The art of great signposting words is using key words and phrases to enable the reader to navigate their way through your argument. Here are some essential transition words and phrases for writing which will prove invaluable in that process. You may have your own favorites
Essential Transition Words and Phrases for Writing
The Great Signposting Words is a name commonly given to words or phrases that express a connection between two ideas and make the transition from one point to the next in writing. They can link ideas within a sentence, link two sentences, two paragraphs, or even two parts of the essay together. They help to make writing flow smoothly, without any abrupt, disjointed breaks that leave the reader wondering what your points have to do with one another or what their relevance is.
Signpost words specify how the two ideas are related: for example, whether they are similar ideas, contrasting ideas, or whether one idea adds more detail or a further example to another. They can show that one idea is the result or conclusion of another, or to show the order of the ideas in a sequence. They are a key component in developing your argument showing the structure of your argument. They help your reader to follow where your essay is going; hence the term ’signposts’.
GOOD ESSAY WRITING
Adding |
also, and, as well (as)
besides furthermore in addition similarly |
Building on the last section |
having established that if so in order to in that/this case in this connection moreover so that/which implies then |
| Concluding | in conclusion in summary to conclude to recap to summarize |
Contrast |
all the same
by way of contrast conversely despite that however in contrast instead never the less none the less on the other hand |
| Examples | as an illustration
exemplifying this for example for instance |
| Giving reasons | because because of due to for this reason therefore |
Refining |
effectively, this suggests
in essence more precisely more specifically to make this explicit |
| Reformulating an idea | again alternatively/an alternative is in other words on the other hand or rather that is
|
Result |
accordingly
as a result consequently for this reason hence so then therefore |
| Highlighting or emphasizing a
point |
Importantly, … Indeed, … In fact, … More importantly, … Furthermore, … Moreover, … It is also important to highlight … |
Being more specific |
In particular, … In relation to … More specifically, … With respect to … In terms of … |
Following a line of reasoning |
Therefore, … Subsequently, … Hence … Consequently, … Accordingly, … As a result, … As a consequence, … To this end, … |
Changing direction or creating a
comparison |
However, …
Rather, … In contrast, … Conversely, … On one hand, … On the other hand, … In comparison, … Compared to … Another point to consider is … |