate Example: “To illustrate, let’s examine this case study.”
• Such as Example: “The report highlighted several concerns, such as lack of funding.”
• By way of illustration Example: “By way of illustration, let’s look at how this principle applies in practice.”
• In particular Example: “In particular, the north wing requires renovation.”
• Especially Example: “The summer months are especially busy for the tourism industry.”
• Including Example: “The library offers several services, including free Wi-Fi.”
• To demonstrate Example: “To demonstrate the issue, here’s a relevant case study.”
• For instance Example: “He is proficient in several languages, for instance, French and Spanish.”
• Particularly Example: “Particularly, the lack of affordable housing is a pressing concern.”
• To give an example Example: “To give an example, this tool can automate daily tasks.”

Summary Transitions

These transition words summarize or bring together the main points.

• In summary Example: “In summary, the experiment confirmed our hypothesis.”
• To sum up Example: “To sum up, we achieved our objectives with minimal setbacks.”
• All in all Example: “All in all, the conference was a great success.”
• In short Example: “In short, the project exceeded our expectations.”
• To conclude Example: “To conclude, the data clearly supports the theory.”
• On the whole Example: “On the whole, the report was well-received by the board.”
• In brief Example: “In brief, the event was a learning experience for everyone.”
• Overall Example: “Overall, the new policy was well implemented.”
• In a nutshell Example: “In a nutshell, the solution worked.”
• In conclusion Example: “In conclusion, we should move forward with the current plan.”

Degree Transitions

Degree transitions show varying degrees or levels of something.

• To some extent Example: “The plan succeeded, to some extent, but there were unexpected challenges.”
• More or less Example: “The project is more or less complete, just a few finishing touches are needed.”
• Almost Example: “The launch was almost flawless, except for one minor glitch.”
• Partially Example: “The system is partially operational.”
• A great deal Example: “This decision will impact the company a great deal.”
• To a certain degree Example: “We were successful to a certain degree, but there’s room for improvement.”
• Entirely Example: “The system is entirely dependent on external factors.”
• Marginally Example: “The results improved marginally after the software update.”
• To a large extent Example: “To a large extent, the changes were well-received by the team.”
• Thoroughly Example: “The product was thoroughly tested before launch.”

Amplification Transitions

Amplify your statements with these transitions. They add emphasis or expand on a previous idea.

• Indeed Example: “The situation is dire. Indeed, we may need to reevaluate our approach.”
• What’s more Example: “The project was a success. What’s more, we finished ahead of schedule.”
• Furthermore Example: “The product is user-friendly. Furthermore, it is highly affordable.”
• Moreover Example: “The company grew its revenue. Moreover, it expanded into new markets.”
• In fact Example: “The results were impressive. In fact, they exceeded our expectations.”
• Not to mention Example: “The new design is sleek, not to mention more efficient.”
• Additionally Example: “We added several features. Additionally, the user interface was improved.”
• Above all Example: “Above all, customer satisfaction remains our priority.”
• To say the least Example: “The results were surprising, to say the least.”
• Beyond that Example: “We completed the task successfully. Beyond that, we discovered new opportunities.”

Reversal Transitions

Show a reversal or opposite direction in ideas with what are called “reversal” transition words and phrases.

• On the contrary Example: “He wasn’t shy at all. On the contrary, he was very outgoing.”
• Conversely Example: “The first method was efficient. Conversely, the second method wasted time.”
• On the flip side Example: “The software is easy to use. On the flip side, it lacks advanced features.”
• In contrast Example: “In contrast to her quiet demeanor, her work speaks volumes.”
• Quite the opposite Example: “He wasn’t upset. Quite the opposite, he was thrilled with the news.”
• On the other hand Example: “The project was completed on time. On the other hand, it went over budget.”
• Instead Example: “Instead of going to the meeting, he decided to work from home.”
• Conversely Example: “Conversely, the product became more popular as the price increased.”
• Rather Example: “He didn’t reject the offer. Rather, he asked for more time to decide.”
• Alternatively Example: “We could hire more staff. Alternatively, we could outsource the work.”

Qualification Transitions

These transition words qualify or limit an argument, providing nuance to a statement.

• With some reservations Example: “We approve the plan with some reservations regarding the budget.”
• Under certain circumstances Example: “Under certain circumstances, we might reconsider our decision.”
• If applicable Example: “The policy can be extended if applicable to your department.”
• In certain cases Example: “In certain cases, an extension may be granted.”
• With this limitation Example: “With this limitation in mind, we proceeded cautiously.”
• Provided that Example: “You can borrow the equipment, provided that it’s returned by Friday.”
• Given these conditions Example: “Given these conditions, we opted for a conservative approach.”
• As long as Example: “You may continue using the facility as long as you follow the guidelines.”
• If necessary Example: “We can adjust the schedule if necessary.”
• Assuming that Example: “Assuming that the weather improves, we’ll proceed with the outdoor event.”

Repetition Transitions

Use these transitions to emphasize what you mean by repeating or restating ideas in a new way.

• As mentioned earlier Example: “As mentioned earlier, the deadline is Friday.”
• To reiterate Example: “To reiterate, the meeting will be held at 10 a.m.”
• Again Example: “Again, we emphasize the importance of submitting the form on time.”
• As stated previously Example: “As stated previously, the product launch is next month.”
• In other words Example: “We need to increase our efficiency. In other words, we need to cut costs.”
• Let me repeat Example: “Let me repeat, the project must be completed by the end of the week.”
• To restate Example: “To restate, the goal is to increase customer satisfaction.”
• Once again Example: “Once again, we’d like to thank everyone for their hard work.”
• As noted before Example: “As noted before, we should proceed with caution.”
• Let’s go over this again Example: “Let’s go over this again to ensure we’re all on the same page.”

Hypothetical Transitions

These transitions explore possibilities or hypothetical situations. Now we’re getting into the more advanced transition language.

• In the event that Example: “In the event that the meeting is postponed, we will notify you immediately.”
• If this happens Example: “If this happens, we’ll need to adjust the timeline accordingly.”
• Should the need arise Example: “Should the need arise, we’ll schedule additional meetings.”
• Assuming Example: “Assuming the data is accurate, we can move forward with the proposal.”
• In case of Example: “In case of any delays, please contact the project manager.”
• In a scenario where Example: “In a scenario where demand exceeds supply, we’ll increase production.”
• If we were to Example: “If we were to expand into new markets, we’d need additional funding.”
• Hypothetically speaking Example: “Hypothetically speaking, if we doubled our output, what would be the cost?”
• Suppose that Example: “Suppose that the deal goes through, what’s our next step?”
• In the unlikely event Example: “In the unlikely event that there’s a system failure, we have a backup plan.”

Advanced Category: Contradiction Transitions

These transitions are used to show direct contradictions or highlight conflicting information in a nuanced way. Use them sparingly and always strategically.

• Be that as it may Example: “The results were unexpected. Be that as it may, we must move forward.”
• Paradoxically Example: “Paradoxically, more automation led to higher labor costs.”
• Notwithstanding Example: “The proposal was risky, notwithstanding, it was approved unanimously.”
• Ironically Example: “Ironically, the more we cut costs, the lower our profits became.”
• Nevertheless Example: “The conditions were unfavorable. Nevertheless, the event was a success.”
• On the contrary Example: “We expected sales to fall. On the contrary, they increased.”
• Contrarily Example: “Contrarily, we saw an increase in performance after reducing hours.”
• Despite the fact that Example: “Despite the fact that the budget was cut, we delivered on time.”
• Even so Example: “The plan was flawed. Even so, it yielded positive results.”
• Oddly enough Example: “Oddly enough, the simplest solution proved to be the most effective.”

Best Transition Words for Common Use Cases

If you’re looking for a cheat sheet to the best transition words and phrases, this next chart is for you.

In the chart, you’ll find use cases that will come up time and time again. That’s when you need to pull out one of these versatile language bridges, these logic linkages, these meaning mergers.

Here is a good video about using transition words and phrases in writing:

Final Thoughts: Transition Words and Phrases

With these transition words and phrases, you can connect your sentences and statements in almost limitless ways.

But you still might need other types of words. Up your word game with the blog posts below.

Read This Next

• 50 Best Counterclaim Transition Words (+ Examples)
• 50 Temporal Words (Overview, Uses, & Examples)
• Operative Words (Overview, Lists, And 100 Examples)
• 75 Sequence Words: Overview, List & Examples
• Switch Words: Meaning, Uses, and 100 Best Examples

Research Gate – Research on Transition Words

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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

Essay writing consists of two primary procedures: coming up with the content we want to include and structuring that content. These procedures might take place in either order or they could occur simultaneously. When writing an essay it is important to think about the ways that content and structure complement one another. The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing.

When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page. You should put down as many ideas and trajectories as you can without worrying too much about phrasing or whether they will make it into the final draft. The key here is to be loose—to get ahead of our self-editors and expel everything we can from our minds.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

While this is a good strategy for beginning an essay it will likely leave you unsure how everything fits together. This is where transition words come in. As you will see in this list (which is necessarily incomplete) the range of transition words for essays is vast. Each transition word implies a different relation, often in subtle ways. After accumulating content, the next step is to figure out how the elements fit together towards an overall goal (this could be but is not necessarily an “argument”). Consulting this list of transition words for essays can provide a shortcut for determining how one piece might lead into another. Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing.

Transition Words for College Essays

While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays . The goal of a college essay is to give a strong overall sense of its author in the tight space of 650 words. As you might imagine, it’s not easy to encompass a life or convey a complex personality in such a space. When writing a college essay you are working with a huge amount of potential content. Students often want to squeeze in as much as they can. To this end, transition words for college essays are essential tools to have at our disposal.

Here is our list of transition words for college essays and other essays. It is organized by the different types of transition words/phrases and their functions. While this organization should be convenient, keep in mind that there’s plenty of overlap. Many of these words can function in multiple ways.

1) Additive Transitions

These words function in an additive manner, accumulating content to build upon what has already been stated. They can be used to construct an argument or establish a scene through the accumulation of details.

• Additionally
• In addition to
• Furthermore
• Not to mention
• In all honesty
• To tell the truth
• Not only…but also
• As a matter of fact
• To say nothing of
• What’s more
• Alternatively
• To go a step further

 2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

  These transition words draw a parallel or bring out a similarity between images or ideas. They can be used not only in a straightforward sense but also to establish relations of similarity between objects or ideas that might appear to be dissonant.

• In the same way
• In a similar vein
• Along the lines of
• In the key of

 3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

  While also functioning comparatively, the following words demonstrate difference between ideas or images. These transition words are useful when it comes to establishing contrasting points of view, an important component of any argument.

• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• In contrast to
• In contradiction
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• In any event
• In any case
• In either event

4) Sequential Transitions

  The following are particularly effective transition words for college essays. They will allow you to order ideas chronologically or in a sequence, providing a sense of continuity over time. This is particularly useful when an essay leans into something more creative or involves telling a story.

• Subsequently
• At the same time
• Concurrently
• In the beginning
• At the start
• At the outset
• Off the bat

5) Spatial Transitions

Rather than organizing ideas or images in regards to sequence, these transitions indicate spatial relationships. They are particularly useful when it comes to painting a scene and/or describing objects, but they can also be used metaphorically. Consider, for example, how you might use the transition, “standing in […’s] shadow.”

• Standing in […’s] shadow
• In front of
• In the middle
• In the center
• To the left
• To the right
• On the side
• Adjacent to
• Around the bend
• On the outskirts
• In the distance
• On the horizon
• In the foreground
• In the background
• Underground
• Through the grapevine

 6) Causal Transitions

These transition words for essays indicate cause and effect relationships between ideas. They will be particularly useful when you are structuring a logical argument, i.e. using logos as a mode of persuasion . Causal transitions are an important element of academic, legal and scientific writing.

• Accordingly
• Resultingly
• As a result
• Consequently
• In consequence
• As a consequence
• For this reason
• So much that
• Granting that
• That being the case
• Under those circumstances
• With this in mind
• For the purpose of
• For all intents and purposes
• In the event that
• In the event of
• In light of
• On the condition that
• To the extent that

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

  These transition words for college essays can be used to introduce supporting evidence, emphasis, examples, and clarification. There is some overlap here with additive transitions and causal transitions. These transitions are also useful when it comes to building an argument. At the same time, they can signal a shift into a different linguistic register.

• For example
• For instance
• In other words
• As an illustration
• To illustrate
• To put it differently
• To put it another way
• That is to say
• As the evidence illustrates
• It’s important to realize
• It’s important to understand
• It must be remembered
• To demonstrate
• For clarity’s sake
• To emphasize
• To put it plainly
• To enumerate
• To speak metaphorically

8) Conclusory Transitions

These transition words for essays serve to bring an idea or story to a close. They offer a clear way of signaling the conclusion of a particular train of thought. They might be followed by a summary or a restatement of an essay’s argument. In this way they also provide emphasis, setting the reader up for what is about to come.

• In conclusion
• To summarize
• To put it succinctly
• To this end
• At the end of the day
• In the final analysis
• By and large
• On second thought
• On first glance
• That’s all to say
• On the whole
• All things considered
• Generally speaking

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

Even when elements appear to be disparate on first glance, transition words are a great tool for giving your essay a smooth flow. They can also create surprising juxtapositions, relationships, and equivalences. The way a reader will understand a transition word depends on the context in which they encounter it.

Individual words and phrases can be used in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the literal to the figurative to the colloquial or idiomatic. “Through the grapevine” is an example of the colloquial or idiomatic. When we encounter this phrase we don’t interpret it literally (as hearing something “through” a grapevine) but rather as hearing news secondhand. There are, of course, a vast number of idioms that are not included in this list but can also function as transitional phrases.

This list of transition words for college essays (and really any form of writing you might be working on) is a resource that you can return to again and again in your life as a writer. Over years of writing we tend to fall into patterns when it comes to the transition words we use. Mixing things up can be exciting both as a writer and for your readers. Even if you don’t choose to stray from your trusted transitions, considering the alternatives (and why they don’t work for you) can offer a deeper understanding of what you are trying to say.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

As an exercise in self-understanding, you may want to try highlighting all of the transition words in a piece of your own writing. You can then compare this to the transition words in a piece of writing that you admire. Are they using similar transitions or others? Are they using them more or less often? What do you like or dislike about them? We all use transition words differently, creating different tonal effects. Keeping an eye out for them, not only as a writer but also as a reader, will help you develop your own aesthetic.

• College Essay

Emmett Lewis

Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.

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Wrap It Up: 15 (Better) Concluding Transitions

Think about your favorite TV series. Whether you’re old school and wait for a new episode each week or you prefer to binge-watch all seven seasons in one weekend, the harsh truth is that eventually your beloved series must come to an end.

At the end of that final episode, you want everything to come together. You don’t want to be left waiting for something more. You don’t want to be left asking, “That’s it? That’s how it all ends?” And you most certainly do not want to see a cringe-worthy ending so upsetting that it leaves fans talking about it even decades later (like with Seinfeld).

Conclusions are important. And yes, they’re even important in essays. A poor essay conclusion in your history paper may not leave millions of people pondering your final thoughts. But it may leave your teacher questioning your writing style and choice of endings.

Don’t leave your readers asking, “Why on earth did they end the paper this way?” and don’t– please don’t–write “in conclusion.”

Wrap up your paper effectively by using one of these 15 (better) concluding transitions.

Why Concluding Transitions Matter

Have you ever read a classmate’s draft (maybe in a peer editing session in an English class, for instance) only to reach the end of the paper and wonder, “Wait. Did I miss something? Was that the end?”

If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation or if someone has said this about your draft, chances are the essay is missing a clear concluding transition .

Transitions are kinda like road signs. They let you know what to expect ahead.

You wouldn’t want to be humming along at 75 mph without warning of a hairpin turn ahead, would you? Of course not. And you don’t want readers to breeze through your paper only to reach an abrupt stop with no indication that your paper is about to end.

That’s where effective transitions come in.

Concluding transitions help readers prepare and let them know they’re reaching the end of the essay.

What’s Wrong With “In Conclusion”?

When you reach the end of your paper, it can be tempting to slap on “in conclusion” and call it good.

While these words do, in fact, let your audience know they’ve reached the end of your paper, “in conclusion” is basic and boring. It’s pretty much a “Dead End” sign. Readers have come to the end of your paper, but by you using such a bland transition, they’ll likely feel like your paper is a dead end too.

So how exactly do you smoothly transition from the body of your paper to the concluding paragraphs without writing “in conclusion”?

Here are 15 better concluding transitions to try out in your next paper.

15 (Better) Concluding Transitions

Keep in mind that specific transitions often work for any variety of papers and essays. But I’ve organized this list of 15 concluding transitions by four different essay types to help you see how various transitions work for different types of writing.

Concluding transitions for argumentative/persuasive essays

The goal of an argumentative essay or persuasive essay is to convince your readers. Thus, you’ll want to use a concluding transition that emphasizes your arguments and further attempts to sway readers into believing the validity of your claims .

Here are four examples:

On the whole On the whole, the bookstore offers a suitable selection of used textbooks. In essence In essence, it is the lack of resources that has created such a dire situation at the shelter. Ultimately Ultimately, wind energy is the planet’s best hope for reducing dependency on fossil fuels and reducing climate change . Thus Thus, young teens who excessively use social media are at a greater risk of developing a poor self-image.

Notice how each of these transitional sentences signal the end of the essay by summarizing the focus of the paper.

This allows you to restate your thesis statement without merely rewriting the statement or changing a few words of your thesis.

Want to see an argumentative concluding transition in action? Check out The Worst of the Men’s Right Movement and Why We Still Need Feminism .

Concluding transitions for narrative essays

The narrative essay is all about telling a story. Your goal is to include plenty of description and keep readers interested in your tale.

In a narrative, the conclusion often expresses the moral or lesson you learned, so use the concluding transition to signal the end of the narrative and the summary of the lesson(s) learned.

Check out these four examples for inspiration:

Finally Finally, I realized that my so-called friends were frenemies, rather than true friends. In the long run In the long run, having to retake chemistry helped me understand how crucial it is to study for exams. All things considered All things considered, the trip to Cancun turned out to be an amazing vacation. In the end In the end, it was my dog, Diesel, who helped me through the darkest days.

Again, notice how these concluding transitions both signal the end of the narrative portion of the story and transition to a brief discussion of the moral .

If you want to see an example of how a concluding transition works in a narrative essay, read My Experience of Dining in a Middle Eastern/Persian Restaurant .

Concluding transitions for analytical essays

When you write an analytical essay , you’re analyzing something , often an article or a piece of literature (think literary analysis ).

To support your analysis, you’ll include specific evidence (like quotes or paraphrases ) from the piece you’re analyzing. (Depending on your assignment , you might also include additional evidence from credible sources .)

The conclusion for an analytical essay generally sums up the key points of analysis. Thus, you’ll use a concluding transition to move from main ideas to the wrap up of the analysis.

Here are three examples:

In the final analysis In the final analysis, John Proctor perfectly illustrates that appearances can be deceiving. To summarize To summarize, Amari’s use of interviews and statistical data creates a solid overview of people’s feelings about the presidential candidates. In brief In brief, the core thesis of The Great Gatsby  is that the American Dream is actually unattainable for the average American.

Each of these concluding transitions marks the end of the analysis and the beginning of the conclusion, which summarizes the key points of analysis in the paper. (Remember, these types of concluding transitions are an excellent way to restate your thesis statement without repeating the exact words of your thesis.)

Take a look at A Visual Analysis of 12 Years a Slave  to see how one writer effectively uses concluding transitions.

Concluding transitions for compare and contrast essays

It’s not hard to figure out that the goal of a compare and contrast essay is to compare and/or contrast people, places, things, and/or ideas.

It only makes sense that at the end of the essay you’ll want to remind readers not only about what it is that you’re comparing and contrasting, but also the conclusions you’ve reached based on your comparisons. (You might also use the concluding transition to emphasize the importance of your conclusions.)

Here are three concluding transition examples:

Given these points Given these points, it is clear that the sushi at Hello Sushi is superior to the sushi at China Gardens. In either case In either case, students would benefit from relief from the burden of student loans. Undoubtedly Undoubtedly, though both Ofglen and Offred rebel against their oppressors, it is Ofglen who is the stronger character and ultimately more dedicated to her cause.

In the examples above, the concluding transitions highlight the two subjects being compared while also signaling the end of the paper and emphasizing the conclusions (or focus) of the paper.

Check out A Comparison of the Differences Between the 21st Century Hollywood Musical and the Classical Hollywood Musical to see a concluding transition example in the context of an essay.

To Conclude

I get it. It takes a lot of work (and time) to choose the right words and put the finishing touches on your paper, but trust me, the end result will be worth it.

If you’ve made it to the conclusion and have an awesome concluding transition to start the closing paragraph but are stumped as to what to include next, here are a few resources that can help:

• How to Write a Killer Essay Conclusion
• Loose Ends: How to End an Essay With Authority
• 20 Essay Conclusion Examples to Help You Finish Strong

Have a stellar conclusion but still feel like the rest of your paper could be better? Let us help . We’ve edited tens of thousands of papers and are available 24/7 to help you with yours.

Psst... 98% of Kibin users report better grades! Get inspiration from over 500,000 example essays .

About the Author

Susan M. Inez is a professor of English and writing goddess based out of the Northeast. In addition to a BA in English Education, an MA in Composition, and an MS in Education, Susan has 20 years of experience teaching courses on composition, writing in the professions, literature, and more. She also served as co-director of a campus writing center for 2 years.

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• Writing Tips

5 Examples of Concluding Words for Essays

4-minute read

• 19th September 2022

If you’re a student writing an essay or research paper, it’s important to make sure your points flow together well. You’ll want to use connecting words (known formally as transition signals) to do this. Transition signals like thus , also , and furthermore link different ideas, and when you get to the end of your work, you need to use these to mark your conclusion. Read on to learn more about transition signals and how to use them to conclude your essays.

Transition Signals

Transition signals link sentences together cohesively, enabling easy reading and comprehension. They are usually placed at the beginning of a sentence and separated from the remaining words with a comma. There are several types of transition signals, including those to:

●  show the order of a sequence of events (e.g., first, then, next)

●  introduce an example (e.g., specifically, for instance)

●  indicate a contrasting idea (e.g., but, however, although)

●  present an additional idea (e.g., also, in addition, plus)

●  indicate time (e.g., beforehand, meanwhile, later)

●  compare (e.g., likewise, similarly)

●  show cause and effect (e.g., thus, as a result)

●  mark the conclusion – which we’ll focus on in this guide.

When you reach the end of an essay, you should start the concluding paragraph with a transition signal that acts as a bridge to the summary of your key points. Check out some concluding transition signals below and learn how you can use them in your writing.

To Conclude…

This is a particularly versatile closing statement that can be used for almost any kind of essay, including both formal and informal academic writing. It signals to the reader that you will briefly restate the main idea. As an alternative, you can begin the summary with “to close” or “in conclusion.” In an argumentative piece, you can use this phrase to indicate a call to action or opinion:

To conclude, Abraham Lincoln was the best president because he abolished slavery.

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As Has Been Demonstrated…

To describe how the evidence presented in your essay supports your argument or main idea, begin the concluding paragraph with “as has been demonstrated.” This phrase is best used for research papers or articles with heavy empirical or statistical evidence.

As has been demonstrated by the study presented above, human activities are negatively altering the climate system.

The Above Points Illustrate…

As another transitional phrase for formal or academic work, “the above points illustrate” indicates that you are reiterating your argument and that the conclusion will include an assessment of the evidence you’ve presented.

The above points illustrate that children prefer chocolate over broccoli.

In a Nutshell…

A simple and informal metaphor to begin a conclusion, “in a nutshell” prepares the reader for a summary of your paper. It can work in narratives and speeches but should be avoided in formal situations.

In a nutshell, the Beatles had an impact on musicians for generations to come.

Overall, It Can Be Said…

To recap an idea at the end of a critical or descriptive essay, you can use this phrase at the beginning of the concluding paragraph. “Overall” means “taking everything into account,” and it sums up your essay in a formal way. You can use “overall” on its own as a transition signal, or you can use it as part of a phrase.

Overall, it can be said that art has had a positive impact on humanity.

Proofreading and Editing

Transition signals are crucial to crafting a well-written and cohesive essay. For your next writing assignment, make sure you include plenty of transition signals, and check out this post for more tips on how to improve your writing. And before you turn in your paper, don’t forget to have someone proofread your work. Our expert editors will make sure your essay includes all the transition signals necessary for your writing to flow seamlessly. Send in a free 500-word sample today!

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In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Highlight the “so what”  

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Leave your readers with the “now what”  

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

• What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?  
• What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?  
• Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?  
• What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?  
• What larger context might my argument be a part of?  

What to avoid in your conclusion  

• a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.  
• a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.  
• an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.  
• fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
• picture_as_pdf Conclusions

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• How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example

Published on January 24, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay . A strong conclusion aims to:

• Tie together the essay’s main points
• Show why your argument matters
• Leave the reader with a strong impression

Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.

This conclusion is taken from our annotated essay example , which discusses the history of the Braille system. Hover over each part to see why it’s effective.

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

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Table of contents

Step 1: return to your thesis, step 2: review your main points, step 3: show why it matters, what shouldn’t go in the conclusion, more examples of essay conclusions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay conclusion.

To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument.

Don’t just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.

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Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument.

Avoid simply summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in order; try to bring your points together in a way that makes the connections between them clear. The conclusion is your final chance to show how all the paragraphs of your essay add up to a coherent whole.

To wrap up your conclusion, zoom out to a broader view of the topic and consider the implications of your argument. For example:

• Does it contribute a new understanding of your topic?
• Does it raise new questions for future study?
• Does it lead to practical suggestions or predictions?
• Can it be applied to different contexts?
• Can it be connected to a broader debate or theme?

Whatever your essay is about, the conclusion should aim to emphasize the significance of your argument, whether that’s within your academic subject or in the wider world.

Try to end with a strong, decisive sentence, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of interest in your topic.

The easiest way to improve your conclusion is to eliminate these common mistakes.

Don’t include new evidence

Any evidence or analysis that is essential to supporting your thesis statement should appear in the main body of the essay.

The conclusion might include minor pieces of new information—for example, a sentence or two discussing broader implications, or a quotation that nicely summarizes your central point. But it shouldn’t introduce any major new sources or ideas that need further explanation to understand.

Don’t use “concluding phrases”

Avoid using obvious stock phrases to tell the reader what you’re doing:

• “In conclusion…”
• “To sum up…”

These phrases aren’t forbidden, but they can make your writing sound weak. By returning to your main argument, it will quickly become clear that you are concluding the essay—you shouldn’t have to spell it out.

Don’t undermine your argument

Avoid using apologetic phrases that sound uncertain or confused:

• “This is just one approach among many.”
• “There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.”
• “There is no clear answer to this problem.”

Even if your essay has explored different points of view, your own position should be clear. There may be many possible approaches to the topic, but you want to leave the reader convinced that yours is the best one!

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This conclusion is taken from an argumentative essay about the internet’s impact on education. It acknowledges the opposing arguments while taking a clear, decisive position.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

This conclusion is taken from a short expository essay that explains the invention of the printing press and its effects on European society. It focuses on giving a clear, concise overview of what was covered in the essay.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

This conclusion is taken from a literary analysis essay about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . It summarizes what the essay’s analysis achieved and emphasizes its originality.

By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

• A rephrased version of your overall thesis
• A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
• An indication of why your argument matters

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

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How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

The conclusion is the final paragraph of your writing, and it holds significant weight. It allows you to leave a lasting impression on the reader. But how to write a conclusion that effectively summarizes your points and resonates with your audience? 

This article will guide you through the process of crafting a strong conclusion paragraph, step by step. Our term paper writers will break down the key elements and provide clear examples to illustrate each point. By following these steps and referencing the examples, you'll be well on your way to writing impactful conclusions that leave your reader feeling satisfied and informed.

What Is a Conclusion

Conclusion in an essay is the final paragraph or section that wraps up the main points and provides closure to the piece.

Imagine it as the bridge that connects your ideas to a broader significance. A well-crafted conclusion does more than simply summarize; it elevates your points and offers a sense of closure, ensuring the reader leaves with a clear understanding of your argument's impact. In the next section, you will find conclusion ideas that you could use for your essay.

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How to Write a Conclusion

A powerful conclusion not only summarizes but also reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impression. Here's a breakdown of how to write a conclusion for an essay:

• Restate Your Thesis: Briefly remind the reader of your central point. Don't simply copy and paste your thesis statement, but rephrase it using different words.
• Summarize Key Points: Revisit the main arguments or evidence you presented throughout your writing. This reminds the reader of the journey you took them on and ensures they grasp the core takeaways.
• Avoid Introducing New Information: The conclusion is not the place to introduce brand new ideas. Stick to summarizing and reinforcing the existing points.
• End on a Strong Note: Go beyond a simple summary. You can add a final thought, pose a question to spark further reflection, or highlight the significance of your topic.

Read more: Persuasive essay outline . 

The Purpose of a Conclusion

As you already understand, the conclusion paragraph serves a critical function in your writing. It serves as a final push to solidify your message in your readers’ minds. It's also your opportunity to:

• Remind the reader of your central point (thesis) and the key arguments or evidence used to support it. 
• Use this space to offer a final thought, pose a question that prompts further pondering, or emphasize the significance of your topic.

Remember, a concluding paragraph should NOT:

• Introduce New Information: The conclusion is not the place for brand new ideas. Its purpose lies in wrapping up and reinforcing what you've already established.
• Stray from the Thesis: Don't introduce arguments or evidence not discussed earlier in your writing. Maintain focus on the core message you've been building throughout your work.

How Long Should a Conclusion Paragraph Be

Generally, the ideal length depends on the overall length and complexity of your essay. However, it is not the sole factor. A well-written conclusion of 3 sentences can be far more effective than a rambling one that drags on for multiple paragraphs. 

Here are some general guidelines can help you achieve a balance when writing a conclusion:

• In most cases, you can effectively summarize your points and leave a lasting impression within 3-5 sentences.
• Prioritize delivering a clear and impactful message over unnecessary elaboration.
• Proportion matters. A lengthy research paper might warrant a slightly longer conclusion (think 5-7 sentences) to adequately address all the main points. Conversely, a shorter piece like a blog post might require a more concise conclusion (2-4 sentences).

Conclusion Transition Words

The right transition word can smoothly bridge the gap between your main body of text and your conclusion. Here are some transition words for conclusion categorized by their purpose:

7 Tips for Writing a Conclusion

Having grasped the core functions and structure of a conclusion paragraph, let's check out some practical tips to elevate your closing statements. Here are 7 effective strategies to consider from our dissertation writer :

• Vary Your Sentence Structure: Avoid a monotonous string of simple sentences. Use a mix of sentence structures (short, long, complex) to create a more engaging rhythm.
• Connect to the Introduction: For a cohesive feel, subtly tie your conclusion back to your introduction. You can reference an opening question you posed or revisit a key image you mentioned. Consider this tip especially when unsure how to start a conclusion.
• Embrace Figurative Language (Sparingly): There are different conclusion ideas but a well-placed metaphor or simile can help leave a lasting impression. However, use figurative language strategically and avoid clichés.
• Appeal to the Reader's Emotions: Did your writing highlight a pressing issue? Consider evoking emotions relevant to your topic when you want to know how to write a conclusion paragraph that tugs at the reader's heartstrings.
• Consider a Quote (if Relevant): A powerful quote from a credible source can add authority and depth to your essay conclusion. Ensure the quote aligns with your thesis and enhances your message.
• End with a Strong Call to Action (Optional): If your purpose is to persuade or inspire action, conclude with a clear call to action. Tell your reader exactly what you want them to do next.
• Proofread and Revise: Just like any other part of your writing, proofread your conclusion carefully. Ensure clarity and a smooth flow between your main body of text and the closing statement.

By this time, you already know how to write a conclusion for an essay. However, if you still need further guidance, buy essay from our expert writers anytime!

Do’s and Don’ts of Essay Conclusion

Let's now look at some simple tips from our online paper writing service to help you avoid common mistakes when writing a conclusion.

Conclusion Paragraph Examples

Here are three conclusion paragraph examples showcasing how powerful closings are crafted.

Recommended for reading: Nursing essay examples .

In closing, a strong conclusion is a must-have for any piece of writing. It reminds your reader of your main point and leaves them with a lasting impression. Here are some key things to reflect on how to write a good conclusion:

• Restate your thesis in a fresh way.
• Mention your key arguments.
• Leave a lasting thought or question.
• Consider your audience and tailor your ending to them.
• End with a strong statement.

Remember, a good conclusion is not merely about wrapping things up but rather about making your writing truly impactful.

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How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay?

How to write a good conclusion, how to write a conclusion for a college essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Updated writing tips.
• Added informative tables.
• Added conclusion example.
• Added an article conclusion.
• Essay Conclusions | UMGC. (n.d.). University of Maryland Global Campus. https://www.umgc.edu/current-students/learning-resources/writing-center/writing-resources/writing/essay-conclusions
• How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay | BestColleges. (n.d.). BestColleges.com. https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-to-write-a-conclusion/
• Ending the Essay: Conclusions | Harvard College Writing Center. (n.d.). https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions

How to Write a Great Transition Sentence

I really like Thai food. Speaking of which, I just started an amazing documentary series on national parks. Speaking of which, the Pacific Ocean is beautiful in winter. Which makes me wonder how confused you feel right now.

You’re probably pretty confused. And if you thought we wrote the above seriously, you’d maybe not trust us a whole lot (as writers) heading forward.

Those two things (avoiding confusion, building trust) are great qualities to develop in your writing.

By building better transitions. 

In this post, we’ll cover: 

What good transitions look like

Why good transitions are important

Why building trust with your reader is important

Two ways to earn your reader’s trust

A quick diagnostic tool to determine if your transitions really are the issue

When’s the best time to start over/brainstorm new ideas

9 different transition techniques

What good transition sentences look like

To get a clear sense of why good transitions are important, read the body paragraphs in the “ Builder and Problem-Solver ” essay without reading the bolded parts .

Take a second to actually do this.

How lost do you feel?

Now read the transition sentences in the “ Builder and Problem-Solver ” essay (the ones in bold). 

Way clearer now, right? And do you see how, even if you only read those bolded sentences, you can kinda’ still see where the essay is going? That’s what good transitions can do.

Imagine your personal statement is a map that guides the reader—in the case of the admission reader, a stranger—through the territory of you. Think for a minute from that stranger’s perspective—out in the wilderness, trying to navigate the twists and turns of your heart and brain, with just this map. 

Part of your job as a writer is to metaphorically put your hand on the readers’ shoulder and say, “I got you.” To build trust.

Why do you want to build trust with your reader? Because if they don’t trust that your essay is going somewhere informative, or interesting, they might start skimming.

Two ways to build trust with your reader

Below are two ways—and neither is “better,” by the way; both work great.

Option A: Provide a clear map at the start.

Here’s an example intro from an essay that does this:

Lola the lamb. Diego the snake. Jack the Dog. Nutmeg the rabbit. And a Bearded Dragon named Zigzag. No, these aren’t weird titles for kids books. These are actually some of my greatest teachers. But why have I grown up with such a diverse cast? For many reasons, my connection and experiences with these animals have been a major part of shaping who I am today . 

Reading this, we can pretty much tell that this essay is going to be about how animals have shaped the author. We’ve bolded the “map” so it’s super clear.

But you don’t have to provide such a clear map at the start if you give clear signposts along the way. 

So here’s another possibility:

Option B: Draw us in with a creative opening, then provide clear signposts (i.e., transitions) to guide us along the way.

For a list of 9 creative ways to start your essay, click here . But if you choose a more creative opening, your transitions may be even more important. Why?

Check out the “Poop, Animals, and the Environment” essay at this link . The opening reads: 

I have been pooped on many times. I mean this in the most literal sense possible. I have been pooped on by pigeons and possums, house finches and hawks, egrets and eastern grays.

At the start, it’s not quite clear where we’re going. Check out the next sentences:

I don’t mind it, either. For that matter, I also don’t mind being pecked at, hissed at, scratched and bitten—and believe me, I have experienced them all.

Still not 100% clear. Is this an essay about working with animals? Sort of. For a while. But then it turns out to be about something else (environmentalism). But this essay works because the transitions—which we’ve highlighted in bold at this link —guide us through the twists and turns of the essay.

The takeaway for this section: Again, part of your job as a writer is to let the reader know they can trust you. You can do this by a) providing a clear map at the start, b) using clear signposts/transitions along the way, or c) both.

This guide will show you a few different options for setting up your signposts/transitions.

But before we show you different transition options, it’s first worth doing a quick diagnosis to make sure your transitions really are the issue.

The Flow Diagnostic: How to know if your transitions are really the issue

Why are we talking about this?

Because one of the most common mistakes students make is thinking that they only need to tweak the transitions (when they actually need to do more). 

To explain using that map analogy: Sometimes, the problem is that you forgot to tell your reader/stranger to take a left at the fork (with a clearer transition). Other times, the problem is that the territory of you that you’re discussing isn’t even on the same map, in which case you may want to consider either a larger restructuring or (honestly) a new topic.

So how do you diagnose if what you need to tweak is only (or mostly) your transitions?

The Flow Diagnostic: Can you outline your essay from memory?

This short exercise takes about 10 minutes, and you can do it either with another person or on your own.

How to do this with another person: 

Without looking at your essay, tell that person your essay. 

Have them take notes on what you're saying. 

When you’re done, have them tell it back to you. 

Is it clear? If so, maybe you just need to tweak the transitions. 

If one or both of you are confused, talk it out until a) each idea is clear, and b) the connection between the ideas are clear. Bullet point them. Then you should have your new transitions.

At that point, try writing a new outline using those bullet points and THEN writing a new draft.

Important: Write your new outline from scratch (based on the new flow) and write your new draft from scratch too. (It’s sometimes hard to let go of a previous draft, but trust me that it’ll likely be faster and lead to a better essay if you do this.)

Then come back to this post if you need to.

How to do this by yourself: 

Record yourself talking through your essay—again, without actually looking at it. (Tip: Use the voice memo feature on your phone, if you have one.)

Listen back to yourself, then create a bullet-point outline of the separate ideas/chunks/story “beats” of your essay.

You may be surprised at how just doing this can help clarify the flow of your ideas. 

Also notice: How much of what you said was actually in your previous essay draft? And how much was in your mind, but not yet in your essay?

Looking back at what you wrote down, see if you can split your story into 5-8 chunks. These will become the sections of your essay, and maybe even your paragraphs. (Note that if you have 8 or more “chunks,” your paragraphs will have to be pretty short.)

Here’s an example for the “ Poop, Animals, and the Environment ” essay above: 

When I’m working with animals, I know their health and welfare is completely in my hands

That’s why I worked at the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley over the summer

But when it was over, I felt there was more to do, and I had some responsibility to do it.

That’s what also pushes me toward environmental activism...

Sometimes I have mixed/complex feelings around that, but...

Ultimately, I feel I have to keep going. 

When’s the best time to start over/brainstorm new ideas?

If this works (or starts to work) for you, great! It could be that your transitions are the issue. Keep reading below for ideas on making those transitions work.

If this does not at all work for you, it may be worth brainstorming new topic ideas. Why?

The best time to try a new idea is right now. Because right now, you’ll have more time than you’ll ever have to make something new work.

Click here for some brainstorming exercises.

All that said, here are ...

9 transition techniques (and what they’re useful for)

1. the “what i did next” transition.

As its name implies, this approach uses language that directly sets up for the reader what you did next. It will generally use some phrasing that sets up the chronological relationship to where we’ve been so far, and frequently discusses how the focus of the previous paragraph played into your new focus.

A great example of this is the “ Builder and Problem-Solver ” essay referenced above. Notice how the transitions help us follow, in a chronological way, the author’s journey from problem-solver to lock-picker to art-maker to coder. The transitions provide signposts guiding us along the way.

For another good example of this, check out the “ Makeup ” essay. Again, notice how the author guides us through the body using clear transitions.

Slight Variation: “The Steps I Took to Solve a Problem” Approach

This variation takes a similar approach, but uses language that clarifies how each paragraph is the next step in pursuit of a particular solution (generally, to a problem that themes the essay).

For an example, check out the “ Does Every Life Matter? ” essay. Note that the twists and turns are mostly in pursuit of the author’s attempt to solve the problem/answer the question he raises at the start of the essay.

2. The “Steps I Took to Level Up” Transition

Like the “What I Did Next” transition, this approach will generally use language that indicates progress/relationship in time to what came prior (e.g., “I began to …”), but this one focuses on how what you did next helped you build on what you’d done previously, showing how you’ve grown, gained skills and insights … and leveled up.

Notice how in the “ Flying ” essay, for example, these three transition sentences help us see how the paragraphs act in a chain, with each presenting a way in which the author is expanding in complexity, skill, and insight: “I began to challenge myself academically” + “I also elected to participate in my school’s engineering pathway” + “Most of all, I sought to solve problems that impact the real world.”

3. The “Connecting Back to Your Topic” Transition

With this approach, you establish your central topic, then connect back to it in your transition sentences.

Notice in the “ Translating ” essay, for example, how each transition sentence connects back to the central theme: 

“Translation means reinterpreting my Calculus teacher’s description of L’hospital’s rule into a useful tool for solving the limits.”

“My talent for translating also applies to my role as a ‘therapist’ for my family and friends.”

“My knack for translating has led me to become a real-life Korean language translator.” 

4. The “That Last Thing Mattered in This Way ...” Transition

This transition is, essentially, the basic form of just about all the other transitions in this guide. For example, the “What I Did Next” or “Leveling Up” approaches are more specific versions of “That Last Thing Mattered in This Way,” but provide your reader with a more specific connection. We’re adding this “That Last Thing” technique as a catch-all: in the somewhat rare case that none of the other approaches here work for you, it’s virtually guaranteed this one has you covered.

To illustrate: in the “ 12 ” essay, for example, the author uses “That secret desire manifested itself in different ways” and “That view held sway until a conversation with my friend Alex, the fastest receiver on the team” to give us as readers an anchorpoint. And while what he gets into in the paragraphs contains elements of growth and what he did next, the focus and function of these are different. For example, the latter example is used to set up a pivotal shift in perception.

(Side note on usage: it’s useful to note that these transitions could probably have come at the ends of the previous paragraphs, or at the beginning, as they do.)

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Schedule a meeting to work with my team., 5. the “chapter heading/mission impossible/quentin tarantino” transition.

This approach essentially uses section headers to help a reader understand one piece in relation to another, whether that’s simple chronology (“Day 4,” “February 2020”), or something that puts a container around the text that follows (“Chapter 1: The Realization About My Family”), or something that plays off the thematic thread (see “This is me”).

There are many ways to do this, and one of our favorites examples is the “ This Is Me ” essay, which uses different identities—“I am Mexican,” “I am Chinese,” “I am American,” etc.—as transitions. Other examples include the “ Quattro Lingue ” essay (“Day 1,” “Day 3,” “Day 6,” etc.) and the “ Arab Spring in Bahrain ” essay (“February 2011,” “September 2013,” etc.). 

6. The Zoom-In Transition

With this approach, your next paragraph is a more in-depth exploration of something you just discussed in a broader way. You build a sentence that uses language clarifying what aspect you’ll be zooming in on (and maybe why).

For example, check out this excerpt from a student essay (we’ve bolded the Zoom-In):

Chapter 2: The Realization about My Father When I was 12 years old I began to explore a variety of new communities, including indie punk rock, existentialism, YouTube gaming, and Quotev storytelling.  One community in particular that impacted me was the LGBTQ community. I remember watching a number of “coming out” videos and listening to people’s experiences coming to terms with their identity. The more I listened, the more I grew to understand the discrimination they faced. Seeing their struggles, I became inspired to increase my online advocacy in small ways…

Notice how that transition sets her up nicely to shift into a more focused discussion of specific ways a community has shaped her values and understanding. That’s an added bonus of this transition: To use it well, you have to be getting more specific (which, as a general rule, is a great thing in essay writing).

Also notice that she uses the “Chapter Heading” approach as well to set up the wider map of the essay for the reader.

7. The “But That’s Not the Only Example of This Thing I Just Talked about ...” Transition  

We know that name sounds crazy specific, but that’s because this approach kinda’ is. It works particularly well at the start of your essay (say, after the opening paragraph) to transition from a) a specific example of a thing to b) another example of a thing. Often, you’ll state the theme of the essay explicitly, helping to build in the reader’s mind the “map” we mentioned earlier. 

A simple example of this might be a student who opens the essay showing an example of when listening was important in their life. The transition might be something like, “That’s not the only time listening led me to changing my mind about something,” signaling that we’re about to hear about other times that listening led to a shift in the author’s perspective.

You’ll find another example in the “ Happiness Spreadsheet ” essay, where the author begins with a few specific descriptions of how he tracks his happiness on a daily basis on a spreadsheet. He then transitions at the end of his first paragraph with, “But the practical aspect of the spreadsheet is only a piece of what it has represented in my life” and—boom—the words “only a piece” signals that this essay is likely to be about how the spreadsheet connects to other parts of his life.

8. Slightly More Advanced: The “Okay, Now I’m Gonna’ Switch Topics” Transition

This one works if you start with one topic but then want to either switch to something more interesting, expansive, or insightful, or honestly, just maybe don’t have enough to say about your first topic. (Heads up: this one is a little tricky to pull off, and takes a bit more time to craft well and make work.)

You’ll find an example of this in the “ Poop, Animals and the Environment ” essay mentioned above, which begins by describing the author’s engagement with animal welfare. But part way through, the author essentially switches to a whole different topic—environmentalism—with this transition: “I couldn’t just abandon them the same way I couldn’t let big oil companies completely devastate the Arctic, earth’s air conditioner.” taking us in a new direction. While this might be a bit jarring to some, the author works to justify it by linking through both their values and the link to animal welfare (“wiping out ocean life”).

Another example of this is the “ Entoptic Phenomenon ” essay.

9. Slightly More Advanced: The Thematic/Threaded Transition

A more advanced technique (as in, one that requires a little more time and energy to use effectively) involves using a single word to set up the thread between paragraphs. This has to be done in a way that makes it obvious for the reader what you’re doing, while still feeling subtle (which is why it sometimes takes longer to do well).

For example, in the “ Home ” essay, the first, second, and fourth paragraphs all end with the word “home.” The third doesn’t to avoid feeling repetitive. The author had to do this because she wanted to end with her intro (which is also an advanced technique; for more on that, see 10 Ways to End a Personal Statement ). She also spent several drafts experimenting.

What to do next

If you haven’t already, run through that diagnostic toward the beginning to figure out if it’s just the transitions that need to be fixed, or if there are bigger issues to address.

Once you’ve done that, and, assuming it’s just the transitions, once you’ve used some of the techniques above to help your reader orient on the map of you that is your essay, you’re hopefully getting pretty close to set. To check, take a look at the Great College Essay Test .

Looking for more tips for writing the personal statement? Head over to my Ultimate Guide to Writing a College Essay .

Another great read: College Application & Admissions Timeline (AKA What Should I be Doing Right Now?)

33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

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Writing Transitions

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Good transitions can connect paragraphs and turn disconnected writing into a unified whole. Instead of treating paragraphs as separate ideas, transitions can help readers understand how paragraphs work together, reference one another, and build to a larger point. The key to producing good transitions is highlighting connections between corresponding paragraphs. By referencing in one paragraph the relevant material from previous paragraphs, writers can develop important points for their readers.

It is a good idea to continue one paragraph where another leaves off. (Instances where this is especially challenging may suggest that the paragraphs don't belong together at all.) Picking up key phrases from the previous paragraph and highlighting them in the next can create an obvious progression for readers. Many times, it only takes a few words to draw these connections. Instead of writing transitions that could connect any paragraph to any other paragraph, write a transition that could only connect one specific paragraph to another specific paragraph.

200+ Transition Words for Argumentative Essay

Transition words are linking words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, or paragraphs, ensuring a smooth flow of information. They help improve coherence and guide readers through the text.

In this article, let’s talk about what good transition words for argumentative essays are, why they matter so much in argumentative essays, and how to use them effectively. You'll get a clear idea of how these words can make your writing more convincing and easier to read. Plus, we’ll provide you with plenty of examples so you can see how to use them in your own essays.

And if you finish reading and still feel like you could use a hand with your essay, DoMyEssay is here to help. We can assist with any part of your writing process, whether it’s refining your arguments or polishing the final draft.

How to Use Transition Words for Argumentative Essays?

Let’s say you’re in the middle of crafting your argumentative essay. You’ve got great points, and everything makes sense in your head, but when you read it back, it feels a bit disjointed. That’s where transition words come in. When used right, the appropriate transition words can act as a hook for argumentative essay, keeping your readers engaged.

Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Give Each Transition Word a Job Every transition word has a specific role in your essay. Some introduce a new idea, like "firstly" or "to begin with." If you’re adding more info, you might use "also" or "in addition." Then there are those that contrast ideas, like "however" or "on the other hand." Knowing what each word is meant to do helps you pick the right one for the right moment.
• Use Them Where They Count You want to place transition words where they’ll have the most impact (usually at the start of a new paragraph or when you’re shifting to a new point). For example, if you’ve just argued that renewable energy is good for the environment, you could say, "For instance," before giving a specific example. 
• Keep Your Essay Smooth The whole point of using transition words is to keep your essay coherent and flowing naturally. For example, after discussing one advantage of a policy, you might use "similarly" to transition smoothly to the next point, making sure your essay feels connected and logical.
• Mix It Up Using the same transition word over and over can get boring fast. So, try to vary them: use "moreover" instead of always saying "also," or "on the flip side" instead of "however." This keeps your writing interesting and shows that you have a good range of vocabulary. But don’t overdo it: too many transitions can make your essay feel forced.
• Play with Placement Well, transition words don’t always have to go at the beginning of a sentence. Sometimes, they work in the middle or even at the end. For example, you could start a sentence with "Therefore" to show a conclusion. Or, you could use it in the middle: "The policy is effective, therefore reducing costs." This gives your writing a nice rhythm!

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Types of Argumentative Essay Transition Words

Transition words connect your ideas in an argumentative essay, helping your reader follow along without getting lost. They’re small tools that can make your already persuasive writing clearer and more persuasive. Let’s break down some different types of transition words you can use.

Starting a New Point

When you’re starting a new idea or argument, you want your reader to know you’re shifting to something new. Transition words for essays like "initially" are great for signaling this. These phrases help set the stage for the new point you’re about to make, letting your reader know what’s coming next:

• "To start with, renewable energy is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels."
• "Firstly, social media has changed how we interact with each other."

Adding More Information

Sometimes you need to pile on additional info to back up your argument. Transition words like "besides" help you do just that and make it easy to add layers to your argument, giving it more depth:

• "Furthermore, renewable energy sources can create new jobs in the economy."
• "Also, social media platforms are becoming key tools in education."

Giving Examples

When you want to make your point more concrete, you’ll need to throw in some examples. Words like "for example" help you introduce these examples smoothly. These transitions show your readers that you’re about to give them something real to back up your claim:

• "For instance, countries like Germany have heavily invested in solar power."
• "To illustrate, many businesses use social media to connect directly with customers."

Showing Contrast

Not all points will be in agreement with each other, and that’s okay. When you need to highlight differences or opposing ideas, words like "in contrast" can be your go-tos. These phrases help you present complex ideas with a balanced view by acknowledging other perspectives:

• "However, some argue that renewable energy is still too expensive to implement widely."
• "On the other hand, social media can sometimes lead to misinformation spreading quickly."

Explaining Cause and Effect

When you need to show that one thing leads to another, transition words like "therefore" help make that connection clear. These transitional words help you link your ideas, showing how one thing influences another:

• "Because of the increase in renewable energy, carbon emissions have significantly decreased."
• "As a result, social media has become a powerful tool for activism."

Backing Up with Evidence

When you’re supporting your argument with facts or research, transition words like "according to" or "as shown by" help you introduce this evidence clearly and lend credibility to your argument:

• "According to recent studies, renewable energy could power 80% of the U.S. by 2050."
• "In fact, social media use has been linked to increased engagement in political activities."

Addressing the Other Side

A good argumentative essay doesn’t ignore opposing views. Transition words like "despite" help you address these counterarguments and show that you’ve considered the key point from all angles, which strengthens your argument:

• "Although renewable energy has a higher initial cost, the long-term benefits outweigh it."
• "Even though social media has its downsides, its benefits cannot be ignored."

Wrapping It All Up

Finally, when you’re ready to conclude your essay, use words like "to sum up" to bring everything together and signal to your reader that you’re wrapping things up and summarizing your main points:

• "In conclusion, shifting to renewable energy is not just an option, but a necessity for a sustainable future."
• "All in all, social media's impact on society is profound, offering both opportunities and challenges."

List of Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

Introduction.

• To begin with
• In the first place
• First and foremost
• At the outset
• To start with
• As an introduction
• Before anything else
• Let’s start by
• The first point is
• It all starts with
• To introduce the topic
• To open the discussion
• In the beginning
• To set the stage
• Starting with
• In the first instance
• To lay the foundation
• As we start
• To kick things off
• The first thing to address is
• As a starting point
• Let’s first consider
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• In addition
• Not to mention
• What’s more
• On top of that
• Equally important
• Another point is
• Beyond that
• To further elaborate
• Coupled with
• For example
• For instance
• To illustrate
• As an example
• Specifically
• To give you an idea
• Take the case of
• Consider the following
• As illustrated by
• In particular
• In this case
• To demonstrate
• As shown by
• One example is
• To put it in perspective
• An illustration of this is
• A good example is

Contradiction

• On the other hand
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• In contrast
• On the contrary
• Despite this
• In spite of
• Even though

Cause and Effect

• As a result
• Consequently
• Because of this
• For this reason
• Accordingly
• As a consequence
• This leads to
• Resulting in
• In response to
• With this in mind
• As evidence
• According to
• As demonstrated by
• In support of this
• Research shows
• To back this up
• As confirmed by
• As indicated by
• As corroborated by
• Studies reveal
• As evidenced by
• Data suggests
• As supported by
• Undoubtedly
• It is evident that
• There is no denying that
• It is clear that
• It is certain that
• To emphasize
• As a matter of fact
• Unquestionably
• This suggests that
• It stands to reason that
• In light of this
• This demonstrates
• This proves

Counterargument

• It is true that
• One might argue
• Some may say
• While it is true
• Although it is often believed
• On the one hand
• This may be true, but
• There is some truth to
• In conclusion
• All things considered
• To conclude
• As a final point
• Taking everything into account
• In the final analysis
• Upon reflection
• In retrospect
• To summarize
• Considering these points
• As has been demonstrated

Clarification

• In other words
• To put it simply
• That is to say
• In simpler terms
• To put it another way
• What this means is
• For clarity
• To rephrase
• Put differently
• To be clear
• More specifically
• In plain language
• To put it clearly
• Stated differently
• To break it down
• To put things into perspective
• Without a doubt
• Significantly
• Particularly
• Most importantly
• Emphatically
• It should be emphasized
• It is worth noting
• Importantly
• Subsequently
• Following this
• Simultaneously
• In the meantime
• In the same way
• In a similar manner
• In like manner
• By the same token
• In a similar fashion
• Correspondingly
• In parallel
• Comparable to
• In the same vein
• Analogous to
• In the same spirit
• Along similar lines
• In much the same way

Simple Help for Better Essays

Want to improve your essay’s flow and impact? We’re here to help with easy-to-follow advice and edits.

Wrapping Up

We’ve discussed what the different transition words are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively, complete with examples and tips.

To help you even further, here’s a handy table summarizing the best transition sentences and words to use for each part of your body paragraphs, with some more examples:

On the flip side, Conversely, That said, From a different perspective, On the contrary

But if you’re still scratching your head after reading this, wondering how to add these transitions into your essay, DoMyEssay can help with any part of your writing process. Whether you need assistance with transitions, crafting strong and convincing arguments, or polishing your final draft, we’ve got you covered.

How to Write a Conclusion

You’ve done it. You’ve refined your introduction and your thesis. You’ve spent time researching and proving all of your supporting arguments. You’re slowly approaching the finish line of your essay and suddenly freeze up because—that’s right—it’s time to write the conclusion.

Before we dive into the details, here’s a basic outline of how to write a conclusion:

• Restate your thesis: remind readers of your main point
• Reiterate your supporting points: remind readers of your evidence or arguments
• Wrap everything up by tying it all together
• Write a clincher: with the last sentence, leave your reader with something to think about

For many, the conclusion is the most dreaded part of essay writing . Condensing all the points you’ve analyzed in a tidy little package is certainly easier said than done. How can you make a good final impression while emphasizing the significance of your findings? 

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Table of contents

How to write a conclusion.

• Restate your thesis
• Reiterate supporting points
• Ask yourself: “So what?”
• Add perspective
• Consider the clincher

What your conclusion should not include

Learning how to write a conclusion for an essay doesn’t need to feel like climbing Everest. It is wholly possible to tie everything together while considering the broader issues and implications of your argument. You just need the right strategy.

What do you want to leave your readers with? Perhaps you want to end with a quotation that adds texture to your discussion. Or, perhaps you want to set your argument into a different, perhaps larger context. 

An effective conclusion paragraph should ultimately suggest to your reader that you’ve accomplished what you set out to prove.

5 key details for writing a conclusion

1 restate your thesis.

As you set out to write your conclusion and end your essay on an insightful note, you’ll want to start by restating your thesis. Since the thesis is the central idea of your entire essay, it’s wise to remind the reader of the purpose of your paper. 

Once you’ve restated your thesis (in a way that’s paraphrased , of course, and offers a fresh understanding), the next step is to reiterate your supporting points.

2 Reiterate supporting points

Extract all of the “main points” from each of your supporting paragraphs or individual arguments in the essay . Then, find a way to wrap up these points in a way that demonstrates the importance of the ideas. 

Depending on the length of your essay, knowing how to write a good conclusion is somewhat intuitive—you don’t want to simply summarize what you wrote. Rather, the conclusion should convey a sense of closure alongside the larger meaning and lingering possibilities of the topic. 

3 Ask yourself: “So what?” 

At some point in your life, a teacher has probably told you that the end of an essay should answer the question “So what?” or “Why does it matter?” This advice holds true. It’s helpful to ask yourself this question at the start of drafting your thesis and come back to it throughout, as it can keep you in tune with the essay’s purpose. Then, at your conclusion, you won’t be left searching for something to say.

4 Add perspective 

If you’ve come across a fantastic quote in your research that didn’t quite make it into the essay, the conclusion is a great spot for it. Including a quote from one of your primary or secondary sources can frame your thesis or final thoughts in a different light. This can add specificity and texture to your overall argument. 

For example, if you’ve written an essay about J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, you can think about using a quote from the book itself or from a critic or scholar who complicates your main point. If your thesis is about Salinger’s desire to preserve childhood innocence, ending with a biographer’s statement about Salinger’s attitude toward his own youth might be illuminating for readers. If you decide to amplify your conclusion paragraph in this way, make sure the secondary material adds (and not detracts) from the points you already made. After all, you want to have the last word!

5 Consider the clincher

At the very end of the essay comes your closing sentence or clincher. As you think about how to write a good conclusion, the clincher must be top of mind. What can you say to propel the reader to a new view on the subject? This final sentence needs to help readers feel a sense of closure. It should also end on a positive note, so your audience feels glad they read your paper and that they learned something worthwhile. 

There are a few things that you should definitely strive to avoid when writing your conclusion paragraph. These elements will only cheapen your overall argument and belabor the obvious.

Here are several conclusion mishaps to consider:

• Avoid phrases like “in summary,” “in conclusion,” or “to sum up.” Readers know they’re at the end of the essay and don’t need a signpost. 
• Don’t simply summarize what’s come before. For a short essay, you certainly don’t need to reiterate all of your supporting arguments. Readers will know if you just copied and pasted from elsewhere.
• Avoid introducing brand new ideas or evidence. This will only confuse readers and sap force from your arguments. If there’s a really profound point that you’ve reached in your conclusion and want to include, try moving it to one of your supporting paragraphs. 

Whereas your introduction acts as a bridge that transfers your readers from their own lives into the “space” of your argument or analysis, your conclusion should help readers transition back to their daily lives. 

By following this useful roadmap, you can feel confident that you know how to write a good conclusion that leaves readers with a solution, a call to action, or a powerful insight for further study.