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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

Essay writing consists of two primary procedures: coming up with the content we want to include and structuring that content. These procedures might take place in either order or they could occur simultaneously. When writing an essay it is important to think about the ways that content and structure complement one another. The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing.

When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page. You should put down as many ideas and trajectories as you can without worrying too much about phrasing or whether they will make it into the final draft. The key here is to be loose—to get ahead of our self-editors and expel everything we can from our minds.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

While this is a good strategy for beginning an essay it will likely leave you unsure how everything fits together. This is where transition words come in. As you will see in this list (which is necessarily incomplete) the range of transition words for essays is vast. Each transition word implies a different relation, often in subtle ways. After accumulating content, the next step is to figure out how the elements fit together towards an overall goal (this could be but is not necessarily an “argument”). Consulting this list of transition words for essays can provide a shortcut for determining how one piece might lead into another. Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing.

Transition Words for College Essays

While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays . The goal of a college essay is to give a strong overall sense of its author in the tight space of 650 words. As you might imagine, it’s not easy to encompass a life or convey a complex personality in such a space. When writing a college essay you are working with a huge amount of potential content. Students often want to squeeze in as much as they can. To this end, transition words for college essays are essential tools to have at our disposal.

Here is our list of transition words for college essays and other essays. It is organized by the different types of transition words/phrases and their functions. While this organization should be convenient, keep in mind that there’s plenty of overlap. Many of these words can function in multiple ways.

1) Additive Transitions

These words function in an additive manner, accumulating content to build upon what has already been stated. They can be used to construct an argument or establish a scene through the accumulation of details.

• Additionally
• In addition to
• Furthermore
• Not to mention
• In all honesty
• To tell the truth
• Not only…but also
• As a matter of fact
• To say nothing of
• What’s more
• Alternatively
• To go a step further

 2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

  These transition words draw a parallel or bring out a similarity between images or ideas. They can be used not only in a straightforward sense but also to establish relations of similarity between objects or ideas that might appear to be dissonant.

• In the same way
• In a similar vein
• Along the lines of
• In the key of

 3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

  While also functioning comparatively, the following words demonstrate difference between ideas or images. These transition words are useful when it comes to establishing contrasting points of view, an important component of any argument.

• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• In contrast to
• In contradiction
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• In any event
• In any case
• In either event

4) Sequential Transitions

  The following are particularly effective transition words for college essays. They will allow you to order ideas chronologically or in a sequence, providing a sense of continuity over time. This is particularly useful when an essay leans into something more creative or involves telling a story.

• Subsequently
• At the same time
• Concurrently
• In the beginning
• At the start
• At the outset
• Off the bat

5) Spatial Transitions

Rather than organizing ideas or images in regards to sequence, these transitions indicate spatial relationships. They are particularly useful when it comes to painting a scene and/or describing objects, but they can also be used metaphorically. Consider, for example, how you might use the transition, “standing in […’s] shadow.”

• Standing in […’s] shadow
• In front of
• In the middle
• In the center
• To the left
• To the right
• On the side
• Adjacent to
• Around the bend
• On the outskirts
• In the distance
• On the horizon
• In the foreground
• In the background
• Underground
• Through the grapevine

 6) Causal Transitions

These transition words for essays indicate cause and effect relationships between ideas. They will be particularly useful when you are structuring a logical argument, i.e. using logos as a mode of persuasion . Causal transitions are an important element of academic, legal and scientific writing.

• Accordingly
• Resultingly
• As a result
• Consequently
• In consequence
• As a consequence
• For this reason
• So much that
• Granting that
• That being the case
• Under those circumstances
• With this in mind
• For the purpose of
• For all intents and purposes
• In the event that
• In the event of
• In light of
• On the condition that
• To the extent that

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

  These transition words for college essays can be used to introduce supporting evidence, emphasis, examples, and clarification. There is some overlap here with additive transitions and causal transitions. These transitions are also useful when it comes to building an argument. At the same time, they can signal a shift into a different linguistic register.

• For example
• For instance
• In other words
• As an illustration
• To illustrate
• To put it differently
• To put it another way
• That is to say
• As the evidence illustrates
• It’s important to realize
• It’s important to understand
• It must be remembered
• To demonstrate
• For clarity’s sake
• To emphasize
• To put it plainly
• To enumerate
• To speak metaphorically

8) Conclusory Transitions

These transition words for essays serve to bring an idea or story to a close. They offer a clear way of signaling the conclusion of a particular train of thought. They might be followed by a summary or a restatement of an essay’s argument. In this way they also provide emphasis, setting the reader up for what is about to come.

• In conclusion
• To summarize
• To put it succinctly
• To this end
• At the end of the day
• In the final analysis
• By and large
• On second thought
• On first glance
• That’s all to say
• On the whole
• All things considered
• Generally speaking

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

Even when elements appear to be disparate on first glance, transition words are a great tool for giving your essay a smooth flow. They can also create surprising juxtapositions, relationships, and equivalences. The way a reader will understand a transition word depends on the context in which they encounter it.

Individual words and phrases can be used in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the literal to the figurative to the colloquial or idiomatic. “Through the grapevine” is an example of the colloquial or idiomatic. When we encounter this phrase we don’t interpret it literally (as hearing something “through” a grapevine) but rather as hearing news secondhand. There are, of course, a vast number of idioms that are not included in this list but can also function as transitional phrases.

This list of transition words for college essays (and really any form of writing you might be working on) is a resource that you can return to again and again in your life as a writer. Over years of writing we tend to fall into patterns when it comes to the transition words we use. Mixing things up can be exciting both as a writer and for your readers. Even if you don’t choose to stray from your trusted transitions, considering the alternatives (and why they don’t work for you) can offer a deeper understanding of what you are trying to say.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

As an exercise in self-understanding, you may want to try highlighting all of the transition words in a piece of your own writing. You can then compare this to the transition words in a piece of writing that you admire. Are they using similar transitions or others? Are they using them more or less often? What do you like or dislike about them? We all use transition words differently, creating different tonal effects. Keeping an eye out for them, not only as a writer but also as a reader, will help you develop your own aesthetic.

• College Essay

Emmett Lewis

Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.

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Transitions

What this handout is about.

In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively.

The function and importance of transitions

In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues:

• Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers.
• Your readers (instructors, friends, or classmates) tell you that they had trouble following your organization or train of thought.
• You tend to write the way you think—and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly.
• You wrote your paper in several discrete “chunks” and then pasted them together.
• You are working on a group paper; the draft you are working on was created by pasting pieces of several people’s writing together.

Organization

Since the clarity and effectiveness of your transitions will depend greatly on how well you have organized your paper, you may want to evaluate your paper’s organization before you work on transitions. In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or short phrase what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order of and connection between your ideas more clearly.

If after doing this exercise you find that you still have difficulty linking your ideas together in a coherent fashion, your problem may not be with transitions but with organization. For help in this area (and a more thorough explanation of the “reverse outlining” technique described in the previous paragraph), please see the Writing Center’s handout on organization .

How transitions work

The organization of your written work includes two elements: (1) the order in which you have chosen to present the different parts of your discussion or argument, and (2) the relationships you construct between these parts. Transitions cannot substitute for good organization, but they can make your organization clearer and easier to follow. Take a look at the following example:

El Pais , a Latin American country, has a new democratic government after having been a dictatorship for many years. Assume that you want to argue that El Pais is not as democratic as the conventional view would have us believe.

One way to effectively organize your argument would be to present the conventional view and then to provide the reader with your critical response to this view. So, in Paragraph A you would enumerate all the reasons that someone might consider El Pais highly democratic, while in Paragraph B you would refute these points. The transition that would establish the logical connection between these two key elements of your argument would indicate to the reader that the information in paragraph B contradicts the information in paragraph A. As a result, you might organize your argument, including the transition that links paragraph A with paragraph B, in the following manner:

Paragraph A: points that support the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

Transition: Despite the previous arguments, there are many reasons to think that El Pais’s new government is not as democratic as typically believed.

Paragraph B: points that contradict the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

In this case, the transition words “Despite the previous arguments,” suggest that the reader should not believe paragraph A and instead should consider the writer’s reasons for viewing El Pais’s democracy as suspect.

As the example suggests, transitions can help reinforce the underlying logic of your paper’s organization by providing the reader with essential information regarding the relationship between your ideas. In this way, transitions act as the glue that binds the components of your argument or discussion into a unified, coherent, and persuasive whole.

Types of transitions

Now that you have a general idea of how to go about developing effective transitions in your writing, let us briefly discuss the types of transitions your writing will use.

The types of transitions available to you are as diverse as the circumstances in which you need to use them. A transition can be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire paragraph. In each case, it functions the same way: First, the transition either directly summarizes the content of a preceding sentence, paragraph, or section or implies such a summary (by reminding the reader of what has come before). Then, it helps the reader anticipate or comprehend the new information that you wish to present.

• Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.
• Transitions between paragraphs: If you have done a good job of arranging paragraphs so that the content of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.
• Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.

Transitional expressions

Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical relationship.

Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Change will not be effected, say some others, unless individual actions raise the necessary awareness.

While a reader can see the connection between the sentences above, it’s not immediately clear that the second sentence is providing a counterargument to the first. In the example below, key “old information” is repeated in the second sentence to help readers quickly see the connection. This makes the sequence of ideas easier to follow.  

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change.

You can use this same technique to create clear transitions between paragraphs. Here’s an example:

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change. According to Annie Lowery, individual actions are important to making social change because when individuals take action, they can change values, which can lead to more people becoming invested in fighting climate change. She writes, “Researchers believe that these kinds of household-led trends can help avert climate catastrophe, even if government and corporate actions are far more important” (Lowery).

So, what’s an individual household supposed to do?

The repetition of the word “household” in the new paragraph helps readers see the connection between what has come before (a discussion of whether household actions matter) and what is about to come (a proposal for what types of actions households can take to combat climate change).

Sometimes, transitional words can help readers see how ideas are connected. But it’s not enough to just include a “therefore,” “moreover,” “also,” or “in addition.” You should choose these words carefully to show your readers what kind of connection you are making between your ideas.

To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be

• making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal comparison, ask these questions: Do your readers need another example of the same thing? Is there a new nuance in this next point that distinguishes it from the previous example? For those relationships between ideas, you might try this type of transition: While x may appear the same, it actually raises a new question in a slightly different way. 
• expressing agreement or disagreement When you are making an argument, you need to signal to readers where you stand in relation to other scholars and critics. You may agree with another person’s claim, you may want to concede some part of the argument even if you don’t agree with everything, or you may disagree. Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless .
• showing cause and effect Transitional phrases that show cause and effect include therefore, hence, consequently, thus, so. Before you choose one of these words, make sure that what you are about to illustrate is really a causal link. Novice writers tend to add therefore and hence when they aren’t sure how to transition; you should reserve these words for when they accurately signal the progression of your ideas.
• explaining or elaborating Transitions can signal to readers that you are going to expand on a point that you have just made or explain something further. Transitional words that signal explanation or elaboration include in other words, for example, for instance, in particular, that is, to illustrate, moreover .
• drawing conclusions You can use transitions to signal to readers that you are moving from the body of your argument to your conclusions. Before you use transitional words to signal conclusions, consider whether you can write a stronger conclusion by creating a transition that shows the relationship between your ideas rather than by flagging the paragraph simply as a conclusion. Transitional words that signal a conclusion include in conclusion , as a result, ultimately, overall— but strong conclusions do not necessarily have to include those phrases.

If you’re not sure which transitional words to use—or whether to use one at all—see if you can explain the connection between your paragraphs or sentence either out loud or in the margins of your draft.

For example, if you write a paragraph in which you summarize physician Atul Gawande’s argument about the value of incremental care, and then you move on to a paragraph that challenges those ideas, you might write down something like this next to the first paragraph: “In this paragraph I summarize Gawande’s main claim.” Then, next to the second paragraph, you might write, “In this paragraph I present a challenge to Gawande’s main claim.” Now that you have identified the relationship between those two paragraphs, you can choose the most effective transition between them. Since the second paragraph in this example challenges the ideas in the first, you might begin with something like “but,” or “however,” to signal that shift for your readers.  

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Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

220 Best Transition Words for Essays

By: Nova A.

15 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jul 9, 2019

Writing essays can be hard, and making sure your transitions are smooth is even harder. 

You've probably heard that good essays need good transitions, but what are they? How do you use them in your writing? Also, your essays are assessed according to particular criteria and it is your responsibility to ensure that it is being met.

But don't worry, we are here to help. This blog will give you transition words for essays, including how to choose the right ones and where to place them for maximum impact. Essay writing is a technical process that requires much more effort than simply pouring your thoughts on paper.

If you are new to the concept of transition words and phrases, deep dive into this article in order to find out the secret to improving your essays.

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What Are Transition Words 

Transition words are essential elements in essay writing that create smooth transitions between ideas. 

Think of a transition as a conjunction or a joining word. It helps create strong relationships between ideas, paragraphs, or sentences and assists the readers to understand the word phrases and sentences easily.

As writers, our goal is to communicate our thoughts and ideas in the most clear and logical manner. Especially when presenting complex ideas, we must ensure that they are being conveyed in the most understandable way.

To ensure that your paper is easy to understand, you can work on the sequencing of ideas. Break down your ideas into different sentences and paragraphs then use a transition word or phrase to guide them through these ideas.

Why Should You Use Transitions

The purpose of transition words goes beyond just connectivity. They create a cohesive narrative , allowing your ideas to flow seamlessly from one point to another. These words and phrases act as signposts and indicate relationships. 

These relations could include:

• Cause and Effect
• Comparison and Contrast
• Addition and Emphasis
• Sequence and Order
• Illustration and Example
• Concession and Contradiction
• Summary and Conclusion

They form a bridge and tie sentences together, creating a logical connection. In addition to tying the entire paper together, they help demonstrate the writer’s agreement, disagreement, conclusion, or contrast.

However, keep in mind that just using or including transitional words isn’t enough to highlight relationships between ideas. The content of your paragraphs must support the relationship as well. So, you should avoid overusing them in a paper.

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Types of Transitions

Transitions in essays can be classified into different types based on the relationships they indicate between ideas. Each type serves a specific purpose in guiding readers through your arguments. 

Let's explore some common types of transitions and their examples:

Additive Transitions 

These transitions are used to add information or ideas. They help you expand on your points or provide additional supporting evidence. Examples:

• In addition
• Furthermore
• Additionally
• Not only... but also
• Coupled with

Adversative Transitions

Adversative transitions show contrast or contradiction between ideas. They are used to present opposing viewpoints or highlight differences. Examples:

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• In contrast

Causal Transitions

Causal transitions explain cause-and-effect relationships. They help you establish the reasons behind certain outcomes or actions. Examples:

• As a result
• Consequently
• Resulting in
• For this reason

Sequential Transitions

Sequential transitions indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas. They help you present your thoughts in a logical and organized manner. Examples: 

• Subsequently
• In the meantime
• Simultaneously

Comparative Transitions

Comparative transitions highlight similarities or comparisons between ideas. They help you draw connections and illustrate relationships. Here are some transition words for essays examples: 

• In the same way
• Compared to
• In comparison
• Correspondingly
• By the same token
• Equally important
• Analogous to

Getting started on your essay? Check out this insightful read on essay writing to make sure you ace it!

List of Good Transition Words for Essays

As mentioned above, there are different categories of transitions that serve a unique purpose. Understanding these different types will help you pick the most suitable word or phrase to communicate your message.

Here we have categorized the best transition words for essays so you can use them appropriately!

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

In argumentative essays , the effective use of transition words is essential for presenting a well-structured and coherent argument. 

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

In compare and contrast essays , transition words play a crucial role in highlighting the similarities and differences between the subjects being compared. 

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in compare and contrast essays:

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In cause and effect essays , transition words help illustrate the relationships between causes and their corresponding effects. 

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in cause-and-effect essays:

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essays

Transition words are valuable tools that can be used throughout different parts of an essay to create a smooth and coherent flow. By understanding the appropriate transition words for each section, you can logically connect your ideas. 

Introduction Transition Words for Essays

Introductions are one of the most impactful parts of the essay. It's important that it connects logically with the rest of the essay. To do this, you can utilize different transition words for essays to start. Here are some starting transition words for essays:

Transition Words for Essays Body Paragraph

In an essay, body paragraphs play a crucial role in presenting and developing your ideas. To ensure a logical flow within each body paragraph, the strategic use of transition words is essential.

Here are lists of transitions for essays for different body paragraphs:

Transition Words for Essays for First Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words that you can use for the first body paragraph of an essay:

Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words for the second body paragraph of an essay:

Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essays Last Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essays Conclusion 

Here is a list of ending transition words for essays:

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Essay Transitions

When it comes to using transitions in your essay, there are certain do's and don'ts that can help you effectively enhance the flow of your writing. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

• Add transitions only when introducing new ideas.
• Go through the paper to make sure they make sense.
• Start by creating an outline, so you know what ideas to share and how.
• Use different transitions for each idea.
• Don’t overuse them.
• Don’t keep adding transitions in the same paragraph.
• Don’t completely rely on transitions to signal relationships.
• Don’t incorporate it into your content without understanding its usage.

By now, you have probably understood how transition words can save you from disjointed and directionless paragraphs. They are the missing piece that indicates how ideas are related to one another. You can also generate more essays with our AI powered essay writer to learn the art of transitioning smoothly from one paragraph to another. 

If you are still unable to distinguish transitions to open or conclude your essays, don’t be upset - these things require time and practice.

If you are looking for the perfect essay-writing service, get in touch with the expert writers at 5StarEssays.com. We will include the right transitions according to the type of paper, ensuring a coherent flow of ideas.

Just say ‘ write my essay ’ now and let our essay writer create quality content at the most pocket-friendly rates available.

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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• Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

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.

Example text with and without transition words

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.

Don’t overuse transition words

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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• Style consistency

See an example

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

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition 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.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

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.

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.

Confused use of therefore

“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.

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

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.”

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

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.

• Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

• A second round of testing was also carried out.
• Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

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.

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

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.”

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

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.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

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.”

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
• Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

• Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
• Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

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.

• Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
• Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

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.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

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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33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

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• Writing Tips

Thirty Transition Words for Essays

• 3-minute read
• 10th August 2023

When writing an essay, you may know the main ideas and points you’re going to cover, but connecting them into a smooth, flowing piece of text that’s easy for readers to follow can seem like a challenge.

 Enter transition words . These words work like bridges between sentences and paragraphs so there are no jumps or choppy parts of your writing. Which transition words are appropriate for formal writing, and how do you choose the right ones for the connections you need to make? Check out our guide below.

Comparing or Contrast

If you want to introduce an idea in comparison to another, here are some transition words you can use:

If you want to add information or an extra point to an established one, try these transition words:

Proving or Causing

If you want to establish that one concept is the reason for another or serves as proof of an idea, some suitable transition words to use are:

Showing Sequence

Whether you’re establishing literal timing or just organizing your points into a sequence, use these transition words:

Emphasizing

If you want to emphasize or repeat a point, these transition words work well:

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Summarizing

If you want to lead into a conclusion or summary of an idea, here are some transition words you can use:

Tips for Using Transition Words in Essays

While transition words can be very useful in essays, you should keep a few things in mind. When using transition words or phrases, make sure that you:

Understand Their Meaning

Each transition word or phrase has a slightly (or vastly) different meaning than the next, so don’t view them as words that you can use interchangeably. Make sure you understand a word’s exact meaning and that it aligns with the connection you’re trying to make.

Don’t Overuse Them

Use transition words sparingly. Littering your paper with transitions can make your readers feel like you’re overexplaining concepts, and it adds unnecessary wordiness.

Don’t Start Sentences With Informal Transitions

Although starting a sentence with and or but is more acceptable than we may have once learned in elementary school, it’s still considered informal . You should avoid starting a sentence with informal transition words like and , but , or , so , and also , swapping them for more formal terms that have the same effect.

There are loads of transition words that you can use to help you connect ideas in your essay. We hope this post gave you some ideas. And once you finish a draft, send a copy our way. We can make sure you use transition words correctly as well as check your writing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and more. Try it out for free today.

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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

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Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

How to Make a Smooth Transition from One Point to Another in Essay

Forget the numerous essay hook examples that you will come across on many writing guide forums.

The real jewel as far as coming up with concisely written papers lies in the adeptness of using transition sentences/sections to make a smooth flow from one idea to another. This way, you can logically draw up connections between various main sections/ideas in a paper without veering off the topic at the same time.

As much as this is a fairly difficult skill to master, there are several useful pointers that can come in handy if you have been struggling with this for a while.

1. Review the Paragraph/Essay Up to Where You Need to Add the Transition Phrase

The relationship between the two main separate ideas will determine the nature of the transition sentence as you seek to create a flow between the two ideas. For instance, if the two ideas are conflicting/contradictory, you will need to introduce a transition sentence that shows you are about to differ with what you have just said. That is, it has to make sense from the perspective and the context of the two paragraphs and ideas in question.

2. Use Synonyms Such as ‘Another’, ‘Additionally’, ‘To That Effect’ When Faced the Task of Connected Several Complimentary Ideas

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3. Don’t Shy Away From Conjunctive Adverbs

If you are not comfortable with using traditional transitional phrases or just aren’t sure whether they are logically or semantically correct, you can switch them up with conjunctive adverbs. As the word suggests, conjunctive adverbs are ones that are chiefly used to co-join two or more ideas in an essay. It is a good way of relating a paragraph, idea or concept with a preceding one. Good examples are words such as: ‘accordingly’, ‘consequently’, ‘therefore’, ‘hence’, ‘otherwise’, etc. There are tons of them in the English vocabulary.

4. Proofread Your Paragraph Transitions Thoroughly

Most students end up scoring lower than they expect to as a result of using improper transitional phrases to connect major pointers in their essay arguments . Fortunately, however, you can catch most of these mistakes if you commit to proofread your thoroughly before submission. And when doing this, make a point of looking at the end of each section/paragraph and weigh how well it connects to the first sentence of the following paragraph. If it is non-existent, strained or forced consider improving the transition by either rearranging those paragraphs or simply clarifying your logic in a few extra words.

The Bottom Line

Making smooth transitions between ideas in essay writing is more about creating an inner flow of thoughts throughout the entire paper rather than simply using flamboyant transitional phrases or adverbs. Once you have achieved the former, the latter comes in naturally.

Related posts:

• Ways to Improve Readability of Your Essay

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

• How to Use Sentence Starters for Essays
• How to Write a Hook for your Essay or Paper [Examples Included]

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Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Your written report, whether it is a creative, three-paragraph essay, or an extensive research paper , must be organized in a way that presents a satisfying experience for the reader. Sometimes it just seems impossible to make a paper flow—but that generally happens because your paragraphs aren’t arranged in the best possible order.

Two essential ingredients for a great-reading paper are logical order and smart transitions .

Create Flow With Better Paragraph Order

The first step toward creating flow is making sure your paragraphs are put together in a logical order. Many times, the first draft of a report or essay is a little choppy and out of sequence.

The good news about writing an essay of any length is that you can use "cut and paste" to rearrange your paragraphs. At first, this might sound terrifying: when you finish a draft of an essay it feels much like you have given birth—and cutting and pasting sounds scary. Don’t worry. You can simply use a practice version of your paper to experiment with.

Once you have finished a draft of your paper, save it and name it. Then make a second version by copying the entire first draft and pasting it into a new document.

• Now that you have a draft to experiment with, print it out and read it over. Do the paragraphs and topics flow in a logical order? If not, assign each paragraph a number and write the number in the margin. Don’t be at all surprised if you find that a paragraph on page three looks like it could work better on page one.
• Once you’ve numbered all the paragraphs, start cutting and pasting them in your document until they match your numbering system.
• Now, re-read your essay. If the order works better, you can go back and insert transition sentences between paragraphs.
• Finally, re-read both versions of your paper and confirm that your new version sounds better than the original.

Create Flow With Transition Words

Transition sentences (and words) are necessary for making connections between the claims, views, and statements you make in your writing. Transitions can involve a few words or a few sentences. If you can imagine your report as a quilt made up of many squares, you could think of your transition statements as the stitches that connect the squares. Red stitches might make your quilt ugly, while white stitching would give it flow.

For some types of writing, transitions can contain just a few simple words. Words like also, furthermore, and yet, can be used to connect one idea to another.

I had to walk two miles each morning to get to school. Yet , the distance was not something I considered a burden. I enjoyed walking to school when my friend Rhonda walked with me and talked about her travels. 

For more sophisticated essays, you’ll need a few sentences to make your paragraphs flow.

While the research was conducted at a university in Colorado, there is no evidence that altitude was considered to be a factor ... A similar exercise was carried out in the mountain state of West Virginia, where similar extremes of altitude exist.

You will find that it's easy to come up with effective transitions once your paragraphs are arranged in the most logical order.

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Writing Transitions

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Good transitions can connect paragraphs and turn disconnected writing into a unified whole. Instead of treating paragraphs as separate ideas, transitions can help readers understand how paragraphs work together, reference one another, and build to a larger point. The key to producing good transitions is highlighting connections between corresponding paragraphs. By referencing in one paragraph the relevant material from previous paragraphs, writers can develop important points for their readers.

It is a good idea to continue one paragraph where another leaves off. (Instances where this is especially challenging may suggest that the paragraphs don't belong together at all.) Picking up key phrases from the previous paragraph and highlighting them in the next can create an obvious progression for readers. Many times, it only takes a few words to draw these connections. Instead of writing transitions that could connect any paragraph to any other paragraph, write a transition that could only connect one specific paragraph to another specific paragraph.

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Pulse on Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving

July 31, 2014 by ANGELA ACKERMAN

Writing itself is change, and within story structure, transitions are key to keeping things moving .

It isn’t just about getting your character from scene to scene, it’s also is about communicating ideas and making sure there’s a smooth flow from one piece of information to the next.

Without deft transitions, the manuscript flow becomes herky-jerky. Characters seem to leap about in time and space, plot points can get dropped and instead of riding down the flowing river of the writer’s consciousness with a pina colada in hand, the reader is riding shotgun in Monster Truck Crash Rally Death Match with an icy beverage all over their lap.

S o how do we kick ass and take names as far as learning to transition well?

The plot and characters should always be in motion.  Every action, every thought, every emotion should all draw the reader forward, deeper into the story. As you write, always think movement.  Are the stakes rising, are the characters acting? Does each piece of information deepen the reader’s understanding of what is at stake, and what the character must face?

Each sentence should form part of the picture and contribute, naturally lead to the next. I’m not just talking sentence structure here, I’m talking about substance . Every word, phrase and idea must not be wasted. Select each carefully, with intent. This will create a natural and compelling flow.

Transitioning Between Scenes

Not every scene ends with a chapter break, so we need to have a little bag of tricks to get characters from one place to the next. First and foremost, always know where the ending point of your scene is. Every scene should have a natural beginning, middle and end…the end being where the character resolves to take a new action or where he finds himself in worse trouble than at the start. We don’t want those characters taking it easy, no sir. Bring on the hot irons of conflict & consequence!

TIP:  When starting a new scene, be quick about anchoring the reader in the setting and let them know who’s viewpoint it is, especially if your book has two or more POV characters.  Nothing turns a reader off faster than not knowing where they are, and who is speaking/narrating. A new scene should never feel like Musical Chairs–the reader should always know which POV they are experiencing.

Angela’s Tricksy Bag of, erm, Tricks

— Keep a Weather Eye on Your Story

This is an excellent way to show a passage of time and get the character moving. No one can hang out at the park for long on a wintery January morning, not unless hypothermia is on the menu. Ditto with a character noticing how the cloud cover is stealing the sun’s heat, a storm is brewing or how the sun’s position changes as it crosses the sky. When your character takes note, the reader does too. Time is fluid.

–Thinking Ahead

The character’s thought process can easily allow you to skip ahead to a new scene. By letting thoughts (or worries!) drift to a future event (getting off work, meeting up with someone for a date that night, a ball game on the weekend, etc) end the scene, it allows you to jump right into that event in the scene that follows without causing a ripple in the story’s flow.

— A Nice Fish Slap to the Face

Remember those high stakes we talked about? Well, action and pressure often leads to mistakes, which leads to nasty, sticky consequences. A great way to transition to a new scene is to show the character having to face the result of his earlier poor choice.

— Routine, Routine, Routine 

No matter how wild and crazy things get,   some routines are rarely broken . The responsibilities of school and work, waking up, going to bed, mealtimes…if you need to, you can use these (but don’t slow the pace!) to show a leap forward to a new scene. But remember some routines can be overused (such as starting a chapter with the character waking up). Instead, try showing them start the day brushing their teeth or heading out the door to school or work. Take care that transitions don’t turn into long coffee breaks, either. Each setting choice should contribute directly to story and character development and have meaning, not provide a reason to show a long internalization that probably is not needed anyway.

— Tick Tock 

There’s nothing wrong with having a good old-fashioned ticking clock to get a character out of one scene and onto the next one. If your character is on a schedule (and really, who isn’t?) they will be very aware of the time and can easily communicate this through their thoughts, actions or dialogue. No one likes to be late, right? Again, just be careful of not overusing this trick to get in and out of all your scenes.

— Changing POV 

Obviously, this is only one to use if you’re using multiple POVs. If you’re at a loss over which POV to use in a scene, it should be told by the person with the most to lose or gain from the action & events of the scene.

Need some more ideas on how to use the world around your characters to transition? Check out The Bookshelf Muse’s Symbolism Entry on  The Passage of Time

Image: TPSDave @ pixabay Original post

Angela is a writing coach, international speaker, and bestselling author who loves to travel, teach, empower writers, and pay-it-forward. She also is a founder of One Stop For Writers , a portal to powerful, innovative tools to help writers elevate their storytelling.

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Reader Interactions

December 15, 2015 at 9:45 am

Thank you for this, I’m writing a story and have had some cridics come into chapter four, telling me that with all the people in it that it’s a confusing mess. Oops! So I’m going to apply what you’ve shared here and fix it. Thank you.

December 15, 2015 at 10:08 am

Good for you, for taking advice and following up on the best way to solve the problems you’re facing. That’s so important for writers to be able to do well.

August 31, 2014 at 3:45 pm

This is excellent! I’ve often struggled to solve this problem. Great suggestions!

August 2, 2014 at 1:02 am

These are good ideas–transitioning can be difficult. I often find myself not wanting to transition at all and just get to the next scene. One of the biggest things I take from this blog post is that you really just need to slow down and let the transition happen.

July 31, 2014 at 11:45 pm

Hi Angela Thanks for the tips. They are all solid gold 🙂 Michelle

July 31, 2014 at 9:05 pm

Excellent advice, Angela. Reading Jody Hedlund’s novels have helped me a lot with traditions. She writes in scenes and does a great job with this. Good bag of tricks 🙂

July 31, 2014 at 1:42 pm

As usual your advice is spot-on. Great stuff. Following these guidelines will certainly help avoid readers experiencing those pesky “Huh?” moments.

July 31, 2014 at 1:58 pm

Glad you think so, Christina! Happy to help 🙂

July 31, 2014 at 12:45 pm

I just used a fish slap in the face this morning!! It should draw me back into the stakes and get things moving along when I write again. Always encouraging. Thanks for the tips!!

Hurray for the fish slap! Those are the BEST!

July 31, 2014 at 11:23 am

Again—a wealth of knowledge and fantastic tips! Thank you, Angela! 😀 😀 😀

July 31, 2014 at 10:53 am

Ha, thanks you guys! Hope you are both enjoying your summer! 🙂

July 31, 2014 at 10:45 am

You continue to be an encyclopedia of ideas!

July 31, 2014 at 10:23 am

Excellent ideas to fall back on when needed.

[…] Pulse on Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving by Angela Ackerman […]

[…] Pulse on Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving […]

[…] Pulse on Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving […]

[…] Alderson shows us how to pick the exact right beginning to story, Angela Ackerman explains how transitions keep the story moving, and Roz Morris examines endings and […]

[…] https://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/07/pulse-pacing-smooth-transitions-keep-story-moving/ […]

[…] Pulse On Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving Handy tips from the folks over at Writers Helping Writers on keeping readers moving through your prose. […]

Understanding Transitional Words and Phrases

Transition words, also known as linking words or connectors, are words or phrases that create a smooth flow and logical progression in writing. They establish connections between sentences, paragraphs, and ideas, making the text more coherent and easier to follow.

The function and importance of transitions

Transition words serve several essential functions in writing. Firstly, they help guide the reader through the text by signaling shifts in ideas, relationships between concepts, and the overall structure of the content. These words act as signposts, allowing the reader to navigate through the writing more easily. Secondly, transitions enhance the clarity and organization of the writing, ensuring that ideas are presented in a logical and coherent manner. They help the reader understand the author’s intended message more effectively. Lastly, transitions contribute to the overall cohesion and fluency of the text, making it more engaging and enjoyable to read.

Transition words are not just helpful for readers; they also play a significant role in search engine optimization (SEO). While they are effective for a range of writing styles, such as ad copy and academic writing, their impact on SEO should not be underestimated. Transition words aid in creating a logical flow within a text, indicating various relationships such as sequence, contrast, cause and effect, and addition. This logical flow not only improves the readability and organization of your content but also enhances its engagement and navigability for both readers and search engines.

As you will see, the use of transitional words and phrases in your writing is vital for communicating concepts and arguments in a clear and effective manner. By employing these transitional devices, you can guide your readers through your content, making it easier for them to follow your ideas and grasp the overall message. This improved clarity and structure not only benefits your readers but also contributes to the success of your SEO efforts.

While transition words may not directly impact your SEO rankings, they indirectly influence your website’s visibility by enhancing the user experience. The readability and organization of your content are crucial factors that search engines consider when determining the relevance and usefulness of your website. By using transition words effectively, you can create an inviting and user-friendly environment that encourages readers to stay longer, explore further, and ultimately contribute to your website’s SEO success.

By employing these linguistic tools, you can improve the clarity, organization, and overall user experience of your content, making it more enticing and accessible for both readers and search engines. So, remember to incorporate transition words strategically in your writing, and reap the benefits of improved readability and SEO performance.

When to use transition words

Transition words should be used whenever there is a need to establish a connection or transition between ideas, sentences, or paragraphs. They are particularly useful in essays, research papers, and any other form of academic or professional writing. Transition words can also be employed in creative writing, speeches, and even everyday conversations to make the discourse more coherent and persuasive.

Both non-native speakers and native speakers could benefit from studying less frequent transition words. While it is commonly observed that non-native speakers struggle with knowing transition words, native speakers can also enhance their writing skills by familiarizing themselves with the less commonly used ones.

Types of transition words

Transition words are an essential part of writing as they help to establish connections and improve the flow of ideas. They can be classified into various categories based on their functions. Here are some of the most commonly used types of transition words:

Comparison transition words are used to highlight similarities and differences between ideas or concepts. Examples of comparison transition words include “similarly,” “likewise,” and “in comparison.”

Sequence/Time

Sequence or time transition words are used to indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas. They help to create a chronological structure in writing. Examples of sequence/time transition words include “first,” “next,” and “finally.”

Place transition words are used to indicate location or spatial relationships between ideas. They help establish a sense of setting or context. Examples of place transition words include “in the distance,” “beyond,” and “nearby.”

Summary transition words are used to provide a concise overview or summary of the main points or ideas discussed. They help to wrap up the content and emphasize the key takeaways. Examples of summary transition words include “in conclusion,” “to summarize,” and “overall.”

Examples transition words are used to illustrate or provide evidence for a point or idea. They help to support the writer’s argument or claims. Examples of examples transition words include “for instance,” “for example,” and “specifically.”

Cause/Effect

Cause and effect transition words are used to show the relationship between causes and their effects, or between actions and their consequences. They help to explain the reasons behind certain outcomes. Examples of cause/effect transition words include “because,” “as a result,” and “therefore.”

Emphasis transition words are used to stress or highlight a particular point or idea. They help to draw the reader’s attention to important information. Examples of emphasis transition words include “indeed,” “above all,” and “significantly.”

Contrast transitions

These words are used to highlight differences or contradictions between ideas. Examples include “however,” “although,” “nevertheless,” and “yet.”

Illustration transitions

These words are used to provide examples or clarify a point. Examples include “for example,” “such as,” “in other words,” and “to illustrate.”

Qualification/Concession

Qualification or concession transition words are used to introduce a contrasting or opposing viewpoint or to acknowledge potential limitations or exceptions to an argument. They help to add complexity and nuance to the writing. Examples of qualification/concession transition words include “however,” “on the other hand,” and “despite.”

By incorporating these different types of transition words into your writing, you can create a more cohesive and coherent piece of work. They not only make your writing easier to understand but also add depth and clarity to your ideas. So, next time you are writing, remember to make use of these transition words to enhance your writing skills.

Common mistakes writers make with transition words

While transition words are valuable tools in writing, they are often misused or overused. Some common mistakes to avoid include:

• Using too many transitions within a single sentence or paragraph, which can lead to confusion and a choppy flow.
• Using transitions incorrectly, such as using “however” instead of “moreover” to express addition.
• Not using transitions at all, resulting in a disorganized and disjointed text.

Make every transition a smooth one

To ensure smooth transitions in your writing, consider the following tips:

• Choose appropriate transitions based on the relationship between ideas.
• Use transitions sparingly and strategically, focusing on clarity and coherence.
• Read your writing aloud to identify any abrupt shifts or missing transitions.
• Revise and edit your work to refine the flow and coherence of your transitions.

50 Transition Words & Phrases Improve Your Writing 

• First and foremost
• Furthermore
• In addition
• Additionally
• On the other hand
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• In contrast
• Alternatively
• As a result
• Consequently
• Accordingly
• For example
• For instance
• In particular
• Specifically
• By and large
• Generally speaking
• To summarize
• In conclusion

Transition words play a crucial role in enhancing the coherence and readability of writing. By using them effectively, you can guide your readers through your ideas with ease, creating a more engaging and persuasive piece of work. So, remember to choose your transitions wisely and make every transition a smooth one!

70+ Transition words for essays with examples

Transition words for essays.

Ever stared at a blank page, your thoughts swirling like a disorganized storm? Crafting a compelling essay often hinges on smooth transitions between ideas. Fear not, fellow writer! Here’s your guide to essential transition words , those linguistic gems that bridge the gaps in your essay and create a clear, logical flow.

List of Transition words for essays

• Additionally
• Furthermore
• In addition
• In the same way
• In other words
• That is to say
• For example
• For instance
• Specifically
• To illustrate
• In particular
• Without a doubt
• Essentially
• In conclusion
• To conclude
• On the whole
• Consequently
• Accordingly
• As a result
• For this reason
• Because of this
• Due to this
• In light of this
• Considering that
• Seeing that
• As a matter of fact
• Nonetheless
• Nevertheless
• Even though
• In spite of
• On the contrary

Transition words for essays with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for cause:

• Additionally : “She enjoys playing the piano. Additionally, she is proficient in playing the guitar.”
• Furthermore : “The research indicated a positive correlation between exercise and mental health. Furthermore, it suggested that regular physical activity reduces stress levels.”
• Moreover : “The company reported an increase in sales for the third quarter. Moreover, profits also saw a significant rise.”
• In addition : “He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. In addition, he is passionate about photography.”
• Also : “He enjoys playing tennis. Also, he participates in swimming competitions.”
• Likewise : “She volunteered at the local shelter. Likewise, her brother also dedicated his time to community service.”
• Similarly : “The team implemented new strategies to improve productivity. Similarly, other departments adopted similar approaches.”
• In the same way : “She excels in academics. In the same way, her siblings also achieve high grades.”
• Equally : “Both candidates possess strong leadership skills. Equally, they demonstrate excellent communication abilities.”
• Besides : “She enjoys reading novels. Besides, she also enjoys writing short stories.”
• In other words : “The product received mixed reviews due to its functionality issues. In other words, customers experienced difficulties with its performance.”
• That is to say : “She loves traveling to exotic destinations. That is to say, she prefers exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.”
• Namely : “The research focused on several key areas, namely, customer satisfaction, product quality, and market trends.”
• For example : “Many countries have implemented strict environmental policies. For example, Denmark has achieved significant progress in renewable energy.”
• For instance : “Some popular social media platforms, for instance, Facebook and Instagram, have millions of active users.”
• Specifically : “The training program focuses specifically on enhancing leadership skills and fostering teamwork.”
• To illustrate : “To illustrate the concept further, let’s consider a real-life example.”
• In particular : “The company aims to expand its operations globally. In particular, it plans to target emerging markets in Asia.”
• In fact : “Contrary to popular belief, exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. In fact, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
• Indeed : “The company’s efforts to promote diversity have yielded positive results. Indeed, diversity has been linked to increased innovation and creativity.”
• Actually : “Contrary to what many people believe, the situation is actually quite different.”
• Truly : “She was truly dedicated to her work and always gave her best effort.”
• Certainly : “The results of the study certainly support the hypothesis.”
• Of course : “Of course, you are welcome to join us for dinner.”
• Without a doubt : “Without a doubt, she is one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met.”
• In essence : “The policy change, in essence, aims to improve customer satisfaction.”
• Essentially : “The project, essentially, involves redesigning the user interface.”
• In summary : “In summary, the findings suggest a need for further research in this area.”
• In conclusion : “In conclusion, it is evident that climate change poses significant challenges.”
• To sum up : “To sum up, the main points of the argument are as follows.”
• In brief : “In brief, the report highlights key areas for improvement.”
• To conclude : “To conclude, let’s consider the implications of these findings.”
• Overall : “Overall, the project was a success.”
• All in all : “All in all, it was a memorable experience.”
• On the whole : “On the whole, the feedback has been positive.”
• Therefore : “The traffic was heavy; therefore, they arrived late to the meeting.”
• Thus : “The factory implemented new safety measures; thus, the number of accidents decreased.”
• Hence : “The flight was canceled; hence, they had to make alternative travel arrangements.”
• Consequently : “He missed the deadline; consequently, he faced disciplinary action.”
• Accordingly : “The instructions were unclear; accordingly, many participants made mistakes.”
• As a result : “The market demand increased; as a result, prices rose.”
• For this reason : “She forgot her umbrella; for this reason, she got wet in the rain.”
• Because of this : “He missed the train because of this, he couldn’t attend the meeting.”
• Due to this : “Due to this unforeseen circumstance, the event had to be postponed.”
• In light of this : “In light of this new information, we need to reconsider our strategy.”
• Since : “Since it was raining heavily, they decided to stay indoors.”
• Because : “He didn’t study for the exam because he was feeling unwell.”
• For : “He received a promotion for his outstanding performance.”
• As : “As the temperature dropped, people bundled up in warm clothing.”
• Owing to : “Owing to his persistent efforts, he achieved success.”
• Given that : “Given that she had prior experience, she was appointed as the team leader.”
• Considering that : “Considering that it was his first attempt, he performed exceptionally well.”
• Seeing that : “Seeing that the store was closing soon, they hurried to finish their shopping.”
• In view of : “In view of the current situation, we need to take immediate action.”
• As a matter of fact : “As a matter of fact, he was the first to arrive at the party.”
• Regardless : “He continued with the project regardless of the challenges he faced.”
• Nonetheless : “The weather was unfavorable; nonetheless, they decided to go ahead with the outdoor event.”
• Nevertheless : “The plan faced criticism; nevertheless, it was implemented successfully.”
• However : “She forgot her passport; however, she managed to board the flight with a temporary permit.”
• Although : “Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.”
• Though : “Though she was tired, she continued working late into the night.”
• Even though : “Even though he was warned about the risks, he proceeded with the plan.”
• Despite : “Despite the challenges, they remained committed to their goal.”
• In spite of : “In spite of the obstacles, they persevered and succeeded.”
• On the contrary : “The results were contrary to expectations; on the contrary, they were favorable.”
• Conversely : “He expected to feel relieved; conversely, he felt even more anxious.”
• But : “The weather was sunny, but they decided to cancel the picnic due to other commitments.”
• Yet : “He had a busy schedule, yet he managed to find time for his hobbies.”
• Whereas : “She preferred coffee, whereas her sister preferred tea.”

By mastering the art of transition words, you’ll transform your essay from a disjointed collection of ideas into a powerful and persuasive piece of writing. So, the next time you sit down to write, remember these transition words and watch your essay flow majestically!

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Two Months Notice Resignation Letter

Resignation letter maker.

Embarking on a new professional chapter often requires the delicate task of bidding adieu to your current role. A two months’ notice resignation letter not only conveys your intent to depart but also demonstrates your commitment to ensuring a seamless transition. Dive into our curated examples and tips that guide you through crafting a thoughtful, well-structured letter. Remember, it’s about leaving a lasting positive impression, even as you’re preparing to exit. Let us steer you through this transition with poise and professionalism.

What is a Two Months Notice Resignation? – Definition

A two months notice resignation refers to the formal notification given by an employee to their employer, expressing the intent to resign from their current position, effective two months from the date of the letter. This extended notice period, beyond the commonly observed one month, provides ample time for both the departing employee and the employer to prepare for the transition. Such a duration ensures a smoother handover of tasks, potential training of a successor, and adjustments to any project timelines or deliverables that may be impacted by the departure.

What is the Best Example of a Two Months Notice Resignation Letter?

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Manager’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two months from today, on [Last Working Day, e.g., “October 1, 2023”].

Over the past [Number of Years, e.g., “five years”], I have immensely valued my experiences, growth, and the camaraderie I’ve found within our team. My decision to resign is anchored in [a personal reason/new opportunity/other reasons], and it’s a step towards aligning with my long-term career and personal aspirations.

Understanding the significance of a smooth transition, especially in our industry, I have opted for a two-month notice to ensure I can thoroughly train my successor and complete ongoing projects with the same dedication and precision that I’ve always aimed for.

I would like to extend my gratitude for your leadership and the opportunities provided to me at [Company Name]. The skills, insights, and professional relationships I have garnered here will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors. I am keen to assist in any capacity that ensures a seamless transition, be it through training, documenting processes, or offering insights even after my formal departure.

Thank you once again for the trust, guidance, and wonderful memories. I look forward to cherishing our professional relationship and am hopeful that our paths will cross again in the future.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Note: It’s essential always to personalize any template or example to make sure it reflects your unique experiences and feelings authentically.

Size: 31 KB

Free Two Months Notice Resignation Letters – Copy & Paste

Navigate your departure with grace using our free two months notice resignation letters. Carefully crafted to convey professionalism and consideration, these templates ensure a smooth transition for both you and your employer. Just copy, personalize, and paste to pave the way for your next professional chapter with respect and integrity.

Two Months Notice Resignation Letter Format

A standard and structured template that clearly communicates your intention to resign, offering a clear timeline for your departure and emphasizing your commitment to ensuring a smooth transition.

I am writing to formally announce my resignation from [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two months from today’s date, which will be [Last Working Day].

The decision to step down from my position has been made after much deliberation. I am committed to ensuring that the next two months will be dedicated to a smooth and comprehensive transition.

I sincerely appreciate the experiences and growth opportunities provided during my tenure at [Company Name].

Thank you for your guidance and support.

Size: 26 KB

Two Months Notice Resignation Letter for Personal Reason

This template delicately conveys the need to resign for personal reasons while maintaining professionalism and a clear commitment to a seamless transition.

I regret to inform you of my decision to resign from [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two months from today, which will be [Last Working Day]. This choice stems from personal reasons that require my immediate and undivided attention.

While these personal commitments are compelling me to step back from my professional duties, I am entirely devoted to making the transition process as thorough and smooth as possible.

Your support and understanding during this time would be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes,

Formal Two Months Notice Resignation Letter

An epitome of professionalism, this letter offers a formal, courteous tone, reflecting gratitude and a clear intention to uphold responsibilities during the notice period.

I wish to formally submit my resignation for my role as [Your Position] at [Company Name], to be effective two months from today, on [Last Working Day].

The time I’ve spent at [Company Name] has been invaluable to my professional journey. My dedication to the transition process over the next two months will reflect my gratitude and respect for this organization.

Thank you for the unparalleled guidance and opportunities.

Yours sincerely,

Size: 277 KB

Simple Two Months Notice Resignation Letter

Stripped of excess, this template conveys the essential information about the resignation in a straightforward manner while maintaining politeness.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Date]

[Manager’s Name] [Company Name]

I am resigning from my role as [Your Position], effective two months from today, which will be [Last Working Day].

I’m dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and will help in any way needed during this period.

Thank you for everything.

Best, [Your Name]

Size: 25 KB

Short Two Months Notice Resignation Letter

This succinct resignation letter, despite its brevity, encapsulates professionalism and clarity, ensuring the message is effectively communicated while saving time for all parties involved.

[Manager’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

I am writing to tender my resignation from [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two months from today, [Last Working Day, e.g., “October 1, 2023”]. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve received here. Rest assured, I’m committed to aiding in a seamless transition.

Size: 27 KB

Two Months Due Notice Resignation Letter

This template emphasizes that the two months notice is being given as per due contractual obligation, ensuring adherence to professionalism and emphasizing commitment to responsibilities.

I wish to formally notify you of my resignation from [Your Position], as per our contract’s stipulated two months notice period. My last day will be [Last Working Day, e.g., “October 1, 2023”]. During these two months, I pledge to ensure my duties are fulfilled and assist with the transition process.

Thank you for your understanding and the opportunities extended during my tenure.

Two Months Notice Resignation Letter for Family Reasons

This heartfelt resignation letter centers around family reasons, balancing personal sentiment with professionalism, and assuring dedication during the notice period.

It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation from [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two months from today on [Last Working Day, e.g., “October 1, 2023”]. Due to pressing family commitments, I must relocate and thus can no longer sustain my role here.

Working at [Company Name] has been an enriching experience. Over the next two months, I’m dedicated to ensuring a smooth handover to my successor.

Thank you for your understanding, and I cherish the memories and experiences from my time here.

Size: 28 KB

Two Months Notice Resignation Letter for Health Reasons

Prioritizing health without compromising on professionalism, this letter communicates the necessity of the resignation while assuring the employer of a smooth transition process.

I regret to inform you of my decision to resign from [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two months from today, [Last Working Day, e.g., “October 1, 2023”], due to health concerns demanding my immediate attention.

While I navigate this personal challenge, I remain committed to ensuring a seamless transition. I’m genuinely grateful for the support and opportunities during my time here.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sample Two Months Notice Resignation Letter

A comprehensive and general format suitable for most professionals, ensuring clear communication and expressing gratitude for the experiences gained.

I hereby submit my formal resignation from [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two months from today, which will be [Last Working Day, e.g., “November 30, 2023”].

The journey at [Company Name] has been both professionally and personally enriching. I have been privileged to work alongside some of the industry’s brightest minds, contributing to projects that not only pushed our company’s boundaries but also allowed for significant personal growth.

This decision has not been taken lightly. After considerable thought and reflection on my future aspirations, I believe this move aligns best with my career trajectory. Over the next two months, I commit to ensuring a seamless handover and transition, assisting wherever necessary.

I am profoundly grateful for the trust, mentorship, and opportunities afforded to me during my tenure. Though I am moving forward, the memories and skills gained here will remain invaluable.

Thank you for everything, [Manager’s Name].

Size: 29 KB

Basic Two Months Notice Resignation Letter

A straightforward letter that communicates the essential details without delving too deep into personal experiences or sentiments.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date]

[Manager’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address]

I am writing to resign from my position at [Company Name], effective two months from today on [Last Working Day].

I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here and will do my best in ensuring a smooth transition over the next two months.

Two Months Long Notice Resignation Letter

A detailed resignation letter elaborating on experiences, learnings, and the reasons for the decision, ensuring complete clarity.

It is with mixed feelings that I pen down this letter to formally announce my resignation from [Your Position], effective two months from today on [Last Working Day].

From the moment I joined [Company Name], each day has been a profound learning experience. Whether it was the challenges we navigated as a team, the late-night brainstorming sessions, or the triumphant project completions, every memory here has added a unique facet to my professional journey.

My decision to resign stems from a new opportunity that aligns closely with my long-term career goals. While the excitement of a new chapter beckons, the thought of leaving behind my esteemed colleagues and the culture of [Company Name] makes this decision bittersweet.

During the next two months, I am dedicated to ensuring that all my responsibilities are transitioned smoothly. I’m more than willing to train my successor and assist in any capacity that would be beneficial.

The gratitude I feel for having been a part of [Company Name] is immense. I walk away with skills, memories, and relationships that will forever remain close to my heart.

Two Months Notice Resignation Letter During Probation

A thoughtful letter addressing resignation during the probationary period, showcasing understanding and professionalism.

I am writing to formally resign from my position at [Company Name], effective two months from today on [Last Working Day], despite being in my probationary period.

I genuinely value the opportunity to be part of the team, and this decision wasn’t easy. Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I believe this is the best course of action.

I’m committed to ensuring that my departure doesn’t disrupt the workflow, and I’m willing to assist in any way necessary during these two months.

Thank you for your understanding and the opportunities thus far.

Best regards,

Two Calendar Months Notice Resignation Letter

A precise letter indicating the notice period’s alignment with the calendar months, ensuring clarity and transparency.

I am formally resigning from my role at [Company Name]. As per my commitment, I will be serving a notice period of two full calendar months, concluding on [Last Working Day, e.g., “December 31, 2023”].

The experiences and challenges here have been instrumental in my professional growth. As we move towards the transition, I’ll ensure that all my responsibilities are diligently handed over.

Thank you for the trust and opportunities provided.

Can I give 2 months notice at work?

Absolutely! While the standard notice period in many organizations is 1 month, there is no rule preventing you from giving a longer notice if you feel it’s necessary or if it aligns with your new commitments. However, the acceptance of this notice period often depends on your employment contract and the organization’s policies. Before offering a 2-month notice, it’s prudent to:

• Review your employment contract : Ensure there are no clauses that specify a shorter notice period.
• Discuss with HR or your manager : Communicate your intent and understand if a 2-month notice is practical for both parties.

Is 2 months too long for notice?

Two months might seem long, but the appropriateness of the duration hinges on various factors:

• Job Complexity : If you’re in a critical role where transition takes time, such as senior management or a highly specialized position, a 2-month notice might be beneficial.
• Current Projects : If you’re overseeing long-term projects, providing a longer notice can ensure their seamless completion or transition.
• Company Culture : In some companies, particularly smaller ones, extended notice periods might be the norm to ensure stability.

However, a longer notice period could also mean a prolonged period of potential awkwardness or a shift in team dynamics. It’s essential to gauge the company’s culture and your comfort level.

Is it normal to give 2 months notice?

While the “norm” varies across industries and regions, a one-month notice is standard in many places. However, a 2-month notice is not unheard of, especially in senior roles or specific industries where transitions are more intricate. It’s always a gesture of professionalism, showing forethought for your employer’s needs.

How to write a resignation letter with a 2 months notice period? – a Step by Step Guide

• Start With Basic Details : Begin with your name, address, the date, followed by the manager’s name, company name, and company address.
• Formal Opening : Address your manager or the appropriate party formally, e.g., “Dear [Manager’s Name]”.
• State Your Intention : Clearly mention your intent to resign and specify that you’re giving a 2-month notice.
• Reason for Resignation : Briefly state the reason for your decision, whether it’s a new opportunity, personal reasons, etc.
• Express Gratitude : Share appreciation for the experiences and opportunities you’ve had.
• Discuss Transition : Highlight your commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, including training successors, completing projects, or other relevant tasks.
• Formal Closing : Conclude the letter with a formal sign-off, e.g., “Warm regards” or “Sincerely”, followed by your name.

Tips for Writing a 2 Months Resignation Letter

• Keep it Professional : While it’s okay to be heartfelt, maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.
• Be Clear on the Timeline : Ensure there’s no ambiguity about the notice period duration and your last working day.
• Stay Positive : Focus on the positive aspects of your tenure, avoiding any negative remarks or criticisms.
• Offer Assistance : Express your willingness to help during the transition period, showcasing your professionalism and consideration.
• Proofread : Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. A well-written letter reflects your professionalism.

Remember, a standard resignation letter is a formal document that could be kept in your employment record, so it’s essential to ensure it leaves a positive, lasting impression.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Compose a resignation letter for a teacher leaving to pursue further education

Develop a resignation letter for a school librarian retiring after years of service.