another word for better in an essay

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adjective as in excelling, more excellent

Strongest matches

• exceptional

Strong matches

• sophisticated

Weak matches

• higher quality
• more appropriate
• more desirable
• more fitting
• more select
• more suitable
• more useful
• more valuable

adjective as in improved in health

• convalescent
• progressing
• fully recovered
• more healthy
• on the comeback trail
• on the mend
• on the road to recovery
• out of the woods
• over the hump

adjective as in larger

Strongest match

Strong match

• preponderant

adverb as in in a more excellent manner

• in a superior way
• more advantageously
• more attractively
• more competently
• more completely
• more effectively
• more thoroughly
• to a greater degree

verb as in improve performance; outdo

Discover More

Example sentences.

Then pair it with regulatory changes to help the housing market work better for more people.

As the actors do it more and more, they get better and better.

With such training, police departments will be better positioned to collect and evaluate data on their own.

Researchers are hopeful about using machine learning techniques to analyze medical data like patient records, which could help doctors better treat patients by knowing how they’ll likely respond to certain therapies.

Non-Black allies of color are also taking steps to support food justice — providing meals to a Black Lives Matter chapter, championing Black chefs, and better fostering workplace diversity.

We need to recover and grow the idea that the proper answer to bad speech is more and better speech.

Yes, we do typically do better than Europe (and Canada, too, which is frequently awful on this score).

The cartoonist, better known as Charb, was shot dead Wednesday.

He also wants to “replace every existing organism with a better one.”

For someone with anorexia, self-starvation makes them feel better.

Of course, considerations of weight have to be taken into account, but the more mould round the roots the better.

"Better so," was the Senora's sole reply; and she fell again into still deeper, more perplexed thought about the hidden treasure.

Arches more graceful in form, or better fitted to defy the assaults of time, I have never seen.

This is one of the most striking manifestations of the better side of child-nature and deserves a chapter to itself.

For it is better that thy children should ask of thee, than that thou look toward the hands of thy children.

Related Words

Words related to better are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word better . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

verb as in improve, correct

• make up for
• pay one's dues

verb as in defeat, surpass

• be victorious
• shoot ahead of

verb as in help, enhance

• be good for
• contribute to
• do the trick
• fill the bill
• make a killing

Viewing 5 / 83 related words

When To Use

What are other ways to say  improve .

To better is to improve conditions which, though not bad, are unsatisfying: to better an attempt, oneself (as by gaining a higher salary). Improve usually implies remedying a lack or a felt need: to improve a process, oneself (as by gaining more knowledge). The more formal verb ameliorate implies improving oppressive, unjust, or difficult conditions: to ameliorate working conditions.

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On this page you'll find 216 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to better, such as: exceptional, improved, superior, choice, exceeding, and fitter.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

39 Different Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay (Rated)

The phrase “In conclusion …” sounds reductive, simple and … well, just basic.

You can find better words to conclude an essay than that!

So below I’ve outlined a list of different ways to say in conclusion in an essay using a range of analysis verbs . Each one comes with an explanation of the best time to use each phrase and an example you could consider.

Read Also: How to Write a Conclusion using the 5C’s Method

List of Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay

The following are the best tips I have for to say in conclusion in an essay.

1. The Weight of the Evidence Suggests…

My Rating: 10/10

Overview: This is a good concluding phrase for an evaluative essay where you need to compare two different positions on a topic then conclude by saying which one has more evidence behind it than the other.

You could also use this phrase for argumentative essays where you’ve put forward all the evidence for your particular case.

Example: “The weight of the evidence suggests that climate change is a real phenomenon.”

2. A Thoughtful Analysis would Conclude…

My Rating: 9/10

Overview: I would use this phrase in either an argumentative essay or a comparison essay. As an argument, it highlights that you think your position is the most logical.

In a comparison essay, it shows that you have (or have intended to) thoughtfully explore the issue by looking at both sides.

Example: “A thoughtful analysis would conclude that there is substantial evidence highlighting that climate change is real.”

Related Article: 17+ Great Ideas For An Essay About Yourself

3. A Balanced Assessment of the Above Information…

Overview: This phrase can be used to show that you have made a thoughtful analysis of the information you found when researching the essay. You’re telling your teacher with this phrase that you have looked at all sides of the argument before coming to your conclusion.

Example: “A balanced assessment of the above information would be that climate change exists and will have a strong impact on the world for centuries to come.”

4. Across the Board…

My Rating: 5/10

Overview: I would use this phrase in a less formal context such as in a creative discussion but would leave it out of a formal third-person essay. To me, the phrase comes across as too colloquial.

Example: “Across the board, there are scientists around the world who consistently provide evidence for human-induced climate change.”

5. Logically…

My Rating: 7/10

Overview: This phrase can be used at the beginning of any paragraph that states out a series of facts that will be backed by clear step-by-step explanations that the reader should be able to follow to a conclusion.

Example: “Logically, the rise of the automobile would speed up economic expansion in the United States. Automobiles allowed goods to flow faster around the economy.

6. After all is Said and Done…

Overview: This is a colloquial term that is more useful in a speech than written text. If you feel that the phrase ‘In conclusion,’ is too basic, then I’d also avoid this term. However, use in speech is common, so if you’re giving a speech, it may be more acceptable.

Example: “After all is said and done, it’s clear that there is more evidence to suggest that climate change is real than a hoax.”

7. All in All…

Overview: ‘All in all’ is a colloquial term that I would use in speech but not in formal academic writing. Colloquialisms can show that you have poor command of the English language. However, I would consider using this phrase in the conclusion of a debate.

Example: “All in all, our debate team has shown that there is insurmountable evidence that our side of the argument is correct.”

8. All Things Considered…

My Rating: 6/10

Overview: This term is a good way of saying ‘I have considered everything above and now my conclusion is..’ However, it is another term that’s more commonly used in speech than writing. Use it in a high school debate, but when it comes to a formal essay, I would leave it out.

Example: “All things considered, there’s no doubt in my mind that climate change is man-made.”

9. As a Final Note…

My Rating: 3/10

Overview: This phrase gives me the impression that the student doesn’t understand the point of a conclusion. It’s not to simply make a ‘final note’, but to summarize and reiterate. So, I would personally avoid this one.

Example: “As a final note, I would say that I do think the automobile was one of the greatest inventions of the 20 th Century.”

10. As Already Stated…

My Rating: 2/10

Overview: I don’t like this phrase. It gives teachers the impression that you’re going around in circles and haven’t organized your essay properly. I would particularly avoid it in the body of an essay because I always think: “If you already stated it, why are you stating it again?” Of course, the conclusion does re-state things, but it also adds value because it also summarizes them. So, add value by using a phrase such as ‘summarizing’ or ‘weighing up’ in your conclusion instead.

Example: “As already stated, I’m going to repeat myself and annoy my teacher.”

11. At present, the Best Evidence Suggests…

My Rating: 8/10

Overview: In essays where the evidence may change in the future. Most fields of study do involve some evolution over time, so this phrase acknowledges that “right now” the best evidence is one thing, but it may change in the future. It also shows that you’ve looked at the latest information on the topic.

Example: “At present, the best evidence suggests that carbon dioxide emissions from power plants is the greatest influence on climate change.”

12. At the Core of the Issue…

Overview: I personally find this phrase to be useful for most essays. It highlights that you are able to identify the most important or central point from everything you have examined. It is slightly less formal than some other phrases on this list, but I also wouldn’t consider it too colloquial for an undergraduate essay.

Example: “At the core of the issue in this essay is the fact scientists have been unable to convince the broader public of the importance of action on climate change.”

13. Despite the shortcomings of…

Overview: This phrase can be useful in an argumentative essay. It shows that there are some limitations to your argument, but , on balance you still think your position is the best. This will allow you to show critical insight and knowledge while coming to your conclusion.

Often, my students make the mistake of thinking they can only take one side in an argumentative essay. On the contrary, you should be able to highlight the limitations of your point-of-view while also stating that it’s the best.

Example: “Despite the shortcomings of globalization, this essay has found that on balance it has been good for many areas in both the developed and developing world.”

14. Finally…

My Rating: 4/10

Overview: While the phrase ‘Finally,’ does indicate that you’re coming to the end of your discussion, it is usually used at the end of a list of ideas rather than in a conclusion. It also implies that you’re adding a point rather that summing up previous points you have made.

Example: “Finally, this essay has highlighted the importance of communication between policy makers and practitioners in order to ensure good policy is put into effect.”

15. Gathering the above points together…

Overview: While this is not a phrase I personally use very often, I do believe it has the effect of indicating that you are “summing up”, which is what you want out of a conclusion.

Example: “Gathering the above points together, it is clear that the weight of evidence highlights the importance of action on climate change.”

16. Given the above information…

Overview: This phrase shows that you are considering the information in the body of the piece when coming to your conclusion. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for starting a conclusion.

Example: “Given the above information, it is reasonable to conclude that the World Health Organization is an appropriate vehicle for achieving improved health outcomes in the developing world.”

17. In a nutshell…

Overview: This phrase means to say everything in the fewest possible words. However, it is a colloquial phrase that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing.

Example: “In a nutshell, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate about socialism vs capitalism.”

18. In closing…

Overview: This phrase is an appropriate synonym for ‘In conclusion’ and I would be perfectly fine with a student using this phrase in their essay. Make sure you follow-up by explaining your position based upon the weight of evidence presented in the body of your piece

Example: “In closing, there is ample evidence to suggest that liberalism has been the greatest force for progress in the past 100 years.”

19. In essence…

Overview: While the phrase ‘In essence’ does suggest you are about to sum up the core findings of your discussion, it is somewhat colloquial and is best left for speech rather than formal academic writing.

Example: “In essence, this essay has shown that cattle farming is an industry that should be protected as an essential service for our country.”

20. In review…

Overview: We usually review someone else’s work, not our own. For example, you could review a book that you read or a film you watched. So, writing “In review” as a replacement for “In conclusion” comes across a little awkward.

Example: “In review, the above information has made a compelling case for compulsory military service in the United States.”

21. In short…

Overview: Personally, I find that this phrase is used more regularly by undergraduate student. As students get more confident with their writing, they tend to use higher-rated phrases from this list. Nevertheless, I would not take grades away from a student for using this phrase.

Example: “In short, this essay has shown the importance of sustainable agriculture for securing a healthy future for our nation.”

22. In Sum…

Overview: Short for “In summary”, the phrase “In sum” sufficiently shows that you are not coming to the moment where you will sum up the essay. It is an appropriate phrase to use instead of “In conclusion”.

But remember to not just summarize but also discuss the implications of your findings in your conclusion.

Example: “In sum, this essay has shown the importance of managers in ensuring efficient operation of medium-to-large enterprises.”

23. In Summary…

Overview: In summary and in sum are the same terms which can be supplemented for “In conclusion”. You will show that you are about to summarize the points you said in the body of the essay, which is what you want from an essay.

Example: “In summary, reflection is a very important metacognitive skill that all teachers need to master in order to improve their pedagogical skills.”

24. It cannot be conclusively stated that…

Overview: While this phrase is not always be a good fit for your essay, when it is, it does show knowledge and skill in writing. You would use this phrase if you are writing an expository essay where you have decided that there is not enough evidence currently to make a firm conclusion on the issue.

Example: “It cannot be conclusively stated that the Big Bang was when the universe began. However, it is the best theory so far, and none of the other theories explored in this essay have as much evidence behind them.”

25. It is apparent that…

Overview: The term ‘ apparent ’ means that something is ‘clear’ or even ‘obvious’. So, you would use this word in an argumentative essay where you think you have put forward a very compelling argument.

Example: “It is apparent that current migration patterns in the Americas are unsustainable and causing significant harm to the most vulnerable people in our society.”

26. Last but not least…

Overview: The phrase “last but not least” is a colloquial idiom that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing. Furthermore, when you are saying ‘last’, you mean to say you’re making your last point rather than summing up all your points you already made. So, I’d avoid this one.

Example: “Last but not least, this essay has highlighted the importance of empowering patients to exercise choice over their own medical decisions.”

27. Overall…

My Rating: 7.5/10

Overview: This phrase means ‘taking everything into account’, which sounds a lot like what you would want to do in an essay. I don’t consider it to be a top-tier choice (which is why I rated it 7), but in my opinion it is perfectly acceptable to use in an undergraduate essay.

Example: “Overall, religious liberty continues to be threatened across the world, and faces significant threats in the 21 st Century.”

28. The above points illustrate…

Overview: This phrase is a good start to a conclusion paragraph that talks about the implications of the points you made in your essay. Follow it up with a statement that defends your thesis you are putting forward in the essay.

Example: “The above points illustrate that art has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on humanity since the renaissance.”

29. The evidence presented in this essay suggests that…

Overview: I like this phrase because it highlights that you are about to gather together the evidence from the body of the essay to put forward a final thesis statement .

Example: “The evidence presented in this essay suggests that the democratic system of government is the best for securing maximum individual liberty for citizens of a nation.”

30. This essay began by stating…

Overview: This phrase is one that I teach in my YouTube mini-course as an effective one to use in an essay conclusion. If you presented an interesting fact in your introduction , you can return to that point from the beginning of the essay to provide nice symmetry in your writing.

Example: “This essay began by stating that corruption has been growing in the Western world. However, the facts collected in the body of the essay show that institutional checks and balances can sufficiently minimize this corruption in the long-term.”

31. This essay has argued…

Overview: This term can be used effectively in an argumentative essay to provide a summary of your key points. Follow it up with an outline of all your key points, and then a sentence about the implications of the points you made. See the example below.

Example: “This essay has argued that standardized tests are damaging for students’ mental health. Tests like the SATs should therefore be replaced by project-based testing in schools.”

32. To close…

Overview: This is a very literal way of saying “In conclusion”. While it’s suitable and serves its purpose, it does come across as being a sophomoric term. Consider using one of the higher-rated phrases in this list.

Example: “To close, this essay has highlighted both the pros and cons of relational dialectics theory and argued that it is not the best communication theory for the 21 st Century.”

33. To Conclude…

Overview: Like ‘to close’ and ‘in summary’, the phrase ‘to conclude’ is very similar to ‘in conclusion’. It can therefore be used as a sufficient replacement for that term. However, as with the above terms, it’s just okay and you could probably find a better phrase to use.

Example: “To conclude, this essay has highlighted that there are multiple models of communication but there is no one perfect theory to explain each situation.”

34. To make a long story short…

My Rating: 1/10

Overview: This is not a good phrase to use in an academic essay. It is a colloquialism. It also implies that you have been rambling in your writing and you could have said everything more efficiently. I would personally not use this phrase.

Example: “To make a long story short, I don’t have very good command of academic language.”

35. To Sum up…

Overview: This phrase is the same as ‘In summary’. It shows that you have made all of your points and now you’re about to bring them all together in a ‘summary’. Just remember in your conclusion that you need to do more than summarize but also talk about the implications of your findings. So you’ll need to go beyond just a summary.

Example: “In summary, there is ample evidence that linear models of communication like Lasswell’s model are not as good at explaining 21 st Century communication as circular models like the Osgood-Schramm model .”

36. Ultimately…

Overview: While this phrase does say that you are coming to a final point – also known as a conclusion – it’s also a very strong statement that might not be best to use in all situations. I usually accept this phrase from my undergraduates, but for my postgraduates I’d probably suggest simply removing it.

Example: “Ultimately, new media has been bad for the world because it has led to the spread of mistruths around the internet.”

37. Undoubtedly…

Overview: If you are using it in a debate or argumentative essay, it can be helpful. However, in a regular academic essay, I would avoid it. We call this a ‘booster’, which is a term that emphasizes certainty. Unfortunately, certainty is a difficult thing to claim, so you’re better off ‘hedging’ with phrases like ‘It appears’ or ‘The best evidence suggests’.

Example: “Undoubtedly, I know everything about this topic and am one hundred percent certain even though I’m just an undergraduate student.”

38. Weighing up the facts, this essay finds…

Overview: This statement highlights that you are looking at all of the facts both for and against your points of view. It shows you’re not just blindly following one argument but being careful about seeing things from many perspectives.

Example: “Weighing up the facts, this essay finds that reading books is important for developing critical thinking skills in childhood.”

39. With that said…

Overview: This is another phrase that I would avoid. This is a colloquialism that’s best used in speech rather than writing. It is another term that feels sophomoric and is best to avoid. Instead, use a more formal term such as: ‘Weighing up the above points, this essay finds…’

Example: “With that said, this essay disagrees with the statement that you need to go to college to get a good job.”

Do you Need to Say Anything?

Something I often tell my students is: “Can you just remove that phrase?”

Consider this sentence:

• “In conclusion, the majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.”

Would it be possible to simply say:

• “ In conclusion, The majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.”

So, I’d recommend also just considering removing that phrase altogether! Sometimes the best writing is the shortest, simplest writing that gets to the point without any redundant language at all.

How to Write an Effective Conclusion

Before I go, I’d like to bring your attention to my video on ‘how to write an effective conclusion’. I think it would really help you out given that you’re looking for help on how to write a conclusion. It’s under 5 minutes long and has helped literally thousands of students write better conclusions for their essays:

You can also check out these conclusion examples for some copy-and-paste conclusions for your own essay.

In Conclusion…

Well, I had to begin this conclusion with ‘In conclusion…’ I liked the irony in it, and I couldn’t pass up that chance.

Overall, don’t forget that concluding an essay is a way to powerfully summarize what you’ve had to say and leave the reader with a strong impression that you’ve become an authority on the topic you’re researching. 

So, whether you write it as a conclusion, summary, or any other synonym for conclusion, those other ways to say in conclusion are less important than making sure that the message in your conclusion is incredibly strong.

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]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s 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 they’re 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 you’re 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. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve 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 Beethoven’s 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 that’s 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 country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re 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 you’ve 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 you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s 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, it’s 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.”

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: “We’ve 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, let’s 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 it’s 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, let’s 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 A’s 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

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve 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 you’ve 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 A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s 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…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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Words to Use in an Essay: 300 Essay Words

Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

Words to use in the essay introduction, words to use in the body of the essay, words to use in your essay conclusion, how to improve your essay writing vocabulary.

It’s not easy to write an academic essay .

Many students struggle to word their arguments in a logical and concise way.

To make matters worse, academic essays need to adhere to a certain level of formality, so we can’t always use the same word choices in essay writing that we would use in daily life.

If you’re struggling to choose the right words for your essay, don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of over 300 words and phrases to use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay.

The introduction is one of the hardest parts of an essay to write.

You have only one chance to make a first impression, and you want to hook your reader. If the introduction isn’t effective, the reader might not even bother to read the rest of the essay.

That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful and deliberate with the words you choose at the beginning of your essay.

Many students use a quote in the introductory paragraph to establish credibility and set the tone for the rest of the essay.

When you’re referencing another author or speaker, try using some of these phrases:

To use the words of X

According to X

As X states

Example: To use the words of Hillary Clinton, “You cannot have maternal health without reproductive health.”

Near the end of the introduction, you should state the thesis to explain the central point of your paper.

If you’re not sure how to introduce your thesis, try using some of these phrases:

In this essay, I will…

The purpose of this essay…

This essay discusses…

In this paper, I put forward the claim that…

There are three main arguments for…

Example: In this essay, I will explain why dress codes in public schools are detrimental to students.

After you’ve stated your thesis, it’s time to start presenting the arguments you’ll use to back up that central idea.

When you’re introducing the first of a series of arguments, you can use the following words:

First and foremost

First of all

To begin with

Example: First , consider the effects that this new social security policy would have on low-income taxpayers.

All these words and phrases will help you create a more successful introduction and convince your audience to read on.

The body of your essay is where you’ll explain your core arguments and present your evidence.

It’s important to choose words and phrases for the body of your essay that will help the reader understand your position and convince them you’ve done your research.

Let’s look at some different types of words and phrases that you can use in the body of your essay, as well as some examples of what these words look like in a sentence.

Transition Words and Phrases

Transitioning from one argument to another is crucial for a good essay.

It’s important to guide your reader from one idea to the next so they don’t get lost or feel like you’re jumping around at random.

Transition phrases and linking words show your reader you’re about to move from one argument to the next, smoothing out their reading experience. They also make your writing look more professional.

The simplest transition involves moving from one idea to a separate one that supports the same overall argument. Try using these phrases when you want to introduce a second correlating idea:

Additionally

In addition

Furthermore

Another key thing to remember

In the same way

Correspondingly

Example: Additionally , public parks increase property value because home buyers prefer houses that are located close to green, open spaces.

Another type of transition involves restating. It’s often useful to restate complex ideas in simpler terms to help the reader digest them. When you’re restating an idea, you can use the following words:

In other words

To put it another way

That is to say

To put it more simply

Example: “The research showed that 53% of students surveyed expressed a mild or strong preference for more on-campus housing. In other words , over half the students wanted more dormitory options.”

Often, you’ll need to provide examples to illustrate your point more clearly for the reader. When you’re about to give an example of something you just said, you can use the following words:

For instance

To give an illustration of

To exemplify

To demonstrate

As evidence

Example: Humans have long tried to exert control over our natural environment. For instance , engineers reversed the Chicago River in 1900, causing it to permanently flow backward.

Sometimes, you’ll need to explain the impact or consequence of something you’ve just said.

When you’re drawing a conclusion from evidence you’ve presented, try using the following words:

As a result

Accordingly

As you can see

This suggests that

It follows that

It can be seen that

For this reason

For all of those reasons

Consequently

Example: “There wasn’t enough government funding to support the rest of the physics experiment. Thus , the team was forced to shut down their experiment in 1996.”

When introducing an idea that bolsters one you’ve already stated, or adds another important aspect to that same argument, you can use the following words:

What’s more

Not only…but also

Not to mention

To say nothing of

Another key point

Example: The volcanic eruption disrupted hundreds of thousands of people. Moreover , it impacted the local flora and fauna as well, causing nearly a hundred species to go extinct.

Often, you'll want to present two sides of the same argument. When you need to compare and contrast ideas, you can use the following words:

On the one hand / on the other hand

Alternatively

In contrast to

On the contrary

By contrast

In comparison

Example: On the one hand , the Black Death was undoubtedly a tragedy because it killed millions of Europeans. On the other hand , it created better living conditions for the peasants who survived.

Finally, when you’re introducing a new angle that contradicts your previous idea, you can use the following phrases:

Having said that

Differing from

In spite of

With this in mind

Provided that

Nevertheless

Nonetheless

Notwithstanding

Example: Shakespearean plays are classic works of literature that have stood the test of time. Having said that , I would argue that Shakespeare isn’t the most accessible form of literature to teach students in the twenty-first century.

Good essays include multiple types of logic. You can use a combination of the transitions above to create a strong, clear structure throughout the body of your essay.

Strong Verbs for Academic Writing

Verbs are especially important for writing clear essays. Often, you can convey a nuanced meaning simply by choosing the right verb.

You should use strong verbs that are precise and dynamic. Whenever possible, you should use an unambiguous verb, rather than a generic verb.

For example, alter and fluctuate are stronger verbs than change , because they give the reader more descriptive detail.

Here are some useful verbs that will help make your essay shine.

Verbs that show change:

Accommodate

Verbs that relate to causing or impacting something:

Verbs that show increase:

Verbs that show decrease:

Deteriorate

Verbs that relate to parts of a whole:

Comprises of

Is composed of

Constitutes

Encompasses

Incorporates

Verbs that show a negative stance:

Misconstrue

Verbs that show a positive stance:

Substantiate

Verbs that relate to drawing conclusions from evidence:

Corroborate

Demonstrate

Verbs that relate to thinking and analysis:

Contemplate

Hypothesize

Investigate

Verbs that relate to showing information in a visual format:

Useful Adjectives and Adverbs for Academic Essays

You should use adjectives and adverbs more sparingly than verbs when writing essays, since they sometimes add unnecessary fluff to sentences.

However, choosing the right adjectives and adverbs can help add detail and sophistication to your essay.

Sometimes you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is useful and should be taken seriously. Here are some adjectives that create positive emphasis:

Significant

Other times, you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is harmful or ineffective. Here are some adjectives that create a negative emphasis:

Controversial

Insignificant

Questionable

Unnecessary

Unrealistic

Finally, you might need to use an adverb to lend nuance to a sentence, or to express a specific degree of certainty. Here are some examples of adverbs that are often used in essays:

Comprehensively

Exhaustively

Extensively

Respectively

Surprisingly

Using these words will help you successfully convey the key points you want to express. Once you’ve nailed the body of your essay, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.

The conclusion of your paper is important for synthesizing the arguments you’ve laid out and restating your thesis.

In your concluding paragraph, try using some of these essay words:

In conclusion

To summarize

In a nutshell

Given the above

As described

All things considered

Example: In conclusion , it’s imperative that we take action to address climate change before we lose our coral reefs forever.

In addition to simply summarizing the key points from the body of your essay, you should also add some final takeaways. Give the reader your final opinion and a bit of a food for thought.

To place emphasis on a certain point or a key fact, use these essay words:

Unquestionably

Undoubtedly

Particularly

Importantly

Conclusively

It should be noted

On the whole

Example: Ada Lovelace is unquestionably a powerful role model for young girls around the world, and more of our public school curricula should include her as a historical figure.

These concluding phrases will help you finish writing your essay in a strong, confident way.

There are many useful essay words out there that we didn't include in this article, because they are specific to certain topics.

If you're writing about biology, for example, you will need to use different terminology than if you're writing about literature.

So how do you improve your vocabulary skills?

The vocabulary you use in your academic writing is a toolkit you can build up over time, as long as you take the time to learn new words.

One way to increase your vocabulary is by looking up words you don’t know when you’re reading.

Try reading more books and academic articles in the field you’re writing about and jotting down all the new words you find. You can use these words to bolster your own essays.

You can also consult a dictionary or a thesaurus. When you’re using a word you’re not confident about, researching its meaning and common synonyms can help you make sure it belongs in your essay.

Don't be afraid of using simpler words. Good essay writing boils down to choosing the best word to convey what you need to say, not the fanciest word possible.

Finally, you can use ProWritingAid’s synonym tool or essay checker to find more precise and sophisticated vocabulary. Click on weak words in your essay to find stronger alternatives.

There you have it: our compilation of the best words and phrases to use in your next essay . Good luck!

Good writing = better grades

ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of all your assignments.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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What is another word for better ?

Synonyms for Better:

• advantageous
• progressive
• embellished
• up and around
• controlling
• furthermost
• predominant
• quintessential
• lions share
• Commandingly
• Consummately
• Paramountly
• Sovereignly
• predominantly
• further more
• further-more
• in addition
• the one and only
• an improvement on something
• so much the better
• up and about
• (fully) recovered
• a cut above
• go one better than
• more acceptable
• more advantageous
• of higher quality
• head honcho
• no matter what happens
• pre-eminence
• predomination
• transcendence
• makes up for
• making up for
• paid one dues
• paid ones dues
• pay one dues
• pay ones dues
• payed one dues
• payed one's dues
• payed ones dues
• paying dues
• paying one dues
• paying one's dues
• paying ones dues
• pays one dues
• pays one's dues
• pays ones dues
• am victorious
• are victorious
• art victorious
• being victorious
• out playing
• out rivaled
• out rivaling
• out rivalled
• out rivalling
• out running
• out shining
• out stripped
• out stripping
• out-playing
• out-rivaled
• out-rivaling
• out-rivalled
• out-rivalling
• out-running
• out-shining
• out-stripped
• out-stripping
• over coming
• over whelmed
• over whelming
• over whelms
• over-coming
• over-whelmed
• over-whelming
• over-whelms
• shooting ahead of
• shoots ahead of
• shot ahead of
• wast victorious
• were victorious
• wert victorious
• gat better of
• gat the better of
• get better of
• gets better of
• gets the better of
• getting better of
• getting the better of
• got better of
• got the better of
• gotten better of
• gotten the better of
• ko'ing
• lets have it
• letted have it
• letting have it
• pre vailing
• shooting down
• shoots down
• taking care of
• triumphed over
• triumphing over
• triumphs over
• wipe floor with
• wiped floor with
• wiped the floor with
• wipes floor with
• wipes the floor with
• wiping floor with
• wiping the floor with
• buttoned down
• buttoning down
• buttoning up
• buttons down
• didst to a t
• does to a t
• doest to a t
• doeth to a t
• doing to a t
• dost to a t
• doth to a t
• puts lid on
• puts the lid on
• putting lid on
• putting the lid on
• topped it off
• topping it off
• topping off
• tops it off
• helped forward
• helping forward
• helps forward
• re claiming
• re-claiming
• spiritualizes
• atoning for
• canceling out
• cancels out
• counter act
• counter acted
• counter acting
• counter acts
• counter balance
• counter balanced
• counter balances
• counter balancing
• counter poise
• counter poised
• counter poises
• counter poising
• counter vail
• counter vailed
• counter vailing
• counter vails
• counter-act
• counter-acted
• counter-acting
• counter-acts
• counter-balanced
• counter-balancing
• counter-poise
• counter-poised
• counter-poises
• counter-poising
• counter-vail
• counter-vailed
• counter-vailing
• counter-vails
• in validate
• in validated
• in validates
• in validating
• in-validate
• in-validated
• in-validates
• in-validating
• out weighed
• out weighing
• out-weighed
• out-weighing
• re dressing
• re-dressing
• cleaned act
• cleaned up act
• cleaning act
• cleaning up
• cleaning up act
• cleans up act
• fiddles with
• fiddling with
• gat with it
• gets with it
• getting with it
• got with it
• gotten with it
• making over
• putting order
• re construct
• re constructed
• re constructing
• re constructs
• re modelled
• re modelling
• re organize
• re organized
• re organizes
• re organizing
• re touching
• re-construct
• re-constructed
• re-constructing
• re-constructs
• re-modeling
• re-modelled
• re-modelling
• re-organize
• re-organized
• re-organizes
• re-organizing
• re-touching
• sets straight
• setting straight
• straightens out
• turns around
• devoted oneself to
• devotes oneself to
• devoting oneself to
• devoting to
• gat good side of
• gat in with
• gat next to
• gat on good side of
• get good side of
• gets good side of
• gets in with
• gets next to
• gets on good side of
• getting good side of
• getting in with
• getting next to
• getting on good side of
• getting with
• got good side of
• got in with
• got next to
• got on good side of
• gotten good side of
• gotten in with
• gotten next to
• gotten on good side of
• gotten with
• played up to
• playing up to
• plays up to
• seeking friendship
• seeks friendship
• shined up to
• shines up to
• shining up to
• shone up to
• sought friendship
• sucked up to
• sucking up to
• sucks up to
• takes pains with
• taking pains with
• took pains with
• kicked habit
• kicked the habit
• kicking habit
• kicking the habit
• kicks habit
• kicks the habit
• made healthy
• makes healthy
• makes whole
• making better
• making healthy
• making whole
• ministered to
• ministering to
• ministers to
• quitted cold
• quitting cold
• re habilitate
• re habilitates
• re habilitating
• re-habilitate
• re-habilitates
• re-habilitating
• restore health
• restored health
• restores health
• restores to health
• restoring health
• restoring to health
• sweated it out
• sweated out
• sweating it out
• sweats it out
• subordinate
• fleshes out
• making rich
• poured it on
• pouring it on
• pours it on
• pyramidding
• ex plaining
• ex pounding
• ex pressing
• ex-plaining
• ex-pounding
• ex-pressing
• gave insight
• gives insight
• giving insight
• shedding light on
• sheds light on
• up lighting
• up-lighting
• gets better
• gotten better
• gotten well
• over hauled
• over hauling
• over-hauled
• over-hauling
• re building
• re condition
• re conditioned
• re conditioning
• re conditions
• re furbished
• re furbishes
• re furbishing
• re-building
• re-condition
• re-conditioned
• re-conditioning
• re-conditions
• re-furbished
• re-furbishes
• re-furbishing

Other synonyms:

• Recidivation
• amelioration
• backsliding
• countermeasure
• declination
• degeneration
• disintegration
• down-at-heel
• inside track
• low quality
• melioration
• out of sight
• putrefaction
• putrescence
• second class
• tatterdemalion
• unhoped-for
• unsurpassable
• broken-down
• exceptional
• extraordinary
• progression
• substandard
• transcendent
• first class
• outstanding
• disintegrate
• magnificent
• development

Other relevant words:

• 1st-class mail
• Disciplining
• Overtopping
• Revolutionizing
• a good deal
• a great deal
• able-bodied
• accommodate
• accompaniment
• acculturate
• adequate to
• admiralty mile
• advantageously
• aerodynamic lift
• affectionately
• all the same
• all the way
• alternative
• alternatively
• ameliorative
• amelioratory
• amphetamine
• amplification
• annihilation
• antediluvian
• apprehension
• approach path
• approach shot
• approaching
• appropriate
• approximate
• appurtenance
• aristocracy
• article of clothing
• at any rate
• at the same time
• atomic number 82
• auditory sensation
• authorisation
• authoritative
• authorization
• awe-inspiring
• back breaker
• base on balls
• batten down
• battery-acid
• be intimate
• be of advantage
• be out of woods
• be superior
• be victorious
• beat generation
• become flat
• big businessman
• big enchilada
• bird-scarer
• birth control pill
• black-backed gull
• bloom of youth
• blossom forth
• blossom out
• blow out of the water
• blue-pencil
• blue-ribbon
• body of work
• bollocks up
• booster amplifier
• booster cable
• booster dose
• booster rocket
• booster shot
• booster station
• booster unit
• border district
• boss around
• bread and butter
• break apart
• break dancing
• break of serve
• break short
• break through
• breaking and entering
• bridge over
• bridge player
• brightness level
• bring around
• bring forward
• bring home the bacon
• bring through
• bring up to code
• bringing up
• burial vault
• burst forth
• business leader
• butt against
• button down
• buttoned up
• buy the farm
• cabin class
• call on the carpet
• callousness
• calorie-free
• capitalize on
• carelessness
• carry through
• cash advance
• cash in one's chips
• catastrophic
• catch up with
• caught up with
• celestial latitude
• certificate
• chance upon
• change by reversal
• change form
• change of mind
• change one's ways
• change over
• change shape
• characterise
• characterize
• check up on
• check-out procedure
• cheeseparing
• chemical decomposition reaction
• chicken feed
• chuck up the sponge
• circumstance
• circus tent
• clean up one's act
• close-fitting
• closelipped
• closemouthed
• closing curtain
• clotheshorse
• cock-a-hoop
• coloring material
• colouration
• come across
• come hell or high water
• come out of the closet
• come through
• come together
• comfortable
• comfortableness
• commemorate
• common salt
• commonplace
• communicate
• comparability
• comparatively
• compass north
• competition
• component part
• conditioning
• confessedly
• confidence game
• confidence trick
• confidential information
• configuration
• confirmation
• conflagrate
• conformable
• conformation
• consideration
• consolation
• constituent
• construction
• consumption
• contamination
• continuous tense
• contraceptive pill
• contribution
• control condition
• corroborate
• cosmetic surgery
• cost increase
• countenance
• counterbalance
• counterbalanced
• countermand
• countermine
• counterpoison
• countervail
• crap-shooter
• crestless wave
• crowned head
• crushed leather
• crystallise
• crystallize
• cultivation
• cupid's disease
• cupid's itch
• cut through
• cutaneous senses
• de-escalate
• dead on target
• dead reckoning
• decipherable
• deck of cards
• declamatory
• decline in quality
• decomposition
• decomposition reaction
• deliver the goods
• deliverance
• demonstrate
• deoxyephedrine
• derangement
• desexualise
• desexualize
• despoilation
• despoilment
• despoliation
• destination
• deterioration
• detonating device
• devote oneself to
• difference of opinion
• differentiate
• dilapidation
• dirty money
• disassemble
• disciplined
• disco biscuit
• discombobulate
• disconfirming
• disconnected
• disconsolate
• discontinue
• discriminate
• discriminatory
• disentangle
• dislocation
• dispense with
• dissipation
• dissolution
• distinguish
• distinguished
• doctor of the church
• documentation
• domesticate
• dominant allele
• double-dyed
• down feather
• down in the mouth
• downhearted
• draw and quarter
• drawing card
• drop by the wayside
• drop curtain
• earthly concern
• economic aid
• economic assistance
• economic consumption
• economy class
• edward d. white
• edward douglas white jr.
• edward white
• effectively
• effectiveness
• efficacious
• efflorescence
• elderberry bush
• electronegative
• eleemosynary
• elite group
• embellishment
• encouragement
• enduringness
• enlightening
• equipment casualty
• equipment failure
• equivalence
• established
• everlasting
• exceedingly
• exchange premium
• excrescence
• executive program
• exhaustively
• expenditure
• experimental condition
• exploitation
• exquisitely
• extravasate
• extreme point
• face lifting
• facilitates
• fall by the wayside
• fall through
• falling out
• fantabulous
• farthermost
• fashion plate
• favorable position
• feel oneself again
• female chest
• field general
• field of study
• fifty-fifty
• film director
• financial aid
• financial assistance
• financial backing
• financial support
• firmness of purpose
• first of all
• first-class mail
• fit the bill
• fittingness
• flea-bitten
• fleshed out
• fleshing out
• florescence
• flourishing
• fly the coop
• foot soldier
• forcefulness
• forge ahead
• forward motion
• forward-looking
• forward-moving
• founding father
• fountainhead
• fourth dimension
• fourth-year
• fragmentise
• fragmentize
• freehearted
• freestanding
• fringe benefit
• front-runner
• frustration
• full complement
• full phase of the moon
• full-blooded
• full-bodied
• full-of-the-moon
• full-strength
• fully grown
• furtherance
• geographical mile
• geological fault
• get back on feet
• get dressed
• get in shape
• get in with
• get next to
• get on good side of
• get out from under
• get the best
• get the better of
• get the hang
• get through
• get together
• getting better
• getting well
• gibbousness
• give insight
• give notice
• give the axe
• give the sack
• give-up the ghost
• glide slope
• go one better
• go to pieces
• god almighty
• godforsaken
• good for you
• great black-backed gull
• grievous bodily harm
• hand-picked
• handwriting
• happen upon
• happy chance
• harvest home
• harvest time
• have a go at it
• have intercourse
• have it away
• have it off
• have the best
• have to do with
• head for the hills
• head teacher
• heat energy
• heating plant
• heating system
• heavyweight
• help oneself
• helping hand
• helplessness
• high quality
• high school
• high temperature
• high-minded
• high-pitched
• high-priced
• high-ranking
• higher-ranking
• hightail it
• hold the line
• housebreaking
• human beings
• humanitarian
• hyperbolise
• hyperbolize
• idiosyncrasy
• illuminating
• illumination
• immortalise
• immortalize
• imperfect tense
• imperfectness
• impertinent
• impregnable
• improvement
• impuissance
• in a higher place
• in any case
• in high spirits
• in the beginning
• in the first place
• in the lead
• in the main
• increasingly
• indemnification
• independent
• infatuation
• inferiority
• inflorescence
• informality
• informative
• inner light
• insect bite
• insensibility
• inspection and repair
• instruction
• instrumentalist
• insufficient
• insurance premium
• intelligence agent
• intelligence officer
• intelligent
• intensity level
• interchange
• intermission
• international mile
• international nautical mile
• interpolate
• interruption
• invigorated
• is victorious
• issue forth
• iterative aspect
• jacket crown
• judicial writ
• jumper cable
• jumper lead
• keep in line
• kettle of fish
• kick the bucket
• kick the habit
• knit stitch
• knocked out
• laissez passer
• lake superior
• lancinating
• lastingness
• lay waste to
• laying waste
• leave alone
• leave behind
• leave in the dust
• leave of absence
• leave-taking
• leaving behind
• left behind
• legal injury
• let have it
• level-headed
• levelheaded
• levy en masse
• liberty chit
• life-threatening
• light source
• light touch
• light within
• light-colored
• light-headed
• lightheaded
• linguistic rule
• liquid ecstasy
• localisation
• localization
• long pillow
• long-familiar
• loony toons
• loss leader
• low-spirited
• luminousness
• luxuriously
• made better
• made good use of
• made the most of
• made up for
• magisterial
• magnanimous
• magnanimousness
• magnetic north
• make a comeback
• make a haul
• make believe
• make better
• make capital
• make good use of
• make headway
• make healthy
• make improvement
• make it big
• make the most of
• make unnecessary
• make up for
• makes better
• makes money
• making money
• male monarch
• managing director
• manipulation
• marching music
• martin luther king jr.
• mass meeting
• master copy
• master of architecture
• material body
• materialise
• materialize
• meliorative
• memorialise
• memorialize
• meretricious
• metamorphose
• methamphetamine
• methamphetamine hydrochloride
• military capability
• military posture
• military recruit
• military strength
• minister to
• modification
• mollycoddle
• monastic order
• more or less
• mountain pass
• move around
• music director
• musical accompaniment
• musical rhythm
• nautical mile
• negatively charged
• neglectfulness
• nevertheless
• nip and tuck
• noble-minded
• nonetheless
• nonperformance
• occultation
• one and only
• ontogenesis
• onward motion
• optimisation
• oral contraceptive
• oral contraceptive pill
• order of magnitude
• orderliness
• otherworldly
• out of view
• out-distance
• out-perform
• outdistance
• outmanoeuvre
• outperforming
• outrivaling
• outrivalled
• outrivalling
• over-the-top
• overcompensate
• overlooking
• overproduction
• overstretch
• pack of cards
• paid one's dues
• parachuting
• parliamentary law
• parliamentary procedure
• partial derivative
• partial tone
• participant
• partitioning
• party favor
• passe-partout
• passing game
• passing play
• patterned advance
• pay one's dues
• peachy-colored
• peachy-coloured
• pencil lead
• penetrating
• penetrative
• penny-pinching
• perfect tense
• perfective tense
• permissive waste
• persuasiveness
• philanthropic
• physical body
• physical fitness
• piece of work
• plain stitch
• plan of attack
• play a joke on
• play a trick on
• play tricks
• plosive consonant
• plosive speech sound
• plot of ground
• plot of land
• policy change
• political boss
• positron emission tomography
• postgraduate
• powdered ginger
• power train
• precondition
• predominance
• preponderantly
• preponderating
• preservation
• preternatural
• prevail over
• prickteaser
• prime of life
• prime quantity
• principally
• prison term
• prison-breaking
• prisonbreak
• private detective
• private eye
• private investigator
• prizewinning
• professional
• program line
• progress to
• progressive tense
• progressively
• promiscuous
• prophylactic
• prostration
• protagonist
• protuberance
• public square
• pull a fast one on
• pull through
• pull up stakes
• purchase order
• purposeless
• push around
• push through
• put forward
• put the lid on
• put to good use
• put to work
• quinine water
• radioactive decay
• railroad train
• rationalise
• read/write head
• reap the benefit
• reasoning backward
• recall dose
• reclamation
• reconstitute
• reconstituted
• reconstitutes
• reconstituting
• red-blooded
• redemptional
• redevelopment
• reenforcement
• reestablish
• refashioned
• refashioning
• reform-minded
• refurbished
• regain health
• regain one's health
• regain one's strength
• regain strength
• regained one's strength
• regains strength
• regurgitate
• reincarnate
• reinforcement
• reinvigorated
• reiterative
• relay station
• relay transmitter
• relieve oneself
• remonstrate
• requirement
• resoluteness
• restitution
• restorative
• restore to health
• restored to health
• resuscitate
• retrogression
• retrogressive
• retroversion
• return to form
• reverse gear
• revolutionise
• revolutionist
• rewrite man
• rhytidectomy
• rhytidoplasty
• right field
• rightfulness
• rigorousness
• rigourousness
• riley b king
• rising slope
• rock-steady
• role player
• roll around
• roll in the hay
• rules of order
• run through
• running after
• salary increase
• school principal
• schoolmaster
• scratch off
• sea captain
• second power
• secret agent
• security department
• security measures
• security system
• seek friendship
• self-aggrandising
• self-aggrandizing
• self-colored
• self-coloured
• self-governing
• self-important
• seminal fluid
• send packing
• senior high
• senior high school
• sense of touch
• settle down
• sew together
• sexually transmitted disease
• shadowiness
• shed light on
• shine up to
• shock absorber
• shoot a line
• shoot ahead of
• short-circuit
• shove along
• signal caller
• significant
• simmer down
• singular form
• skin senses
• sleep together
• slick magazine
• slipperiness
• snapping back
• soar upwards
• social club
• social disease
• social reformer
• social welfare
• solid state
• sophisticate
• spark advance
• spectacular
• speculative
• speech sound
• spend a penny
• spinning top
• spiritualise
• sportswoman
• springiness
• square away
• square toes
• stamping ground
• stand in good stead
• starting anew
• statute mile
• steady-going
• sting operation
• stipulation
• stock split
• stone-broke
• stony-broke
• stop consonant
• stopping point
• straightaway
• straightforward
• strategic arms limitation talks
• stretch forth
• stretch out
• strike down
• strike hard
• strong point
• strong suit
• stylishness
• subject area
• subject field
• subordinate word
• subordination
• substance abuser
• substantial
• substantiate
• substantiation
• successfulness
• sufficiency
• summercater
• supercharge
• superfluous
• superintend
• superintendent
• superlative degree
• superordinate word
• superscript
• supervisory program
• supplementation
• swallow hole
• swearing off
• sweat it out
• sweating out
• swing about
• swing around
• sympathetic
• tactile sensation
• tactual sensation
• take a crap
• take a leak
• take a shit
• take by surprise
• take care of
• take hold of
• take into account
• take pains with
• take to task
• take to the woods
• take turn for better
• takeoff booster
• takeoff rocket
• takes care of
• taking into custody
• temporary hookup
• theater director
• theatre director
• theatrical role
• therapeutic
• thoroughgoing
• thrash about
• thresh about
• thriftlessness
• throw in the towel
• throw overboard
• tickle pink
• tightlipped
• time of origin
• tinker's dam
• tinker's damn
• title-holder
• to a higher place
• to begin with
• to the full
• to the highest degree
• tonic water
• took care of
• top executive
• top of the inning
• touch modality
• touch sensation
• towering above
• trading floor
• tranquility
• tranquilize
• tranquillity
• transcendency
• transmogrify
• transposition
• transubstantiate
• tribal chief
• trigger off
• triumph over
• tumble-down
• turn a profit
• turn of events
• turn over a new leaf
• turn to advantage
• turned over a new leaf
• unadulterated
• unassailable
• unattackable
• uncollectible
• uncomparable
• uncompleted
• uncorrupted
• under the weather
• undischarged
• unenlightening
• unfeelingness
• unfermented
• unmatchable
• unmortgaged
• unthought-of
• upper berth
• upper limit
• upright piano
• use of goods and services
• utilisation
• utilitarian
• utilization
• vainglorious
• vector decomposition
• venereal disease
• venereal infection
• verification
• visible light
• visible radiation
• wage increase
• wagon train
• was victorious
• waste material
• waste matter
• waste product
• wastefulness
• wasting away
• wearing apparel
• well-defined
• well-grounded
• well-heeled
• well-situated
• whatever may come
• white person
• white river
• wilt disease
• win the race
• window pane
• wipe the floor with
• world-beater
• world-class
• worldly concern
• yearned-for
• Metamorphosed
• Progressing
• Transcending
• accomplished
• break-dance
• change one's mind
• convalescent
• experienced
• fully recovered
• go straight
• higher quality
• higher-class
• higher-level
• illustrious
• in a superior way
• in ascendancy
• in the ascendant
• kick downstairs
• make an effort
• metastasized
• more advantageously
• more advisedly
• more and more
• more appropriate
• more attractively
• more competently
• more completely
• more desirable
• more effectively
• more fitting
• more healthy
• more intelligent
• more select
• more suitable
• more thoroughly
• more useful
• more valuable
• notwithstanding
• on the comeback trail
• on the mend
• on the road to recovery
• optimization
• out of the woods
• over the hump
• overbalance
• preferential
• preponderate
• recondition
• reconstruct
• reformation
• rehabilitate
• restructure
• revolutionary
• revolutionize
• sophisticated
• superiority
• think better of
• think twice
• to a greater degree
• to advantage
• tower above
• transcendental
• transfigure
• transformed
• transliterate
• turn the scale
• turn the tables
• turn the tide
• turn upside down
• unmitigated
• upper-class
• upper-level
• well-advised
• would rather
• Advantaging
• be good for
• contribute to
• contributed to
• do the trick
• fill the bill
• make a killing
• Spiritualized
• Spiritualizing
• help forward
• spiritualize
• Counterpoising
• canceled out
• cancelled out
• cancelling out
• counter-balance
• counter-balances
• counterpoised
• made amends
• make amends
• makes amends
• making amends
• setting off
• clean up act
• fiddle with
• fiddled with
• get with it
• makes right
• making right
• put in order
• puts in order
• putting in order
• set straight
• setting right
• straighten out
• straightened out
• straightening out
• turn around
• turned around
• turning around
• break record
• get upper hand
• goes beyond
• going beyond
• have a jump on
• have advantage
• have it all over
• outreaching
• rising above
• run circles around
• went beyond
• be master of
• be proficient
• be skillful
• be talented
• improve upon
• improved upon
• predominates
• show talent
• take precedence
• come around
• make strides
• turn the corner
• preponderant
• become better
• make first rate
• straighten up
• straightened up
• straightens up
• turn over new leaf
• find human resources
• in any event
• in fine fettle
• in good health
• compensation
• superordinate
• predominate

What are the paraphrases for Better?

Paraphrases are highlighted according to their relevancy:, equivalence.

• Adjective, comparative NICER .
• Adjective decent , optimum , best-case .

Independent

• Adjective, comparative environment , faster , fewer , future , goal , lesser , lighter , name , place , programme , purpose , quicker , return , search , sharper , smaller , smoother , solution , sounder , stiffener , warmer , Clearer , Narrower , Quieter , Simpler , Tighter , results , SAFER , WISER , netter , firmer , milder , departments , richer , cheaper , prettier , softer , louder , funnier , broader , easier , truer , stricter , brighter , sweeter , stronger , looser , beter , berrer .
• Adjective advisable , all-time , ameliorate , anchor , appropriate , beneficial , best-selling , brilliant , cause , comfortable , comparative , conducive , cool , deepen , deepened , delicious , desirable , favourable , foremost , helpful , implement , improvement , improving , inopportune , leading , nasty , polished , preferred , promising , promotional , rectify , reduced , responsive , sensible , smooth , suitable , thorough , ultimate , valuable , value-added , vigorous , wise , improvements , brighter , stronger , pre-eminent , top-of-the-line , top-ranked , better-quality , best-in-class , best-practice , highest-performing , parem .
• Proper noun, singular best , Has , governors , takes , begins , stronger .
• Noun, singular or mass best , highlights .
• Adverb, comparative farther , faster , sooner , worse , easier .
• Adverb accurately , actually , adapt , additionally , adequately , all , already , appropriately , beautifully , besides , calm , carefully , certainly , clarify , clearly , closely , comparatively , considerably , definitely , easily , efficiently , else , even , extremely , farther , favorably , favourably , finally , four , fully , greatly , guilt , hopefully , improvement , improving , indeed , just , large , long , market , morally , moreover , nevertheless , nicely , now , optimally , paradise , particularly , poorly , positively , prevent , probably , promptly , properly , quick , quiet , really , reply , respond , rightly , satisfactorily , significantly , smoothly , son , sooner , sternly , still , successfully , sufficiently , there , therefore , think , thoroughly , thus , together , too , transfer , turn , usefully , very , widely , yet , Adapting , Was , Did , Yvonne , accounts , advises , improvements , MER , OUGHTA , louder , easier , hotter , paras , betterthan .
• Verb, past tense best , found , improving , lost , removed , Came , Exceeded , Got , Helped , Remained , improvements .
• Verb, gerund or present participle best , improving , tightening .
• Verb, past participle preferred .
• Verb, 3rd person singular present best , improving , means , works , Gains , gets , helps , supports , counts , makes , improvements , results , provides , says , exceeds .
• Adjective, comparative worse .
• Adjective bad .

Other Related

• Adjective, comparative FAIRER , happier .
• Adjective ideal , optimal .
• Proper noun, singular improvement , improving , Clearer , jobs , improvements , brighter .
• Noun, singular or mass improvement , improving , brighter .
• Verb, past tense improvement .
• Verb, 3rd person singular present improvement .

What are the hypernyms for Better?

Other hypernyms:, what are the hyponyms for better, hyponyms for better (as nouns).

• attribute good , goodness .
• person superior , higher-up , superordinate .

hyponyms for better (as verbs)

• competition outstrip , surmount , surpass , outgo , outperform , exceed , outmatch , outdo .

What are the opposite words for better ?

When we talk about antonyms for the word "better," we are referring to words that denote the opposite meaning or express the opposite concept. Some words that are antonyms of "better" include worse, inferior, and poorer. These words are often used to describe something that is of a lower quality, value, or standard than something else. For example, if someone says that their car is worse than their neighbor's car, they are comparing it to something that is of a higher quality or standard. Similarly, if someone says that their job is inferior to their friend's job, they are expressing that their job is of a lower quality or value.

What are the antonyms for Better?

• bottom rung
• bottom-rung
• entry level
• entry-level
• good for nothing
• in different
• in-different
• more bottom rung
• more bottom-rung
• more bottomrung
• more entry level
• more entry-level
• more entrylevel
• more good for nothing
• more low-rent
• more lowrent
• more nether
• more second banana
• more second fiddle
• more second string
• more second-banana
• more second-fiddle
• more second-string
• more secondbanana
• more secondfiddle
• more secondstring
• more underneath
• most bottom rung
• most bottom-rung
• most bottomrung
• most entry level
• most entry-level
• most entrylevel
• most good for nothing
• most good-for-nothing
• most inferior
• most junior
• most low rent
• most low-rent
• most lowrent
• most nether
• most second banana
• most second fiddle
• most second string
• most second-banana
• most second-fiddle
• most second-string
• most secondbanana
• most secondfiddle
• most secondstring
• most underneath
• second-banana
• second-fiddle
• second-string
• secondbanana
• secondclass
• secondfiddle
• secondstring
• sub ordinate
• sub standard
• sub-ordinate
• sub-standard
• under neath
• under-neath
• bush-league
• dissatisfactory
• inadvisable
• unacceptable
• unsatisfactory
• unadvisable
• deteriorate
• Incommodity
• disadvantage
• coagmenting
• ex acerbate
• ex acerbated
• ex acerbates
• ex acerbating
• ex-acerbate
• ex-acerbated
• ex-acerbates
• ex-acerbating
• inter mingle
• inter mingling
• inter-mingle
• inter-mingled
• inter-mingles
• inter-mingling
• made complex
• made intricate
• make complex
• make intricate
• makes complex
• makes intricate
• making complex
• making intricate
• multi plying
• multi-plied
• multi-plying
• de composed
• de composes
• de composing
• de moralize
• de moralized
• de moralizes
• de moralizing
• de spoiling
• de-composed
• de-composes
• de-composing
• de-moralize
• de-moralized
• de-moralizes
• de-moralizing
• de-spoiling
• dis figured
• dis figures
• dis figuring
• dis gracing
• dis honored
• dis honoring
• dis-figured
• dis-figures
• dis-figuring
• dis-gracing
• dis-honored
• dis-honoring
• grease palm
• greased palm
• greases palm
• greasing palm
• mis treated
• mis treating
• mis-treated
• mis-treating
• under mined
• under mining
• under-mined
• under-mining
• be inferior
• fall behind
• shortcoming

Usage examples for Better

Famous quotes with better.

• Pray for your mate. Ask God to soften your heart and show you ways to be a better spouse. Willie Aames
• My boyhood life in New York City has impressed me with the popular ignorance and also with the great need of something better than local lore and weather proverbs. Cleveland Abbe
• It is easy to condemn, it is better to pity. Lyman Abbott
• When I talk to people in need, they tell me they want to hope; they are eager for opportunity; they are ready for better days. And I can tell you that every time their hopes are disappointed, all nations lose. Abdallah II
• Thousands of kids and parents come up to us and say, How do we get better as a singer? Paula Abdul

Word of the Day

Nearby words.

• Bette Davis
• betted bottom dollar on
• betted farm
• betted the farm
• better a glorious death than a shameful life
• better half
• better luck next time
• BETTER synonyms at Thesaurus.com
• BETTER synonyms and antonyms - Merriam-Webster dictionary
• Powerthesaurus.org - BETTER synonyms
• Collins Dictionary - synonyms of BETTER
• YourDictionary - another words for BETTER

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12 Alternatives to “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” in an Essay

Essays are hard enough to get right without constantly worrying about introducing new points of discussion.

You might have tried using “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in an essay, but are there better alternatives out there?

This article will explore some synonyms to give you other ways to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing.

Can I Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?

You can not say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing. It sounds jarring to most readers, so you’re better off using “first, second, third” (removing the -ly suffix).

Technically, it is correct to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” You could even go on to say “fourthly” and “fifthly” when making further points. However, none of these words have a place in formal writing and essays.

Still, these examples will show you how to use all three of them:

Firstly , I would like to touch on why this is problematic behavior. Secondly , we need to discuss the solutions to make it better. Thirdly , I will finalize the discussion and determine the best course of action.

• It allows you to enumerate your points.
• It’s easy to follow for a reader.
• It’s very informal.
• There’s no reason to add the “-ly” suffix.

Clearly, “firstly, secondly, thirdly” are not appropriate in essays. Therefore, it’s best to have a few alternatives ready to go.

Keep reading to learn the best synonyms showing you what to use instead of “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” Then, we’ll provide examples for each as well.

What to Say Instead of “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”

• First of all
• One reason is
• Continuing on
• In addition

1. First of All

“First of all” is a great way to replace “firstly” at the start of a list .

We recommend using it to show that you have more points to make. Usually, it implies you start with the most important point .

Here are some examples to show you how it works:

First of all , I would like to draw your attention to the issues in question. Then, it’s important that we discuss what comes next. Finally, you should know that we’re going to work out the best solution.

2. To Begin

Another great way to start an essay or sentence is “to begin.” It shows that you’re beginning on one point and willing to move on to other important ones.

It’s up to you to decide which phrases come after “to begin.” As long as there’s a clear way for the reader to follow along , you’re all good.

These examples will also help you with it:

To begin , we should decide which variables will be the most appropriate for it. After that, it’s worth exploring the alternatives to see which one works best. In conclusion, I will decide whether there are any more appropriate options available.

“First” is much better than “firstly” in every written situation. You can include it in academic writing because it is more concise and professional .

Also, it’s somewhat more effective than “first of all” (the first synonym). It’s much easier to use one word to start a list. Naturally, “second” and “third” can follow when listing items in this way.

Here are a few examples to help you understand it:

First , you should know that I have explored all the relevant options to help us. Second, there has to be a more efficient protocol. Third, I would like to decide on a better task-completion method.

4. One Reason Is

You may also use “one reason is” to start a discussion that includes multiple points . Generally, you would follow it up with “another reason is” and “the final reason is.”

It’s a more streamlined alternative to “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” So, we recommend using it when you want to clearly discuss all points involved in a situation.

This essay sample will help you understand more about it:

One reason is that it makes more sense to explore these options together. Another reason comes from being able to understand each other’s instincts. The final reason is related to knowing what you want and how to get it.

“Second” is a great follow-on from “first.” Again, it’s better than writing “secondly” because it sounds more formal and is acceptable in most essays.

We highly recommend using “second” after you’ve started a list with “first.” It allows you to cover the second point in a list without having to explain the flow to the reader.

Check out the following examples to help you:

First, you should consider the answer before we get there. Second , your answer will be questioned and discussed to determine both sides. Third, you will have a new, unbiased opinion based on the previous discussion.

6. Continuing On

You can use “continuing on” as a follow-up to most introductory points in a list.

It works well after something like “to begin,” as it shows that you’re continuing the list reasonably and clearly.

Perhaps these examples will shed some light on it:

To begin, there needs to be a clear example of how this should work. Continuing on , I will look into other options to keep the experiment fair. Finally, the result will reveal itself, making it clear whether my idea worked.

Generally, “next” is one of the most versatile options to continue a list . You can include it after almost any introductory phrase (like “first,” “to begin,” or “one reason is”).

It’s great to include in essays, but be careful with it. It can become too repetitive if you say “next” too many times. Try to limit how many times you include it in your lists to keep your essay interesting.

Check out the following examples if you’re still unsure:

To start, it’s wise to validate the method to ensure there were no initial errors. Next , I think exploring alternatives is important, as you never know which is most effective. Then, you can touch on new ideas that might help.

One of the most effective and versatile words to include in a list is “then.”

It works at any stage during the list (after the first stage, of course). So, it’s worth including it when you want to continue talking about something.

For instance:

First of all, the discussion about rights was necessary. Then , it was important to determine whether we agreed or not. After that, we had to convince the rest of the team to come to our way of thinking.

9. In Addition

Making additions to your essays allows the reader to easily follow your lists. We recommend using “in addition” as the second (or third) option in a list .

It’s a great one to include after any list opener. It shows that you’ve got something specific to add that’s worth mentioning.

These essay samples should help you understand it better:

First, it’s important that we iron out any of the problems we had before. In addition , it’s clear that we have to move on to more sustainable options. Then, we can figure out the costs behind each option.

Naturally, “third” is the next in line when following “first” and “second.” Again, it’s more effective than “thirdly,” making it a much more suitable option in essays.

We recommend using it to make your third (and often final) point. It’s a great way to close a list , allowing you to finalize your discussion. The reader will appreciate your clarity when using “third” to list three items.

Here are some examples to demonstrate how it works:

First, you need to understand the basics of the mechanism. Second, I will teach you how to change most fundamentals. Third , you will build your own mechanism with the knowledge you’ve gained.

11. Finally

“Finally” is an excellent way to close a list in an essay . It’s very final (hence the name) and shows that you have no more points to list .

Generally, “finally” allows you to explain the most important part of the list. “Finally” generally means you are touching on something that’s more important than everything that came before it.

For example:

First, thank you for reading my essay, as it will help me determine if I’m on to something. Next, I would like to start working on this immediately to see what I can learn. Finally , you will learn for yourself what it takes to complete a task like this.

12. To Wrap Up

Readers like closure. They will always look for ways to wrap up plot points and lists. So, “to wrap up” is a great phrase to include in your academic writing .

It shows that you are concluding a list , regardless of how many points came before it. Generally, “to wrap up” covers everything you’ve been through previously to ensure the reader follows everything you said.

To start with, I requested that we change venues to ensure optimal conditions. Following that, we moved on to the variables that might have the biggest impact. To wrap up , the experiment went as well as could be expected, with a few minor issues.

• 10 Professional Ways to Say “I Appreciate It”
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• How to Write a Thank-You Email to Your Professor (Samples)

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10 Better Ways To Write “In This Essay, I Will…”

“In this essay, I will” is a common way for people to talk about what they will write in their essays. However, it’s often overused, which is why it might be wise to look into a few available alternatives. This article will share the best ones with you.

What Can I Write Instead Of “In This Essay, I Will…”?

There are plenty of other ways to write this phrase. We’ll take you through the following to show you how they’re effective:

• You will learn about
• You will find out about
• I find… really interesting…
• This essay demonstrates
• This essay will discuss
• In this essay, you will learn
• I will show both sides of the argument
• This essay will analyze
• I strongly agree/disagree, and this essay will explore why
• This paper will explore

The preferred versions do not reference the “essay” at all. Instead, the best options are “you will learn about” and “you will find out about.” These work well because they save time and words in the essay, and they don’t seem like wasted space for the reader.

You Will Learn About

“You will learn about” works well because it shows the reader straight away what they will learn. We do not have to use the phrase “In this essay” or anything similar because they’re already aware that they are reading an essay.

The biggest problem with writing “in this essay” is that it’s a waste of time and words. Anyone reading your essay is typically evaluating it, so they do not need to be reminded what they are reading.

Instead, you should try to impress them with the contents of your essay and the points you want to highlight. The quicker you can explain the basic points you will touch on, the more engaged your examiner will be throughout the written piece.

Here are a few examples that will help you make the most of it:

• You will learn about my beliefs here, and I will make sure to elaborate on why I think it’s important to change the current rule system.
• You will learn about how it helps to practice these things before you undertake them.
• You will learn about what makes elephants such captivating creatures, and I’ll be sure to convince you by the end.

You Will Find Out About

“You will find out about” works in much the same way. We still do not mention the “essay.” It helps us show what we will be demonstrating. It only needs to be a sentence or two, but it’s a great way to explore our main idea without any other unnecessary bits.

Check out some of these examples to see how it works:

• You will find out about what makes them tick and how you can decide whether they’re right for you and your lifestyle.
• You will find out about many things from this piece, and I’ll make sure that your mind will be blown by the end of it.
• You will find out about the inhabitants of this fine city, as I will demonstrate going forward.

I Find… Really Interesting…

“I find… really interesting…” is a two-part phrase. We typically include the subject of the essay after “find” and then go on to explain why we find that subject “really interesting.” It’s a great way to avoid using “essay” in the introduction for no reason.

We can use this phrase with great success in many cases. It helps us to evaluate the overall tone and message behind our essay before we’ve even begun. Many readers and examiners look forward to reading essays set up in this way.

You can see how it works in the following examples:

• I find the people’s beliefs really interesting because they do not back down from them even when challenged.
• I find the current state of things really interesting because they’re nowhere near as glamorous as they would have been five decades ago.
• I find the things we talk about really interesting, and I will explain to you what it takes to become the best teacher you can be.

This Essay Demonstrates

“This essay demonstrates” is a good phrase to start an essay if you want to include the phrase. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with starting essays with a phrase like this; it mostly depends on personal choice and writing style.

Some examiners do not like reading things starting with “in this essay” or “this essay does this.” In those cases, you might be better suited to try to remove it. It’s also good practice to get you used to start your essays in more exciting ways.

However, if you like the style of including “this essay” and similar phrases, there are no reasons why you shouldn’t be able to do that!

• This essay demonstrates my vital opinion on the matter and what we can do about it.
• This essay demonstrates everything you need to know about how to fix the issue.
• This essay demonstrates why it is crucial that we start making strides to fix the current global situation.

This Essay Will Discuss

“This essay will discuss” is another way to share the overall point of your essay. The sooner we can convey the overall meaning, the more interested the reader will be. It helps them to know what they are reading about before they begin.

Here are a few examples to show you how it works:

• This essay will discuss all of the most important things you need to consider.
• This essay will discuss what it takes to make it in today’s climate.
• This essay will discuss the importance of making sure you care for your family no matter what.

In This Essay, You Will Learn

“In this essay, you will learn” helps to show a bit more confidence in your writing skills. If you say “you will learn,” it sounds like an order, which is a great way to show that you are confident enough to explain things correctly. It’s the mark of a strong and capable writer.

Check out some examples of how it might work:

• In this essay, you will learn a lot about what needs to be done to correct the path you’re going down.
• In this essay, you will learn all the psychological benefits of doing physical exercise daily.
• In this essay, you will learn how to manage your stress much better.

I Will Show Both Sides Of The Argument

“I will show both sides of the argument” helps you to evaluate the question of the essay. This works because it does not outright state you are writing an “essay” (saving time). It also shows that you want to cover both sides to remain unbiased as best you can.

Here are some examples of how it works:

• I will show both sides of the argument before the end of this paper.
• I will make sure to show both sides of the argument and try to convince you to agree with my view.
• I will show both sides of the argument and come to an ultimate decision by the end.

This Essay Will Analyze

“This essay will analyze” is another great way to start an essay with the words “essay” and “will.” It helps to sound confident when using phrases like this, and it goes over the things that the essay is likely to cover.

Some examples will help you to understand it better:

• This essay will analyze the effects on children of being surrounded by troublesome youths.
• This essay will analyze the findings from my previous experiment.
• This essay will analyze common social interactions and why they exist.

I Strongly Agree/Disagree, And This Essay Will Explore Why

This phrase works well to either agree or disagree with the question. Most essays ask a question that you are supposed to ponder. Starting an essay with your direct opinion is a good way to engage the reader early on.

The sooner you can keep the reader engaged, the better off you’ll be. It’ll make your writing sound much more professional and should score you higher marks in the long run.

Check out these examples for more help:

• I strongly agree with this question, and this essay will explore my reasons why.
• I strongly disagree with the quote above, and this essay will explore why.
• I strongly agree with this, and this essay will explore why I think that this is the best move for everyone.

This Paper Will Explore

“This paper will explore” is the last alternative we want to cover. It’s possible to replace “essay” in all cases with “paper,” and many readers prefer to see this because it does not sound as wasteful or as obvious.

The idea behind both “this essay” and “this paper” is the same. However, it’s up to you which one you think looks best on the page.

Here are some examples:

• This paper will explore the benefits of outreach for smaller companies .
• This paper will explore how to keep member retention much higher than in previous calendar years.
• This paper will explore the effects of mental illnesses.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• “Strongly Recommend” vs. “Highly Recommend” (Difference Explained)
• 10 Other Ways to Say “I Am” in an Essay
• 11 Other Idioms for “Two Sides of the Same Coin”
• 11 Other Ways To Say “I Think” And “I Believe” In An Essay

Synonyms of essay

• as in article
• as in attempt
• as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissertation
• composition
• prolegomenon
• undertaking
• trial and error
• experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

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“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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• Writing Tips

Synonyms for “Because”

2-minute read

• 27th February 2015

The word “because” is used to join two ideas and express cause and effect:

The lemonade fizzed because we shook the bottle.

However, if you find yourself overusing the word “because,” there are alternatives available. We’re going to look at some here.

Alternatives to “Because”

Instead of “because,” you could use any of the following terms (although this may depend on the context). Consider using…

Used as conjunctions, these are the simplest alternatives to “because.” They often work as substitutes without having to change the rest of the sentence:

The lemonade fizzed, since we shook the bottle.

The lemonade fizzed, as we shook the bottle.

Due To/On Account Of/As a Result Of

These alternatives all require changing the sentence slightly. Here, for example, we need to use the term “shaking” rather than “shook”:

The lemonade fizzed due to shaking the bottle.

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The lemonade fizzed on account of shaking the bottle.

The lemonade fizzed as a result of shaking the bottle.

Which Meant/Which Caused

In these phrases, the sentence must be reversed, with the cause coming first:

We shook the bottle, which meant that the lemonade fizzed.

We shook the bottle, which made the lemonade fizz.

In this version, we need to swap ‘fizzed’ for the infinitive ‘to fizz’.

We shook the bottle, which caused the lemonade to fizz.

Using some of these alternatives will be a great way to show off your vocabulary. They will also vary the rhythm of your text and engage the reader much more, enhancing readability.

Why Not to Use the Word Because

Using a word repeatedly in a paper can make you seem unimaginative. It could also make your work dull to read. If you need help finding other words to use, or if you are not sure that you have used these words correctly, simply upload your document to be proofread within 24 hours!

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NPR suspends senior editor Uri Berliner after essay accusing outlet of liberal bias

Npr suspended senior editor uri berliner a week after he authored an online essay accusing the outlet of allowing liberal bias in its coverage..

NPR has suspended a senior editor who authored an essay published last week on an online news site in which he argued that the network had "lost America's trust" because of a liberal bias in its coverage, the outlet reported.

Uri Berliner was suspended Friday for five days without pay, NPR reported Tuesday . The revelation came exactly a week after Berliner publicly claimed in an essay for The Free Press, an online news publication, that NPR had allowed a "liberal bent" to influence its coverage, causing the outlet to steadily lose credibility with audiences.

The essay reignited the criticism that many prominent conservatives have long leveled against NPR and prompted newsroom leadership to implement monthly internal reviews of the network's coverage, NPR reported. Berliner's essay also angered many of his colleagues and exposed NPR's new chief executive Katherine Maher to a string of attacks from conservatives over her past social media posts.

In a statement Monday to NPR, Maher refuted Berliner's claims by underscoring NPR's commitment to objective coverage of national issues.

"In America everyone is entitled to free speech as a private citizen," Maher said. "What matters is NPR's work and my commitment as its CEO: public service, editorial independence, and the mission to serve all of the American public. NPR is independent, beholden to no party, and without commercial interests."

Heat exposure law: Florida joins Texas in banning local heat protections for outdoor workers

Berliner rails against NPR's coverage of COVID-19, diversity efforts

Berliner, a senior business editor who has worked at NPR for 25 years, argued in the Free Press essay that “people at every level of NPR have comfortably coalesced around the progressive worldview.”

While he claimed that NPR has always had a "liberal bent" ever since he was hired at the outlet, he wrote that it has since lost its "open-minded spirit," and, hence, "an audience that reflects America."

The Peabody Award-winning journalist highlighted what he viewed as examples of the network's partisan coverage of several major news events, including the origins of COVID-19 and the war in Gaza . Berliner also lambasted NPR's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies – as reflected both within its newsroom and in its coverage – as making race and identity "paramount in nearly every aspect of the workplace.”

"All this reflected a broader movement in the culture of people clustering together based on ideology or a characteristic of birth," he wrote.

Uri Berliner's essay fuels conservative attacks on NPR

In response to the essay, many prominent conservatives and Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, launched renewed attacks at NPR for what they perceive as partisan coverage.

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo in particular targeted Maher for messages she posted to social media years before joining the network – her  first at a news organization . Among the posts singled out were  a 2020 tweet that called Trump racist .

Trump reiterated on his social media platform, Truth Social, his longstanding argument that NPR’s government funding should be rescinded.

NPR issues formal rebuke to Berliner

Berliner provided an NPR reporter with a copy of the formal rebuke for review in which the organization told the editor he had not been approved to write for other news outlets, as is required of NPR journalists.

NPR also said he publicly released confidential proprietary information about audience demographics, the outlet reported.

Leadership said the letter was a "final warning" for Berliner, who would be fired for future violations of NPR's policies, according to NPR's reporting. Berliner, who is a dues-paying member of NPR's newsroom union, told the NPR reporter that he is not appealing the punishment.

A spokeswoman for NPR said the outlet declined to comment on Berliner's essay or the news of his suspension when reached Tuesday by USA TODAY.

"NPR does not comment on individual personnel matters, including discipline," according to the statement. "We expect all of our employees to comply with NPR policies and procedures, which for our editorial staff includes the NPR Ethics Handbook ."

NPR staffer express dismay; leadership puts coverage reviews in place

According to the NPR article, Berliner's essay also invoked the ire of many of his colleagues and the reporters whose stories he would be responsible for editing.

"Newsrooms run on trust," NPR political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben said in a post last week on social media site X, though he didn't mention Berliner by name. "If you violate everyone's trust by going to another outlet and [expletive] on your colleagues (while doing a bad job journalistically, for that matter), I don't know how you do your job now."

Amid the fallout, NPR reported that NPR's chief news executive Edith Chapin announced to the newsroom late Monday afternoon that Executive Editor Eva Rodriguez would lead monthly meetings to review coverage.

Berliner expressed no regrets about publishing the essay in an interview with NPR, adding that he tried repeatedly to make his concerns over NPR's coverage known to news leaders.

"I love NPR and feel it's a national trust," Berliner says. "We have great journalists here. If they shed their opinions and did the great journalism they're capable of, this would be a much more interesting and fulfilling organization for our listeners."

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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NPR editor Uri Berliner resigns with blast at new CEO

David Folkenflik

Uri Berliner resigned from NPR on Wednesday saying he could not work under the new CEO Katherine Maher. He cautioned that he did not support calls to defund NPR. Uri Berliner hide caption

Uri Berliner resigned from NPR on Wednesday saying he could not work under the new CEO Katherine Maher. He cautioned that he did not support calls to defund NPR.

NPR senior business editor Uri Berliner resigned this morning, citing the response of the network's chief executive to his outside essay accusing NPR of losing the public's trust.

"I am resigning from NPR, a great American institution where I have worked for 25 years," Berliner wrote in an email to CEO Katherine Maher. "I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism. But I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems at NPR I cite in my Free Press essay."

NPR and Maher declined to comment on his resignation.

The Free Press, an online site embraced by journalists who believe that the mainstream media has become too liberal, published Berliner's piece last Tuesday. In it, he argued that NPR's coverage has increasingly reflected a rigid progressive ideology. And he argued that the network's quest for greater diversity in its workforce — a priority under prior chief executive John Lansing – has not been accompanied by a diversity of viewpoints presented in NPR shows, podcasts or online coverage.

Later that same day, NPR pushed back against Berliner's critique.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff . "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

Yet Berliner's commentary has been embraced by conservative and partisan Republican critics of the network, including former President Donald Trump and the activist Christopher Rufo.

Rufo is posting a parade of old social media posts from Maher, who took over NPR last month. In two examples, she called Trump a racist and also seemed to minimize the effects of rioting in 2020. Rufo is using those to rally public pressure for Maher's ouster, as he did for former Harvard University President Claudine Gay .

Others have used the moment to call for the elimination of federal funding for NPR – less than one percent of its roughly $300 million annual budget – and local public radio stations, which derive more of their funding from the government.

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

Berliner reiterated in his resignation letter that he does not support such calls.

In a brief interview, he condemned a statement Maher issued Friday in which she suggested that he had questioned "whether our people are serving our mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity." She called that "profoundly disrespectful, hurtful, and demeaning."

Berliner subsequently exchanged emails with Maher, but she did not address those comments.

"It's been building up," Berliner said of his decision to resign, "and it became clear it was on today."

For publishing his essay in The Free Press and appearing on its podcast, NPR had suspended Berliner for five days without pay. Its formal rebuke noted he had done work outside NPR without its permission, as is required, and shared proprietary information.

(Disclosure: Like Berliner, I am part of NPR's Business Desk. He has edited many of my past stories. But he did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Earlier in the day, Berliner forwarded to NPR editors and other colleagues a note saying he had "never questioned" their integrity and had been trying to raise these issues within the newsroom for more than seven years.

What followed was an email he had sent to newsroom leaders after Trump's 2016 win. He wrote then: "Primarily for the sake of our journalism, we can't align ourselves with a tribe. So we don't exist in a cocoon that blinds us to the views and experience of tens of millions of our fellow citizens."

Berliner's critique has inspired anger and dismay within the network. Some colleagues said they could no longer trust him after he chose to publicize such concerns rather than pursue them as part of ongoing newsroom debates, as is customary. Many signed a letter to Maher and Edith Chapin, NPR's chief news executive. They asked for clarity on, among other things, how Berliner's essay and the resulting public controversy would affect news coverage.

Yet some colleagues privately said Berliner's critique carried some truth. Chapin also announced monthly reviews of the network's coverage for fairness and diversity - including diversity of viewpoint.

She said in a text message earlier this week that that initiative had been discussed long before Berliner's essay, but "Now seemed [the] time to deliver if we were going to do it."

She added, "Healthy discussion is something we need more of."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

• Katherine Maher
• uri berliner

Opinion It’s not so ‘terribly strange to be 70’

I turned 70 today, a young age for an older person to be, but it is the oldest I have ever been by a long shot. It has been well over six decades since I learned in arithmetic how to carry the one, and the rest has sped by like microfiche.

One big juicy, messy, hard, joyful, quiet life. That’s what my 70 years have bequeathed me.

In my teens, already drinking and drugging, I didn’t expect to see 21, and at 21, out of control, I didn’t expect to see 30. At 30, I had published three books but, as a sober friend put it, was deteriorating faster than I could lower my standards.

Then at 32, I got clean and sober, the miracle of my life from which all other blessings flow. My son was born three years later. The apple fell close to the tree: My son went off the rails, too. He and his partner had a baby at 19, which had not been in my specific plans for him, but you know the old line: If you want to make God laugh, tell Her your plans.

The baby, soon to get his learner’s permit, turned out to be the gift of a lifetime. My son got clean and sober 13 years ago, and the three of us grew up together. Then after a long search, I met this brilliant, kind writer guy and, three days after I started getting Social Security, I married him. Yesterday, I published my 20th book, called “Somehow.” Today, when I woke up, I was 70. Seventy!

I think that I am only 57, but the paperwork does not back this up. I don’t feel old, because your inside self doesn’t age. When younger people ask me when I graduated from high school and I say 1971, there’s a moment’s pause, as if this is inconceivable and I might as well have said 20 B.C. That’s when I feel my age. But I smile winsomely because, while I would like to have their skin, hearing, vision, memory, balance, stamina and focus, I would not go back even one year.

My older friends and I know a thing or two.

In general, though, I know how little I know. This is a big relief.

I know that my lifelong belief, that to be beyond reproach offers shelter and protection, is a lie. Shelter is an inside job, protection an illusion. We are as vulnerable as kittens. Love fends off the worst of it.

I know now that everyone is screwed up to some degree, and that everyone screws up. Phew. I thought for decades it was just me, that all of you had been issued owner’s manuals in second grade, the day I was home with measles. We are all figuring it out as we go. Aging is grad school.

I know a very little bit about God, or goodness, or good orderly direction. I am a believer, but I don’t trouble myself about ultimate reality, the triune nature of the deity or who shot the Holy Ghost. I say help a lot, and thanks, and are You kidding me??? Have You been drinking again, Friend?

I know about something I will call cloak hope, most obvious to me in the people who swooped in and helped me get sober in 1986, and swooped down again in 2012 for my child. In my case, an elderly sober woman named Ruby saw me in my utter, trembly hopelessness — afraid, smelly and arrogant; she swept in and took me under her wing. She wrapped her cloak around me and was the counternarrative to all I believed at 32, i.e., that I needed to figure things out, especially myself, and who to blame.

I know the beauty of shadows. Shadows show us how life can gleam in contrast. Sunshine might be dancing outside the window, but the wonder is in the variegation, with fat white clouds bunched up on the right casting shadows on the hills and gardens, and brushstrokes of gray clouds on the left and — most magical — the long narrow shawl of fog right across the top of the ridge. The day is saying, Who knows how the weather will morph, but meanwhile so much is possible. And that is life asserting itself.

I know life will assert itself. Knowing this means I have a shot at some measure of pliability, like a willow tree that is maybe having an iffy day.

I know everything is in flux, that all things will turn into other things. I am uncomfortable with this but less so than in younger years. Michael Pollan wrote, “Look into a flower, and what do you see? Into the very heart of nature’s double nature — that is, the contending energies of creation and dissolution, the spiring toward complex form and the tidal pull away from it.” So I don’t sweat feeling a little disoriented some days.

I have grown mostly unafraid of my own death, except late at night when I head to WebMD and learn that my symptoms are probably cancer.

I know and am constantly aware of how much we have all lost and are in danger of losing — I am not going to name names — and am awash with gratitude for lovely, funny things that are still here and still work.

I know how to let go now, mostly, although it is not a lovely Hallmark process, and when well-wishers from my spiritual community exhort me to let go and let God, I want to Taser them. But I know that when I finally tell a best friend of my thistly stuckness, the telling is the beginning of release. You have to learn to let go. Otherwise, you get dragged, or you become George Costanza’s father pounding the table and shouting, “Serenity now!”

I know that people and pets I adore will keep dying, and it will never be okay, and then it will, sort of, mostly. I know the cycle is life, death, new life, and I think this is a bad system, but it is the one currently in place.

I know I will space out and screw up right and left as I head out on this book tour, say things I wish I could take back, forget things, sometimes onstage, and lose things. I just will.

I recently went to Costa Rica, where my husband was giving a spiritual retreat, and I forgot my pants. My pants! And last month, I went to give a talk at a theater two states away and forgot to bring any makeup. I am quite pale, almost light blue in some places — think of someone from “Game of Thrones” with a head cold — and ghostly under bright lights. When I discovered this omission, I was wearing only tinted moisturizer, powder on my nose and light pink lip gloss.

I gave myself an inspiring pep talk on my inner beauty, the light within. And then I had a moment of clarity: I asked the person driving me to the venue to stop at CVS, where I bought blush and a lipstick that was accidentally brighter and glossier than I usually wear. I looked fabulous. Age is just a number when you still know how to shine. And I shone.

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An NPR editor who wrote a critical essay on the company has resigned after being suspended

David Bauder

Associated Press

NEW YORK – A National Public Radio editor who wrote an essay criticizing his employer for promoting liberal views resigned on Wednesday, attacking NPR's new CEO on the way out.

Uri Berliner, a senior editor on NPR's business desk, posted his resignation letter on X, formerly Twitter, a day after it was revealed that he had been suspended for five days for violating company rules about outside work done without permission.

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“I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems” written about in his essay, Berliner said in his resignation letter.

Katherine Maher, a former tech executive appointed in January as NPR’s chief executive, has been criticized by conservative activists for social media messages that disparaged former President Donald Trump. The messages predated her hiring at NPR.

NPR’s public relations chief said the organization does not comment on individual personnel matters.

The suspension and subsequent resignation highlight the delicate balance that many U.S. news organizations and their editorial employees face. On one hand, as journalists striving to produce unbiased news, they're not supposed to comment on contentious public issues; on the other, many journalists consider it their duty to critique their own organizations' approaches to journalism when needed.

In his essay , written for the online Free Press site, Berliner said NPR is dominated by liberals and no longer has an open-minded spirit. He traced the change to coverage of Trump's presidency.

“There's an unspoken consensus about the stories we should pursue and how they should be framed,” he wrote. “It's frictionless — one story after another about instances of supposed racism, transphobia, signs of the climate apocalypse, Israel doing something bad and the dire threat of Republican policies. It's almost like an assembly line.”

He said he'd brought up his concerns internally and no changes had been made, making him “a visible wrong-thinker at a place I love.”

In the essay's wake, NPR top editorial executive, Edith Chapin, said leadership strongly disagreed with Berliner's assessment of the outlet's journalism and the way it went about its work.

It's not clear what Berliner was referring to when he talked about disparagement by Maher. In a lengthy memo to staff members last week, she wrote: “Asking a question about whether we're living up to our mission should always be fair game: after all, journalism is nothing if not hard questions. Questioning whether our people are serving their mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity, is profoundly disrespectful, hurtful and demeaning.”

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo revealed some of Maher's past tweets after the essay was published. In one tweet, dated January 2018, Maher wrote that “Donald Trump is a racist.” A post just before the 2020 election pictured her in a Biden campaign hat.

In response, an NPR spokeswoman said Maher, years before she joined the radio network, was exercising her right to express herself. She is not involved in editorial decisions at NPR, the network said.

The issue is an example of what can happen when business executives, instead of journalists, are appointed to roles overseeing news organizations: they find themselves scrutinized for signs of bias in ways they hadn’t been before. Recently, NBC Universal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde has been criticized for service on paid corporate boards.

Maher is the former head of the Wikimedia Foundation. NPR's own story about the 40-year-old executive's appointment in January noted that she “has never worked directly in journalism or at a news organization.”

In his resignation letter, Berliner said that he did not support any efforts to strip NPR of public funding. “I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism,” he wrote.

David Bauder writes about media for The Associated Press. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

18 Other Ways to Say “However” in an Essay

You’re in the midst of a formal essay, and it looks like you’ve used “however” far too many times. Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Below, we’ve compiled a list of great alternative terms that you can use when “however” starts to feel worn out. So, keep reading to find what you seek!

Other Ways to Say “However”

Nevertheless, alternatively.

• Nonetheless
• All the same
• In spite of
• Notwithstanding
• On the other hand
• In contrast

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It’s perfectly okay to use “however” in an essay.
• “Nevertheless” is a good alternative to use to keep your paper diverse.
• You can also use “alternatively” to avoid repetition of the word “however.”

Keep reading to see how we use our favorite synonyms for “however” in a couple of useful examples.

After that, we’ll consider whether it’s okay to use “however” in an essay. Is this considered bad practice?

If you’re wondering what to say instead of “however” in an essay, you might want to try “nevertheless.”

Firstly, like the original word, this term is used to introduce contrasting information relating to a previous statement. “Nevertheless” and “however” differ slightly in overall meaning.

However (or nevertheless), you’ll find that they can often be used interchangeably at the start of a sentence.

In other words, “nevertheless” is not a better word than “however” to use in formal or academic writing . But you can use this alternative to avoid repetition in your essay.

Finally, let’s see a couple of faux essay snippets making use of “nevertheless”:

Nevertheless , the ICO has provided several useful resources to guide sellers in their marketing pursuits.

After months of negotiations with unions, strikes broke out, nevertheless .

“Alternatively” is another word to use instead of “however” in academic writing. Like the original phrase, it can be used at the start of a sentence.

Essentially, “alternatively” means “as another possibility.” As such, it can be used to present a counterpoint to a previous statement in a paper.

However is just as effective as “alternatively,” but you can use this synonym to keep your phrasing diverse and your paper more interesting.

Lastly, let’s see a few examples making use of this term:

Small businesses feel that they have no choice but to cease the use of cold-calling altogether or, alternatively , undergo a costly remodeling of their marketing in an attempt to comply.

Alternatively , we may observe adaptation to these new conditions amongst our specimens.

Can I Use “However” in an Essay?

It is perfectly okay to use “however” in an essay . However, we do advise that you use it with caution.

Although it is not a bad word by any means, it is very easy to overuse it. This could be very detrimental to the appearance of your essay to any marker.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to use our list of synonyms to find other ways to say “however” when you have already used it.

Nevertheless, “however” is a perfectly polite word that can be used to introduce contrasting information or to transition to a new sentence. It is very effective, and you’re unlikely to find an academic paper that makes no use of it at all.

We hope you found our list of synonyms helpful. If you think you might need them the next time you’re drafting an essay, why not bookmark this page so you can find it again with ease?

• 19 Gender-Neutral Alternatives to “Dear Sir or Madam”
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Why I’m happy to be my husband’s second wife

He learned a lot in his first marriage. Now I get to reap the benefits. 

For the most part, everyone prefers to be a first to someone. A first kiss. A first love. But not me. I prefer being someone’s second, and that someone is my husband.

I’m my husband’s second wife. It’s my first time being a wife and a parent, but it’s his second time at both.

We will have been together nine years this July, married for seven. We have two beautiful children together, a 5-year-old daughter and a 7-month-old son. While no marriage is perfect, I think ours has unique benefits. My husband can take everything that didn’t work out from his first marriage and use it as a “what not to do” list. He’s a different person than he was over 25 years ago when he got married and had a child the first time around. And the ways in which he’s changed now pay off in our marriage. 

For starters, my husband is admittedly more patient now. In his first marriage, he was a very young husband with a new baby and a new wife. Some of the circumstances were less than ideal — a surprise pregnancy and the pressure to get married — which was a challenge. Today my husband is almost 60. With age comes understanding. He has learned the importance of  patience — with your spouse, with your child and with yourself. In a marriage , you need what can sometimes feel like unlimited patience. While his patience may not be unending, he has a lot of it — especially when it comes to our overly energetic 5-year-old daughter. She’s a firecracker, but when she is going crazy and I see how gentle, calm and patient my husband is with her, it makes me feel happy — and relieved. Having a husband with more patience takes the pressure off me to always have to be the patient one, especially with our children.

When my husband first became a father , he was barely 25 years old. He wasn’t prepared for the weight of family life and everything that comes with that — putting other people first, being more flexible, being a dad 24/7. He figured it out along the way, though, and today he puts our children before everything. Watching my husband cuddle with our 7-month-old in bed, while our daughter reads a book next to them, makes my heart explode. 

He’s also more confident in this season of life. My husband always felt like the black sheep of his family, especially as an artist. He’s a painter and would often go through periods of intense focus where he would close himself off to the world to concentrate. His family never understood that. While he doesn’t do that very often now, if he does, I understand him. He’s proven himself. He’s worked hard. He knows his worth and who he is. And he doesn’t need to prove any of that to anyone, the way he felt he had to when he was younger. He’s more confident and he is more comfortable with himself as a husband, father and artist. When people are insecure, that can lead to trust issues. But his confidence makes our bond stronger. It’s much easier to be married to someone who is secure and comfortable in their skin. 

Of course, it’s not always perfect. But even when we’re not seeing eye to eye, my husband can handle it better than he could years ago. 

When I was younger, my mom would tell me it’s important to know how to argu e. I used to think that sounded ridiculous, but I now know exactly what she meant. My husband admits that when he was young, he would often raise his voice in the heat of the moment. Now, he knows how to listen and see my point of view, not just his own. He knows that there are two sides to every argument and that it is important to respect each other. He thought he was always right in his first marriage. Right about everything when it came to parenting and life in general. But he’s learned that it’s actually OK to be wrong and more importantly, to admit that maybe you’ve made a mistake. He knows he’s not always right — and that’s OK. Even when we fight, I know our mutual goal is to come to a conclusion, together.

I know that some of my husband’s maturity is a natural part of getting older — he had 20 years between marriages — but I also believe he wouldn’t have learned so much without the experience he got in his first marriage. Today my husband speaks so positively about his ex-wife, especially about how she is as a mother, and I really respect that, and see it as another sign of how he’s grown. I feel very lucky to be his second wife, and to have met him after he got out of his system a lot of the mistakes we make when we’re young.

As it turns out, sometimes being second is the real win.

Caroline Chirichella is originally from NYC and now calls Italy her home. She is a public relations consultant with a focus on female- and mom-run businesses, and a  freelance writer .

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Does It Seem Like the End Times Are Here? These Novels Know Better.

What can fiction tell us about the apocalypse? Ayana Mathis finds unexpected hope in novels of crisis by Ling Ma, Jenny Offill and Jesmyn Ward.

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By Ayana Mathis

Ayana Mathis’s most recent novel, “The Unsettled,” was published in September.

• April 11, 2024

On the day my mother died, I sat by her bedside and read the Psalms. The room was quiet — the need for machines had passed — save for the sound of my voice and my mother’s labored breathing. Outside her room, the hospital went about its business: Lunch trays were delivered, nurses conferred, a television played too loudly down the corridor. Out there, time passed in its usual, unremarkable way. In her room, my mother and I had stepped off time’s familiar track.

Everything inessential vanished in her final hours. I read the Psalms because they comforted her. I told her I loved her. She squeezed my hand, which, in that afternoon when she was no longer able to speak, was as profound an expression of love as any words had ever been. When she died hours later, I knew that on the other side of her hospital room door there awaited, at least for me, an altered world.

The subject of this essay is apocalypse, and so I have begun with an ending. If you have lost a deeply beloved, then you have experienced the obliterating finality of death, that catastrophe in the small universe of an individual life. The loss also brings a realization: The “worst thing” that could happen is no longer a future projection; it has exploded into the present.

Apocalypse is generally understood as a future event: widespread suffering, extinctions, various iterations of end-time destruction gunning for us from some tomorrow. Out there, in the vast, unknowable not-yet, apocalypse roars. It paralyzes us with fear, deadens us into numbness or provokes us to hysteria. We are powerless in its face.

But what if we could change our relationship with the end by shifting our perspective on it? The first step might be dwelling more profoundly in the here and now where our crises amass, rather than focusing on the boogeyman future. We already know something about how to do this: We are creatures of loss; we have confronted, or will confront, the “worst things” in the real time of our lives. There is a precedent, then, for how, in this moment, we might collectively approach the apocalyptic worst things. While our beloved still lives, there is possibility: We can give her our attention; we can hold her hand.

I won’t downplay the current horrors — tens of thousands dead in Gaza, conflict in Ukraine, the high-stakes presidential election on the horizon — or imply that all will turn out right. The novels in this essay don’t do that either. Instead, they suggest new ways of seeing: a shift to deeper present-time awareness, even wonder, as the times grow ever more dire. The theologian Catherine Keller calls this “apocalyptic mindfulness.” “A cloud of roiling possibility seems to reveal itself,” she writes in “Facing Apocalypse” (2021). “It guarantees no happy ending. It may, however, enhance the uncertain chance of better outcomes.”

Many of our end-time notions are inflected by the biblical Book of Revelation. Its phantasmagoric visions and lurid scenes of destruction have thoroughly infiltrated Western talk of the end: the Four Horsemen, the beast we call the Antichrist (though Revelation doesn’t use the term), fires, plagues and raging pestilence. It may come as a surprise, then, that apokalypsis, the Greek word for “revelation,” means not “ending” but “unveiling.” As Keller writes, “It means not closure but dis-closure — that is, opening. A chance to open our eyes?” But, to what?

In Ling Ma’s novel “ Severance ” (2018), newly pregnant Candace Chen wanders a near-deserted New York City in the midst of a pandemic caused by a disease called Shen Fever. The majority of the city’s residents have fled or become “fevered,” a zombielike state that leaves victims stuck on repeat: a family endlessly setting the table and saying grace; a saleswoman, her jaw half eaten by decay, folding and refolding polo shirts at an abandoned Juicy Couture store on Fifth Avenue. The fevered are the least threatening zombies imaginable: so busy with their mindless performance of mundane tasks that they don’t notice the living. Ma has a knack for nuanced satire.

Candace sticks around because she’s got nowhere else to go; she’s the orphaned child of Chinese immigrants who died years before. Inexplicably, and perhaps somewhat to her dismay, she remains virus-free. As the pandemic shuts down the city, she doggedly persists with her job in the Bibles department at Spectra, a book production company: “I clicked Send, knowing it was fruitless,” she says. When public transportation stops entirely, she moves into her office on the 32nd floor, overlooking an empty Times Square.

It doesn’t take long to understand that a vast grief underlies Candace’s workaholic paralysis. So intense is her mourning for her parents that for a while the pandemic hardly registers. She needs to hold on to something, even pointless work at Spectra. The office setting is no coincidence: In some sense, Candace, too, is fevered, and her job’s rote repetition is a kind of anesthetic.

The dull but familiar grind of late-capitalist working life acts as a numbing agent, or perhaps a blindfold. When work dries up because the rest of the world is no longer at its desk, Candace rambles around the city utterly alone, taking pictures of derelict buildings that she posts on a blog she calls “NY Ghost.” One afternoon she enters a flooded subway station. “You couldn’t even see the water beneath all the garbage,” Ma writes. “The deeper you tunneled down, the bigger the sound, echoed and magnified by the enclosed space, until this primordial slurp was all that existed.” Grieving Candace is adrift, her internal landscape aligned with the desolation of the external world.

Published two years before the Covid pandemic, “Severance” offers an eerily prescient description of a nation shocked and exhausted. For so many, 2020 was a kind of apocalyptic unveiling. The pandemic revealed the fault lines in our health care and our schools, as well as the fact that so many of us were living in perpetual economic precarity. Then there were the deaths, which as a country we have hardly begun to mourn. Painfully and all at once, we understood the fragility of the systems we relied on, and the instability of our own lives.

Yet alongside the devastation there was transient beauty: In many places, air and water quality improved during lockdown and wildlife resurged. Health-care and essential workers were acknowledged and more respected; we realized the extent of our dependence on one another. If only for a little while, we were thrown into Keller’s “apocalyptic mindfulness.” But the eye snapped shut. We “recovered,” and, like Candace, we find ourselves once again in a collective disquiet, punctuated by bouts of terror as we contemplate the future.

On the final afternoon of her wandering, Candace ventures into the same Juicy Couture store she’d photographed weeks before. Ominously, the fevered saleswoman has been bludgeoned to death. Candace’s unborn child seems frightened too: “The baby moved inside of me, fluttering frantically.” Candace leaves Manhattan through the Lincoln Tunnel in a yellow taxi she’s commandeered from a fevered driver. She joins a band of survivors led by a creepy zealot named Bob, a former I.T. guy who wears a brace for carpal tunnel syndrome, that most banal of white-collar work maladies. They journey to the Chicago suburbs to homestead in a deserted mall. (I told you Ma has a knack for satire.)

In this semi-cult, Candace’s grief intensifies. She begins to have visions of her mother, who warns her that she and her unborn baby aren’t safe with Bob. Candace’s mother is right. Bob has a penchant for shooting the fevered in the head if he encounters them when he and the others go “stalking” for food and supplies. We squirm at these killings, even if the victims are not quite alive, at least not in the usual sense. Bob’s violent demagoguery opens Candace’s eyes to her metaphorically fevered state, and as we look into the mirror the novel holds up to us, we begin to wonder about our relationship to our own beleaguered world.

At last, Candace’s fever breaks and, fully alive, she escapes Bob and the others in a Nissan stolen from the group’s mini-fleet. She drives into once grand Chicago, swerving to avoid abandoned cars clogging Milwaukee Avenue. Finally, she runs out of gas. “Up ahead there’s a massive littered river, planked by an elaborate, wrought-iron red bridge,” she recounts. “Beyond the bridge is more skyline, more city. I get out and start walking.”

The “end” for Candace and her baby is not, in fact, an ending, but rather, an awakening that follows revelation.

If “Severance” chronicles its protagonist’s end-time stirrings from the stupor of grief, Jenny Offill’s novel “ Weather ” (2020) is its manic cousin, a diaristic account of climate anxiety. Narrated in the first person, aggressively present tense and composed of short chapters that leap from association to observation, the book is like a panicked brain in overdrive.

“Weather”’s protagonist, Lizzie, works as a university librarian in New York City. Her former professor, Sylvia, a climate change expert, finagled the gig for her though Lizzie isn’t really qualified. “Years ago, I was her grad student,” Lizzie explains, “but then I gave up on it. She used to check in on me sometimes to see if I was still squandering my promise. The answer was always yes.”

Lizzie is all wry self-deprecation. As the book progresses, we understand that she is less an underachiever than an empath, so often overwhelmed that her focus scrambles. Or perhaps it’s that she is deeply attentive to things we try to ignore. Her experience of the world is the opposite of Candace’s near-impenetrable grief. Lizzie is porous. Too much gets in: grave news about the environment, the plights of relative strangers — like kindly Mr. Jimmy, a car-service owner being run out of business by Uber. Lizzie “helps” by taking Mr. Jimmy’s car to various appointments, though she can’t afford it and the traffic makes her late.

The novel doesn’t so much unfold as tumble out over the course of a turbulent year that encompasses Donald Trump’s election in 2016. After Trump’s win, tensions rise in Lizzie’s Brooklyn neighborhood. Even Mr. Jimmy is spewing casual vitriol about Middle Eastern people and car bombs. Lizzie’s husband, Ben, retreats to the couch, to read a “giant history of war.” And I haven’t even mentioned Henry, Lizzie’s depressive, recovering-addict brother, who meets a woman, marries and has a baby, all at whiplash speed. When the marriage implodes, Henry winds up on Lizzie and Ben’s couch, using again and barely able to parent his daughter.

For Lizzie, as for most of us, personal and collective catastrophes run parallel. Her vision of the future grows ever darker. She talks to Sylvia about buying land somewhere cooler, where Eli, her young son, and Iris, her newborn niece, might fare better in 30 years or so. “Do you really think you can protect them? In 2047?” Sylvia asks.

“I look at her,” Lizzie thinks. “Because until this moment, I did, I did somehow think this.” The realization of her helplessness is unbearable, but Lizzie knows she must bear it: This bleak state of affairs is her son’s inheritance.

Lizzie is gripped by grief and despair — she spends far too much time on doomsday prepper websites — both complicated responses to a planet in the midst of radical, damaging change. “In a world of mortal beings,” Keller writes in “Facing Apocalypse,” “it would seem that without some work of mourning, responsibility for that world cannot develop.” Lizzie’s sense of loss and futility is wrenching, but her response attaches her that much more deeply to this world. Her anxiety is acute because the time in which to act is limited and shot through with urgency.

Lizzie experiences her moment as unprecedented; her end-time sensibility suggests an analogy, albeit to a starkly different context. The Apostle Paul also understood himself to be living through an extraordinary rupture in time. Paul's zeal to spread the Gospel through the ancient world was fueled by his conviction that ordinary time, and life, had been profoundly derailed by Christ’s crucifixion, and was soon to end with his imminent Second Coming. Paul believed he was living in an in-between time that the Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben has aptly called “ the time that remains ,” a phrase borrowed from Paul’s letter to the fledgling church at Corinth. “The time is short,” Paul wrote. “From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not.”

The old world and its rules had not yet passed away but the prospect of Christ’s return cast an altering light on the present, highlighting the impermanence of all things. Everything was revealed to be in flux and therefore subject to reversals and change.

In “Weather,” Lizzie’s frazzled report from the event horizon of impending disaster, the time that remains means that moments are more precious, less bound by previous rules of engagement and more open to radically new ones. Near the end of the novel, Henry reclaims his sobriety, and Lizzie finds renewed, if melancholic, love for this imperiled world. She wants to find a new way to engage, even as she is uncertain what that might be. “There’s the idea in the different traditions. Of the veil,” Lizzie says. “What if we were to tear through it?” The image recalls Keller’s apokalypsis — a revelatory “ dis-closure .”

Jesmyn Ward’s “ Salvage the Bones ” (2011) takes a very different approach to apocalypse. The novel is set over 12 days, before and just after Hurricane Katrina strikes the Gulf Coast. The 15-year-old narrator, Esch, her father and three brothers live in the Mississippi Delta, outside a coastal town Ward calls Bois Sauvage. Unlike other characters we have encountered, Ward’s need no awakening; and time is far too short for existential anxiety or long-term planning.

The novel opens as China, a pit bull belonging to Esch’s brother Skeetah, is giving birth. Moody, commanding China is the love of Skeetah’s young life and as vivid as any human character in the book. “What China is doing is fighting, like she was born to do,” Ward writes. “Fight our shoes, fight other dogs, fight these puppies that are reaching for the outside, blind and wet.” Skeetah hopes to sell China’s puppies for big money. Enough to send his older brother, Randall, to basketball camp, where, the family hopes, he’ll be noticed by college scouts. Enough, perhaps, to help Esch take care of her baby. Esch is pregnant, though not far enough along to show, and she is in love with the baby’s father, her brother Randall’s friend Manny, who keeps her a secret and won’t kiss her on the mouth.

The novel is full of mothers: mothers to be, absent mothers (Esch’s mother died in childbirth years before), animal mothers, even mythical mothers (Esch is fixated on the avenging Medea, whom she’s read about in school). And, of course, Mother Nature is flying across the gulf, heading straight for Bois Sauvage. Mothers in this novel are makers and destroyers. In some cases, they are also unprepared to occupy the role; they are in jeopardy or else the circumstances of their motherhood run afoul of certain proprieties.

Esch’s pregnancy isn’t easy. It may also be hard for readers to accept: Esch is in dire financial straits and young enough to scandalize some of us. Does the prospect of her motherhood elicit the same empathy as Lizzie’s or Candace’s? Whose children do we think of as the hope for the future when the end is nigh? Which mothers are most valued in the collective perception? Not, generally speaking, an impoverished Black girl barely into her teens.

Ward’s concerns are with those who will bear the brunt of the coming storms, both natural and metaphoric, on the page and in the world. Esch and her family face Katrina with nothing besides a few canned goods they’ve scared up, and some plywood nailed over the doors and windows. Esch herself is the sort of vulnerable person Scripture might refer to as “the least of these.” Each time I read the novel, my mind leaps to the biblical Mary, mother of Jesus, a poor, brown, teenage girl who gave birth in a barn because no safer provision was made for her. In that story, the life least protected turns out to be the most essential.

So it is in “Salvage the Bones”: Esch and her unborn child, along with fighting China and her puppies, are the beating heart of this universe. Here, Esch considers which animals flee before a coming storm: “Maybe the bigger animals do,” she reflects. “Maybe the small don’t run. Maybe the small pause on their branches, the pine-lined earth, nose up, catch that coming storm air that would smell like salt to them, like salt and clean burning fire, and they prepare like us.”

With “the small,” or those treated as such, as focal points, Ward’s novel is also an indictment. It’s true that Katrina was a natural disaster, but its effects were preventable, or might have been mitigated. Most of us remember the levees breaking. The disaster’s aftermath — thousands, mostly poor, stranded without food or water; critically ill patients dying in storm-ravaged hospitals ; desperate, unarmed civilians shot by police officers — was entirely the fault of humans.

We might extend Ward’s insight to end-time crises in general, in which other Esches are similarly left with the greater share of suffering. We may not be able to reverse the crises themselves, but we can intervene in the devastation they cause, and to whom.

We have been down a harrowing road; there isn’t much comfort here. But perhaps at this critical juncture in our human story, it is not comfort that will aid us most. Perhaps what will aid us most is to enter more fully into dis comfort. To awaken to our grief, like Candace. To try to tear through the veil, like Lizzie. In this way we might begin to believe that the future is not foreclosed upon, whatever it might look like.

I leave us with Esch’s declaration of hope at the end of Ward’s novel. Esch’s family has survived, but Skeetah is searching for China, who disappeared in the storm: “He will look into the future and see her emerge into the circle of his fire, beaten dirty by the hurricane so she doesn’t gleam anymore … dull but alive, alive, alive.”

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Recent books by Allen Bratton, Daniel Lefferts and Garrard Conley depict gay Christian characters not usually seen in queer literature.

What can fiction tell us about the apocalypse? The writer Ayana Mathis finds unexpected hope in novels of crisis by Ling Ma, Jenny Offill and Jesmyn Ward .

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