Useful linking words and phrases

To show place - above, below, here, there, etc.

To show time - after, before, currently, during, earlier, later, etc.
To give an example - for example, for instance, etc.
To show addition - additionally, also, and, furthermore, moreover, equally important, etc.
To show similarity - also, likewise, in the same way, similarly, etc.
To show an exception - but, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, yet,
etc.
To show a sequence - first, second, third, next, then, etc.
To emphasize - indeed, in fact, of course, etc.
To show cause and effect - accordingly, consequently, therefore, thus, etc.
To conclude or repeat - finally, in conclusion, on the whole, in the end, etc.
Outright: straight-out, without reservation
Minutia/minutiae: minor details
Invariably: always
Critical: most important
Substantial: of considerable importance, size or worth
Imperative: of vital important, crucial

To indicate a contrast:
however

on the other hand

in contrast

alternatively

on the contrary

conversely

in comparison

rather

in fact

another possibility

better/worse still

but

despite this

notwithstanding

in spite of

nevertheless

for all that

yet

all the same

instead

although

for example

as follows

that is

that is to say

for instance

say

in other words

namely

such as

chiefly

mainly

most importantly

typical of this/such

notably

one such

including

especially

not least

To provide an illustration:

a typical/particular/key example

in particular

To extend a point:
similarly

equally

indeed

in addition

in the same way

in addition

likewise

too

besides

also

above all

as well

furthermore
To show cause and effect/conclusion:
so

therefore

accordingly

thus

hence

then

it follows that

for this reason

this implies

in this/that case

consequently

because of this/that

this suggests that

in conclusion

in short

to conclude

In brief

in all

it might be concluded from this

resulting from/ in consequence of this
owing to/due to the fact that

accepting/assuming
this
as a result/ consequence
accepting/assuming this

To show the next step:

first(ly)

second(ly)

to begin/start with

lastly

last but not least

ultimately

first and foremost

finally

another

then

after

next

afterwards
the first/second place

third(ly)

first and most importantly in

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express
agreement with preceding material.
in the first place
not only ... but also
as a matter of fact
in like manner
in addition
coupled with
in the same fashion / way
first, second, third
in the light of
not to mention
to say nothing of
equally important

again
to
and
also
then
equally
identically
uniquely
like
as
too

moreover
as well as
together with
of course
likewise
comparatively
correspondingly
similarly
furthermore
additionally

by the same token

Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction
Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out
alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).
although this may be true
in contrast
different from
of course ..., but
on the other hand
on the contrary
at the same time
in spite of
even so / though
be that as it may
then again
above all
in reality
after all

but
(and) still
unlike
or
(and) yet
while
albeit
besides
as much as
even though

although
instead
whereas
despite
conversely
otherwise
however
rather
nevertheless
nonetheless
regardless
notwithstanding

Cause / Condition / Purpose

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.
in the event that
granted (that)
as / so long as
on (the) condition (that)
for the purpose of
with this intention
with this in mind
in the hope that
to the end that
for fear that
in order to
seeing / being that
in view of

If
... then
unless
when
whenever
while
because of
as
since
while
lest

in case
provided that
given that
only / even if
so that
so as to
owing to
inasmuch as
due to

Examples / Support / Emphasis

These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to indicate
importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.
in other words
to put it differently
for one thing
as an illustration
in this case
for this reason

notably
including
like
to be sure
namely
chiefly

in fact
in general
in particular
in detail
for example
for instance

to put it another way

that is to say
with attention to
by all means

truly
indeed
certainly
surely
markedly
such as

important to realize
another key point
first thing to remember
most compelling evidence
must be remembered
point often overlooked
to point out
on the positive side
on the negative side
with this in mind

especially
explicitly
specifically
expressly
surprisingly
frequently
significantly
particularly

to demonstrate
to emphasize
to repeat
to clarify
to explain
to enumerate

Effect / Consequence / Result

Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are time
words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect.
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before
the consequences or effects.
as a result
under those circumstances
in that case
for this reason
in effect

for
thus
because the
then
hence

consequently
therefore
thereupon
forthwith
accordingly
henceforth

Conclusion / Summary / Restatement

These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final
general statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect / Consequence category can be
used to summarize.
as can be seen
generally speaking
in the final analysis
all things considered
as shown above
in the long run
given these points
as has been noted
in a word
for the most part

after all
in fact
in summary
in conclusion
in short
in brief
in essence
to summarize
on balance
altogether
overall
ordinarily

by and large
to sum up
on the whole
in any event
in either case
all in all
Obviously
Ultimately
Definitely

usually
Time / Chronology / Sequence
These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They
can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.
at the present time
from time to time
sooner or later
at the same time
up to the present time
to begin with
in due time
as soon as
as long as
in the meantime
in a moment
without delay
in the first place
all of a sudden
at this instant
first, second

after
later
last
until
till
since
then
before
hence
since
when
once
about
next
now

henceforth
whenever
eventually
meanwhile
further
during
in time
prior to
forthwith
straightaway

immediately
quickly
finally

formerly
suddenly
shortly

instantly
presently
occasionally

by the time
whenever
until now
now that

Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence;
henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.
Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing
conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples.
Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.
Space / Location / Place
These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to
restrict, limit or qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be
used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.
in the middle
to the left/right
in front of
on this side
in the distance
here and there
in the foreground
in the background
in the center of
adjacent to
opposite to

here
there
next
where
from
over
near
above
below
down
up
under

further
beyond
nearby
wherever
around
between
before
alongside
amid
among
beneath
beside

behind
across

40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

General explaining
Lets start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.
1. In order to
Usage: In order to can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument.
Example: In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.
2. In other words
Usage: Use in other words when you want to express something in a different way (more simply),
to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point.
Example: Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.
3. To put it another way
Usage: This phrase is another way of saying in other words, and can be used in particularly complex
points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a
better understanding of its significance.
Example: Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.
4. That is to say
Usage: That is and that is to say can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be
more precise.
Example: Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.
5. To that end
Usage: Use to that end or to this end in a similar way to in order to or so.
Example: Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To
that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of and each time they want to add further
information in support of a point theyre making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer
ways of doing this.
6. Moreover
Usage: Employ moreover at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point
youre making.

Example: Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support
of
7. Furthermore
Usage: This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information.
Example: Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that
8. Whats more
Usage: This is used in the same way as moreover and furthermore.
Example: Whats more, this isnt the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.
9. Likewise
Usage: Use likewise when you want to talk about something that agrees with what youve just
mentioned.
Example: Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.
10. Similarly
Usage: Use similarly in the same way as likewise.
Example: Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethovens new work, because it was very
different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the
unfamiliar.
11. Another key thing to remember
Usage: Use the phrase another key point to remember or another key fact to remember to
introduce additional facts without using the word also.
Example: As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature.
Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had
a major impact on the world around him.
12. As well as
Usage: Use as well as instead of also or and.
Example: Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.
13. Not only but also
Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something thats in some way
more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information.
Example: Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of
Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time.

Example: Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of
15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly
Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other.
Example: There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.
16. Not to mention/to say nothing of
Usage: Not to mention and to say nothing of can be used to add extra information with a bit of
emphasis.
Example: The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact
on the countrys economy.

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When youre developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions
or evidence it could show this, but it could also show this, or X says this, but Y disagrees. This
section covers words you can use instead of the but in these examples, to make your writing sound
more intelligent and interesting.
17. However
Usage: Use however to introduce a point that disagrees with what youve just said.
Example: Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.
18. On the other hand
Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of
evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion.
Example: The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the
archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that
day.
19. Having said that
Usage: Used in a similar manner to on the other hand or but.
Example: The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version
of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.
20. By contrast/in comparison
Usage: Use by contrast or in comparison when youre comparing and contrasting pieces of
evidence.
Example: Scholar As opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar Bs opinion
seems more plausible.

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion.

Example: Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, its possible that
he was being paid to say this.
22. That said
Usage: This is used in the same way as then again.
Example: The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence
is unreliable at best.
23. Yet
Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea.
Example: Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the
most important aspect of the situation.

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here
are some ways of doing so.
24. Despite this
Usage: Use despite this or in spite of this when you want to outline a point that stands regardless
of a shortfalling in the evidence.
Example: The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.
25. With this in mind
Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else.
Example: Weve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the
rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite
conclusions. With this in mind, lets look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.
26. Provided that
Usage: This means on condition that. You can also say providing that or just providing to mean
the same thing.
Example: We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the
limitations of the methods used to obtain it.
27. In view of/in light of
Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else.
Example: In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of
28. Nonetheless
Usage: This is similar to despite this.

Example: The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.

29. Nevertheless
Usage: This is the same as nonetheless.
Example: The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.
30. Notwithstanding
Usage: This is another way of saying nonetheless.
Example: Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the
development of how we view the workings of the human mind.

Giving examples
Good essays always back up points with examples, but its going to get boring if you use the expression
for example every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.
31. For instance
Example: Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK
in early winter and fly south
32. To give an illustration
Example: To give an illustration of what I mean, lets look at the case of

Signifying importance
When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of
highlighting it as such.
33. Significantly
Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent.
Example: Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius accounts of
the same period.
34. Notably
Usage: This can be used to mean significantly (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably
with in particular (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it).
Example: Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar As analysis.
35. Importantly
Usage: Use importantly interchangeably with significantly.

Example: Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was
presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might
otherwise have done.

Summarising

Youve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isnt over yet. You need to end by
wrapping up everything youve talked about, showing that youve considered the arguments on both
sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.
36. In conclusion
Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising
what youve discussed in a broad overview.
Example: In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.
37. Above all
Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from
the essay.
Example: Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that
38. Persuasive
Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing.
Example: Scholar As point that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain seems to me
to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozarts death.
39. Compelling
Usage: Use in the same way as persuasive above.
Example: The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.
40. All things considered
Usage: This means taking everything into account.
Example: All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that

Writing Better University Essay

Generalizing: as a general rule, as a rule, in general, generally, normally, on the whole, usually
Explaining: in other words, that is, this means that
Express certainty: it is certain that, there is no doubt that, I am confident that, certainly, definitely,
clearly, undoubtedly, presumably, will, is, should
Express probability: it is probable that, it is likely that, probably
Express possibility: can, may, it is possible that, could, might, might possibly, possibly, perhaps
Express doubt: it is doubtful that, maybe
Express improbability: is improbable, is unlikely, it is uncertain
Express impossibility: impossible, cannot, cant, will not, is not

Draw attention: it is worth noting that, it should be emphasized that, it should be highlighted that, it
should be underlined that, in particular, especially, mainly, chiefly, mostly, it should be pointed out
that, it should be noted that, it should be remembered that, it is worth stressing that, is vital, is crucial
Contrasting two points: however, but, in spite of, despite, in spite of the fact that, despite the fact
that, nevertheless, nonetheless, instead, conversely, on the contrary, by contrast, whereas, while,
whilst, although, even though, on the one hand, on the other hand, in contrast, in comparison with,
but, yet, alternatively, the former, the latter, respectively, all the same
Giving alternatives: there are two possibilities, alternatively, the one, the other, either, or, neither,
nor, in addition, no only, but also, worse still, better still, equally, likewise, similarly, correspondingly,
in the same way, another possibility, in a similar vein, as well as, furthermore, moreover, also,
although, again, what is more, besides, too, as well as
Giving examples or introducing illustrations: for example, for instance, to name an example, to give
an example, is well illustrated by, a case point is, such as, such, one of which, illustrates, is an example
of this, is shown by, is exemplified by, is illustrated by
Stating sequence: first of all, first, firstly, second, secondly, thirdly, fourthly, now, then, next, finally,
to complete, after that, 1, 2, 3, last, lastly, furthermore, to begin with, moreover, in addition, to
conclude, afterwards
Reformulate the same point: in other words, to put it more simply, to put it differently, it would be
better to say
Stating consequences: so, therefore, as a consequence, as a result, now, consequently, because of,
thus, for this reason, then, this is why, accordingly, hence, given this, with reference to, given, on this
basis, is caused by, causes, due to, has the effect, affects, the reason for, because of this, if, then,
results in, leads to, produces, owing to, through, as, since, because
Stating purpose: in order to, so that, so as to, to
Giving the method by which something happened: by ing, by (noun), by using
Stating surprise about something unexpected: besides, however, nevertheless, surprisingly,
nonetheless, notwithstanding, only, still, while, in any case, at any rate, for all that, after all, at the
same time, all the same
Summarizing: to sum up, in summary, to summarize, in brief, altogether, overall
Reaching a conclusion: I conclude, I therefore conclude, reached the conclusion that, it is concluded,
therefore, for this reason, then, thus, in conclusion, to bring it all together
Listing components: distinct factors, comprises, consists of, constitutes, is composed of, may be
classified, may be divided, can be distinguished
Giving definitions: (something) is, means, describes, is defined as, is used, is concerned with, deals
with, relates to, involves, signifies, consist of
Approximating results: is just over, is just under, a little over, a little under, about, approximately,
nearly
Qualifying comparisons: considerably, a great deal, much, very much, rather, somewhat, significantly,
slightly, scarcely, hardly, only just (bigger than); exactly, precisely, just, virtually, practically, more or

less, almost, nearly, approximately, almost, not quite, not entirely (the same as); totally, very,
completely, entirely, quite, considerably (different from); is similar, is dissimilar, is different
Qualifying frequency: never, rarely, sometimes, usually, often, always, generally, on the whole,
frequently, occasionally, hardly ever, seldom
Qualifying results: under no circumstances, mainly, generally, predominantly, usually, the majority,
most of, almost all, a number of, may be, some, a few, a little, fairly, very, quite, rather, almost
Qualifying change: no, minimal, slight, small, slow, gradual, steady, marked, large, dramatic,
complete, steep, sharp, rapid, sudden (rise, increase, fluctuation, decrease, decline, reduction, fall,
drop, upwards trend, downward trend, peak, plateau, level off)