Writing an argumentative essay requires a lot of effort aside from research. Besides grammar and structure, you definitely need to make sure your essay is coherent by using transitions.
Argumentative essay transition words allow you to wrap up a piece of evidence to support your main point and then move on to another. Keep reading for tips and an exhaustive list of transition words I put together for your argumentative essays.
What Is a Transition Word?
A transition word is critical to producing quality content. Also known as linking words, transition words make basic connections between sentences and paragraphs to show a relationship between ideas.
A strong transition is crucial when writing an essay. It’s not enough that you provide complete information about your main points and supporting details. You also have to make your argument attractive and logical by using transitions in your academic essay.
The absence of transition words will make your paper less readable and understandable. But too many transitions can also ruin your piece. Use them in moderation to avoid confusion about your document.
Function and Importance of Transitions
The goal of transition words is to convey ideas clearly and concisely to your readers. If you’re writing an argumentative paper, you want to make logical connections in your document to prove your central point.
Transitional phrases and words help you produce a logical flow from one sentence or paragraph to another. In other words, they introduce what the following information will be. Some transitions come in single words, while others come in complete phrases and sentences.
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There are many categories of transitions, including those that present counterarguments and others that build on your arguments. Be careful about using the wrong transition. Otherwise, you won’t achieve your goal of clarity and conciseness. Consider these examples.
- “For instance, an anonymous TikTok user reports having a shorter attention span because of its over-swiping feature.” (In this sentence, for instance is used to provide an example).
- “Here’s an exception to my previous point.” (This entire sentence is a transition, showing a logical connection between the previous and following sentences).
Transition can also be a sentence to a paragraph long. I’ll show you an example.
Paragraph A: A point that supports co-sleeping as a parenting method.
Transition: Despite this, there are many reasons that prove co-sleeping leads to sleep-related accidents.
Paragraph B: Points that oppose co-sleeping.
Types of Transition Words
There are several types of transitions you can use for making high-quality essays.
Transition Between Paragraphs
A type of transition required for a well-written essay is one you can find between paragraphs. Once you’ve arranged each paragraph according to your outline, it’s important to start each with an effective transition. This word or phrase is usually present in the topic sentence of the body.
Some examples include however, similarly, and for example. But these transition expressions cannot be a single sentence long. The initial sentence of every paragraph should be clear and substantial instead of simply connecting ideas.
Transition Within Paragraphs
Creating a powerful transition within every paragraph of your academic papers avoids choppy sentences. It provides a sense of connection between complex ideas to help readers anticipate what is coming.
These are usually single words or short phrases like in addition, since, and if.
Transition Between Sections
The last type of transition phrases and sentences are those between sections. You’ll find them all over the entire paper to summarize the information. They can be restatements of arguments or a short closing sentence to ensure the flow of ideas.
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
It’s a type of essay that requires you to research a subject matter and establish a position for or against it.
Aside from researching and evaluating evidence, showing a relationship between sentences and sections is essential when writing a paper. This will allow you to wrap up an idea and then start another. You must cite different sources to support your point of view, then show counterarguments.
The entire essay should include an introduction, a conclusion, and at least three body paragraphs.
How Do You Start an Argumentative Essay?
Every type of paper starts with an introduction, which usually includes a hook, background, and thesis statement.
The common essay introduction piques the reader’s interest through a surprising statistic or an interesting question. Provide readers with a background of your entire content piece, then state your main argument in a clear sentence.
Transition expressions are not yet essential in this stage of essay writing. Focus on setting up your point and discussing how you will argue it throughout the paper.
Common Transitions for Argumentative Essay Writing
Take a look at this list of transitional words and phrases commonly used to make strong arguments.
- Similarly
- Also
- Likewise
- Just as
- Additionally
- Too
- As
- Like
- In addition
- Not only… but also
- In the same way
- Moreover
- Comparatively
- Furthermore
- Equally important
Counterargument Transition Words
Here’s a transition word list for essays showing different sides of an argument.
- While it is true that
- Although
- Nevertheless
- Yet
- Whereas
- Despite this
- On the other hand
- However
- Be that as it may
- Even though
- Although this may be true
Transition Words and Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting
Here’s a breakdown of transition words and phrases you can use when comparing and contrasting.
- But
- As much as
- Instead
- While
- Besides
- Whereas
- In reality
- After all
- Despite
- Then again
- Although
- In spite of
- On the contrary
- Different from
- In contrast
Transition Words to Include in Your College Essay
Here are some examples of transition words you can use when applying for college admission or scholarship.
- In fact
- To explain
- Including
- In general
- In detail
- Truly
- To put it in another way
- To demonstrate
- As an illustration
- In general
- To clarify
- Such as
- By all means
- Surely
- In other words
- Notably
Transition Words for Cause and Effect
Consider this transition word list when showing cause and effect.
- As a result
- So
- Since
- For this reason
- Thus
- Consequently
- Then
- Accordingly
- Thereupon
- Hence
- Therefore
- Henceforth
- Under those circumstances
- Because the
- In effect
Transition Words for Essay Paragraphs
- At the present time
- After
- Until
- Prior to
- As soon as
- Meanwhile
- In due time
- To begin with
- Since
- All of a sudden
- As long as
- Immediately
- Whenever
- In a moment
- During
Transitions to Emphasize a Point
- In fact
- Above all
- Indeed
- Furthermore
- In essence
- Actually
- Most of all
- Also
- Moreover
- Much more
- The main problem/issue is
- Without question
- More importantly
- Most important of all
- In truth
Transition Words for Additional Support or Evidence
- Additionally
- Again
- And
- Then
- Further
- In addition
- Moreover
- Furthermore
- Equally important
- Besides
- As well
- Also
Transition Words for Sequence or Order
- First
- Second
- Third
- Next
- Then
- Finally
Transition Words for Space or Place
- In the middle of
- Further
- In the distance
- In the background
- Among
- Beneath
- From
- Around
- Here
- Beside
- Here and there
- Next
- Beyond
- On the side
- There
To Cite a Source or Paraphrase
- According to
- This means that
- In other words
- Put it more simply
Transition Words to Begin a Body Paragraph
- To begin with
- Equally important
- In addition
- Next
- What is more
- Finally
- Lastly
- Furthermore
- Beyond that
Transition Words to Introduce Details
- For example
- As an example
- For instance
- A case in point
- Specifically
- In particular
- More specifically
- Such as
- In fact
Transition Words for Conclusion
- As can be seen
- To sum up
- By and large
- Ultimately
- Altogether
- After all
- Obviously
- Overall
- In brief
- On the whole
- To summarize
- In the final analysis
- In a word
- On balance
- Generally speaking
More Transition Words
- If
- With this intention
- In case
- In order to
- Unless
- In view of
- In the hope that
- Whenever
- Owing to
- With this in mind
- For the purpose of
- When
- Provided that
- Even if
- So as to
Tips for Using Argumentative Essay Transitions
Follow these tips to improve your use of transitions in your essay.
Know What the Transitions Mean
Non-native speakers may need help knowing the meaning of every transition expression, so research every term before using it.
There are also many categories of transition words. You can use them to summarize points, show contradictions, express sequence, or begin a paragraph.
Start Your Essay with an Outline
Writing an outline will make it easier to map your ideas and move them around. This strategy will help you transition between paragraphs.
Don’t Overuse Transitions
The last mistake you shouldn’t make is overuse. Instead of making connections between sentences, you’ll make your paper more difficult to read. It creates more incoherence and distraction in your writing, contradicting its intended purpose in your paper.
Use Transition Words Properly
Now you know how to use transition words and phrases for your argumentative essay through this guide and list. These expressions will help you produce a coherent relationship between every idea.
Mastering transitions for your essay may not be a piece of cake, but practice makes perfect. Don’t forget to revise and proofread your argumentative before submitting it to your professor.