Transition words for body paragraphs are essential when you’re writing an essay because they help readers understand and follow what you’re saying.

That said, there are many types of transitions to choose from and no one word is perfect for every situation. In this post, we’ll explore transition words for body paragraphs that will help keep your essay on track.

What is a transition word?

A transition word is a word or phrase that links two sections of text or ideas. In other words, it helps transition from one idea to another. This is especially important in essays, where you might need to link together different points and evidence to support your thesis.

Transitions help readers follow along with what you’re saying without getting lost or distracted.

Transition words can be broken down into three categories: general transition words, linking adverbs, and conjunctive adverbs.

General transition words—also known as signpost transitions—add variety and flavor to your writing. They provide a subtle break from sentence to sentence; they tell readers you’re about to say something else, but don’t interrupt an argument as much as some other types of transitions might.

Linking adverbs also marks a shift in thought or indicates what comes next. Examples include: furthermore, however, similarly, still.

Conjunctive adverbs are like semicolons in that they join independent clauses together. You might not see these used too often because writers often rely on commas for this purpose instead, but here are examples anyway: accordingly, alternatively (both indicating what comes next), therefore (indicating the consequence).

How to Use Transition Words for body paragraphs

Body paragraphs are where you present your paper’s main points.

Effective body paragraphs need transitions that help readers move smoothly from one idea to the next.

Essentially, your body paragraphs should contain transitions that lead the reader from one point to the next. For example, if you have three main points, you could use first, second, and third as transitional words between each paragraph.

You could also use phrases like in conclusion, on the other hand, or moreover.

How do you transition a body paragraph?

You don’t have to use transition words at the beginning of every sentence in a paragraph, but they can be helpful there.

For example, if you were writing about different methods of marketing your business, you could start your second main point with Moreover, or Alternatively, and then immediately follow that up with two sentences that give examples. The latter is most often used when providing contrasting viewpoints on a topic. It can also be used when introducing evidence to support an argument.

How do you transition to a 2nd body paragraph?

The 2nd body paragraph can start off with Furthermore.

In this case, it might make sense to follow up Furthermore with two supporting sentences (examples) followed by another transitional word or phrase that leads into the 3rd body paragraph.

That would look something like this:

Furthermore, some people say that small businesses need more incentives than large corporations to stay afloat because they cannot raise their prices without affecting their clientele.

Other transition words to consider include in particular, moreover, and secondly.

If you want to provide examples of something, such as a company raising its prices due to lack of incentive, those examples should be written after the transition word.

Again, these are just some common ideas – feel free to get creative!

Transition Words for argumentative essay body paragraphs

Argumentative essays try to convince the reader of a certain perspective.

These types of essays rely heavily on making good arguments and backing them up with solid evidence.

Arguments work best when they follow a structure that starts with presenting the issue being discussed, explaining why it matters, pointing out obstacles to solving the problem, suggesting solutions to address these obstacles, and finally evaluating which solution would be best for all parties involved.

Transition words and phrases can help you articulate your argument and make it flow better.

There are many ways to do this, including using related phrases and synonyms for key words in a sentence or using conjunctions like furthermore and however that connect related thoughts together.

Another technique is to build on a single word, such as examining how place impacts childhood obesity through an exploration of food deserts and farm subsidies.

Then you can use a transitional word to guide the reader from one body paragraph to the next. If you are having trouble deciding what transitional word to use, think about what type of relationship exists between the two topics.

A few possibilities for transitioning from poverty and education levels in Mexico might be On the other hand, However, Furthermore, As a result. Remember that we’re not always talking about physical movement – sometimes transitions will help your reader understand changes in time or location.

Transition Words for compare and Contrast essays body Paragraphs

A compare and contrast essay combines elements of both an argumentative essay and a personal narrative.

This means you are still trying to convince your reader of something, but also that you need to bring your own thoughts and feelings into it – such as how a country’s cultural values affect its health system or how increasing food insecurity affects children in low-income neighborhoods.

You may use specific transitional words when transitioning from one section to another, but those types of transitions will be determined by what kind of information you’re writing about.

The body paragraphs of a compare and contrast essay can be organized in a number of ways.

One popular approach is to write about the first subject for a paragraph or two, and then use a transitional word to move to the next subject.

This way, each section has space for exploring both subjects without any risk of losing the reader.

Some possible transitional words and phrases to use are in the same vein, similarly, on the other hand, and in contrast.

If you are comparing and contrasting two things that are similar to each other, you can use words such as likewise or alternatively.

For example, you could talk about the importance of reading to a child and the benefits of reading aloud.

Instead of directly following this with a paragraph about the benefits of reading silently, you could use a transitional word to lead in that direction and continue with a paragraph or two discussing silent reading.

Alternatively, if you are considering two different viewpoints on the same topic, it can be useful to transition from one viewpoint to the other with words such as nevertheless or alternatively.

Transition Words for Cause and Effect essay body Paragraphs

Causal relationship is a key concept in any type of causal argument, and it also plays an important role in many other types of writing, including cause and effect essays.

Cause and effect essays can be organized in a few different ways, depending on the structure of your paper.

It is common to have three separate sections: (1) introduction and background; (2) argument and analysis; (3) alternative solutions or conclusions.

In this case, the introduction would have one paragraph dedicated to introducing the issue at hand, followed by three paragraphs about presenting arguments for various solutions.

Transitioning from one body paragraph to another is similar to transitioning between different sections within a larger piece – you need a way to set up why you’re moving on and what specifically you’ll be talking about next.

In a cause and effect essay where the three sections are combined into one, there needs to be a strong signal at the end of each paragraph indicating where you are going next.

Transition words help readers understand which idea you are going to explore next, and they create cohesion in your ideas.

Transitioning between body paragraphs in a cause and effect essay where the three sections are combined into one, there needs to be a strong signal at the end of each paragraph indicating where you are going next.

Transition words help readers understand which idea you are going to explore next, and they create cohesion in your ideas.

Transition Words for body Paragraphs in a Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays should be written carefully and strategically to encourage the reader’s agreement with your point of view.

First, you must provide evidence to support your position, so it’s important to include relevant facts and statistics throughout the essay.

Next, you must identify the opposing side’s main argument in order to counter it effectively.

Finally, persuasive essays often include statements asking readers not only to think about their stance on a given issue but also take action based on that stance.

Using transition words in a persuasive essay body paragraphs helps develop cohesion between sentences and paragraphs.

Some examples of transition words are therefore, furthermore, in addition, however, etc.

These help readers understand which idea you are going to explore next, and they create coherence in your ideas.

Smooth transition helps persuade readers more easily because it makes your points easier to follow.

With transitions, readers will know which direction you are taking next and will be able to follow along without confusion.

Transition Words for body Paragraphs in Narrative essays

A narrative essay doesn’t just tell a story. It also creates connections with its audience through vivid details, making it easy for the reader to become immersed in the narrator’s world.

There are three general kinds of transitions that authors might employ when writing a narrative essay: (1) transitions in time and place; (2) spatial/physical transitions; and (3) grammatical-style changes.

The first kind deals with movement between present moments, past moments, and future moments.

You can introduce a new temporal event using then, next, in the meantime, before long, or something similar.

Second, if you want to shift your perspective from inside one character’s mind to inside another character’s mind, try starting a sentence with something like I felt though.

Third, you can also indicate a change in physical location in the same manner.

And finally, you may choose to switch to a more casual tone of voice to establish immediacy and make the reader feel closer to the narrator.

This usually involves switching to contractions such as he’s or she’d.

Transition words allow readers to see where an author is headed and keep track of the author’s train of thought.

They also create cohesion within an essay by linking two thoughts together. In this way, transitional words help the narrator seem more relatable and credible.

Transition Words for Descriptive essay body Paragraphs

Descriptive essays typically have short paragraphs, each paragraph describing a different aspect of the person, place, thing, or feeling being described.

To set up the scene for each paragraph with purposeful descriptions and sensory detail, descriptive essays require plenty of transitional words to guide readers seamlessly through images that have been vividly created.

Consider the following words for transitioning to a new topic.

Meanwhile, likewise, moreover, in contrast, and nevertheless are all commonly used. Transition words are necessary to show the reader what you’re talking about and to maintain a coherent structure.

Readers need transition words to know where you’re heading with your description , and they make your points easier to follow.

Effective transitions also make your essay body paragraphs more interesting and logical. For example, if you are writing a descriptive essay about your favorite room, you could use “Likewise” or Meanwhile to signify that you are still in the same space.

Then, to transition to a new place, you could use words like Elsewhere.

Transition Words for a Definition essay body Paragraphs

Definition essays are written to help readers fully understand a word or concept.

Definitions generally consist of three parts: the definition, an illustration, and a related example.

Transitions are most effective in defining essays when they serve to summarize the preceding paragraph and illustrate the meaning of a word or phrase with brief examples.

Transition words are also useful for emphasizing key points in definitions and helping readers find related meanings.

Example transition words include therefore, thus, similarly, likewise, on the other hand, on the contrary.

Writers should take care to use these words only in appropriate places.

Transition words should not be used in every sentence because they can start to sound repetitive and are not always needed. Note that some words, such as however, furthermore, and moreover, are much less likely to disrupt the rhythm of your sentences.

When you read the passage aloud, pause slightly after these transition words so that you don’t sound too monotonous.

Transition Words for body Paragraphs in a Critical analysis Essay

A critical analysis essay is a form of academic writing that critically examines a text or object and aims to determine the object’s worth.

Body paragraphs of a critical analysis essay are the foundation of a paper.

They are where you develop and establish your argument, and where you substantiate your claims.

It is important to remember that just because a body paragraph does not contain the thesis statement, does not mean it lacks importance.

Body paragraphs are integral to the success of any essay, no matter the genre.

They provide a break from long chunks of prose by introducing another idea or providing a connection to the next one.

You can use transition words to connect your reasoning and explain your evidence. Be careful when you make an inference, because if you are incorrect, it will undermine the whole essay.

Transition words in this case might include but, although, despite the fact that, even though, while, in spite of the fact that, while on the other hand… etc. The way that you choose to end your sentence (i.e., verbs) may change depending on the type of transition word (i.e., continuative).

Continuative transitions emphasize continuation; however, other kinds of transition words can emphasize the role of time or the relationship between two ideas. Thus, writers must pay close attention to their punctuation usage to avoid confusion.

Transition Words for a Process essay r body Paragraphs

A process essay is about describing a series of events in chronological order.

In each sentence, follow up with a new step in the process until you reach the conclusion. Again, using transitions helps keep your reader engaged throughout this often lengthy paragraph.

To keep things interesting, try varying your sentence structure and adding descriptive language to help create vivid images in your reader’s mind.

As you write, ask yourself what the purpose of the sentence is. If you are using a transition to link to the following paragraph, then you would want to end your sentence with a continuative verb.

If, on the other hand, you are finishing off a step in the process, then it might be more effective to use a verb that denotes completion.

For instance, you could use finished or completed.

This gives the impression that the event is complete and there is nothing left to do.

On the other hand, sometimes you need to clarify a point before you move on.

One way to do this is to add a comma after your transition word and include a subordinate clause that provides additional information.

This type of transition forces your reader to pay close attention and listen for clues that something might be coming in the sentence, whether it’s positive or negative.

Transition Words for body Paragraphs in an Expository essay

Expository essays have been written since ancient times and focus on developing a particular topic.

The aim of an expository essay is to demonstrate knowledge about a topic. An expository essay is the most commonly seen essay at college and university level courses.

Transition words in the body paragraphs of expository essays are very important, as they serve to introduce the next part of your essay.

When you’re planning your essay, think about a transition word that connects well with the previous paragraph.

When you come to a natural stopping point, which can happen anywhere in a paragraph, finish your thought and go on to the next one.

This is also a good opportunity to use a transition word to segue into the next paragraph.

This technique allows you to maintain your train of thought, rather than abruptly starting over.

Smooth transition words that allow you to connect one idea to another include also, next, in addition, therefore, and moreover.

You can use these transitions to start your sentence with also and then continue onto a related point.

You can even choose to use next if you are skipping over one or two points, but not many. You should avoid using in addition too many times in succession because it becomes repetitive and starts sounding awkward, so mix up these two transitional phrases every now and again.

Transition Words for Body Paragraphs in Essays: Final Remarks

Essays focus on one topic, and you will want to be very clear about what it is that you’re talking about as you write each paragraph.

As you write, plan out which points you need to address and determine a natural stopping point for each paragraph.

Transition words will help you stay focused on your main point while still providing variety in sentence structure.

You don’t want to give the appearance that you’ve forgotten where you were going with your essay!

Using transitions also increases readability, because it makes your prose less choppy and easier to understand. It also keeps your readers interested and prevents them from losing interest.

By choosing the right transition word, you’ll be able to guide your readers through your essay in a way that enhances the experience.

So next time you are writing an essay, consider picking a transition that is on the same general topic as the preceding paragraph, and it will appear to your reader that you are logically linking ideas together. This makes your essay more cohesive and compelling.