You want to sound as engaging and interesting as possible when writing an essay, and using words like “said” might prevent that.
So, if you’re about to use “said” for the umpteenth time, you’re in luck!
We have gathered some alternatives to show you other ways to say “said” in an essay that are bound to keep the reader entertained.
Key takeaways.
Keep reading to find out how to quote what someone said in an essay. We’ll go over the three most effective terms to help spice up your academic writing.
One of the most common ways to replace “said” in an essay is “stated.” It’s a great formal synonym that helps to keep things direct and clear for the reader.
It works well before a quote. You should write “stated” to clarify that you’re about to run a quote by the reader.
Of course, you can’t claim that someone “stated” something without backing it up with evidence.
The last thing you’ll want is for the reader to look into the quote and find out it was never actually said.
But, as long as you’ve done your research, this works well. Good academic phrases that start with “stated” help you to establish a clear quote relating to the bulk of your essay.
These essay samples will also help you understand it:
It’s clear that he stated “time is the killer of all things.” However, nobody really understood the prophetic meaning behind it.
She stated that “it’s time to make the changes you want to see in the world.” That’s what led most people to join the revolution.
For a more impactful alternative, you can use “declared.”
You won’t find “declared” quite as often as “said,” but it’s still an incredibly good term to include.
It’s a formal synonym. It also shows that someone announced something important .
Generally, “declared” comes before compelling quotes. It might be more suitable to use it when quoting a famous politician or monarch of some kind.
It’s a surefire way to engage the reader and spark their imagination.
We highly recommend it when you’re certain that it belongs before a quote and will allow you to establish a more powerful meaning behind it.
Perhaps these essay samples will also help you with it:
The king declared “good things will come to those who ask me for them.” He was a very proud man.
She declared that “this was going to be the only time she offered her services to those in need.”
Feel free to use “mentioned,” too. It’s another word you can use instead of “said” in an essay that’ll keep things engaging for the reader.
It’s much subtler than the other phrases. It suggests that someone has made a brief comment about something, and you’d like to quote it for the reader.
Don’t worry; it’s still a good formal synonym. However, you should use it when the quote isn’t the most important part of your essay.
Quotes are there to add a bit of context for the reader. So, they’re not always needed to improve an essay.
“Mentioned” is a simple word that allows you to include a short but interesting quote . However, it usually isn’t as impactful as saying something like “declared” or “exclaimed.”
You can also refer to these essay examples:
The politician mentioned that “we cannot know what we haven’t already experienced.” That resonated with me.
It was clear that he mentioned “things were bound to change soon,” so they had to figure out what he meant.
We are a team of experienced communication specialists.
Our mission is to help you choose the right phrase or word for your emails and texts.
Choosing the right words shouldn't be your limitation!
© WordSelector
Get 25% OFF new yearly plans in our Storyteller's Sale
By Alex Simmonds
Why is it wrong to use "in conclusion" when writing a conclusion, what can i use instead of "in conclusion" for an essay, what are some synonyms for "in conclusion" in formal writing, what are some synonyms for "in conclusion" in informal writing, what is another word for "in conclusion", what should a conclusion do in an article or paper.
The final paragraphs of any paper can be extremely difficult to get right, and yet they are probably the most important. They offer you a chance to summarize the points you have made into a neat package and leave a good impression on the reader.
Many people choose to start the last paragraph with the phrase in conclusion , but this has its downsides.
Firstly, you should only use it once. Any more than that and your essay will sound horribly repetitive. Secondly, there is the question of whether you should even use the phrase at all?
Though it’s okay to use in conclusion in a speech or presentation, when writing an essay it comes across as stating the obvious. The phrase will come across as a bit unnecessary or "on the nose."
Its use in an essay is clichéd, and there are far cleaner and more elegant ways of indicating that you are going to be concluding the paper. Using in conclusion might even irritate and alienate your audience or readers.
Thankfully, there are hundreds of synonyms available in the English language which do a much better (and much more subtle) job of drawing a piece of writing to a close.
The key is to choose ones which suit the tone of the paper. Here we will look at both formal options for an essay or academic paper, and informal options for light-hearted, low key writing, or speeches.
If you are writing an academic essay, a white paper, a business paper, or any other formal text, you will want to use formal transitional expressions that successfully work as synonyms for in conclusion .
The following are some suggestions you could use:
A simple way of concluding all your points and summarizing everything you have said is to confidently state that those points have convincingly proven your case:
As the research has demonstrated , kids really do love chocolate.
As all the above points have demonstrated , Dan Brown really was the most technically gifted writer of the 20th Century.
As has been demonstrated in this paper , the side-effects of the vaccine are mild in comparison to the consequences of the virus.
This is another way of saying as has been demonstrated , but perhaps less scientific and more literary. As has been shown would work well in literature, history, or philosophy essays.
For example:
As has been shown above , the First World War and industrialization were the drivers for a new way of seeing the world, reflected in Pound’s poetry.
This is a great expression to use in your conclusion, since it’s almost as blunt as in conclusion , but is a more refined and far less clichéd way of starting the concluding paragraph.
Once you have finished your argument and started drawing things to a close, using in the final analysis allows you to tail nicely into your last summation.
In the final analysis , there can be little doubt that Transformers: Dark of the Moon represents a low point in the history of cinema.
Along with let’s review , this is short and blunt way of announcing that you intend to recap the points you have made so far, rather than actually drawing a conclusion.
It definitely works best when presenting or reading out a speech, but less well in an essay or paper.
However, it does work effectively in a scientific paper or if you wish to recap a long train of thought, argument, or sequence before getting to the final concluding lines.
To review , of the two groups of senior citizens, one was given a placebo and the other a large dose of amphetamines.
Another phrase you could consider is in closing . This is probably better when speaking or presenting because of how double-edged it is. It still has an in conclusion element to it, but arguably it could also work well when drawing an academic or scientific paper to a conclusion.
For example, it is particularly useful in scientific or business papers where you want to sum up your points, and then even have a call to action:
In closing then, it is clear that as a society, we all need to carefully monitor our consumption of gummy bears.
Or in an academic paper, it offers a slightly less blunt way to begin a paragraph:
In closing , how do we tie all these different elements of Ballard’s writing together?
Perhaps the most similar expression to in conclusion is in summary . In summary offers a clear indication to the reader that you are going to restate the main points of your paper and draw a conclusion from those points:
In summary , Existentialism is the only philosophy that has any real validity in the 21st century.
In summary , we believe that by switching to a subscription model...
On top of those previously mentioned, here are some other phrases that you can use as an alternative to in conclusion :
To summarize
Overall, it may be said
Taking everything into account
On the whole
In general, it can be said that
With this in mind
Considering all this
Everything considered
As a final observation
Considering all of the facts
For the most part
In light of these facts
When it comes to finishing up a speech, a light-hearted paper, blog post, or magazine article, there are a couple of informal phrases you can use rather than in conclusion :
The phrase in a nutshell is extremely informal and can be used both in speech and in writing. However, it should never be used in academic or formal writing.
It could probably be used in informal business presentations, to let the audience know that you are summing up in a light-hearted manner:
In a nutshell , our new formula Pro Jazzinol shampoo does the same as our old shampoo, but we get to charge 20% more for it!
You can also use it if you want to get straight to the point at the end of a speech or article, without any fluff:
In a nutshell , our new SocialShocka app does what it says on the tin—gives you an electric shock every time you try to access your social media!
This is a pretty useful expression if you want to informally conclude an argument, having made all your points. It basically means in the final reckoning or the main thing to consider is , but said in a more conversational manner:
At the end of the day , he will never make the national team, but will make a good living as a professional.
At the end of the day , the former President was never destined to unite the country…
Another informal option when replacing in conclusion is to opt for to make a long story short —sometimes shortened to long story short .
Again, this is not one you would use when writing an academic or formal paper, as it is much too conversational. It’s a phrase that is far better suited to telling a joke or story to your friends:
Long story short , Billy has only gone and started his own religion!
Would you ever use it in writing? Probably not, except for at the end of friendly, low-key presentations:
Long story short , our conclusion is that you are spending far too much money on after work company bowling trips.
And possibly at the end of an offbeat magazine article or blog post:
Long story short , Henry VIII was a great king—not so great a husband though!
You can use any of the synonyms in this article when writing informally, but these are particularly useful when you want your writing to sound conversational:
By and large
On a final note
Last but not least
For all intents and purposes
The bottom line is
To put it bluntly
To wrap things up
To come to the point
To wind things up
Instead of opting for one of the above expressions or idioms, there are several different singular transition words you can use instead. Here are a couple of examples:
The perfect word to tell the reader you are reaching the end of your argument. Lastly is an adverb that means "at the end" or "in summary." It is best used when you are beginning your conclusion:
Lastly , with all the previous points in mind, there is the question of why Philip K Dick was so fascinated with alternate history?
But can also be used at the very end of your conclusion too:
Lastly then, we are left with Eliot’s own words on his inspiration for "The Waste Land."
Finally does exactly the same job as lastly . It lets the reader know that you are at the final point of your argument or are about to draw your conclusion:
Finally , we can see from all the previous points that...
Another word that can be used at beginning of the conclusion is the adverb ultimately . Meaning "in the end" or "at the end of the day," it can be used as a conclusion to both informal and formal papers or articles:
Ultimately , it comes down to whether one takes an Old Testament view of capital punishment or...
It can also be used in more survey, scientific, or charity appeal style articles as a call to action of some sort:
Ultimately , we will all need to put some thought into our own carbon footprints over the next couple of years.
A good word to conclude a scientific, or survey style paper is overall . It can be used when discussing the points, arguments or results that have been outlined in the paper up until that point.
Thus, you can say:
Overall , our survey showed that most people believe you should spread the cream before you add the jam, when eating scones.
Here are a few transition word alternatives to add to your arsenal:
Considering
Essentially
Principally
Summarizing
Pro tip: You should use transition words throughout your essay, paper, or article to guide your reader through your ideas towards your conclusion. ProWritingAid’s Transitions Report tells you how many transition words you’ve used throughout your document so you can make sure you’re supporting your readers’ understanding.
It’ll also tell you what type of transitions you’ve used. If there are no conclusion words in your writing, consider using one of the synonyms from this article.
Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account to try the Transitions Report.
One of the most effective ways of finishing up a piece of writing is to ask a question, or return to the question that was asked at the beginning of the paper using. This can be achieved using how , what , why , or who .
This is sometimes referred to as the "so what?" question. This takes all your points and moves your writing (and your reader) back to the broader context, and gets the reader to ask, why are these points important? Your conclusion should answer the question "so what?" .
To answer that, you circle back to the main concept or driving force of the essay / paper (usually found in the title) and tie it together with the points you have made, in a final, elegant few sentences:
How, then, is Kafka’s writing modernist in outlook?
Why should we consider Dickens’ work from a feminist perspective?
What, then , was Blake referring to, when he spoke of mind forged manacles?
There are plenty of alternatives for drawing an effective and elegant close to your arguments, rather than simply stating in conclusion .
Whether you ask a question or opt for a transition expression or a single transition word, just taking the time to choose the right synonyms will make all the difference to what is, essentially, the most important part of your paper.
Use prowritingaid.
Are your teachers always pulling you up on the same errors? Maybe you’re losing clarity by writing overly long sentences or using the passive voice too much.
ProWritingAid helps you catch these issues in your essay before you submit it.
Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.
Alex Simmonds is a freelance copywriter based in the UK and has been using words to help people sell things for over 20 years. He has an MA in English Lit and has been struggling to write a novel for most of the last decade. He can be found at alexsimmonds.co.uk.
Bring your story to life for less. Get 25% off yearly plans in our Storyteller's Sale. Grab the discount while it lasts.
Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via :
Writers Write creates writing resources and shares writing tips. Use this mini-thesaurus to find synonyms for 95 commonly-used words when you write.
If you do a lot of writing, it’s good to have a selection of synonyms for commonly used words to hand. If you can, keep a thesaurus nearby or use an online thesaurus . Or you could just bookmark this page and use it as needed.
If you are unsure of the replacement word, look it up to see if it has the correct meaning for the sentence you are writing.
Synonyms for 95 Commonly Used Words in the English language
If you are looking for more resources, you might like these posts:
very educative
I love this list. I find the use of a thesaurus both helpful and a hindrance, but it is a necessity at times.
Excellent work.
I especially liked the list for “move”. Maybe “like” could be added to the list?
Can you add “awesome”? Now there’s an overused word.
Hang on, how is improbable an alternative to amazing…? Or arouse an alternative to anger? Not to mention arouse is an adjective and anger is a noun… Angry -> excited? That’s as far as I read. Someone must have been really confused reading some books….
Thanks for the list. I have a thesaurus on my computer which my husband found. The one above is for the basic words that pop up all the time and I appreciate being given the list.
move? You left one out. In reflection seismology a synonym is migrate.
This is an awesome list. Great work!
This is really helpful! It can be very frustrating trying to come up with a word.
Guys checkout an awesome motivational blog to boost your moral.
http://motivationalthoughtsforyou.blogspot.in/
I’m sure you will definitely love it.
How I wish everyone would read this. Conversation would be so much more interesting and accurate.
I live by my thesaurus and this one is really handy!
Such an great list to write something which is simple and catchy to eyes. As a writer it would be helps a great deal to make my writing meaningful and understandable to others. Thats stuff is seriously an applauded work by author.
This is very helpful for student and also word power make a strong, if you give a deaily word power so it could be help us.
nice sir it could be help ful for word power for student .
oh! i always need this thing thank you so much
Thank you so much for posting this. I am constantly trying to expand my every day vocabulary. These words are simple enough for daily use, yet not the average choice for most. Love it.
Thank you for the feedback. We appreciate it.
Good look up table for writers .terrific.
Generally useful list, but it ignores some important distinctions. “Notorious” is not a synonym for famous; it refers to fame as ignominy. You can write about notorious bank robbers, notorious swindlers, even notorious celebrities when their reputations have been muddied. But you would, in contrast, call, Adele a notorious singer. Nonetheless, I found most of the list helpful for everyday words.
Oops. I meant to say that you would NOT call Adele a notorious singer. Sorry for the word lapse.
Wow, Its so lovely post, So many vocabularies to know into the knowledge.
Very useful. Thank you!
Comments are closed.
© Writers Write 2022
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.
Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.
The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.
For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.
Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.
Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.
The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.
If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.
While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.
In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.
The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.
Discover proofreading & editing
There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.
Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.
Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.
Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
---|---|---|
Addition | We found that the mixture was effective. , it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. | indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both and , not only but also , , in fact |
Introduction | Several researchers have previously explored this topic. , Smith (2014) examined the effects of … | such as, like, particularly, including, as an illustration, for example, for instance, in particular, to illustrate, especially, notably |
Reference | The solution showed a high degree of absorption. , it is reasonable to conclude that … | considering , regarding , in regard to , as for , concerning , the fact that , on the subject of |
Similarity | It was not possible to establish a correlation between these variables. , the connection between and remains unclear … | similarly, in the same way, by the same token, in like manner, equally, likewise |
Clarification | The patient suffered several side effects, increased appetite, decreased libido, and disordered sleep. | that is (to say), namely, specifically, more precisely, in other words |
Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.
Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
---|---|---|
Conflict | The novel does deal with the theme of family. , its central theme is more broadly political … | but, however, although, though, equally, by way of contrast, while, on the other hand, (and) yet, whereas, in contrast, (when) in fact, conversely, whereas |
Concession | Jones (2011) argues that the novel reflects Russian politics of the time. this is correct, other aspects of the text must also be considered. | even so, nonetheless, nevertheless, even though, on the other hand, admittedly, despite , notwithstanding , (and) still, although, , regardless (of ), (and) yet, though, granted |
Dismissal | It remains unclear which of these hypotheses is correct. , it can be inferred that … | regardless, either way, whatever the case, in any/either event, in any/either case, at any rate, all the same |
Emphasis | The chemical is generally thought to have corrosive properties. , several studies have supported this hypothesis. | above all, indeed, more/most importantly |
Replacement | The character of Godfrey is often viewed as selfish, self-absorbed. | (or) at least, (or) rather, instead, or (perhaps) even, if not |
Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.
Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
---|---|---|
Consequence | Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. | therefore, because (of ), as a result (of ), for this reason, in view of , as, owing to x, due to (the fact that), since, consequently, in consequence, as a consequence, hence, thus, so (that), accordingly, so much (so) that, under the/such circumstances, if so |
Condition | We qualified survey responses as positive the participant selected “agree” or “strongly agree.” , results were recorded as negative. | (even/only) if/when, on (the) condition that, in the case that, granted (that), provided/providing that, in case, in the event that, as/so long as, unless, given that, being that, inasmuch/insofar as, in that case, in (all) other cases, if so/not, otherwise |
Purpose | We used accurate recording equipment our results would be as precise as possible. | to, in order to/that, for the purpose of, in the hope that, so that, to the end that, lest, with this in mind, so as to, so that, to ensure (that) |
Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.
Function | Example sentence | Transition words and phrases |
---|---|---|
Enumeration | This has historically had several consequences: , the conflict is not given the weight of other conflicts in historical narratives. , its causes are inadequately understood. , … | first, second, third… |
Initiation | , I want to consider the role played by women in this period. | in the first place, initially, first of all, to begin with, at first |
Continuation | , I discuss the way in which the country’s various ethnic minorities were affected by the conflict. | subsequently, previously, eventually, next, before , afterwards, after , then |
Conclusion | , I consider these two themes in combination. | to conclude (with), as a final point, eventually, at last, last but not least, finally, lastly |
Resumption | my main argument, it is clear that … | to return/returning to , to resume, at any rate |
Summation | Patel (2015) comes to a similar conclusion. , the four studies considered here suggest a consensus that the solution is effective. | as previously stated/mentioned, in summary, as I have argued, overall, as has been mentioned, to summarize, briefly, given these points, in view of , as has been noted, in conclusion, in sum, altogether, in short |
Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.
Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.
“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.
The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”
While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.
To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.
Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.
The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.
We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”
Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.
In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”
Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”
The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.
First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.
Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.
These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.
With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.
If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
Academic Writing
(AI) Tools
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Caulfield, J. (2023, August 23). Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 30, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/transition-words/
Other students also liked, using conjunctions | definition, rules & examples, transition sentences | tips & examples for clear writing, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, what is your plagiarism score.
Use this comprehensive list of words to use in essays to elevate your writing. Make an impression and score higher grades with this guide!
Words play a fundamental role in the domain of essay writing, as they have the power to shape ideas, influence readers, and convey messages with precision and impact. Choosing the right words to use in essays is not merely a matter of filling pages, but rather a deliberate process aimed at enhancing the quality of the writing and effectively communicating complex ideas. In this article, we will explore the importance of selecting appropriate words for essays and provide valuable insights into the types of words that can elevate the essay to new heights.
Using a wide range of words can make your essay stronger and more impressive. With the incorporation of carefully chosen words that communicate complex ideas with precision and eloquence, the writer can elevate the quality of their essay and captivate readers.
This list serves as an introduction to a range of impactful words that can be integrated into writing, enabling the writer to express thoughts with depth and clarity.
Significantly
Furthermore
Nonetheless
Nevertheless
Consequently
Accordingly
Subsequently
In contrast
Alternatively
Implications
Substantially
Transition words and phrases are essential linguistic tools that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs within a text. They work like bridges, facilitating the transitions between different parts of an essay or any other written work. These transitional elements conduct the flow and coherence of the writing, making it easier for readers to follow the author’s train of thought.
Here are some examples of common transition words and phrases:
Furthermore: Additionally; moreover.
However: Nevertheless; on the other hand.
In contrast: On the contrary; conversely.
Therefore: Consequently; as a result.
Similarly: Likewise; in the same way.
Moreover: Furthermore; besides.
In addition: Additionally; also.
Nonetheless: Nevertheless; regardless.
Nevertheless: However; even so.
On the other hand: Conversely; in contrast.
These are just a few examples of the many transition words and phrases available. They help create coherence, improve the organization of ideas, and guide readers through the logical progression of the text. When used effectively, transition words and phrases can significantly guide clarity for writing.
Strong verbs are an essential component of academic writing as they add precision, clarity, and impact to sentences. They convey actions, intentions, and outcomes in a more powerful and concise manner. Here are some examples of strong verbs commonly used in academic writing:
Analyze: Examine in detail to understand the components or structure .
Critique: Assess or evaluate the strengths and weaknesses.
Demonstrate: Show the evidence to support a claim or argument.
Illuminate: Clarify or make something clearer.
Explicate: Explain in detail a thorough interpretation.
Synthesize: Combine or integrate information to create a new understanding.
Propose: Put forward or suggest a theory, idea, or solution.
Refute: Disprove or argue against a claim or viewpoint.
Validate: Confirm or prove the accuracy or validity of something.
Advocate: Support or argue in favor of a particular position or viewpoint.
Useful adjectives and adverbs are valuable tools in academic writing as they enhance the description, precision, and depth of arguments and analysis. They provide specific details, emphasize key points, and add nuance to writing. Here are some examples of useful adjectives and adverbs commonly used in academic essays:
Comprehensive: Covering all aspects or elements; thorough.
Crucial: Extremely important or essential.
Prominent: Well-known or widely recognized; notable.
Substantial: Considerable in size, extent, or importance.
Valid: Well-founded or logically sound; acceptable or authoritative.
Effectively: In a manner that produces the desired result or outcome.
Significantly: To a considerable extent or degree; notably.
Consequently: As a result or effect of something.
Precisely: Exactly or accurately; with great attention to detail.
Critically: In a careful and analytical manner; with careful evaluation or assessment.
The words used in the essay introduction play a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the essay. They should be engaging, informative, and persuasive. Here are some examples of words that can be effectively used in the essay introduction:
Intriguing: A word that sparks curiosity and captures the reader’s interest from the beginning.
Compelling: Conveys the idea that the topic is interesting and worth exploring further.
Provocative: Creates a sense of controversy or thought-provoking ideas.
Insightful: Suggests that the essay will produce valuable and thought-provoking insights.
Startling: Indicates that the essay will present surprising or unexpected information or perspectives.
Relevant: Emphasizes the significance of the topic and its connection to broader issues or current events.
Timely: Indicates that the essay addresses a subject of current relevance or importance.
Thoughtful: Implies that the essay will offer well-considered and carefully developed arguments.
Persuasive: Suggests that the essay will present compelling arguments to convince the reader.
Captivating: Indicates that the essay will hold the reader’s attention and be engaging throughout.
The words used in the body of the essay are essential for effectively conveying ideas, providing evidence, and developing arguments. They should be clear, precise, and demonstrate a strong command of the subject matter. Here are some examples of words that can be used in the body of the essay:
Evidence: When presenting supporting information or data, words such as “data,” “research,” “studies,” “findings,” “examples,” or “statistics” can be used to strengthen arguments.
Analysis: To discuss and interpret the evidence, words like “analyze,” “examine,” “explore,” “interpret,” or “assess” can be employed to demonstrate a critical evaluation of the topic.
Comparison: When drawing comparisons or making contrasts, words like “similarly,” “likewise,” “in contrast,” “on the other hand,” or “conversely” can be used to highlight similarities or differences.
Cause and effect: To explain the relationship between causes and consequences , words such as “because,” “due to,” “leads to,” “results in,” or “causes” can be utilized.
Sequence: When discussing a series of events or steps, words like “first,” “next,” “then,” “finally,” “subsequently,” or “consequently” can be used to indicate the order or progression.
Emphasis: To emphasize a particular point or idea, words such as “notably,” “significantly,” “crucially,” “importantly,” or “remarkably” can be employed.
Clarification: When providing further clarification or elaboration, words like “specifically,” “in other words,” “for instance,” “to illustrate,” or “to clarify” can be used.
Integration: To show the relationship between different ideas or concepts, words such as “moreover,” “furthermore,” “additionally,” “likewise,” or “similarly” can be utilized.
Conclusion: When summarizing or drawing conclusions, words like “in conclusion,” “to summarize,” “overall,” “in summary,” or “to conclude” can be employed to wrap up ideas.
Remember to use these words appropriately and contextually, ensuring they strengthen the coherence and flow of arguments. They should serve as effective transitions and connectors between ideas, enhancing the overall clarity and persuasiveness of the essay.
The words used in the essay conclusion are crucial for effectively summarizing the main points, reinforcing arguments, and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. They should bring a sense of closure to the essay while highlighting the significance of ideas. Here are some examples of words that can be used in the essay conclusion:
Summary: To summarize the main points, these words can be used “in summary,” “to sum up,” “in conclusion,” “to recap,” or “overall.”
Reinforcement: To reinforce arguments and emphasize their importance, words such as “crucial,” “essential,” “significant,” “noteworthy,” or “compelling” can be employed.
Implication: To discuss the broader implications of ideas or findings, words like “consequently,” “therefore,” “thus,” “hence,” or “as a result” can be utilized.
Call to action: If applicable, words that encourage further action or reflection can be used, such as “we must,” “it is essential to,” “let us consider,” or “we should.”
Future perspective: To discuss future possibilities or developments related to the topic, words like “potential,” “future research ,” “emerging trends,” or “further investigation” can be employed.
Reflection: To reflect on the significance or impact of arguments, words such as “profound,” “notable,” “thought-provoking,” “transformative,” or “perspective-shifting” can be used.
Final thought: To leave a lasting impression, words or phrases that summarize the main idea or evoke a sense of thoughtfulness can be used, such as “food for thought,” “in light of this,” “to ponder,” or “to consider.”
Improving essay writing vocabulary is essential for effectively expressing ideas, demonstrating a strong command of the language, and engaging readers. Here are some strategies to enhance the essay writing vocabulary:
When writing an essay and wanting to add additional information to support a point, you can use various transitional words and phrases. Here are some examples:
Furthermore: Add more information or evidence to support the previous point.
Additionally: Indicates an additional supporting idea or evidence.
Moreover: Emphasizes the importance or significance of the added information.
In addition: Signals the inclusion of another supporting detail.
Furthermore, it is important to note: Introduces an additional aspect or consideration related to the topic.
Not only that, but also: Highlights an additional point that strengthens the argument.
Equally important: Emphasizes the equal significance of the added information.
Another key point: Introduces another important supporting idea.
It is worth noting: Draws attention to a noteworthy detail that supports the point being made.
Additionally, it is essential to consider: Indicates the need to consider another aspect or perspective.
Using these transitional words and phrases will help you seamlessly integrate additional information into your essay, enhancing the clarity and persuasiveness of your arguments.
When crafting an essay, it is crucial to effectively showcase contrast, enabling the presentation of opposing ideas or the highlighting of differences between concepts. The adept use of suitable words and phrases allows for the clear communication of contrast, bolstering the strength of arguments. Consider the following examples of commonly employed words and phrases to illustrate the contrast in essays:
However: e.g., “The experiment yielded promising results; however, further analysis is needed to draw conclusive findings.”
On the other hand: e.g., “Some argue for stricter gun control laws, while others, on the other hand, advocate for individual rights to bear arms.”
Conversely: e.g., “While the study suggests a positive correlation between exercise and weight loss, conversely, other research indicates that diet plays a more significant role.”
Nevertheless: e.g., “The data shows a decline in crime rates; nevertheless, public safety remains a concern for many citizens.”
In contrast: e.g., “The economic policies of Country A focus on free-market principles. In contrast, Country B implements more interventionist measures.”
Despite: e.g., “Despite the initial setbacks, the team persevered and ultimately achieved success .”
Although: e.g., “Although the participants had varying levels of experience, they all completed the task successfully.”
While: e.g., “While some argue for stricter regulations, others contend that personal responsibility should prevail.”
When writing an essay and providing examples to illustrate your points, you can use a variety of words and phrases to introduce those examples. Here are some examples:
For instance: Introduces a specific example to support or illustrate your point.
For example: Give an example to clarify or demonstrate your argument.
Such as: Indicates that you are providing a specific example or examples.
To illustrate: Signals that you are using an example to explain or emphasize your point.
One example is: Introduces a specific instance that exemplifies your argument.
In particular: Highlights a specific example that is especially relevant to your point.
As an illustration: Introduces an example that serves as a visual or concrete representation of your point.
A case in point: Highlights a specific example that serves as evidence or proof of your argument.
To demonstrate: Indicates that you are providing an example to show or prove your point.
To exemplify: Signals that you are using an example to illustrate or clarify your argument.
Using these words and phrases will help you effectively incorporate examples into your essay, making your arguments more persuasive and relatable. Remember to give clear and concise examples that directly support your main points.
When writing an essay and wanting to signify the importance of a particular point or idea, you can use various words and phrases to convey this emphasis. Here are some examples:
Crucially: Indicates that the point being made is of critical importance.
Significantly: Highlights the importance or significance of the idea or information.
Importantly: Draws attention to the crucial nature of the point being discussed.
Notably: Emphasizes that the information or idea is particularly worthy of attention.
It is vital to note: Indicates that the point being made is essential and should be acknowledged.
It should be emphasized: Draws attention to the need to give special importance or focus to the point being made.
A key consideration is: Highlight that the particular idea or information is a central aspect of the discussion.
It is critical to recognize: Emphasizes that the understanding or acknowledgment of the point is crucial.
Using these words and phrases will help you convey the importance and significance of specific points or ideas in your essay, ensuring that readers recognize their significance and impact on the overall argument.
Mind the Graph platform provides scientists with exclusive scientific content that is created by scientists themselves. This unique feature ensures that the platform offers high-quality and reliable information tailored specifically for the scientific community. The platform serves as a valuable resource for researchers, offering a wide range of visual tools and templates that enable scientists to create impactful and visually engaging scientific illustrations and graphics for their publications, presentations, and educational materials.
Exclusive high quality content about effective visual communication in science.
Sign Up for Free
Try the best infographic maker and promote your research with scientifically-accurate beautiful figures
no credit card required
Advertisement
noun as in written discourse
Strongest matches
Strong matches
noun as in try, attempt
Weak matches
verb as in try, attempt
As several of my colleagues commented, the result is good enough that it could pass for an essay written by a first-year undergraduate, and even get a pretty decent grade.
GPT-3 also raises concerns about the future of essay writing in the education system.
This little essay helps focus on self-knowledge in what you’re best at, and how you should prioritize your time.
As Steven Feldstein argues in the opening essay, technonationalism plays a part in the strengthening of other autocracies too.
He’s written a collection of essays on civil engineering life titled Bridginess, and to this day he and Lauren go on “bridge dates,” where they enjoy a meal and admire the view of a nearby span.
I think a certain kind of compelling essay has a piece of that.
The current attack on the Jews,” he wrote in a 1937 essay, “targets not just this people of 15 million but mankind as such.
The impulse to interpret seems to me what makes personal essay writing compelling.
To be honest, I think a lot of good essay writing comes out of that.
Someone recently sent me an old Joan Didion essay on self-respect that appeared in Vogue.
There is more of the uplifted forefinger and the reiterated point than I should have allowed myself in an essay.
Consequently he was able to turn in a clear essay upon the subject, which, upon examination, the king found to be free from error.
It is no part of the present essay to attempt to detail the particulars of a code of social legislation.
But angels and ministers of grace defend us from ministers of religion who essay art criticism!
It is fit that the imagination, which is free to go through all things, should essay such excursions.
Words related to essay are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word essay . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.
verb as in point or direct at a goal
noun as in piece of writing
verb as in try, make effort
Viewing 5 / 74 related words
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
Advertisement
Supported by
Guest Essay
By Vivek H. Murthy
Dr. Murthy is the surgeon general.
One day when my daughter was a year old, she stopped moving her right leg. Tests found that she had a deep infection in her thigh that was dangerously close to her bone. She was rushed off to surgery. Thankfully, she’s now a healthy, spirited young girl, but the excruciating days we spent in the hospital were some of the hardest of my life. My wife, Alice, and I felt helpless and heartbroken. We got through it because of excellent medical care, understanding workplaces and loved ones who showed up and reminded us that we were not alone.
When I became a parent, a friend told me I was signing up for a lifetime of joy and worry. The joys are indeed abundant, but as fulfilling as parenting has been, the truth is it has also been more stressful than any job I’ve had. I’ve had many moments of feeling lost and exhausted. So many parents I encounter as I travel across America tell me they have the same experience: They feel lucky to be raising kids, but they are struggling, often in silence and alone.
The stress and mental health challenges faced by parents — just like loneliness , workplace well-being and the impact of social media on youth mental health — aren’t always visible, but they can take a steep toll. It’s time to recognize they constitute a serious public health concern for our country. Parents who feel pushed to the brink deserve more than platitudes. They need tangible support. That’s why I am issuing a surgeon general’s advisory to call attention to the stress and mental health concerns facing parents and caregivers and to lay out what we can do to address them.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association revealed that 48 percent of parents say most days their stress is completely overwhelming, compared with 26 percent of other adults who reported the same. They are navigating traditional hardships of parenting — worrying about money and safety, struggling to get enough sleep — as well as new stressors, including omnipresent screens, a youth mental health crisis and widespread fear about the future.
Stress is tougher to manage when you feel you’re on your own, which is why it’s particularly concerning that so many parents, single parents most of all, report feeling lonelier than other adults . Additionally, parents are stretched for time. Compared with just a few decades ago, mothers and fathers spend more time working and more time caring for their children , leaving them less time for rest, leisure and relationships. Stress, loneliness and exhaustion can easily affect people’s mental health and well-being. And we know that the mental health of parents has a direct impact on the mental health of children.
All of this is compounded by an intensifying culture of comparison, often amplified online, that promotes unrealistic expectations of what parents must do. Chasing these expectations while trying to wade through an endless stream of parenting advice has left many families feeling exhausted, burned out and perpetually behind.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in .
Want all of The Times? Subscribe .
(Entry 1 of 2)
Synonyms & Similar Words
Thesaurus Definition of essay (Entry 2 of 2)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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.
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
You'll know the difference if you give it the old college essay
Cite this entry.
“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
Nglish: Translation of essay for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of essay for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essay
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
Word of the day.
See Definitions and Examples »
Get Word of the Day daily email!
Plural and possessive names: a guide, 31 useful rhetorical devices, more commonly misspelled words, why does english have so many silent letters, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, 7 shakespearean insults to make life more interesting, birds say the darndest things, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), games & quizzes.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Synonyms for more include additional, extra, added, spare, increased, farther, fresh, further, reserve and supplemental. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com!
In writing and speech, the word furthermore is used as a conjunctive adverb. It ties together two sentences that have a connection by advancing the argument. As a transition word furthermore is defined as "an addition to what precedes.". When used correctly, furthermore helps make your writing easier to understand. But, like with any word, overusing furthermore will distract your reader and ...
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
Essay writing is very difficult because it requires you to have both research and writing skills. On top of this, students are often required to write essays on very difficult topics. 3. Moreover. Travel is good for expanding the mind. Travelers get to experience new people and cultures which can increase knowledge and understanding.
The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing. When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page.
Concluding your paper or presentation can feel redundant if you always say "in conclusion." These alternatives will help you end your project with style.
Synonyms for MORE: then, besides, either, also, further, as well, too, for good measure; Antonyms of MORE: less, fewer, reduction, decrease, loss, lessening, lowering ...
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".
50 linking words to use in academic writing. academic writing. linkers. essay writing. thesis. ESL. English. It's very common for students to use long words they don't understand very well in their essays and theses because they have a certain idea of what academic writing should be.
apart from that. in addition to what has been said. aside from that. other than that. added to that. in the second place. to continue. next in order. on the other hand.
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. Contents: Words to Use in the Essay Introduction. Words to Use in the Body of the Essay.
Abruptly switching topics in essays can be jarring; however, transition words can smooth the change for the convenience of the reader.Moreover, you can use essay transition words to start a paragraph, sentence, or clause more naturally.Additionally, essay transition words can connect new information to the previous statement so you don't have to say everything at once.
Stated. One of the most common ways to replace "said" in an essay is "stated.". It's a great formal synonym that helps to keep things direct and clear for the reader. It works well before a quote. You should write "stated" to clarify that you're about to run a quote by the reader. Of course, you can't claim that someone ...
Synonyms for FURTHERMORE: then, also, besides, either, moreover, more, additionally, likewise, as well, further
In closing. Another phrase you could consider is in closing.This is probably better when speaking or presenting because of how double-edged it is. It still has an in conclusion element to it, but arguably it could also work well when drawing an academic or scientific paper to a conclusion.. For example, it is particularly useful in scientific or business papers where you want to sum up your ...
Writers Write creates writing resources and shares writing tips. Use this mini-thesaurus to find synonyms for 95 commonly-used words when you write. If you do a lot of writing, it's good to have a selection of synonyms for commonly used words to hand. If you can, keep a thesaurus nearby or use an online thesaurus. Or you could just bookmark ...
These are the transition words that bring paragraphs, arguments, and pieces of writing to a close. They can also be used to summarize and restate ideas. These transition phrases and words include: in summary. in conclusion. to conclude. in any event. in either case. overall.
Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.
Here are some examples of strong verbs commonly used in academic writing: Analyze: Examine in detail to understand the components or structure. Critique: Assess or evaluate the strengths and weaknesses. Demonstrate: Show the evidence to support a claim or argument. Illuminate: Clarify or make something clearer.
The broken record. "Exercise can improve your cardiovascular function. In addition, it can increase your self-esteem. Additionally, exercise can be a great way to meet new people. Plus, exercise can extend your life and make you feel younger.". Some transition words will be used more than others, and that's fine.
Find 80 different ways to say ESSAY, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
Synonyms for ADDITIONALLY: also, then, either, besides, more, furthermore, moreover, likewise, as well, further
Guest Essay. Surgeon General: Parents Are at Their Wits' End. We Can Do Better. Aug. 28, 2024. ... We have much more to do, however, to make parenting sustainable. This means bolstering ...
Synonyms for ESSAY: article, paper, dissertation, theme, thesis, composition, treatise, editorial; Antonyms of ESSAY: quit, drop, give up