X is | widespread in … fundamental to … the primary means of … a major contributor to … an important aspect of … frequently prescribed for … fast becoming a key instrument in … the most widely distributed species of … a common condition which has considerable impact on … important in a wide range of scientific and industrial processes. |
X is of interest because … X is a classic problem in … X is an important aspect of … X is a fundamental property of … X is an increasingly important area in … The concepts of X and Y are central to … X is at the heart of our understanding of … Investigating X is a continuing concern within … X is a major area of interest within the field of … X has been an object of research since the 1960s. X has been the subject of many classic studies in … X has been instrumental in our understanding of … The theory of X provides a useful account of how … Central to the entire discipline of X is the concept of … The issue of X has received considerable critical attention. X has long been a question of great interest in a wide range of fields.
Recently, there has been renewed interest in … Traditionally, Xs have subscribed to the belief that … One of the most important events of the 1970s was … In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in … Recent developments in X have heightened the need for … The last two decades have seen a growing trend towards … Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in … Recent trends in X have led to a proliferation of studies that … Over the past century, there has been a dramatic increase in … The past decade has seen the rapid development of X in many … Since it was reported in 2015, X has been attracting considerable interest. Recent developments in the field of X have led to a renewed interest in … The past thirty years have seen increasingly rapid advances in the field of …
X is a major problem in … Of particular concern is … One of the main obstacles … One of the greatest challenges … A key issue is the safe disposal of … The main disadvantage of X is that … X impacts negatively upon a range of … It is now well established that X can impair … X has led to the decline in the population of … The main challenge faced by many researchers is the … Lack of X has existed as a health problem for many years. Xs are one of the most rapidly declining groups of insects in … Exposure to X has been shown to be related to adverse effects in … There is an urgent need to address the safety problems caused by …
X is | a key issue in … a leading cause of … a major problem in … the main cause of death in … associated with increased risk of … a common disorder characterised by … a growing public health concern worldwide. one of the most frequently stated problems with … a major environmental problem and the main cause of … a common condition which has considerable impact on … |
However, | X may cause … X is limited by … X suffers from … X is too expensive to be used for … X has accentuated the problem of … the performance of X is limited by … X could be a contributing factor to … the synthesis of X remains a major challenge. X can be extremely harmful to human beings. research has consistently shown that X lacks … a major problem with this kind of application is … the determination of X is technically challenging. current methods of X have proven to be unreliable. these rapid changes are having a serious effect on … X can be adversely affected under certain conditions. observations have indicated a serious decline in the population of … |
Recent evidence suggests that … Extensive research has shown that … Studies of X show the importance of … It has previously been observed that … Several attempts have been made to … Previous research has established that … Data from several studies suggest that … Recent research comparing X and Y has found … The existing body of research on X suggests that … There is a growing body of literature that recognises … Several theories on the origin of X have been proposed. Existing research recognises the critical role played by … It is now well established from a variety of studies, that … Recently investigators have examined the effects of X on Y. Surveys such as that conducted by Smith (2015) have shown that … Factors found to be influencing X have been explored in several studies. A number of cross-sectional studies suggest an association between X and Y… Studies over the past two decades have provided important information on …
Several A number of | studies researchers | have | found … reported … identified … highlighted … shown that … attempted to … suggested that … demonstrated that … investigated whether … explored the risk factors associated with … |
A much debated question is whether … One major issue in early X research concerned … To date there has been little agreement on what … The issue has grown in importance in light of recent … One of the most significant current discussions in X is … In the literature on X, the relative importance of Y is debated. One observer has already drawn attention to the paradox in … Questions have been raised about the use of animal subjects in … In many Xs, a debate is taking place between Ys and Zs concerning … Debate continues about the best strategies for the management of … This concept has recently been challenged by X studies demonstrating … The debate about X has gained fresh prominence with many arguing that … Scholars have long debated the impact of X on the creation and diffusion of … More recently, literature has emerged that offers contradictory findings about … One major theoretical issue that has dominated the field for many years concerns … The controversy about scientific evidence for X has raged unabated for over a century. The issue of X has been a controversial and much disputed subject within the field of … The causes of X have been the subject of intense debate within the scientific community. In the literature on X, the relative importance of Y has been subject to considerable discussion.
Previous studies of X have not dealt with … Researchers have not treated X in much detail. Such expositions are unsatisfactory because they … Most studies in the field of X have only focused on … Such approaches, however, have failed to address … Previous published studies are limited to local surveys. Half of the studies evaluated failed to specify whether … The research to date has tended to focus on X rather than Y. Previously published studies on the effect of X are not consistent. Smith’s analysis does not take account of …, nor does she examine … The existing accounts fail to resolve the contradiction between X and Y. Most studies in X have only been carried out in a small number of areas.
However, much of the research up to now has been descriptive in nature … The generalisability of much published research on this issue is problematic. Research on the subject has been mostly restricted to limited comparisons of … However, few writers have been able to draw on any systematic research into … Short-term studies such as these do not necessarily show subtle changes over time … Although extensive research has been carried out on X, no single study exists which … However, these results were based upon data from over 30 years ago and it is unclear if … The experimental data are rather controversial, and there is no general agreement about …
Previous studies of X | have suffered from | small sample sizes. low response rates. multiple design flaws. an overemphasis on … inconsistent definitions. poorly developed theory. experimental design errors. inadequate research design. a high degree of sampling bias. fundamental flaws in research design. lack of a strong theoretical framework. |
There is little published data on … No previous study has investigated X. The use of X has not been investigated. Data about the efficacy and safety of X are limited. Up to now, far too little attention has been paid to … A search of the literature revealed few studies which … The impact of X on Y is understudied, particularly for … Few studies have investigated X in any systematic way … In addition, no research has been found that surveyed … So far, very little attention has been paid to the role of X. Surprisingly, the effects of X have not been closely examined. In contrast to X, there is much less information about effects of … A systematic understanding of how X contributes to Y is still lacking. Despite the importance of X, there remains a paucity of evidence on … To date, the problem has received scant attention in the research literature.
There is | no little | published work on … available literature on … published research on … |
There have been | no few | attempts to investigate … studies that have assessed the role of … randomised clinical trials that have investigated … |
While Whilst Although | some research has been carried out on X, | no single study exists which … no studies have been found which … no controlled studies have been reported. only two studies have attempted to investigate … there have been few empirical investigations into … there is still very little scientific understanding of … the mechanism by which … has not been established. |
It is still not known whether … … much less is known about X. The nature of X remains unclear. Currently, there are no data on … What is less clear is the nature of … Very little is currently known about X in … Research to date has not yet determined … What is not yet clear is the impact of X on … There is still uncertainty, however, whether … The response of X to Y is not fully understood. Causal factors leading to X remain speculative. The neurobiological basis of X is poorly understood. Little is known about X and it is not clear what factors … To date, only a limited number of Xs have been identified. The mechanisms that underpin X are not fully understood. Much uncertainty still exists about the relationship between … This indicates a need to understand the various perceptions of X that exist among … It is now well established that … However, the influence of X on Y has remained unclear.
However, | very little is known about X in… the nature of X remains unclear. much less is known about how … the use of X has not been investigated. far too little attention has been paid to … the behaviour of X has not yet been investigated. the evidence for this relationship is inconclusive … what is not yet understood is the precise nature of … much uncertainty still exists about the relation between … there have been no controlled studies which compare differences in … |
In this paper, I argue that … This paper attempts to show that … The central thesis of this paper is that … In the pages that follow, it will be argued that … In this essay, I attempt to defend the view that … The aim of this essay is to explore the relationship between … The purpose of this paper is to review recent research into the …
This paper | argues that … gives an account of … discusses the case of … analyses the impact of … attempts to show that … contests the claim that … provides an overview of … reviews the evidence for … reports on a study which … traces the development of … explores the ways in which … assesses the significance of … highlights the importance of … considers the implications of … critically examines the view that … proposes a new methodology for … examines the relationship between … compares the different ways in which … investigates the factors that determine … describes the design and implementation of … |
The specific objective of this study was to … An objective of this study was to investigate … This thesis will examine the way in which the … This study set out to investigate the usefulness of … This dissertation seeks to explain the development of … This case study seeks to examine the changing nature of … The objectives of this research are to determine whether … This prospective study was designed to investigate the use of … This research examines the emerging role of X in the context of … This study systematically reviews the data for…, aiming to provide … Drawing upon two strands of research into X, this study attempts to … This thesis intends to determine the extent to which … and whether … This dissertation aims to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding … This study therefore set out to assess the effect of X …, and the effect of … The main aim of this study is to investigate the differences between X and Y. Part of the aim of this project is to develop software that is compatible with … There are two primary aims of this study: 1. To investigate … 2. To ascertain … This study seeks to obtain data which will help to address these research gaps. One purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which these factors were … The purpose of this investigation is to explore the relationship between X and Y.
This study set out to | explore … determine whether … try and establish what better understand the … find a new method for … evaluate how effective … assess the feasibility of … test the hypothesis that … explore the influence of … clarify several aspects of … investigate the impact of … identify the predictors for … develop an understanding of gain further understanding of … compare the two ways of treating … examine the relationship between … evaluate a new method of measuring … determine the predictive validity of the… understand the views and experiences of … |
Data for this study were collected using … Five works will be examined, all of which … This investigation takes the form of a case-study of the … This study was exploratory and interpretative in nature. This study uses a qualitative case study approach to investigate … The research data in this thesis is drawn from four main sources: … The approach to empirical research adopted for this study was one of … This dissertation follows a case-study design, with in-depth analysis of … By employing qualitative modes of enquiry, I attempt to illuminate the … Qualitative and quantitative research designs were adopted to provide … Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this investigation. A holistic approach is utilised, integrating X, Y and Z material to establish … The study was conducted in the form of a survey, with data being gathered via … The methodological approach taken in this study is a mixed methodology based on … A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used in the data analysis.
This study This investigation | uses used | recent survey existing interview longitudinal retrospective observational cross-sectional | data (from X) to | assess… explore … analyse … examine … estimate … determine investigate … |
This is the first study to … This study provides new insights into … This work will generate fresh insight into … The study offers some important insights into … Understanding the link between X and Y will help … This is the first study to undertake a longitudinal analysis of … The present research explores, for the first time, the effects of … The importance and originality of this study are that it explores … The findings should make an important contribution to the field of …. Characterisation of X is important for our increased understanding of … It is hoped that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of … This study aims to contribute to this growing area of research by exploring … This project provided an important opportunity to advance the understanding of … Therefore, this study makes a major contribution to research on X by demonstrating … There are several important areas where this study makes an original contribution to … The experimental work presented here provides one of the first investigations into how …
This | study research investigation | sheds new light on … provides new insights into … fills a gap in the research on … gives us new information on … fills a gap in the literature by … offers a fresh perspective on … enhances our understanding of … contributes to our knowledge of … makes an important contribution by … provides the first extensive examination of … |
The thesis does not engage with … It is not the task of this paper to examine … This study is unable to encompass the entire … Establishing X is beyond the scope of this study. It is beyond the scope of this study to examine the … The analysis of X presented here is based solely on … A full discussion of X lies beyond the scope of this study. The reader should bear in mind that the study is based on … Another potential problem is that the scope of my thesis may be too broad. Due to practical constraints, this paper cannot provide a comprehensive review of…
I became interested in Xs after reading … My interest in this area developed while I was … I have worked closely with X for many years and … My personal experience of X has prompted this research. My main reason for choosing this topic is personal interest. It is my experience of working with X that has driven this research. This project was conceived during my time working for X. As a medical advisor, I witnessed …
My (initial) interest in this area | began with… arose when … stemmed from … was sparked by … developed while I was … |
* sometimes found in the humanities, and the applied human sciences
The first section of this paper will examine… This paper begins by … It will then go on to … My thesis is composed of four themed chapters. The essay has been organised in the following way. The remaining part of the paper proceeds as follows: … The main issues addressed in this paper are: a), b) and c). This paper first gives a brief overview of the recent history of X. This paper has been divided into four parts. The first part deals with … The third chapter is concerned with the methodology used for this study. The overall structure of the study takes the form of six chapters, including … Chapter Four analyses the results of interviews and focus group discussions undertaken during … Chapter Two begins by laying out the theoretical dimensions of the research, and looks at how … The fourth section presents the findings of the research, focusing on the three key themes that …
(also refer to Defining terms )
Throughout this paper, the term ‘X’ will refer to … The term ‘X’ will be used in this thesis to refer to … Historically, the term ‘X’ has been used to describe … It is necessary here to clarify exactly what is meant by … The phrase ‘X’ will be used in this study to describe the … According to Smith (2002), X can be defined as follows: ‘ … ’ In this article, the abbreviation XYZ will be used to refer to … Throughout this dissertation, the term ‘X’ will be used to refer to … The term ‘X’ is a relatively new name for …, commonly referred to as … In this essay, the term ‘X’ will be used in its broadest sense to refer to all … In this dissertation, the terms ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are used interchangeably to mean … While a variety of definitions of the term X have been suggested, this paper will use the definition first suggested by Smith (1968) who saw it as …
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By Hannah Yang
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.
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.
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:
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!
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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If you struggle with writing an introduction and finding the right wording, academic key phrases can help! Here is a list of 26 useful academic phrases to write the introduction of a research paper or thesis. Furthermore, examples from published academic papers across various disciplines are provided to demonstrate how the academic phrases can be applied effectively.
The aim of this study is….
Example: “ The aim of this study is the investigation of different molten copper alloys regarding their efficiency as catalytic media for the pyrolysis of methane in an inductively heated bubble column reactor. ” ( Scheiblehner et al. 2023, p. 6233 )
Our primary objective was to assess….
Example: “ Our primary objective was to assess subpopulation status through estimation of survival rates and abundance, particularly in comparison with the relative stability from 2007 to 2010 reported by Bromaghin et al. (2015) .” ( Bromaghin et al., 2021, p. 14252 )
The goal of this paper is to….
Example: “The goal of this paper is to delineate whether, why, and how human-AI interaction is distinctly difficult to design and innovate.” ( Yang et al., 2020, p. 174 )
The topic gained considerable attention in the academic literature in…, prior research has hypothesized that….
Example: “Prior research has hypothesized that racial and ethnic disparities may be mitigated if the patient and provider share the same race due to improved communication and increased trust” ( Otte, 2022, p. 1 )
Interestingly, all the arguments refer to…, prior studies have found that….
Example: “ Prior studies have found that court-referred individuals are more likely to complete relationship violence intervention programs (RVIP) than self-referred individuals. ” ( Evans et al. 2022, p. 1 )
Yet, it remains unknown how…, there is, however, still little research on….
Example: “There is, however, still little research on what integrated STEM approaches require from schools and teachers, and on the potential obstacles that may prevent teachers from running this kind of teaching.” ( Bungum and Mogstad, 2022, p. 2 )
Existing studies have failed to address…, the topic is under-researched.
Example: “‘Third places’ – public and commercial sites that are neither home nor work – are often overlooked by policymakers, health officials, and researchers alike (Glover & Parry, 2009). Yet they can serve vital and life-saving roles in our communities. Their relevance to public health and quality of life is understated and under-researched, particularly among socioeconomically marginalized, vulnerable, and isolated individuals. ” ( Finlay et al., 2020, p. 1 )
This paper contributes to the field…, in light of these considerations, we think it is interesting to analyze…, the contributions of this study are twofold/threefold/….
Example: “ The contributions of this study are threefold. First, by examining daily role transitions as mediators in the relationship between telework and work-to-home and home-to-work conflict, our study helps to understand through which mechanisms telework affects thework-home interface… ” ( Delanoeije et al., 2019, p. 1845 )
Therefore, it is essential to review…, this study contributes to the literature in several ways. first, ….
Example: “ This study contributes to the literature in several ways. First, we simultaneously accounted for possible positive and potential negative effects of telework on employees’ work-home conflict… ” ( Delanoeije et al., 2019, p. 1862 )
The analysis showcases that…, our results are in line with the literature and confirm…, contrary to our expectations, the results….
Example: “ Contrary to our expectations, the results from our European survey show that clustering of shoots by establishing S. anglica patches was universally observed across sites, despite widely varying environmental conditions. ” ( Van de Ven, 2022 et al., p. 1345 )
The results of the conducted experiments show…, master academia, get new content delivered directly to your inbox, 24 popular academic phrases to write your abstract (+ real examples), 17 strong academic phrases to write your literature review (+ real examples), related articles, introduce yourself in a phd interview (4 simple steps + examples), 13 awesome academic phrases to write your methodology (+ real examples).
Love it or hate it, essay writing is a big part of student life. Writing a great essay might seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re staring at a blank document, but there are formulas you can follow to make sure your paper hits the mark.
When you plan your essays , don’t neglect your introduction! It might seem like a trivial part of the paper, but it can make it or break it. A badly written introduction can leave your reader feeling confused about the topic and what to expect from your essay.
To help your writing reach its full potential, we’ve put together a guide to writing an excellent essay introduction.
An essay introduction has four main steps:
● Hook your reader
● Provide context
● Present your thesis statement
● Map your essay
The first part of your introduction should be the hook. This is where you introduce the reader to the topic of the essay. A great hook should be clear, concise, and catchy. It doesn’t need to be long; a hook can be just one sentence.
In this section, introduce your reader to key definitions, ideas, and background information to help them understand your argument.
A thesis statement tells the reader the main point or argument of the essay. This can be just one sentence, or it can be a few sentences.
Before you wrap up your essay introduction, map it! This means signposting sections of your essay. The key here is to be concise. The purpose of this part of the introduction is to give your reader a sense of direction.
Here’s an example of an essay introduction:
Hook: Suspense is key for dramatic stories, and Shakespeare is well-known and celebrated for writing suspenseful plays.
Context: While there are many ways in which Shakespeare created suspension for his viewers, two techniques he used effectively were foreshadowing and dramatic irony. Foreshadowing is a literary device that hints at an event or situation that is yet to happen. Dramatic irony is a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character’s words or actions is clear to the audience or reader, although it is unknown to the character.
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Thesis statement: Foreshadowing and dramatic irony are two powerful techniques that Shakespeare used to create suspense in literature. These methods have been used to keep the reader intrigued, excited, or nervous about what is to come in many of his celebrated works.
Essay mapping: In this essay, I will be detailing how Shakespeare uses foreshadowing and dramatic irony to create suspense, with examples from Romeo and Juliet and Othello.
Pro tip: Essays take twists and turns. We recommend changing your introduction as necessary while you write the main text to make sure it fully aligns with your final draft.
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The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading.
What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .
Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .
An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail.
The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction:
Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction:
Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education:
Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation.
This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education).
This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.
Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps:
A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement:
Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays:
Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.”
Topic: The benefits of regular exercise
“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.”
Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.”
Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3
The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.
An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.
An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.
The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how. For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.”
Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.
To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness.
References
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Training videos | Faqs
Overview | Abstract | Introduction | Literature Review | Materials & Methods | Results & Discussion | Conclusion & Future Work | Acknowledgements & Appendix
Introduction section comes after the abstract. Introduction section should provide the reader with a brief overview of your topic and the reasons for conducting research. The introduction is a perfect place to set the scene and make a good first impression. Regarding word count, introduction typically occupies 10-15% of your paper, for example, if the total word count of your paper is 3000, then you should aim for an introduction of around 600 words. It is often recommended that the introduction section of the paper is written after finishing the other sections of the paper. This is because it is difficult to figure out what exactly to put in the introduction section of the paper until you have seen the big picture. Sound very confident about your chosen subject area and back up your arguments with appropriate references. After reading the introduction, the reader must have a clear idea of what to expect from the rest of your research paper.
The introduction section of your research paper should include the following:
Research on __ has a long tradition For decades, one of the most popular ideas in __ literature is the idea that __ Recent theoretical developments have revealed that __ A common strategy used to study __ is to __ This research constitutes a relatively new area which has emerged from __ These approaches have been influential in the field because of __ In the past several decades, __ have played an important role in __ There are growing appeals for __ This is the field of study that deals with __ Most of the theories of __ are however focused on explaining __ There are three major theoretical and conceptual frameworks for __ The field has gradually broadened as __ This field of study is sometimes referred as __ This has been widely adopted in the field of __ This thesis considers the field of __ as the main subject of its study One of the major topics to be investigated in this field is __ This is now a mature field which is now being spun out into commercial applications __ This field is maturing, with a wealth of well-understood methods and algorithms __ This field closely follows the paradigm of __ The field has met with great success in many problems __ The field only really took off in the late __ as it became more accessible to __ This is not particularly new and has been used for many years in the field of __ This field closely follows the paradigm of __ Widely considered to be a good way to __ This has been widely adopted in the field of __ This is more widely used at the time of __ This phenomenon has been widely observed A common technique is to __ This is a technique common in __ There are several common kinds of __
This seems to be a common problem in __ This leads to myriad problems in __ The main problem is that __ There is a further problem with __ One primary problem with __ is that __ The methods are not without their problems as will be discussed in __ The foremost problems are the facts that __ This makes up for the problem of __ This seems to be a common problem in __ This is a complex problem and to simplify it requires __ A challenging problem which arises in this domain is __ These problems are difficult to handle __ This is typically a complex problem __ A well-known problem with __ is that it does not take into account the __ One of the problems is that it considers only the __ The key problem with this technique is __ It is usually an ill-posed problem in the case of __ This problem is well-posed and does not require to impose __ This appears as a more straightforward problem compared to the __ This turns out to be even more problematic because __ The problem with such an implementation is that __ This poses some problems when carrying out the __ This problem has attracted more attention in the field of __ This is a basic chicken-and-egg problem because __ Unfortunately, this approach results in problems related to __ These constraints make the problem difficult to __ Most of the research in this field is aimed at solving this problem. This remains an open problem in the area. This problem has received substantial interest. These examples highlight the problem that __ The main practical problem that confronts us is __
There is no previous research using __ approach. As far as we know, no previous research has investigated __ There has been less previous evidence for __ Other studies have failed to __ To our knowledge, no study has yielded __ No study to date has examined __ Only a few studies have shown __ However, __ has rarely been studied directly. Moreover, few studies have focussed on __ In particular no study, to our knowledge, has considered __
One way to overcome these problems is to __ There are many alternative methods are available for solving these problems. In order to rectify the problem of __ A solution to this problem is proposed in __ One approach to solve this problem involves the use of __ An alternative approach to the problem is __ This can be applied to solve these problems. A number of works have shown that this problem can be overcome by using __ A large number of alternative approaches have been developed over the last few decades to __ To overcome this problem, in the next section we demonstrate __ One way to overcome this problem is to __ To overcome this problem, some approaches have been made __ One way of recovering from this problem could be to __ This has been proposed to surmount the problems caused by __ A different approach to the traditional problem is given in __ A whole range of different approaches to the problem are available. These techniques have potential to solve contemporary problems in __ We should tailor specific solutions to specific problems __ The standard solution to the problem is based on __ The solution proposed here addresses only the problem of __ There are techniques that have been developed to solve this problem __ This problem is usually overcome by __ There have been several attempts to solve the problem __ There exist many methods for dealing with this problem __ Broadly speaking, the problem can be addressed by __ One of the simplest ways of tackling this problem is __ This problem has been largely studied and many viable solutions have been found. In general, this problem can be tackled in two different ways. Other approaches have been shown to cope with the problem more efficiently. We will review the main approaches to solve this problem. Recently, a more general solution has been proposed for this problem. Both these works provide a solution to the problem. Recent methods focus on overcoming the problems by proposing different schemes for __ This strategy is not uncommon in this kind of problems. We can apply our algorithm to solve this difficult problem. This is how the problem can be tackled __ We have developed this generic method to solve a variety of problems. We will now demonstrate our method on some specific problems. Here we solve several problems simultaneously. We have undergone a rethinking of the problem by __ A possible solution to the problem at hand is __ It is clear that the problem could be easily tackled by __
It is of interest to know whether __ still hold true. It would be of special interest to__ We therefore analyzed __ and investigated whether __ For this study, it was of interest to investigate __ We investigated whether __ can be partly explained by __ To examine the impact of __, we tested __ We have investigated the effect of __ We characterize different aspects of __ One way to investigate __ was to __ A new approach is therefore needed for __ To illuminate this uncharted area, we examined __
The aim is to develop more sophisticated methods for __ The aim of this work is to develop __ The aims in this chapter are twofold: First __, Second __ For our first goal, we focus on two problems __ The aim here is to investigate __ The overall goal of this work was to __ This project aims to develop an overarching framework to __ The aim of the experiment is to compare __ The ultimate goal is to produce a __ The overall goal of this thesis was to pursue __ After defining the problem we explain the goals of the thesis. With this aim in mind, in this paper we present a new method for __ Our research aims at finding a solution for this challenging problem of __ There is no overall goal, apart from __ We examine some previous work and propose a new method for __ There are too many simultaneous goals making it difficult to __ One of the major aims of this work was to create __ The main objective is to investigate methods for improving __ The objectives can be restated in the light of __ The objective is to devise and implement a system for __ The objectives were partially met by developing a method to __ The objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of __ One of the objectives is to improve the __
This thesis documents several key contributions made to the fields of __ This thesis has made a number of significant contributions to the field of __ The contributions made here have wide applicability. The contributions made should be of wide interest. The first main contribution proposed in this field is a __ The contributions of this work are presented as follows: __ The main achievements, including contributions to the field can be summarised as follows: __ We summarize the main contributions of this thesis. The key contribution of this work is the solution it provides __ It has numerous advantages as explained here __ It has significant benefits in terms of __ There is a clear advantage in following the methods of __ This has particular advantages over other __ All of these advantages make it particularly valuable in __ One of the primary benefits of this algorithm is __ This gives a significant advantage because __ These point out the advantages and practicability of __ One of the key benefits of the algorithm is __ The main advantage compared to previous method is __ This present some practical advantages. The main advantage is the simplified pattern. One practical advantage of the method is that it can be used in __ The advantage becomes all the more significant when __ In comparison with other techniques, this method has the advantage of __ The most important advantage of this method is that it can perform very well in __ It yielded significant speed advantages when __ The benefit of using the __ is expected to __ The main advantage is that we are able to __ To give some idea of the benefits of this method __ The additional advantage of using this method is that it results in __ This is an important advantage of this algorithm __ These are the main advantages of this method.
In this blog, we explain various sections of a research paper and give you an overview of what these sections should contain.
In this blog, we discuss phrases related to the abstract section. An abstract is a self-contained and short synopsis that describes a larger work.
This blog explains how to write a research paper and provides writing ideas in the form of academic phrases.
In this blog, we discuss phrases related to thanking colleagues, acknowledging funders and writing the appendix section.
In this blog, we review various academic writing resources such as academic phrasebank, academic wordlists, academic vocabulary training sites.
In this blog, we discuss phrases related to results and discussion sections such as findings, limitations, arguments, and comparison to previous studies.
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How To Write An Essay
Essay Introduction
Published on: Dec 26, 2020
Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024
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Many students struggle with writing essay introductions that grab the reader's attention and set the stage for a strong argument.
It's frustrating when your well-researched essay doesn't get the recognition it deserves because your introduction falls flat. You deserve better results for your hard work!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create engaging essay introductions that leave a lasting impression. From catchy opening lines to clear thesis statements, you'll learn techniques to hook your readers from the very beginning.
So, read on and learn how to write the perfect catchy introduction for your essay.
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An introduction is good if it gives a clear idea of what an essay is about. It tells the reader what to expect from the type of academic writing you are presenting.
However, it should strike a balance between being informative and engaging, avoiding excessive detail that may lead to confusion.
A strong introduction is engaging, attractive, and also informative. Itâs important to note that an essay introduction paragraph should not be too short or too long.
Remember, the introduction sets the stage for the body of your essay. So, keep it concise and focused while hinting at the critical elements you'll explore in more depth later.
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Crafting an effective essay introduction is essential for capturing your reader's attention and setting the tone for your entire piece of writing. To ensure your introduction is engaging and impactful, you can follow an introduction format.
Here is the essay introduction format that will help you write an introduction for your essay easily.
1. Hook Sentence
A hook sentence is a must for the introductory part of an essay. It helps to keep the reader engaged in your content and seek the readerâs attention. It is an attention-grabbing sentence that develops the interest of the reader. It develops the anxiousness of reading the complete essay.
You can use the following as the hook sentence in your essay introduction:
All of the above are attention-grabbing things that prove to be perfect for a hook sentence.
Not sure how to create an attention-grabbing hook statement? Check out these hook statement examples to get a better idea!
2. Background Information
Once you have provided an interesting hook sentence, it's time that you provide a little background information related to your essay topic.
The background information should comprise two or three sentences. The information should include the reason why you chose the topic and what is the expected scope of the topic.
Also, clarify the theme and nature of your essay.
3. Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a significant element of not just the introduction but also the whole essay. It is a statement that gives an overview of your complete essay.
It should be written in such a way that the reader can have an idea about the whole purpose of your essay.
Before you write a thesis statement for your essay, try looking into some thesis statement examples. It will help you write a meaningful statement for your essay.
A thesis statement is mentioned after the background information and before the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. The last sentence of the introduction is a transitional sentence.
Need more information on crafting an impactful thesis statement? Read this insightful guide on writing a thesis statement to get started!
4. Transition Sentence
To end the introduction paragraph in a good way, a transition sentence is used. This sentence helps to relate the introduction to the rest of the essay.
In such a sentence, we mention a hint about the elements that we will be discussing next.
Check out this list of transition words to write a good transition sentence.
Essay Introduction Template
The introduction of your essay plays a crucial role in captivating your readers and setting the tone for the rest of your paper.
To help you craft an impressive introduction, here are some effective essay introduction phrases that you can use:
Here are some more words to start an introduction paragraph with:
Remember, these words are just tools to help you begin your introduction. Choose the words that best fit your essay topic and the tone you want to set.
To help you get started, here are some examples of different essay types:
In an argumentative essay, we introduce an argument and support the side that we think is more accurate. Here is a short example of the introduction of a short argumentative essay.
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A writer writes a reflective essay to share a personal real-life experience. It is a very interesting essay type as it allows you to be yourself and speak your heart out.
Here is a well-written example of a reflective essay introduction.
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A controversial essay is a type of expository essay. It is written to discuss a topic that has controversy in it.
Below is a sample abortion essay introduction
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Here are some more examples:
Essay introduction body and conclusion
Heritage Day essay introduction
Covid-19 essay introduction body conclusion
The following are some tips for what you should and should not do to write a good and meaningful essay introduction.
Remember to follow the do's and avoid the don'ts to create an impactful opening that hooks your readers from the start.
Now you know the steps and have the tips and tools to get started on creating your essayâs introduction. However, if you are a beginner, it can be difficult for you to do this task on your own.
This is what our professional essay writing service is for! We have a team of professional writers who can help you with all your writing assignments. Also, we have a customer support team available 24/7 to assist you.
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How to Write a Great Essay in English! This lesson provides 100+ useful words, transition words and expressions used in writing an essay. Let’s take a look!
The secret to a successful essay doesn’t just lie in the clever things you talk about and the way you structure your points.
Overview of an essay.
Developing the argument
The other side of the argument
Ordering elements
Adding elements
Accepting other points of view
Personal opinion
Others’ opinions
Introducing examples
Introducing facts
Saying what you think is true
Accepting other points to a certain degree
Emphasizing particular points
Moderating, agreeing, disagreeing
Consequences
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Introduction
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These useful academic expressions , words, vocabulary and phrases will help you to write a top-notch essay. Writing an essay can be a challenging task. However it becomes simpler if it is divided into manageable pieces. There are three main parts in an essay: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. You can easily overcome your essay writing task with these academic phrases and vocabulary for essay writing.
In this essay, I will look at some of the arguments for This essay will discuss different ways of … This essay outline some of the reasons why… Let us examine both views before reaching a concrete decision. The following essay takes a look at both sides of the argument.
In my opinion, I strongly agree with the idea that … I strongly disagree with the idea that … I strongly opine that… I strongly believe that… In my view… As far as I am concerned… It seems to me that… However, I strongly believe that… I oppose the view and my reasons will be explained in the following paragraphs. I will support this view with arguments in the following paragraphs. I personally believe that… Thus the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages…
First… First of all… Firstly… First and foremost… Initially… To begin with… To start with… In the first place…
On the one hand… Second(ly)… (do not use ‘Second of all’) Third(ly)… Then… Next… After that… And… Again… Also… Besides… Likewise… In addition… Consequently… What’s more… Furthermore… Moreover… Apart from that…
Finally… Last but not the least…
Check Also: Vocabulary for Starting Your Essay How to Write The Best Essay Ever!
In the same way… Likewise… Similarly… Like the previous point… Similar to… Also… At the same time… Just as…
On the other hand… On the contrary… However… Nevertheless…/ Nonetheless… But… Nonetheless/ Nevertheless… Oppositely… Alternatively… Unlike… While… Whilst… Although… Though… Even though… Despite… / In spite of… In spite of the fact that… Alternatively… In contrast to this… Then again… On the other hand… Despite the fact that… Even so… Yet… Meanwhile…
If… Provided that… Because of that… For this reason… Unless… Providing that… So that… In case… Whether…
Certainly… Definitely… No doubt… Of course… Doubtlessly… Without any doubt… Undoubtedly…
In addition… And… Moreover… Similarly… Furthermore… Also… As well as… Besides… Even… Too… What’s more… Again… In a similar fashion… Likewise…
While writing your essay, as a writer you are required to show whether you agree & disagree or partially agree with a given statement or opinion.
I strongly agree… I completely agree that… I totally agree with the given idea that… I agree with the opinion that… I am quite inclined to the opinion that… I accept that… I accept the fact that… I am in agreement… I consent that…
I disagree with the opinion that… I strongly disagree… I completely disagree with… I totally disagree with the given idea that… I disagree with the statement… I quite oppose the opinion that… I disapprove that… I totally do not accept the fact that… My own opinion contradicts… I disagree with the group of people… However, my opinion is different from…
To some extent… In a way… I agree with the given statement to some extent… Up to a point, I agree… More or less… So to speak…
Essay Expression PDF – (download)
Master the art of crafting attention-grabbing intros for your essays with these expert tips.
When it comes to writing an essay, one of the most crucial elements that can make or break your piece is the introduction paragraph. This initial portion serves as the launchpad for your entire composition – it sets the tone, captures the attention, and delivers a promise. Crafting a strong intro requires skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of your audience. It’s all about making a memorable first impression, leaving your readers wanting more, and ensuring they stay engaged throughout the rest of your essay.
Setting the stage with compelling language ,
one of the essential techniques for writing a captivating introduction is the use of compelling language. By elegantly blending simplicity with sophistication, you can instantly grab your readers’ attention and entice them to continue reading. Incorporating interesting anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, or powerful quotes into the opening paragraph can offer a glimpse into the core ideas of your essay while leaving a lasting impact. Moreover, carefully choosing descriptive words and employing rhetorical devices can help create an immersive experience, painting a vivid picture in the minds of your audience.
Creating a sense of curiosity and intrigue ,
another effective method for crafting a strong introduction is by piquing the curiosity of your readers. Humans are naturally drawn to mysteries, and by presenting a tantalizing glimpse of the topic or problem you will explore in your essay, you can instantly ignite their interest. Tease your readers with a hint of what’s to come, a juicy secret awaiting to be unraveled, or a surprising fact that challenges conventional wisdom. This sense of intrigue will create a desire within your readers to delve deeper into your essay, to uncover the truths that lie ahead, and to satisfy their intellectual curiosity.
The intro paragraph serves as the opening statement of your essay, conveying the main idea and setting the tone for the entire piece. It introduces the topic to the reader and provides a brief overview of what will be discussed. The purpose of the intro paragraph is to grab the reader’s attention, spark their interest, and prepare them for the information that will follow.
In order to achieve its purpose, the intro paragraph should be concise and compelling. It should capture the reader’s attention and make them want to continue reading. It should also provide a clear thesis statement that highlights the main argument or point that will be made in the essay.
One key aspect of the intro paragraph is to establish the context of the topic. This can be done by providing background information, historical context, or relevant facts and statistics. The reader should have a clear understanding of why the topic is important and why they should continue reading.
Another important function of the intro paragraph is to provide a roadmap for the essay. It should outline the main points or arguments that will be discussed in the body paragraphs. This helps the reader understand the structure of the essay and what to expect as they continue reading.
Overall, the intro paragraph serves as a crucial component of any essay. It sets the stage for the rest of the piece and determines whether the reader will be engaged or not. By understanding the purpose of the intro paragraph and crafting it effectively, you can captivate your audience and ensure they are motivated to read your essay in its entirety.
Engaging your readers from the very beginning is essential to make your essay stand out and leave a lasting impression. By using a captivating hook in your introduction paragraph, you can effectively grab the reader’s attention and make them want to continue reading.
So, what exactly is a hook? A hook is a compelling and intriguing statement or question that is used at the beginning of your essay to immediately capture the reader’s interest. It serves as a way to draw them in and make them curious about what you have to say.
A strong hook can take different forms. It can be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking quote, a personal anecdote, or a vivid description. The key is to choose a hook that is relevant to your topic and aligns with the tone and style of your essay.
When crafting your hook, it is important to remember that its purpose is to generate curiosity and make the reader want to know more. It should create a sense of anticipation and set the stage for the rest of your essay. By using language that is concise and impactful, you can create a hook that grabs the reader’s attention from the very first sentence.
Additionally, it is important to keep your hook concise and to the point. While you want to capture the reader’s interest, you also want to avoid overwhelming them with too much information right off the bat. A well-crafted hook should be brief yet compelling, leaving the reader wanting to know more about what you have to say.
In conclusion, grabbing the reader’s attention with a hook is an effective way to make your essay more engaging and compelling. By using a statement or question that is intriguing and relevant to your topic, you can draw the reader in and make them eager to continue reading. So, take the time to craft a strong and captivating hook for your essay, and you will be one step closer to creating a memorable piece of writing.
One crucial aspect of writing a compelling introduction for an essay is to clearly state the thesis. The thesis, which serves as the main argument or point of the essay, should be clearly and concisely presented in the introduction paragraph to capture the reader’s attention.
Emphasizing the importance of explicitly stating the thesis
Effectively conveying the thesis in the introductory paragraph is essential for establishing the focus and direction of the essay. By clearly stating the thesis upfront, the writer can set the tone for the rest of the paper and guide the reader’s understanding of the main argument.
Illustrating the role of the thesis in guiding the essay
The thesis acts as a roadmap for the essay, providing a clear path for the writer to explore the topic and present their supporting arguments. When the thesis is clearly stated in the introduction, it helps the reader anticipate the content and structure of the essay, making it easier to follow along and engage with the ideas being presented.
Strengthening the impact of the introductory paragraph
A well-crafted introduction with a clearly stated thesis not only grabs the reader’s attention but also establishes the writer’s credibility and expertise in the subject matter. It sets the tone for the entire essay, increasing the chances of the reader continuing to read and engage with the rest of the paper.
Highlighting the need for precision and clarity
When stating the thesis in the introduction paragraph, it is crucial to be precise and concise. The statement should be clear, avoiding vague language or generalizations. By being explicit and specific about the main argument, the writer immediately captures the reader’s interest and makes a strong impression.
In conclusion, clearly stating the thesis in the introduction paragraph is vital to the success of an essay. By emphasizing the importance of the thesis, illustrating its role in guiding the essay, and strengthening the impact of the introductory paragraph, a writer can effectively engage the reader and set the stage for a strong and persuasive essay.
One of the key elements for creating a compelling introduction is providing background information. This involves offering context or setting the stage for your essay topic. By providing background information, you can help your readers understand the subject matter more effectively and engage them from the beginning.
In this section, we will explore different techniques and strategies to provide background information in your introduction. These approaches will ensure that your readers have a clear understanding of the topic being discussed and why it is important. By offering relevant background information, you can create a strong foundation for the rest of your essay.
There are several ways to incorporate background information. You can start by offering relevant historical or social context to provide a broad overview of the topic. This approach allows your readers to understand the significance of the subject within a wider context and grasp its relevance.
Another effective way to provide background information is by offering statistical or factual data. By presenting relevant statistics or facts, you can demonstrate the importance and scope of the issue at hand. This can help create a sense of urgency and relevance, capturing the attention of your readers.
Additionally, you can share personal anecdotes or stories that relate to the topic. This approach humanizes the subject matter and allows readers to connect on a more emotional level. By sharing personal experiences or stories, you can engage your readers and make them feel invested in the topic you are discussing.
Overall, providing background information is crucial for creating a strong introduction. It helps set the stage for your essay, establish relevance, and engage your readers from the start. By incorporating historical context, statistical data, or personal anecdotes, you can create a compelling and informative introduction that captivates your audience.
Effective structuring of the introductory paragraph is essential for capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the essay. The way you organize the information in this paragraph can greatly impact the overall impact and clarity of your writing.
To structure your intro paragraph effectively, it is important to first establish a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should succinctly summarize the main argument or point of your essay. By presenting a strong thesis, you provide the reader with a roadmap of what to expect in the following paragraphs.
In addition to a strong thesis, it is crucial to include a hook or attention-grabbing statement at the beginning of the intro paragraph. This can be a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact or statistic, or even a relevant anecdote. The purpose of the hook is to engage the reader and compel them to continue reading.
Another important element to consider when structuring your intro paragraph is the use of relevant background information. This can help provide context for your thesis statement and give the reader a better understanding of the topic at hand. Be sure to only include necessary information and avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive details.
Additionally, it is beneficial to outline the main points or arguments that will be discussed in the essay. This preview can help orient the reader and provide them with a sense of direction. By clearly outlining the main points, the reader can easily follow your argument and stay engaged with the content.
Lastly, to effectively structure your intro paragraph, be mindful of the overall flow and coherence of your writing. Transition words and phrases can help connect ideas and guide the reader through your argument seamlessly. These words and phrases include “moreover,” “however,” “in addition,” “furthermore,” and “on the other hand,” among others.
In conclusion, structuring your intro paragraph effectively is crucial for capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of your essay. By incorporating a strong thesis statement, an attention-grabbing hook, relevant background information, and a preview of the main points, you can create a powerful and engaging introduction. Additionally, paying attention to the flow and coherence of your writing can enhance the overall impact of your intro paragraph.
When crafting the introductory paragraph of your essay, it is important to avoid certain common mistakes that can weaken the impact and effectiveness of your writing. By understanding and avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure that your introduction grabs the reader’s attention and sets a strong foundation for the rest of your essay.
By avoiding these common mistakes in the introductory paragraph of your essay, you can create a strong and captivating opening that sets the stage for the rest of your writing. Remember to be specific, original, and clear in your introduction, and to always consider the needs and interests of your reader.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Phrases for introducing sources and quotations.
This handout is available for download in DOCX format and PDF format .
These phrases alert your reader that you as a writer are about to summarize or paraphrase another idea established by an authority on a chosen topic. Note that while some of these are quite neutral, others allow you to imply things about the quote’s tone, similarity, contrast, and/or significance in relation to other sources or to your larger argument.
Author X…
These phrases alert your reader that you are about to quote directly from another source. As with the phrases above, some are quite neutral, while others allow you to imply things about the quote’s tone, similarity, contrast, and/or significance in relation to other sources or to your larger argument.
Remember that every paragraph must provide clarification, interpretation, or necessary analysis of a supplied quotation or paraphrase; this allows you to explain not only the quote itself, but how it fits into your larger argument. The phrases listed here are just some of the ways in which you can alert your reader that you are about to rephrase, clarify, expand, and otherwise analyze the source you have previously introduced.
And of course, remember that all outside sources must be cited correctly! For more information on how to effectively and accurately incorporate outside sources into your writing, please refer to the handout on “Working with Quotations.”
Adapted from Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, They Say/I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing (New York: W.W. Norton, 2014) and David Glen Smith (http://www.davidglensmith.com/Tomball/supplemental/signal-phrases.pdf) by Robert B. Cochran, Brandeis University Writing Program, 2020.
The former president and his backers aim to strengthen the power of the White House and limit the independence of federal agencies.
Donald J. Trump intends to bring independent regulatory agencies under direct presidential control. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times
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By Jonathan Swan Charlie Savage and Maggie Haberman
Donald J. Trump and his allies are planning a sweeping expansion of presidential power over the machinery of government if voters return him to the White House in 2025, reshaping the structure of the executive branch to concentrate far greater authority directly in his hands.
Their plans to centralize more power in the Oval Office stretch far beyond the former president’s recent remarks that he would order a criminal investigation into his political rival, President Biden, signaling his intent to end the post-Watergate norm of Justice Department independence from White House political control.
Mr. Trump and his associates have a broader goal: to alter the balance of power by increasing the president’s authority over every part of the federal government that now operates, by either law or tradition, with any measure of independence from political interference by the White House, according to a review of his campaign policy proposals and interviews with people close to him.
Mr. Trump intends to bring independent agencies — like the Federal Communications Commission, which makes and enforces rules for television and internet companies, and the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces various antitrust and other consumer protection rules against businesses — under direct presidential control.
He wants to revive the practice of “impounding” funds, refusing to spend money Congress has appropriated for programs a president doesn’t like — a tactic that lawmakers banned under President Richard Nixon.
He intends to strip employment protections from tens of thousands of career civil servants, making it easier to replace them if they are deemed obstacles to his agenda. And he plans to scour the intelligence agencies, the State Department and the defense bureaucracies to remove officials he has vilified as “the sick political class that hates our country.”
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Think back to when you were first taught how to write essays. You were probably taught to organize your writing by starting each paragraph with a word like first , additionally , further , secondly , or third . These words are transition words .
Not all transition words are individual words. Sometimes, you need a whole phrase to make a smooth transition in your writing. These phrases are known as transition phrases . One transition phrase you were probably taught in school is in conclusion , a common way to begin an essay’s final paragraph . As you moved further in your academic career, you were probably taught to move away from these transition phrases and use subtler ones in your writing.
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Read on to learn all about the best transition words and phrases and when to use them, as well as common pitfalls you might encounter when incorporating transitions into your writing.
Transition words are words that help writing move smoothly from one topic to another without confusing the reader. Words like however , next , or in conclusion prepare the reader by signaling that the topic is shifting. Transition words can introduce new or contrasting ideas, show cause-and-effect relationships, and form other connections between different sentences.
Transition words present the writer’s thoughts in an orderly fashion, express nuance, clarify vagueness, forge connections, and demonstrate comparisons. Because they do so many different jobs, transition words are divided into eight distinct categories.
One of the most common ways transition words are used is to introduce new ideas and add onto topics that have already been explored in the piece.
Transition words and phrases in this category include:
Take a look at a few ways you can use these kinds of transition words in a sentence:
Transition words can also communicate opposition or limits to ideas and phrases. These words’ role is largely the opposite of the role played by the category above. Transition words that create opposition and limits include:
Here are a few examples:
These transition words show how one action led to a specific effect or how one circumstance is conditional on another. This category also includes words and transition phrases that illustrate the relationship between an intention and an action.
Cause and conditional transition words include:
A few examples of these words in sentences include:
Similar to the category above, these transition words demonstrate the result of a specific action. Here’s the difference between the two: When your sentence is focused on the cause of the effect, you’d use one of the transition words from the “Cause and conditional” category above. When the emphasis is on the effect itself, you would use a word from this “Effect and result” category that fits with the rest of your sentence.
For example, you might announce that you’ve postponed your barbecue by sending a group message that says “ because of the weather, I postponed the barbecue.” But you can communicate the same message with a slightly different focus by phrasing it as “it’s raining, so consequently I’ve rescheduled the barbecue.”
Words and phrases in this category include:
A few more examples of sentences that include these transition words are:
Other transition words make it clear that one concept supports another, either by providing evidence, emphasizing it, or simply being an example. These words include:
Here are a few examples of these transition words at work:
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:
Take a look at a few ways these words work in sentences:
Another category of transition words deals with time, specifically when something happened or will happen in relation to another event. These words include:
Take a look at these transition phrases and words in action:
Transition words can also draw a reader’s attention to where something is located, or the physical or spatial relationship between two things. This can mean where someone or something is literally located, or they can be used figuratively, like “Dan’s auto body shop is above Rick’s when it comes to quality and attention to detail.”
These words and phrases include:
You’ll notice that many of these words can also function as prepositions in a sentence. They can also function as transition words that are part of adverbial clauses . Here are a few examples of this kind of transition word at work:
Transition words illustrate relationships between other words and phrases. Although students are generally taught to use transition words at the beginning of sentences, this isn’t the only place they’re used.
Generally, a transition word is the crux of its sentence . This is the decisive point where the sentence’s core message is communicated. Not every sentence contains a transition word, but when one does, the transition word is usually critical to its question or statement.
Working with transition words isn’t always easy. Sometimes, especially when English isn’t your primary language, you may accidentally use the wrong word for the type of transition you’re making or use a word that doesn’t have quite the right connotation for your message. For example, you might say something like, “We could go out for burgers, pizza, sushi, or tacos. In either case, that works for me.” Either implies that there are only two choices, so in this scenario, it doesn’t fit because there are a total of four choices. (Here, the best way to phrase this would be “in any case.”)
Here are a few other commonly mistaken transition words:
Another mistake writers sometimes make with transition words is using them in inappropriate contexts. As you saw in the lists above, some transition words and phrases feel more formal and academic than others. You can make your writing feel too formal—or too casual—by choosing a transition word that doesn’t fit your tone or the type of writing you’re doing. Here are a few examples of transition words that don’t fit their sentences:
See how they’re all either too formal or too casual for the messages they’re communicating? Word choice is crucial to effective communication, and that includes choosing the right transition for each sentence.
Not sure if the transition word you chose is the right one? Run your writing through Grammarly and get suggestions for how to pick the perfect words and strike the appropriate tone that works best for what you’re communicating.
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To do this, use any of the below words or phrases to help keep you on track. 1. Firstly, secondly, thirdly. Even though it sounds obvious, your argument will be clearer if you deliver the ideas in the right order. These words can help you to offer clarity and structure to the way you expose your ideas.
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".
You're introducing a new idea, such as at the beginning of an essay or of a paragraph; You're presenting a conclusion or summary, for instance at the end of an essay. You want to add emphasis to a particular sentence or point. You want to write a hook to captivate readers. The sentence requires certain context, such as background information.
Introducing work. There are many ways to introduce an academic essay or short paper. Most academic writers, however, appear to do one or more of the following in their introductions: establish the context, background and/or importance of the topic. present an issue, problem, or controversy in the field of study.
Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
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.
If you struggle with writing an introduction and finding the right wording, academic key phrases can help! Here is a list of 26 useful academic phrases to write the introduction of a research paper or thesis. Furthermore, examples from published academic papers across various disciplines are provided to demonstrate how the academic phrases can ...
Intriguing ways to start an essay. There are many different ways to write an essay introduction. Each has its benefits and potential drawbacks, and each is best suited for certain kinds of essays.Although these essay introductions use different rhetorical devices and prime the reader in different ways, they all achieve the same goal: hooking the reader and enticing them to keep reading.
Every good introduction needs a thesis statement, a sentence that plainly and concisely explains the main topic. Thesis statements are often just a brief summary of your entire paper, including your argument or point of view for personal essays. For example, if your paper is about whether viewing violent cartoons impacts real-life violence ...
A thesis statement tells the reader the main point or argument of the essay. This can be just one sentence, or it can be a few sentences. Map Your Essay. Before you wrap up your essay introduction, map it! This means signposting sections of your essay. The key here is to be concise. The purpose of this part of the introduction is to give your ...
In general, your introductions should contain the following elements: Orienting Information. When you're writing an essay, it's helpful to think about what your reader needs to know in order to follow your argument. Your introduction should include enough information so that readers can understand the context for your thesis.
Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3. Hook the Reader: Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader's attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. Provide Background: Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
Good example. I wiped the sweat from my head and tried to catch my breath. I was nearly there—just one more back tuck and a strong dismount and I'd have nailed a perfect routine. Some students choose to write more broadly about themselves and use some sort of object or metaphor as the focus.
In this blog, we discuss phrases related to introduction section such as opening statement, problem definition and research aims. Introduction section should provide the reader with a brief overview of your topic and the reasons for conducting research. The introduction is a perfect place to set the scene and make a good first impression. Regarding word count, introduction typically occupies ...
Essay Introduction Starters. The introduction of your essay plays a crucial role in captivating your readers and setting the tone for the rest of your paper. To help you craft an impressive introduction, here are some effective essay introduction phrases that you can use: "In today's society, [topic] has become an increasingly significant issue."
Related Job Interview Tips | Useful English Phrases for a Job Interview. Accepting other points of view. Nevertheless, one should accept that…. However, we also agree that…. Personal opinion. We/I personally believe that…. Our/My own point of view is that…. It is my contention that…. I am convinced that….
These useful academic expressions, words, vocabulary and phrases will help you to write a top-notch essay.Writing an essay can be a challenging task. However it becomes simpler if it is divided into manageable pieces. There are three main parts in an essay: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
One crucial aspect of writing a compelling introduction for an essay is to clearly state the thesis. The thesis, which serves as the main argument or point of the essay, should be clearly and concisely presented in the introduction paragraph to capture the reader's attention. ... Transition words and phrases can help connect ideas and guide ...
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.
What are essay transition words? In general, transition words and phrases bridge the gap between two topics whose connection isn't obvious. Transition words and phrases like however, although, likewise, and on the contrary cue the reader that a change is coming so they know to expect it.. The type of transition word or phrase signals which type of change is coming.
Introducing Quotations. These phrases alert your reader that you are about to quote directly from another source. As with the phrases above, some are quite neutral, while others allow you to imply things about the quote's tone, similarity, contrast, and/or significance in relation to other sources or to your larger argument. X states ...
Introductions The introduction to an academic essay will generally present an analytical question or problem and then offer an answer to that question (the thesis). Your introduction is also your opportunity to explain to your readers what your essay is about and why they should be interested in reading it. You don't have to "hook" your
Former President Donald J. Trump said undocumented immigrants were "poisoning the blood of our country" in a recent interview, language with echoes of white supremacy and the racial hatreds of ...
The former president and his backers aim to strengthen the power of the White House and limit the independence of federal agencies.
Not all transition words are individual words. Sometimes, you need a whole phrase to make a smooth transition in your writing. These phrases are known as transition phrases. One transition phrase you were probably taught in school is in conclusion, a common way to begin an essay's final paragraph. As you moved further in your academic career ...