what is a transition for an essay

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.  

• picture_as_pdf Transitions

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

Make a Gift

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Academic writing
• 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.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

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.

Don't submit your assignments before you do this

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students. Free citation check included.

Try for free

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!

 Academic Writing

• Avoiding repetition
• Effective headings
• Passive voice
• Taboo words
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, August 23). Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/transition-words/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, using conjunctions | definition, rules & examples, transition sentences | tips & examples for clear writing, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, what is your plagiarism score.

Understanding Transition Sentences (For Essays and Writing with Examples)

What are transition sentences? And how do they work? Is there a correct way to use them? And an incorrect way? Understanding transition sentences is critical when writing essays, articles, or any type of logical flow.

Learn what transitional sentences are in this short guide…

What are transition sentences?

When you write an article, essay (or anything), you’ll want to write it in a logical sequence. You start with an introduction, highlight your points, and then end with a conclusion. Throughout your writing, you would be using sentences to express your thought. To make your writing effective, you need to link the sentences together in a logical way .

This is where transition sentences can be helpful.

As the name suggests, a transition sentence links the thoughts you are expressing in your writing. They make use of words and phrases that act as a bridge between different parts of your writing.

Transition sentences allow your reader to move smoothly from one section to another. Without transition sentences, your reader might not be able to understand the link between different parts of your writing.

What makes a good transition sentence?

Look at this example:

The CEO was very clear that productivity and efficiency were the two key things he would focus on. However , the legacy systems followed by the company acted as a detriment. Tech modernization was the solution that would enhance productivity and efficiency.

Sentences one and three make sense by themselves. But it is important to establish a relationship between the two. This is what the second sentence does . It acts as a bridge (or transition) between the first and third sentences. By doing so, it helps the writer communicate their ideas more effectively.

A good transition sentence would bring clarity by linking ideas expressed in the sentences before and after it. Words and phrases like ‘however,’ ‘in contrast,’ ‘for instance,’ ‘in fact,’ and ‘therefore’ can get used to help make the transition.  

Many transition words are available to use. Choose the appropriate word for the situation.

For example, if you want to show the sequence between two sentences, you can use a word like ‘then’ or ‘after.’ If you want to emphasize a point through the transition, you can use ‘indeed,’ ‘especially,’ or ‘particularly.’

Transition words can be used at the start of the sentence ( e.g. , Surely , you are not going to go now!). It can also be used within the sentence (e.g., I rejected the job offer because the salary was lesser than my present pay ).

Here are a few tips that will help you use transition words correctly:

• When sentences within a paragraph sound abrupt or awkward, you need to use transition words to link them.
• Choose the correct transition word that is appropriate to the situation. A wrong selection can make your reader confused.
• When moving from one idea to another, use a transition word to let the reader know.
• Don’t make the mistake of overusing transition words. Too many transition words can end up making your writing look messy.

List of words for transition sentences

Some common words used in transition sentences are:

• Furthermore
• Nevertheless
• Specifically

List of phrases for transition sentences

Transition sentences would use both words and phrases as the bridge. A few phrases that are used include:

• In other words
• On the contrary
• As a result
• In the long run
• As you can see
• In the following
• In the previous
• Having established
• Most importantly
• For example/instance
• By the time

5 Examples of Transitions (Types of Transitions)

Conjunctive adverbs can be used to establish the logical link between ideas. They can be classified under five heads. It must be noted some words appear in multiple categories.

Of addition

• Additionally
• In addition
• In the same way

The following example will make this clear.

First , put a pan on the stove and heat it. Next , add oil to the pan.

In the above, first and next act as the transition and are adding on to what is being said previously.

Of contrast

These words establish a contrast or difference while making the transition.

• In contrast
• Even though
• At any rate
• In spite of that
• On the other hand

The island was not the paradise we were hoping for. On the contrary , it was dirty, noisy, and had unmanageable traffic.

The above example brings out a contrast between expectations and reality.

Of comparison

• By comparison
• In the same manner

Jonathan is crazy about chess. His daughter is similarly a big fan of the board game.

In this example, the word similarly shows a comparison between father and daughter. You may note the transition word need not be at the start of the sentence. It can be placed anywhere.

These transition words are indicative of a result. It shows the result of the previous sentence/idea.

• Consequently

Their star player was suffering from a hamstring injury and could not play. Hence , their team faced a humiliating defeat on match day.

The star player’s absence resulted in the team’s defeat. The transition word ‘Hence’ in the example is the bridge between the cause/event and the result.

Some transition words show relationships in time. They include:

• Simultaneously
• Subsequently

The speaker will be a bit late for the talk. Meanwhile , let’s ask the participants to share their views on the program .

As the speaker will be late, there is time left. So, the participants are asked to share their views and opinions. In this example, ‘Meanwhile’ is a transition word that shows relationship to time.

Subordinating conjunctions and transition sentences

You can use a subordinating conjunction in a sentence to join a dependent clause to an independent clause .

Example: When the postman came, my dog greeted him with a volley of barks.

In this example, the word ‘when’ is the subordinating conjunction that joins ‘the postman came’ and ‘my dog greeted him …’

The subordinating conjunction serves a special purpose here. It acts as a transition between two ideas. The use of the coordinating conjunction provides a logical flow.

Example: He is smarter than you are.

In this example, “than” is the subordinating conjunction that connects ‘He is smarter’ and ‘you are.’ It provides the bridge or transition between the two clauses .

Let’s look at another example to understand this. There are two clauses – ‘The spring arrives’ and ‘my hay fever gets aggravated. A subordinating conjunction can link the two. We can use ‘As’ here. So, the sentence would now read – ‘ As the spring arrives, my hay fever gets aggravated.’

Correlative conjunctions and transition sentences

The correlative conjunction shows a correlation between two words or phrases within a sentence. They play a key role in transition sentences. The use of a correlative conjunction ensures a smooth flow between two sentences or ideas.

Example: My boss totally ignored my work. Neither my hard work nor my punctuality impressed him. So, I decided to move on and look for a new job.

In the above example, sentences one and three are independent and convey the meaning clearly. However, the second sentence acts as a transition explaining why sentence one leads to sentence two.

In the second sentence, we see the use of neither … nor. This combination of words acts as correlative conjunctions in this example.

Some other words that work as correlative conjunctions are:

• Either … or
• Neither … nor
• Whether … or
• Not only … Also

Whether you want to have dinner or prefer to skip it is entirely left to you.

The above example uses Whether … or as correlative conjunctions in the sentence.

Examples of transition sentences

Examples of transition sentences:

Communicate similarities

To communicate similarities, you can use transitional words like:

Examples of sentences where the transition word communicates similarities:

• He decided to join the army just as his brother had done five years back.
• You can fly this plane the same way you flew the trainer jet; there is no real difference.
• All the employees in the Production department come from the neighboring town . Similarly , the store staff is also from that town.

Express emphasis

Words like ‘especially,’ ‘above all,’ ‘particularly’, ‘indeed,’ in fact,’ and ‘in particular’ can be used to express emphasis. When used in transition sentences, they emphasize the idea express previously.

• She was overweight. In fact , it won’t be wrong to say she was grossly obese.
• I liked the blue dress in particular .
• Indeed , it won’t be wrong to say that her arrogance led to the engagement’s breakup.
• There is a lot of focus on improving public services, especially education.

Cause and effect

Transition sentences can be very helpful in showing cause and effect or result. The following words can be used for this:

• Accordingly
• At that time
• They spent the entire semester binge-watching shows. Consequently , they failed to obtain pass marks on any of the papers.
• There are just ten items left in stock. Hence , it would be better if we suspend taking new orders at present.
• The tests revealed that his blood pressure and cholesterol levels were very high. As a result , the doctor decided that he had to increase the dosage of his medicines.

Position or place can be indicated through the use of transition words like:

• At the back

Here are some example sentences:

• Walk towards the bookshelf. Adjacent to the shelf is a table, that’s where you will find the money.
• The house was located a few yards from the river. Next to the house was the scary-looking tree.
• You will see the building with the red flag. The storeroom is at the back of this building.

Describe a sequence

Transition words are perfect to use while describing a sequence. The words that can be used are:

• Followed by
• First , write down all the numbers in the form of a list. Next , add all the numbers. Finally , write down the total.
• Initially , three employees were working on the project. Subsequently , the project grew the numbers rise to twenty.
• The private plane owned by the CEO was the first to land. This was followed by the helicopter containing the crew.

To show examples

Transition words can be used to show examples or illustrate a particular point. Some words to use are:

• For example
• For instance
• Illustrated by
• As an example
• In this case
• On this occasion
• To illustrate
• To demonstrate
• The speaker displayed the blueprint of the equipment on the screen. To illustrat e its working, he showed a video.
• There are seven tools you can use to solve this problem. As an example , I will talk about the fishbone diagram.
• Different essential oils can help you feel relaxed. For instance , using lavender oil makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

How to use transition sentences between paragraphs

Transition sentences can get used within a paragraph. It also can get used between paragraphs.

This is important since the transition sentence provides a flow between paragraphs . It allows the readers to understand the relationship between the ideas expressed in those two different paragraphs.

When you start writing a paragraph , show a link to the previous paragraph in the first sentence. This establishes a bridge between both paragraphs.

Here’s an example:

There is no doubt that the effects of pollution by industries. This is why activists call for a ban on industries to stop pollution.

Despite the previous argument , we must also think about the economy. Banning industries will bring the economy to a standstill.

This example, ‘despite the previous argument’ is used to transition between the two paragraphs.

In contrast, the first part calls for a ban on industries, and the second discusses the economic effect. Using a transition allows for a smooth flow between the two.

Examples of transition sentences for essays

The use of transitions is very important in essays. An essay is written to convey an idea, opinion, or viewpoint. To ensure its effectiveness, transition sentences are needed at different parts of the essay. Transition sentences are needed between sentences, between sections, and at the conclusion of the essay.

A few examples of this:

• Having established that a large majority of students have internet access, we can conclude t hat e-learning is a distinct possibility.
• All the employees have a smartphone. In fact , most of them connect to the company’s Wi-Fi using their phone.

Examples of transition words for concluding sentences

Transition sentences are used throughout a write-up. It is imperative that the conclusion also has a transition. Your write-up needs to end with a summary of what you are trying to say. Or with a call-to-action. Using transition words in the conclusion can help you achieve this.

A few transition words you can consider using are:

• In conclusion
• As shown above
• On the whole
• Generally speaking
• To summarize
• To summarize , sustained use of this medicine offers significant benefits to patients.
• In summary, democracy has many limitations but no other acceptable alternative.
• Ultimately , it all boils down to the decision taken by the customer.
• In short , the best option available is to get funds from a new investor.

Sentence structure

More on sentence structure:

• Dangling modifier
• Transition sentences
• Active voice
• Passive voice
• Adverbial clause
• Parallelism
• Transition Sentences Tips and Examples for Clear Writing
• Transitional devices
• How to Use Transition Sentences for Smoother Writing
• Transition Words: Examples in Sentences, Paragraphs & Essays

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

Core lessons

• Abstract Noun
• Accusative Case
• Active Sentence
• Alliteration
• Adjective Clause
• Adjective Phrase
• Adverbial Clause
• Appositive Phrase
• Body Paragraph
• Compound Adjective
• Complex Sentence
• Compound Words
• Compound Predicate
• Common Noun
• Comparative Adjective
• Comparative and Superlative
• Compound Noun
• Compound Subject
• Compound Sentence
• Copular Verb
• Collective Noun
• Colloquialism
• Conciseness
• Conditional
• Concrete Noun
• Conjunction
• Conjugation
• Conditional Sentence
• Comma Splice
• Correlative Conjunction
• Coordinating Conjunction
• Coordinate Adjective
• Cumulative Adjective
• Dative Case
• Declarative Statement
• Direct Object Pronoun
• Direct Object
• Dangling Modifier
• Demonstrative Pronoun
• Demonstrative Adjective
• Direct Characterization
• Definite Article
• Doublespeak
• Equivocation Fallacy
• Future Perfect Progressive
• Future Simple
• Future Perfect Continuous
• Future Perfect
• First Conditional
• Gerund Phrase
• Genitive Case
• Helping Verb
• Irregular Adjective
• Irregular Verb
• Imperative Sentence
• Indefinite Article
• Intransitive Verb
• Introductory Phrase
• Indefinite Pronoun
• Indirect Characterization
• Interrogative Sentence
• Intensive Pronoun
• Inanimate Object
• Indefinite Tense
• Infinitive Phrase
• Interjection
• Intensifier
• Indicative Mood
• Juxtaposition
• Linking Verb
• Misplaced Modifier
• Nominative Case
• Noun Adjective
• Object Pronoun
• Object Complement
• Order of Adjectives
• Prepositional Phrase
• Past Simple Tense
• Past Continuous Tense
• Past Perfect Tense
• Past Progressive Tense
• Present Simple Tense
• Present Perfect Tense
• Personal Pronoun
• Personification
• Persuasive Writing
• Parallel Structure
• Phrasal Verb
• Predicate Adjective
• Predicate Nominative
• Phonetic Language
• Plural Noun
• Punctuation
• Punctuation Marks
• Preposition
• Preposition of Place
• Parts of Speech
• Possessive Adjective
• Possessive Determiner
• Possessive Case
• Possessive Noun
• Proper Adjective
• Proper Noun
• Present Participle
• Quotation Marks
• Relative Pronoun
• Reflexive Pronoun
• Reciprocal Pronoun
• Subordinating Conjunction
• Simple Future Tense
• Stative Verb
• Subjunctive
• Subject Complement
• Subject of a Sentence
• Sentence Variety
• Second Conditional
• Superlative Adjective
• Slash Symbol
• Topic Sentence
• Types of Nouns
• Types of Sentences
• Uncountable Noun
• Vowels and Consonants

Popular lessons

Stay awhile. Your weekly dose of grammar and English fun.

The world's best online resource for learning English. Understand words, phrases, slang terms, and all other variations of the English language.

• Abbreviations
• Editorial Policy

What is a Transition? Definition, Examples of Transitions in Writing

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is a Transition? Definition, Examples of Transitions in Writing

Transition definition: Transitions are words or phrases that are used to connect one idea to the next when writing.

What is a Transition?

Transitions are words or phrases that are inserted into writing in order to connect thoughts and ideas. These allow for the reader to easily follow the progression of the writing by adding flow.

Example of a Transition

When writing a step-by-step guide to how to do something, people often used numerical transitions such as first, second, and third in order to help the audience understand the separate steps involved.

Where Are Transitions Used?

Between sections : In lengthy writing, transitions are used between sections in order to summarize what has been already explained as well as introduce future material. For example, in history textbooks, the writers may include transitions between chapters in order to provide connections between the historical events.

Between ideas : Transitions are important to use between ideas in order to separate the individual thoughts. An example could be when giving people options to choose between, a person would want to add a transition in order to identify they have moved on to a new choice.

Between paragraphs : When including transitions between paragraphs, it is important to identify the connection between the two in order to effectively move from one paragraph to the next. Often times, a good way to this is to read the last sentence of the first paragraph and the first sentence of the second in order to find a connection. For example, when offering two sides to a situation, the transition word however could be a good connector between two paragraphs.

Within paragraphs : It is also important to include transitions within paragraphs so the thoughts within the section flow from one to the next in an organized manner. If the writer is talking about an idea and then wants to provide an example to illustrate, the transition for example will help the reader transition.

The Function of Transitions in Literature

Transitions are important in literature in order to help the reader understand the writing. They allow for the story to flow from one thought to the next allowing for the reader to build upon the ideas without having to think too hard in order to put them together.

Without effective transitions, writing may become ineffective and confusing.

In James Hurst’s “The Scarlet Ibis” the power of transitions is evident in order to show a character’s change of thought. First, let’s take a look at an example in which the transition word has been removed:

• “It was bad enough having an invalid brother, but having one who possibly was not all there was unbearable, so I began to make plans to kill him by smothering him with a pillow…one afternoon as I watched him, my head poked between the iron posts of the foot of the bed, he looked straight at me and grinned.”

Second, let’s look at the line with the transition word in order to compare the difference:

• “It was bad enough having an invalid brother, but having one who possibly was not all there was unbearable, so I began to make plans to kill him by smothering him with a pillow. However , one afternoon as I watched him, my head poked between the iron posts of the foot of the bed, he looked straight at me and grinned.”

By adding the transition word however , it signals to the reader that the narrator’s attitude toward his brother changed. Without the transition word, the change would be ambiguous.

Transition Examples in Literature

In John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pajamas , he uses the transition phrase “ some days later” in order to denote a change in time between chapters.

• “Some days later Bruno was lying on the bed in his room, staring at the ceiling above his head”

Carrie Brownstein includes the transition “nevertheless” in her memoir Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl in order to show that she is adding to a previous point that she made:

• “I really didn’t want to go to Western Washington University. I had no plan, and I left for the northern part of the state knowing only that I would not be there long. Departing for a departure. Nevertheless , I went through the motions.”

Summary: What are Transitions?

Define transition in literature: In summation, transitions are words are phrases that are used to connect thoughts or ideas together in a manner that helps the writing flow for the reader to limit confused or misunderstanding.

Final Example:

In Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City , he uses the transition word however in order to show contrast between two ideas:

• “Yes, he said, he was sure of it: The man in the photograph had come to his hotel…It was the children, however , that he remembered the most clearly, and now he told the detectives why.

Transition Words

As a "part of speech" transition words are used to link words, phrases or sentences. They help the reader to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text.

Transitional Words

This structured list of commonly used English transition words — approximately 200, can be considered as quasi complete. It can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression. English transition words are essential, since they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion, etc. in the line of argument. The transition words and phrases have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although some words belong to more than one category.

There is some overlapping with prepositions and postpositions, but for the purpose of usage and completeness of this concise guide, I did not differentiate.

Linking & Connecting Words — Part 1/2

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

Opposition / limitation / contradiction, examples / support / emphasis, cause / condition / purpose, effect / consequence / result, conclusion / summary / restatement, time / chronology / sequence, space / location / place.

The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise , add information , reinforce ideas , and express agreement with preceding material.

in the first place

not only ... but also

as a matter of fact

in like manner

in addition

coupled with

in the same fashion / way

first, second, third

in the light of

not to mention

to say nothing of

equally important

by the same token

identically

together with

comparatively

correspondingly

furthermore

additionally

Transition phrases like but , rather and or , express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives , and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning ( contrast ).

although this may be true

in contrast

different from

of course ..., but

on the other hand

on the contrary

at the same time

in spite of

even so / though

be that as it may

(and) still

even though

nevertheless

nonetheless

notwithstanding

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions .

in the event that

granted (that)

as / so long as

on (the) condition (that)

for the purpose of

with this intention

with this in mind

in the hope that

to the end that

for fear that

in order to

seeing / being that

provided that

only / even if

inasmuch as

These transitional devices (like especially ) are used to introduce examples as support , to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.

in other words

to put it differently

for one thing

as an illustration

in this case

for this reason

to put it another way

that is to say

with attention to

by all means

important to realize

another key point

first thing to remember

most compelling evidence

must be remembered

point often overlooked

to point out

on the positive side

on the negative side

specifically

surprisingly

significantly

particularly

in particular

for example

for instance

to demonstrate

to emphasize

to enumerate

Some of these transition words ( thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth ) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect .

Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects.

as a result

under those circumstances

in that case

because the

consequently

accordingly

These transition words and phrases conclude , summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general statement . Also some words (like therefore ) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.

as can be seen

generally speaking

in the final analysis

all things considered

as shown above

in the long run

given these points

as has been noted

for the most part

in conclusion

to summarize

by and large

on the whole

in any event

in either case

These transitional words (like finally ) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time . They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions .

at the present time

from time to time

sooner or later

up to the present time

to begin with

in due time

in the meantime

in a moment

without delay

all of a sudden

at this instant

first, second

immediately

straightaway

by the time

occasionally

Many transition words in the time category ( consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever ) have other uses.

Except for the numbers ( first, second, third ) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples . Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or qualify space . Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.

in the middle

to the left/right

in front of

on this side

in the distance

here and there

in the foreground

in the background

in the center of

adjacent to

opposite to 

List of Transition Words

Transition Words are also sometimes called (or put in the category of) Connecting Words. Please feel free to download them via this link to the category page: Linking Words & Connecting Words as a PDF. It contains all the transition words listed on this site. The image to the left gives you an impression how it looks like.

Usage of Transition Words in Essays

Transition words and phrases are vital devices for essays , papers or other literary compositions. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. They thus give the text a logical organization and structure (see also: a List of Synonyms ).

All English transition words and phrases (sometimes also called 'conjunctive adverbs') do the same work as coordinating conjunctions : they connect two words, phrases or clauses together and thus the text is easier to read and the coherence is improved.

Usage: transition words are used with a special rule for punctuation : a semicolon or a period is used after the first 'sentence', and a comma is almost always used to set off the transition word from the second 'sentence'.

Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile.

Example 2: however, transition words can also be placed at the beginning of a new paragraph or sentence - not only to indicate a step forward in the reasoning, but also to relate the new material to the preceding thoughts..

Use a semicolon to connect sentences, only if the group of words on either side of the semicolon is a complete sentence each (both must have a subject and a verb, and could thus stand alone as a complete thought).

Further helpful readings about expressions, writing and grammar: Compilation of Writing Tips How to write good   ¦   Correct Spelling Study by an English University

Are you using WORD for writing professional texts and essays? There are many easy Windows Shortcuts available which work (almost) system-wide (e.g. in every programm you use).

• Essay Editor

Effective Transition Words for Structured, Flowing Essays

Have you ever encountered an essay that flowed seamlessly, through a clear and logical path? That smooth flow is often achieved through the skillful use of connectors. Transition words , also identified as connectors, are the unrecognized heroes of succinct, cohesive writing, effortlessly leading attentive readers from one part to another. The correct usage of connectors also reflects the quality of your composition. In this instructional guide, let’s look at the importance of linking words, examine various types, discuss their appropriate usage in content, and provide examples to enhance your composing skills.

What Are Transitions and Why Do We Need Them?

Transitions , also called connectors , are crucial for linking paragraphs, statements, and ideas in written works. They enable the readers to track the sequential flow of an argument by illustrating connections between main viewpoints. Employing transition words for essays ensures consistency and precision, and makes your composition more understandable.

Without these expressions, essays can appear incoherent and choppy, making it difficult for readers to grasp the key aspects. Utilizing strong transition words to start a paragraph or connectors for concluding papers aids in leading the audience through the text seamlessly, ensuring each main point builds logically on the previous one.

Types of Transitions

Linking sentences and sections elevates the level and quality of their writing. For instance, using connectors can help you achieve higher scores in IELTS, and TOEFL, as well as in your assignments and research work. There are several types of connectors, each serving a different purpose:  

1.  Additive Transitions : These expressions contribute additional ideas or data. Examples of this type are " moreover ," " additionally ," and " furthermore ." 

2.  Adversative Transitions : Such linking words indicate contrast or opposition. Examples comprise " nevertheless ," " in contrast ," and " however ."

3.  Causal Transitions : These expressions signify cause-effect connections. In such sentences, use " therefore ," " thus ," and " consequently ."

4.  Sequential Transitions : These connectors show the sequence of actions or ideas. Here, employ " first ," " then ," "later,” " next ," and " finally " to indicate order.

5.  Clarifying Transitions : These expressions are employed to illustrate and clarify the details. In this case, utilize "in other words," "for instance," or "for example."

Ø  Use academic linking words efficiently and correctly to enhance the quality, logical flow, and understandability of your assignments.

If you encounter challenges in linking paragraphs, the Aithor AI tool can provide valuable support. The writing assistant can assist in suggesting and selecting the correct transitions to refine each of your assignments.

The Transitions List to Start a Body Paragraph: Purpose & Examples

Connecting the first body section to the central idea with a powerful linking word establishes the tone for the initial point. Check out some commonly used samples of transition words to start a paragraph in an essay :

• Firstly : This expression introduces the primary viewpoint and can be replaced by "first".

To exemplify, "Firstly, it is vital to grasp the historical background of the matter."

• To begin with : It indicates the commencement of a discourse.

To illustrate, "To begin with, let's investigate the environmental factors."

• Primarily : It underscores the key focus or primary supporting detail.

 For instance, "Primarily, this research aims to explore the cultural impact."

• In the first place : It’s similar to "firstly, " but slightly more formal.

To exemplify, "In the first place, we must consider the financial consequences.

• Initially : It presents the initial stage of an argument.

For instance, "Initially, the project seemed promising."

These connectors clearly mark the commencement of the opening idea, ensuring clarity and consistent flow from the introductory part to the main body sections. Use such expressions to state your first viewpoint.

The List of Transition Words for the Second Paragraph

Transitions signal either continuation or contrast in the second main section. See some widely used samples of transition words for the second body paragraph :

• Secondly : This word indicates the presentation of the second detail or perspective.

To illustrate, "Secondly, we must analyze the political influences."

• In the second place : Like 'secondly,' this connector introduces the second idea, but in a more formal manner.

To exemplify, "In the second place, the data must be thoroughly examined."

• Moreover : This expression adds additional information.

For example, "Moreover, the outcomes suggest a significant trend."

• Furthermore : This connector adds further information or a new argument.

By way of example, "Furthermore, the findings support the initial hypothesis."

• Additionally : This linking word adds extra details or points.

For instance, "Additionally, recent investigations have corroborated these outcomes."

The connecting words mentioned ensure that the audience easily grasps the progression of concepts and perceives the text’s flow. Use these expressions to effectively link the main viewpoints.

Transition Words for the Third Paragraph

The third section of the body often necessitates connectors that present a final idea or summarize important points mentioned earlier. See the list with sample sentences for some paragraph transition words for this intent:

• Thirdly : This connector introduces the third idea.

To exemplify, "Thirdly, we need to examine the cultural impact."

• In the third place : This connector suggests a slightly more formal way to present the third point.

By way of example, "In the third place, there are ethical considerations to address."

• Finally : The word indicates the final detail or argument.

To illustrate, "Finally, the research reveals important societal impacts."

• Lastly : Similar to "finally," but more informal.

For instance, "Lastly, we should not overlook the educational aspects."

• To conclude : The connector summarizes the body section.

To exemplify , "To conclude, these key factors collectively influence the outcome."

These connectors signal the close of the body’s final part and prepare the audience for the closing remarks .

The List of Connectors for Conclusion

In the concluding paragraph, linking words help to recap the main arguments and restate the thesis coherently. Check out the typical transition words for the conclusion :

• To summarize : The connector summarizes the paper’s main points.

By way of example , "To summarize, the survey highlights key trends in the data."

• In conclusion : This connector signals the beginning of the closing part.

To exemplify, "In conclusion, the mentioned evidence strongly corroborates the hypothesis."

• Ultimately : This word indicates the final deduction.

For instance, "Ultimately, the findings suggest a new direction for upcoming research."

• Therefore : The connector indicates a logical inference.

For example, "Therefore, it is obvious that policy changes are necessary."

• Thus : This one indicates the outcome of the argued points.

For instance, "Thus, the study demonstrates the need for further investigation."

These finalizing connectors ensure the conclusion successfully wraps up the assignment, leaving the audience with a clear comprehension of the key points. Use these expressions to effectively end the task, leaving a final comment and providing food for thought after employing these transitions.

Wrapping Up

Transitions are indispensable tools in research papers and composition writing. The connectors guide the audience through the orderly flow of thoughts, ensuring readability and clarity. From the presentation of a body part to the closing summary, the efficient use of transition words for.

Related articles

Writing a compare and contrast essay: a complete guide.

Compare and contrast essay is an academic text that encourages authors to take a look at the differences between two or more subjects. Read this article to find out how to write a comparative essay for your assignment. What is a compare and contrast essay? As the name suggests, compare and contrast papers aim to provide two main perspectives on separate subjects by finding their similarities and dissecting their differences. Oftentimes, the purpose of compare and contrast essays is to presen ...

Full Guide to Writing an Analytical Essay

In academic writing, an analytical essay is considered one of the most difficult papers. Not only does it require an extensive understanding of the topic, but also a high level of critical thinking skills. In this article, we’ll break down what analytical essays are, their structure, and how to write an analytical essay for the first time. What is an analytical essay? Analytical writing focuses on demonstrating how exactly an author arrived at a given conclusion. It showcases the entire thoug ...

Classification Essay Guide

A classification essay is a powerful tool in academic writing, enabling writers to break down broad topics into organized categories for better understanding. This guide will show you how to write a classification essay, from designing a perfect outline to selecting compelling topics. Continue reading to learn how to create a clear, insightful, and engaging classification essay. What is a Classification Essay? A Brief Overview A classification essay is a type of academic writing that involves ...

A Guide to Writing a Great Short Essay

As a student, you're no stranger to the countless writing assignments your teachers toss your way. When you see that your next assignment is a short essay, you might think, "Oh, this will be easy!" I mean, it's only a few hundred words, right? How hard could it be? But here's the thing: writing a short essay can sometimes be even harder than writing a longer paper. So, let's work together and figure out how to make your short essays really stand out! The Basics of a Short Essay Format A short ...

Rhetorical Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide

A rhetorical analysis essay is a part of the AP English Language and Composition exam. Due to its unorthodox purpose, rhetorical analysis can be hard to master at first. This article will help you understand what a rhetorical analysis essay is, learn about main rhetorical analysis strategies, and find out how to write a rhetorical analysis. What is a rhetorical analysis? As you can probably guess, a rhetorical analysis is a type of analytical essay. Alongside a synthesis essay and argument es ...

How to Write a Good Conclusion For a Lab Report

Writing a good conclusion for your science lab report can be the difference between a good grade and a great one. It's your last chance to show you understand the experiment and why it matters. This article will help you learn how to write a lab conclusion that sums up your work and shows your teacher that you understood what you did. What Should Be in Your Lab Report Conclusion? A good lab report conclusion wraps up your lab work in a neat package. When you're thinking about how to write a c ...

Argumentative Essay: A Comprehensive Guide to Academic Writing

An argumentative essay is one of the most common pieces of academic writing. It tests your ability to analyze a topic and use solid arguments to defend your position. In this article, you will learn how to write an argumentative essay and find argument essay examples. What is an argumentative essay? In academic writing, an argumentative essay is a paper where a writer provides arguments for and against a certain topic. The purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the audience to accep ...

How to Write a Business Report With Example

One of the most effective ways to convey essential information is through a business report. This article will guide you through the purpose of a business report, provide valuable writing tips, outline how to format your business report correctly and offer an example for better understanding. What is the Purpose of a Business Report? A business report serves as a critical tool for decision-making within an organization. Its primary purpose is to analyze a particular situation or issue, evalua ...

Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > How to effectively write and use transitions in an essay

How to effectively write and use transitions in an essay

The key to an effective argumentative essay —and to any successful piece of writing—is the ability to transition between paragraphs and ideas smoothly. Bouncing between various ideas can confuse the reader. Learn how you can link your arguments together through effective paragraph transitions.

The importance of outlining your essay

Don’t go blind into your argument. Just like a building, a strong essay begins with a strong foundation and structure. A typical five-paragraph essay will have the following:

• Introduction: The introduction paragraph is where you should show the reader what you aim to write about. This is where you set the tone of your argument: are you writing formally or informally, taking a positive or negative stance, or refuting a specific issue or person? Your thesis statement will go at the end of your introduction paragraph.
• Argument 1: The next three paragraphs are where you expand on your argument. Begin with a topic sentence that serves as an overview of your intended position, before you introduce statistics, quotes, and other forms of research.
• Argument 2: A general rule is that you should introduce broader points to your argument before going into detail. Linking these paragraphs together will be vital to forming a cohesive argument.
• Argument 3: Bring your readers to your viewpoint with persuasion, based on your research: whether it’s through quotes from experts, or logical reasoning, this is where your passion in your argument can shine.
• Conclusion: Here, you summarize the points that you’ve just made. Remind the reader of your thesis statement from your introduction, and concisely sum up the arguments you’ve made in previous paragraphs. If you are asking the reader to act, here is where you bring up a call to action.

Write with Confidence using Editor

Elevate your writing with real-time, intelligent assistance

The five-paragraph essay is a time-tested form of rhetoric. However, the way you link these paragraphs can make or break the effectiveness of your argument.

How to use paragraph transitions

Creating a transition between the paragraphs of your essay will bring out the relation between the points you’re making. Transitions can also provide your readers with a direction on where your argument is headed, so that they might better understand the rhetorical path that you are leading them on.

After you identify the subject and angle of your paragraphs, consider the relationships between these points: do they tell a narrative, or are they linked by chronological or another order? Both can be used to format your argument, as long as the path toward your thesis statement is clear.

What is the link between the points of research that you have found? Are the statistics connected, or do they contrast? Both can be effective points and counterpoints to form a transition. What are the central ideas of your points of argument?

Effective transition words to use

No matter if you’re comparing or contrasting your argumentative paragraphs, you can always begin a sentence with words or phrases that flow into each other.

These words can link arguments together:

Consequently, these words draw contrasts between ideas:

Microsoft’s thesaurus and grammar tools can help you expand your vocabulary with synonyms and grammatical checks that will lend credence to your writing. For more tips on forming an ideal essay, check out these tips from Microsoft 365 on how to improve your writing skills.

Get started with Microsoft 365

It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.

Topics in this article

More articles like this one.

When to use 'while' vs. 'whilst'

“While” and “whilst” are usually interchangeable, but not always. See how they differ and learn how to use them effectively.

What is touch typing (and why is it important)?

Learn about the benefits of touch typing and how it can help you type faster and more accurately.

Is it “per say” or ‘per se’?

Address the misspelling of ‘per se’ to effectively communicate the intrinsic quality of something. Learn why it is commonly misspelled and how to use it correctly in your writing.

Elicit vs. illicit: What’s the difference?

Learn the difference between illicit vs. elicit, two homophones that sound alike but mean different things, and write without confusion.

Everything you need to achieve more in less time

Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365

Explore Other Categories

Transitions within the academic essay tend to serve two basic purposes :

• To alert readers of upcoming shifts in perspective or voice (within-paragraph transitions)
• To alert readers of upcoming shifts in arguments or ideas (between-paragraph transitions)

The first purpose tends to require the use of within-paragraph transitions, while the second purpose tends to require the use of between-paragraph transitions. Both will be looked at in-depth in the following pages.

Need More Help?

• Study other Writing Lessons in the Resource Center.
• Visit the Online Tutoring Resources in the Resource Center.
• Contact your Instructor.
• If you still need help, Schedule a Tutor .

• How it works

How to Use Transitions in an Essay

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 18th, 2021 , Revised On August 22, 2023

Not sure how to use transition words for essays? Unable to figure out where you can place transition words within an essay? Here is all you need to know about transitions in an  essay .

We overlook the importance of transitions in an essay. While the essayists themselves can see all the connections between the  topic ,  paragraphs ,  topic sentences ,  introduction ,  main body,  and  conclusion , it’s usually not the case for the readers who generally struggle to figure out how it all fits together, particularly if no transition words or sentences are used.

So if you are worried about your readers being unable to see the relationships and connections that may seem obvious to you, then you might want to learn to use transitions in academic writing.

Remember that it is vitally important to see your writing from the readers’ perspective to  achieve the grade you have worked so hard for .

A clear understanding of the connection in an essay is of utmost importance, but to do so, you will need to relate what you are saying to what you have already said previously.

Here are some techniques to enable you to get your readers to follow your design of writing.

The Known-new Contract Technique

One common way to help your readers establish connections is to make use of the known-new contract technique. This method takes into consideration both cohesion between  sentences  and agreement of topic matter.

With the known-new contract, you will need to think through the sequence of information in a sentence, which you can achieve by following the below three rules;

• Start each new sentence by mentioning the information that the preceding sentence ended with.
• Each sentence should end by reflecting on a new piece of information.
• Avoid starting sentences with new information.

If you can expertly incorporate this technique in your writing, your readers will undoubtedly understand any new piece of information with familiarity with the context.

With this writing style, you will link new information with old information without additional effort.

Can you see the use of a known-new contract in the below paragraph?

Each sentence in your essay should begin with information that the previous sentence ended by reflecting on a new piece of information.

If you can expertly and consistently integrate new information with old information, your readers will undoubtedly understand any new information with familiarity with the context.

As you can see in the above example, the second sentence starts concerning the first sentence’s information. So the readers can easily understand the relationship between the two sentences.

However, if the two sentences do not have the same topic matter, the cohesion between them will break, which will result in the two sentences appearing detached and unrelated.

Use of Transition Words and Phrases 

The known-new contract ensures the most natural and effective transitions in an essay. However, if the known-new contract doesn’t seem to work for you, there are other ways to achieve an effective transition between sentences and  paragraphs , such as the use of transition words and phrases.

There are four significant types of transitions words and phrases;

• Signposting phrases such as first of all, for instance, in this example, etc.
• Conjunctive adverbs such as moreover, instead, thus, however, furthermore, etc.
• Relative pronouns such as that, who, who, whomever, whoever, when, what, etc.
• Subordinating conjunctions such as since, unless, when, until, so that, and so, how, if, because, therefore, after, although, etc.

All transition words and phrases indicate the connection between what you are saying and what’s already been said previously.

As a writer, you will need to make appropriate use of these words and phrases to establish the relationship between sentences, particularly when the relationship between  sentences  doesn’t seem to be clear in the first place.

Combine Similar Information 

Another way to ensure the readers find your writing easy to understand is to combine similar information within the essay. By now, you might have noticed that the use of transition words and the known-new contract technique adds to the document’s word count (because both these methods repeat known information at the beginning of sentences).

So a natural way to limit the use of new words is to eliminate the need for transition words, which you can typically achieve by combining similar information into one segment in the essay.

Want to know what essay structure and style will work best for your assignment?

Problem fixed! We can write any type of essay in any referencing style. We ensure every essay written is beyond your expectations.

Paragraph Transitions

Transitioning between paragraphs will require you to place the transitions at the beginnings of the new paragraph.

Avoid using transitions at the end of the preceding paragraphs because, in ideal circumstances, you want each  paragraph of your essay  to focus on one aspect of your  essay topic . This will also allow you to combine similar information together (as we just learned above).

Transitions are forward-looking in nature, which means they give an insight into what is to follow or the topic matter that new paragraphs and sentences will incorporate. Using a transition at the start of new paragraph signals focus on the content matter of the new paragraph.

Unlike transitions between sentences that establish a connection between sentences, transitions in paragraphs focus on developing the relationship between the old and the new paragraph.

For this very reason, transitioning between paragraphs will require you to shed light on the central argument in the previous paragraph and relate it to the information provided in the present paragraph.

Here are a few things for you to consider when writing a paragraph transition;

• Is the new paragraph continuation of a related point discussed in the previous paragraph?
• Does the new paragraph extract or deduce some information from the preceding paragraph?
• Does it second the argument presented in the previous paragraph or offer a counter perspective?

Also Read: How Long is an Essay in Academic Writing?

Final Thoughts!

We have learned to use transition words and phrases in this article, but occasionally you may need to write full transition sentences. This is especially true for  longer  academic writing pieces, such as a dissertation where you might not express the transitions clearly with the help of transition words and phrases.

While you want to be as concise as possible, you cannot compromise the clarity of transitions.

So if you are unable to transition using words and phrases with clarity, it will make sense to write a full transition sentence. Similarly, if a transition sentence doesn’t do the job, you can consider writing a transition paragraph.

Need Help With Essay Writing?

At ResearchProspect, we have a team of hundreds of expert essay writers. No matter how urgent and complex your essay might seem, our Masters and Ph.D. qualified writers are capable of delivering a first-class essay even on a few hours’ notice.

Learn More About Our Essay Services Order Your Bespoke Essay Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What are transition words and examples.

Transition words are phrases that link ideas, enhancing the flow of writing. Examples:

• Addition : Furthermore, in addition, moreover.
• Contrast : However, on the other hand, yet.
• Cause-Effect : Therefore, as a result, consequently.
• Comparison : Similarly, likewise, in the same way.
• Conclusion : In conclusion, to sum up, ultimately.
• Time : Meanwhile, subsequently, eventually. These words guide readers through your text, making it coherent and organised.

You May Also Like

In an argumentative essay, the author takes a clear stand on the topic and justify their position with the help of supporting evidence material.

An expository essay requires the writer to take a balanced approach to the subject matter rather than justifying a particular point of view.

What are topic sentences? In academic writing they briefly describe what a paragprah will explore. Here is all you need to know about topic sentences.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

• Translators
• Graphic Designers

Please enter the email address you used for your account. Your sign in information will be sent to your email address after it has been verified.

All the Transition Words You'll Ever Need for Academic Writing

In academic writing, transitions are the glue that holds your ideas together. Without them, your writing would be illogical and lack flow, making it difficult for your audience to understand or replicate your research.

In this article, we will discuss the types of transitions based on their purpose. Familiarizing yourself with these most-used and best transition terms for academic writing will help bring clarity to your essays and make the writing process much easier on you.

Types of transitions

There are four types of transitions: Causal, Sequential, Adversative and Additive. Below, we've listed the most commonly used transitions in each of these categories, as well as examples of how they might be used to begin a paragraph or sentence.

When you use causal transitions, you are letting your reader know that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between ideas or paragraphs or consequences.

• Accordingly ("Accordingly, the author states…")
• All else being equal ("All else being equal, these ideas correlate…")
• As a consequence ("As a consequence, all data were aggregated…")
• As a result (of this) ("As a result of this finding, scholars now agree…")
• Because (of the fact that) ("Because of the fact that these numbers show signs of declining,…")
• Because (of this) ("Because of this, scholars determined…")
• Consequently ("Consequently, the research was stalled…")
• Due to (the fact that) ("Due to the fact that all prior studies showed similar results,…")
• For the purpose(s) of ("For the purposes of our argument, we will…")
• For this reason ("For this reason, the researchers…")
• Granted (that) ("Granted that the numbers were significantly higher, the study…")
• Granting (that) ("Granting that the data was collected incorrectly, the researchers felt…")
• If…then ("If this data is significant, then it is obvious that…")
• If so ("If so, the data is not useable…")
• In the event ("In the event that it is not significant, we should consider that…")
• Inasmuch as ("Insomuch as the authors attempt to refute these findings, research suggests that…")
• In the hope that ("In the hope that new data will encourage more in-depth research, the author found that….")
• In that case ("In that case, we've found that…")
• Only if ("Only if data is insubstantial should findings be ignored, thus…")
• Otherwise ("Otherwise, the research would continue…")
• Owing to (the fact) ("Owing to the fact that the gathered data is incorrect, …")
• Provided (that) ("Provided that the same results occur, we can assume that…")
• Since ("Since it would seem futile to continue to study this topic, we posit that…")
• So as to ("So as to clarify past remarks, we initiated further research…")
• So long as ("So long as there is established credibility, this journal seeks….")
• So much (so) that ("The data is manipulated so much so that it can't be used to clarify…")
• Therefore ("Therefore, this result compromises the exploration into…")
• That being the case ("That being the case, we should look into alternatives…")
• Thus ("Thus, it would see that further research…")
• Unless ("Unless this calls to question the original hypothesis, the exploration of this topic would be…")
• With (this fact) in mind ("With this fact in mind, let's consider another alternative…")
• Under those circumstances ("Under those circumstances, fewer participants…")

Sequential transitions show a numerical sequence or the continuation of a thought or action. They are used to establish an order to your main points in an academic essay, and help create a logical outline for your writing.

• (Once) again ("Once again, this is not a reason for lack of rigor…")
• After (this) ("After this, it would seem most prudent to…")
• Afterwards ("Afterwards, it seemed a moot point to determine…")
• Altogether ("Altogether, these data suggest that…")
• Anyway ("Anyway, such loss would prove to be damaging..")
• As (was) mentioned earlier/above ("As was mentioned above, the lack of attention given to…")
• As (was) stated before ("As was stated before, there is little evidence show…")
• As a final point ("As a final point, consider the connection between…")
• At any rate ("At any rate, loss of significance was vital to…")
• By the way ("By the way, one can't assume that…")
• Coincidentally ("Coincidentally, this affected the nature of…")
• Consequently ("Consequently, Smith found that…")
• Eventually ("Eventually, more was needed to sustain…")
• Finally ("Finally, we now know that…"
• First ("First, it seems that even with the additional data…")
• First of all ("First of all, none of the respondents felt that…")
• Given these points ("Given these points, it's easy to see that…")
• Hence ("Hence, we see that the above details…")
• In conclusion ("In conclusion, since the data shows significant growth...")
• In summary ("In summary, there are not enough studies to show the correlation…")
• In the (first/second/third) place ("In the first place, we found that…")
• Incidentally ("Incidentally, no findings showed a positive outlook…")
• Initially ("Initially, we noticed that the authors….")
• Last ("Last, the most significant growth appeared to happen when…")
• Next ("Next, it's important to note that…")
• Overall ("Overall, we found that….")
• Previously ("Previously, it was shown that…")
• Returning to the subject ("Returning to the subject, careful observation of trends…")
• Second ("Second, it was impossible to know the…")
• Secondly ("Secondly, in looking at variable related to…")
• Subsequently ("Subsequently, we found that…")
• Summarizing (this) ("Summarizing this, the authors noted that…")
• Therefore ("Therefore, the connection is unknown between…")
• Third ("Third, when data were collected…")
• Thirdly ("Thirdly, we noticed that…")
• Thus ("Thus, there was no evidence that…)
• To conclude ("To conclude, the findings suggest that…")
• To repeat ("To repeat, no studies found evidence that…")
• To resume ("To resume the conversation, we began discussing…")
• To start with ("To start with, there is no evidence that…")
• To sum up ("To sum up, significant correlation was found…")
• Ultimately ("Ultimately, no studies found evidence of…")

Adversative Transitions

Adversative transitions show contrast, counter arguments or an alternative suggestion.

• Above all ("Above all, we found that…"
• Admittedly ("Admittedly, the findings suggest that…")
• All the same ("All the same, without knowing which direction the study would take…")
• Although ("Although much is to be learned from…")
• At any rate ("At any rate, we concluded that...")
• At least ("At least, with these results, we can…")
• Be that as it may ("Be that as it may, there was no significant correlation between…")
• Besides ("Besides, it is obvious that…")
• But ("But, the causal relationship between…")
• By way of contrast ("By the way of contrast, we note that…")
• Conversely ("Conversely, there was no correlation between…")
• Despite (this) ("Despite this, the findings are clear in that…")
• Either way ("Either way, studies fail to approach the topic from…")
• Even more ("Even more, we can conclude that…")
• Even so ("Even so, there is a lack of evidence showing…")
• Even though ("Even though the participants were unaware of which ….")
• However (However, it becomes clear that…")
• In any case ("In any case, there were enough reponses…")
• In any event ("In any event, we noted that…")
• In contrast ("In contrast, the new data suggests that…")
• In fact ("In fact, there is a loss of…")
• In spite of (this) ("In spite of this, we note that…")
• Indeed ("Indeed, it becomes clear that…")
• Instead (of) ("Instead of publishing our findings early, we chose to")
• More/Most importantly ("More importantly, there have not been any…")
• Nevertheless ("Nevertheless, it becomes clear that…")
• Nonetheless ("Nonetheless, we failed to note how…")
• Notwithstanding (this) ("Notwithstanding this, there was little evidence…")
• On the contrary ("On the contrary, no active users were…")
• On the other hand ("On the other hand, we cannot avoid…")
• Primarily ("Primarily, it becomes significant as…")
• Rather ("Rather, none of this is relevant…")
• Regardless (of) ("Regardless of previous results, the authors…")
• Significantly ("Significantly, there was little correlation between…")
• Still ("Still, nothing was noted in the diary…")
• Whereas ("Whereas little evidence has been given to…")
• While ("While causality is lacking…")
• Yet ("Yet, it becomes clear that…")

Additive Transitions

You'll use an additive transition to relate when new information is being added or highlighted to something that was just mentioned.

• Additionally ("Additionally, it can be noted that…")
• Also ("Also, there was no evidence that….")
• As a matter of fact ("As a matter of fact, the evidence fails to show…")
• As for (this) ("As for this, we can posit that…")
• By the same token ("By the same token, no studies have concluded…")
• Concerning (this) ("Concerning this, there is little evidence to…")
• Considering (this) ("Considering this, we must then return to…")
• Equally ("Equally, there was no correlation…")
• Especially ("Especially, the study reveals that…")
• For example ("For example, a loss of one's….")
• For instance ("For instance, there was little evidence showing…")
• Furthermore ("Furthermore, a lack of knowledge on…")
• In a similar way ("In a similar way, new findings show that…")
• In addition to ("In addition to this new evidence, we note that…")
• In fact ("In fact, none of the prior studies showed…")
• In other words ("In other words, there was a lack of…")
• In particular ("In particular, no relationship was revealed…")
• In the same way ("In the same way, new studies suggest that…")
• Likewise ("Likewise, we noted that…)
• Looking at (this information) ("Looking at this information, it's clear to see how…)
• Moreover ("Moreover, the loss of reputation of…")
• Namely ("Namely, the authors noted that…")
• Not only…but also ("Not only did the study reveal new findings, but also it demonstrated how….")
• Notably ("Notably, no other studies have been done…")
• On the subject of (this) ("On the subject of awareness, participants agreed that….")
• One example (of this is) ("One example of this is how the new data…")
• Particularly ("Particularly, there is little evidence showing…")
• Regarding (this) ("Regarding this, there were concerns that…")
• Similarly ("Similarly, we note that…")
• Specifically ("Specifically, there were responses that…")
• That is ("That is, little attention is given to…")
• The fact that ("The fact that the participants felt misinformed…")
• This means (that) ("This means that conclusive findings are…")
• To illustrate ("To illustrate, one participant wrote that….")
• To put it another way ("To put it another way, there is little reason to…")
• What this means is ("What this means is the authors failed to…")
• With regards to (this) ("With regards to this, we cannot assume that…")

Making the choice

When deciding which transition would best fit in each instance, keep in mind a few of these tips:

• Avoid using the same transition too much, as it could make your writing repetitive.
• Check at the beginning of each paragraph to ensure that a) you've included a transition, if one was needed, and b) it's the correct transition to accurately relate the type of logical connection you're forming between ideas.
• Be sure that if you are using sequential transitions, they match. For example, if you use "first" to highlight your first point, "second" should come next, then "third," etc. You wouldn't want to use "first", followed by "secondly."
• Academic Writing Advice
• All Blog Posts
• Writing Advice
• Admissions Writing Advice
• Book Writing Advice
• Short Story Advice
• Employment Writing Advice
• Business Writing Advice
• Web Content Advice
• Article Writing Advice
• Magazine Writing Advice
• Grammar Advice
• Dialect Advice
• Editing Advice
• Freelance Advice
• Legal Writing Advice
• Poetry Advice
• Graphic Design Advice
• Logo Design Advice
• Translation Advice
• Blog Reviews
• Short Story Award Winners
• Scholarship Winners

Need an academic editor before submitting your work?

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.

Word of the Day

Fountainhead.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Games & Quizzes

Usage Notes

Prepositions, ending a sentence with, hypercorrections: are you making these 6 common mistakes, a comprehensive guide to forming compounds, can ‘criteria’ ever be singular, singular nonbinary ‘they’: is it ‘they are’ or ‘they is’, grammar & usage, more words you always have to look up, the difference between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.', more commonly misspelled words, plural and possessive names: a guide, commonly misspelled words, pilfer: how to play and win, 8 words with fascinating histories, great big list of beautiful and useless words, vol. 3, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, flower etymologies for your spring garden.

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.

On this Page

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.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

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.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• How to Write an Essay - A Complete Guide with Examples

• The Art of Effective Writing: Thesis Statements Examples and Tips

• Writing a 500 Word Essay - Easy Guide

• What is a Topic Sentence - An Easy Guide with Writing Steps & Examples

• A Complete Essay Outline - Guidelines and Format

• Essay Format: Detailed Writing Tips & Examples

• How to Write a Conclusion - Examples & Tips

• Essay Topics: 100+ Best Essay Topics for your Guidance

• How to Title an Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Titles

• How to Write a Perfect 1000 Word Essay

• How To Make An Essay Longer - Easy Guide For Beginners

• Learn How to Start an Essay Effectively with Easy Guidelines

• Types of Sentences With Examples

• Hook Examples: How to Start Your Essay Effectively

• Essay Writing Tips - Essential Do’s and Don’ts to Craft Better Essays

• How To Write A Thesis Statement - A Step by Step Guide

• Art Topics - 200+ Brilliant Ideas to Begin With

• Writing Conventions and Tips for College Students

People Also Read

• motivational speech topics
• autobiography vs memoir
• literary analysis essay topics
• how to write an editorial

Burdened With Assignments?

Advertisement

• Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

Understanding Continuity: An Important Feature of Writing

Here are 4 ways to connect sentences and ideas seamlessly..

Updated July 10, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

• Continuity is the most important and often the least understood aspect of writing.
• Readers may struggle with comprehension when sentences lack transitions.
• Using recency positions in sentences can bolster readers' memory of the most important content in sentences.
• Primacy and recency positions in sentences help readers to identify clauses and concepts as strongly linked.

English paragraphs typically contain more gaps than Swiss cheese. Why? In languages like Chinese, sentences end when an author’s meaning is complete. In contrast, in English, grammar mostly determines when sentences end. As a result, English’s sentence structure naturally introduces gaps between sentences.

And these gaps sow confusion in readers and create the greatest slow-downs in reading speeds of any aspect of writing. On the other hand, when readers recognize simple connections between clauses and sentences , they perform better on comprehension and recall of material, helping them to perform better on standardized tests and to receive higher grades.

Meet continuity, the most important and least-understood aspect of writing you’ve likely never heard of.

1. When you use transitions to tie sentences together, you make reading easier and meaning clearer.

Without explicit connections between sentences, readers have difficulty understanding stories, let alone more abstract arguments. Readers spend more time trying to understand sentences that lack a clear relationship to the sentences around them and also encounter difficulty in recalling the meaning of discontinuous sentences. On the other hand, transitions like because, since, and then speed up reading and sharpen recall.

Transitions create bridges between sentences across gaps readers would otherwise struggle to understand. Notice the difference that transitions (in bold in the second example) make to a student’s essay on Jane Eyre :

Before: Mr. Brocklehurst then punishes Jane by making her stand in public, and does not allow anyone to speak to her, and it was Helen’s words that give her the courage and strength to get back on her feet. Miss Temple helped her get rid of the unnecessary “ crime .” Jane admired Helen’s broad mind and profound knowledge, and she worked harder to learn. She thought Lowood was better than Mrs. Reed’s.

After: Despite Lowood starving and humiliating the girls, Jane still thinks Lowood is better than Mrs. Reed’s. However, at Lowood, Mr. Brocklehurst punishes Jane by making her stand in public and does not allow anyone to speak to her. Nevertheless, even when Jane feels miserable, Helen’s words give Jane the courage and strength to get back on her feet. In a few days, Miss Temple also corrects the picture Mr. Brocklehurst painted of Jane’s conduct, the unnecessary “crime” of lying that Mr. Brocklehurst accused Jane of. Over the first months of her time at Lowood , Jane grows to admire Helen’s broad mind and profound knowledge, which inspire Jane to work harder to learn.

2. Reserve the endings of sentences for your most important points.

In writing, where you put information trumps what you say. For example, a positive performance evaluation strongly influenced overall ratings of a video lecture—but only when the evaluation came last in a series of four. Similarly, poor performance also swayed students’ evaluations of lecture quality—but only when that performance also came last. Researchers have likewise discovered that, when asked to memorize lists of items or even of nonsense syllables, experimental subjects have the clearest recall of the last items.

As writers, we typically end sentences with a whimper, not a bang, usually by providing a rationale for an action at the end of sentences or insignificant details about time or place. For example, the writer of the email excerpt below ended a sentence with the reason for a requested deadline—presumably to show other employees that administrators created the deadline for a specific purpose. However, the underlined words in the sentence’s stress position strand the deadline in the sentence’s dead zone, far away from either primacy or recency effects in memory . As a result, readers may register the deadline but are less likely to recall it than they would be if they received the revised example, which shunts the deadline into the sentence’s recency position in boldface.

Before: We need your response about scheduling preferences before Friday at noon at the latest to ensure we can finalize the schedule prior to early registration .

After: So we can finalize the schedule prior to early registration, we need your response about scheduling preferences before Friday at noon .

3. Limit the lengths of sentences to reduce readers’ cognitive overhead.

Long sentences challenge readers’ ability to connect ideas across sentences because lengthy sentences strain readers’ working memories . Even strong readers can face too many demands on verbal working memory from long sentences. Moreover, we also recall less content when writers cram more clauses into sentences. In sentences with more than two clauses, make one clause independent and turn it into a short sentence, which helps readers recall a greater amount of specific content .

For example, this example, ironically about improving students’ reading and writing skills, tries to cram too many ideas into a single sentence.

Before: But if we are seeking to boost our students' learning of course content, to improve their basic intellectual skills—such as writing, speaking, and critical thinking—and to prepare them for success in their careers, then I believe we can find in small teaching an approach to our shared work of educating students that is effective for our students and accessible to the largest number of working college and university teachers.

After: As educators, we seek to boost our students’ learning of course content and to improve their basic intellectual skills—such as writing, speaking, and critical thinking—and to prepare them for success in their careers. And, with these goals , small teaching can prove effective for our students and accessible to the largest number of working college and university teachers.

4. Create bridges between the endings and beginnings of sentences with common words.

To create the strongest ties between ideas, link concepts through common phrases shared across sentences. This use of referential continuity builds bridges between sentences by placing new information in the recency position in sentences and then beginning the next sentence with a reference to one or more words from the recency position. This strategy for tying sentences together boosts reading speed and comprehension alike. Moreover, readers easily identify these links at the outsets of sentences because the final clause of the preceding sentence occupies a privileged place in their working memory.

Writers will find these short sequences, linking recency and primacy positions in sentences, most useful in technical explanations, particularly for non-expert audiences, like the first description of deep-brain stimulation below. This excerpt challenges readers because its sentences lack any explicit links to tie its sentences together. On the other hand, the second example links the recency position of the first sentence with the primacy position of the second and continues this (bolded) sequencing of ideas through every sentence.

As the second example also reveals, you can either use the same words, like the initial repetition of pacemaker . Or you can use a related word, as in the transformation of electrical stimulation into electrode .

Before: Deep Brain Stimulation is sometimes described as a pacemaker for the brain. Electrical stimulation of the heart has a longer history, the first pacemaker having been implanted in 1958. An electrode is threaded inside the heart, which gives small shocks at a rate of about 60 per minute in order to stimulate the muscle to pump normally. The technology owes its success largely to the invention of a commercially viable transistor, in 1948, which made possible the miniaturization of electronics. Today, some three million Americans are estimated to have a cardiac pacemaker.

After: Deep Brain Stimulation is sometimes described as the brain’s pacemaker. Pacemakers for hearts rely on similar technology, using electrical stimulation. An electrode is threaded inside the heart, which gives small shocks at a rate of about 60 per minute, stimulating the muscle to pump normally. This form of stimulation owes its success largely to the invention of a commercially viable transistor in 1948, which miniaturized electronics. These electronics today power the cardiac pacemakers of an estimated three million Americans.

Yellowlees Douglas, Ph.D. , is a consultant on writing and organizations. She is also the author, with Maria B. Grant, MD, of The Biomedical Writer: What You Need to Succeed in Academic Medicine .

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Online Therapy
• International
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Self Tests NEW
• Therapy Center
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Sticking up for yourself is no easy task. But there are concrete skills you can use to hone your assertiveness and advocate for yourself.

• Emotional Intelligence
• Gaslighting
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

25 Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas

June 24, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered what other people write about in their college application essays, you’re not alone. Just as reading a range of novels can expose you to unique takes on similar themes, seeing others’ college essay topic ideas can open you up to new possibilities, spark creativity, and enhance your brainstorming process. Since we read hundreds of essays per year, we wanted to round up a collection of past topics from actual students to inspire your essay-writing endeavors. Moreover, we’ve paired those topics with targeted brainstorming questions that will set you off on your own path to success. Ready? Let’s dive in.

How do I find the right college essay topic ideas?

Like a well-hidden geocache , the right college essay topic ideas can only be uncovered with some effort. In general, the right college essay topic:

• is interesting and/or exciting to you
• demonstrates a quality, value, or perspective that can’t be found elsewhere on your application

While deciding, focus on asking yourself the right types of questions. For example, let’s say you’re down to two topics: a moral/ethical dilemma you recently faced, or the nonprofit you started last year. In this scenario, most students may assume they *should* write about the nonprofit–after all, it’s the more “impressive” of the two, right?

However, let’s divorce ourselves from “should.” Instead, ask yourself: if I write this essay, what will admissions officers learn about me that they can’t learn about elsewhere? Through starting this nonprofit, what have I learned about myself? Can I show my reader what I value, or how I handle problems? Or will I basically be re-hashing what is already in my activities list or honors section ?

Alternatively, the ethical/moral dilemma you recently faced completely threw you for a loop. It made you rethink a closely held belief and forced you to confront how you handle challenging situations.

Ask yourself: what will admissions officers learn about me that they can’t learn about elsewhere? What have I learned about myself? Can I handle this subject tactfully—without complaining, blaming others, or coming to a conclusion that feels forced/too neat? Can I be vulnerable?

Be honest with yourself, and a clear winner will emerge.

How do I find “unique” college essay topic ideas?

Every year, our students wonder how to ensure that their essay stands out, often asking us questions along these lines:

How do I make sure that my essay topic is different from everyone else’s?

If I write about my sports injury, will it sound like every other sports essay?

If I write about my parent’s illness, will that be just another sob story?

We get it—it’s natural and normal to be curious about what admissions officers want to hear, or wonder whether particular college essay topic ideas will strengthen your application more than others. While there is some strategy involved with topic selection, the way you write about and reflect on any given topic is usually much more important than the topic itself.

To that end, college essay topics/themes we see on a regular basis include:

• Coming-of-age, most often a realization that changed their perspective or inspired personal growth
• A challenging situation or moral dilemma
• A passion or intellectual curiosity
• A meaningful aspect of their family/identity/cultural background
• An important community

We see these topics frequently because they are universal to the teenage experience. This does not make them bad or mean you should avoid them. On the contrary, it makes them classic, timeless, and relatable (remember, you’re trying to create a personal connection with your reader!).

Accordingly, use the above college essay topics/themes as a way to start collecting ideas for your own personal statement, and know you are in very good company if you write an essay on one of them.

Bottom line: you make a college essay topic “unique” by writing about yourself, in your own style and voice, with plenty of detail and specifics. You share what you learned and how you grew. That’s it!

Where can I find examples of college essay topic ideas?

Sometimes, you just need a list of examples. Let’s go back to our geocaching reference above. What the heck is a geocache, anyway? What will you find inside one? Do people use certain types of containers? Perusing a few examples will help you build an idea of what to expect when you go exploring. Okay, I could be looking for anything from Tupperware containers to film canisters…or fake rocks…what?!

Accordingly, in providing you with this list of college essay topic ideas, we want to validate and inspire you. These are real college essay topics developed by real college applicants, so it’s very likely you can connect or identify with at least a few of them. If a topic resonates with or sounds interesting to you, try writing down some thoughts on the associated brainstorming question and see where it takes you.

Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas

• Central Story : A parent’s struggle with addiction, and the author’s struggle to cope with the changes happening at home
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author found themselves again—and learned to cope—by leaning into activities that they loved
• Brainstorming Question : Has your parent or guardian ever faced a significant health problem, such as a chronic illness, terminal diagnosis, or addiction? How did it impact you?
• Central Story : After volunteering at a homeless shelter for years, the author realized he had been avoiding personal connection with the men he served meals to
• Reflection/Resolution : Prioritizing connection, even if uncomfortable, and finding new, tangible ways to understand and assist this population
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever had a perspective-changing volunteer opportunity? If so, what was your perspective before you started, and what is it now?

College Essay Topic Ideas — Continued

• Central Story : Navigating interactions with customers at a part-time job
• Reflection/Resolution : Finding ways to connect with and appreciate patrons, and understand how important her job was
• Brainstorming Question : Do you work in a customer service role? What have been your most memorable interactions, positive or negative? How have they impacted you?
• Central Story : After years of being a competitive ballet dancer and having aspirations to dance in college, the author is struck with the realization that she does not actually want to be a professional ballerina
• Reflection/Resolution : Coming to terms with her decision, and embracing who she is without ballet
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever had a college-related or professional goal that changed? Why did it change, and how did you deal with it?
• Central Story : How a difficult incident during a baseball game changed the author’s relationship with the sport, and pushed him toward new realizations about his future
• Reflection/Resolution : Embracing his own power to make a difference by immersing himself in research, and discovering new fields that he is interested in pursuing in college
• Brainstorming Question : Has a particular situation ever shocked or deeply upset you? What realizations did you have about yourself? About others?
• Central Story : The author’s fiction writing journey and realization that women of color are underrepresented or presented as one-note in most literature
• Reflection/Resolution : The author’s commitment to crafting characters that not only represented her but reflected her values and beliefs, and creating a writing community in the process
• Brainstorming Question : Do you have a hobby or passion that you could spend hours a day/week engaging in? How did you get started, and what experiences have been most special/important to you?
• Central Story : How a strategy-based board game gave the author the skills needed to take a volunteer opportunity to the next level
• Reflection/Resolution : What the author learned about himself in the process, and the importance of being open to what all types of experiences can teach you
• Brainstorming Question : What’s your go-to “fun” activity? What (perhaps surprising) skills have you learned from it? Have you been able to apply them in other areas of your life?
• Central Story : The author’s intensive preparation for synchronized swim team tryouts
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author dealt with the disappointment of not making the team, and learned important lessons about failure and resilience
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever tried—and failed—at something that took weeks, months, or even years to prepare for? What was that like? How did you cope, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
• Central Story : The author’s longing for a stable community after experiencing a housing crisis
• Reflection/Resolution : How volunteering at a local nonprofit committed to building homes helped him find the community he was searching for, and inspired his future career path
• Brainstorming Question : What activity is most meaningful to you? How is it enabled you to make an impact on others? How has it impacted you personally?
• Central Story : The author’s first encounter with coral bleaching, and ensuing environmental activism
• Reflection/Resolution : How he found balance between activism and his personal life so that he could bring his best self to every project
• Brainstorming Question : Do you participate in any activities that feel consuming on multiple levels? How do you find balance? Has that been a difficult journey?
• Central Story : The author’s love of connecting with friends and family through baking, even when the time commitment involved became difficult to navigate
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author learned to juggle multiple types of commitments, leading to increased joy and intention
• Brainstorming Question : What personal hobbies are most meaningful to you, and why? Have you ever struggled to find time for your favorite hobby amidst other obligations? How did you navigate that?
• Central Story : How the author struggled with coming out
• Reflection/Resolution : How joining a supportive LGBTQ community helped the author make peace with her identity, and also begin helping others who may be struggling with their identity
• Brainstorming Question : Is there an aspect of your sexual or cultural identity that you’ve struggled to accept? What has that journey been like for you? What actions have you taken along the way, and what have you learned about yourself in the process?
• Central Story : The author’s determination to help other students feel less isolated and more involved at school, which stemmed from his own early experiences as an immigrant
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author implemented actual changes that resulted in more connection, school spirit, and personal fulfillment
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever tried to solve a particular issue in your community? What issue did you try to solve, and why? What steps did you take to solve it, and what was the outcome?
• Central Story : How the author’s early love of Spanish led to learning additional languages
• Reflection/Resolution : How learning languages has allowed for deeper cultural exploration and appreciation, along with an exploration of the author’s own personal history and goal to pursue linguistics in college
• Brainstorming Question : Do you already know what you want to pursue in college? How did you come to that conclusion, and what experiences have informed or influenced it along the way?
• Central Story : How the author’s perfectionism often caused her to avoid trying new things, which she realized after a massive project went sideways
• Reflection/Resolution : The author began trying new activities outside her comfort zone that introduced her to new interests and inspired further exploration
• Brainstorming Question : Do you ever feel like you hold yourself back? In what ways? How have you tried to overcome those hurdles?
• Central Story : The author’s lifelong interest in his favorite animal
• Reflection/Resolution : What attributes of this animal the author is most fascinated by, how those attributes connect to his own life/experiences, and what he’s learned about himself in the process
• Brainstorming Question : What are your “favorites”—favorite color, favorite animal, favorite song, favorite movie, favorite place, etc? Why are they your favorite? What can your “favorites” tell us about you?
• Central Story : How the author’s boredom with piano stemmed from always following sheet music strictly as written
• Reflection/Resolution : How learning a new musical term—and experimenting with it—enabled the author to find the joy in music again
• Brainstorming Question : Have you participated in any activities that lost their appeal at some point? How did you react, and what was the outcome?
• Central Story : The author’s love for a certain childhood craft
• Reflection/Resolution : How rekindling her love for this craft led to a fascination with repetition and patterns that ultimately inspired her college major
• Brainstorming Question : As a child, what activities did you love most? Do you still engage in any of them? If so, why are they so important to you?
• Central Story : The toxic environment within the author’s first school play, which made her start to lose her passion for music
• Reflection/Resolution : How quitting theater and investing her energy in different, more supportive activities allowed her to reclaim her love of singing
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever quit an important sport, club, or other activity? What led to that decision, and how did you move forward?
• Central Story : How the author’s love of fashion—and its history—led to a particularly optimistic sewing project
• Reflection/Resolution : How the process of trial and error during her project—as well as her continued work on it—represents her resilience, passion, and love of learning
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever undertaken a project that didn’t go according to plan? What ups and downs did you encounter, and how did you navigate them?
• Central Story : How the author confronted her perception of entrepreneurship as well as her own role within her company
• Reflection/Resolution : How asking difficult questions, conducting research, and being willing to pivot led the author to adjust her mindset and personal philosophy
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever realized that you might need to adjust a previously held belief or perspective? How did you come to that conclusion, and what did you do about it?
• Central Story : The author’s reluctance and nervousness to return to India, where she spent her childhood
• Reflection/Resolution : How reconnecting with her culture, especially its literature, led her to embrace herself more fully and even helped inform her future career path
• Brainstorming Question : Do you ever feel torn between two different worlds or cultural identities? How have you navigated and/or tried to come to terms with that?
• Central Story : How the author’s self-doubt and fear began to negatively impact her sports performance
• Reflection/Resolution : How a teammate’s influence enabled the author to start trusting herself, leading to increased self-confidence and new levels of risk-taking
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever dealt with an ongoing struggle that started to take over your life? What enabled you to start adopting a healthier outlook?
• Central Story : The author’s realization that her method of communication in leadership roles may be hindering, rather than helping, progress
• Reflection/Resolution : How adjusting her communication methods, focusing on collaboration, and readjusting her perspective led to a new definition of personal and professional success
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever realized that your way of doing things may be negatively impacting a particular group or team? If so, what did you do about it?
• Central Story : An ethical dilemma that the author experienced while serving on her school paper
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author arrived at her decision, and what she learned about her own decision-making process
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever been confronted with a moral or ethical dilemma? If so, how did you arrive at a decision? Do you regret or stand behind that decision—why or why not?

Final Thoughts — College Essay Topics

After identifying an interesting and personally significant essay topic, you’ll want to focus on further brainstorming as well as execution. Not sure what to do next? College Transitions’ highly skilled essay coaches can help— click here to see available packages or schedule a free consultation.

Additional resources you may find useful:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Start a College Essay
• How to End a College Essay
• Best College Essay Help
• College Essay

Kelsea Conlin

Kelsea holds a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Tufts University, a graduate certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her short fiction is forthcoming in Chautauqua .

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

Try our new FactBot AI search for quick fact checking

What's project 2025 unpacking the pro-trump plan to overhaul us government, for several months, we received a flood of reader inquiries asking if project 2025 was a real effort to “reshape america.” here’s the answer., nur ibrahim, aleksandra wrona, published july 3, 2024.

• Project 2025 is a conservative coalition's plan for a future Republican U.S. presidential administration. If voters elect the party's presumed nominee, Donald Trump, over Democrat Joe Biden in November 2024, the coalition hopes the new president will implement the plan immediately.
• The sweeping effort centers on a roughly 1,000-page document  that gives the executive branch more power, reverses Biden-era policies and specifies numerous department-level changes.
• People across the political spectrum fear such actions are precursors to authoritarianism and have voiced concerns over the proposal's recommendations to reverse protections for LGBTQ+ people, limit abortion access, stop federal efforts to mitigate climate change — and more.
• The Heritage Foundation — a conservative think tank operated by many of Trump's current and former political allies — is leading the initiative. President Kevin Roberts once said  the project's main goals are "institutionalizing Trumpism" and getting rid of unelected bureaucrats who he believes wield too much political influence.
• The Trump campaign's goals and proposals within Project 2025 overlap. However, the former president has attempted to distance himself from the initiative. In a July 5, 2024, post on Truth Social , he wrote: " I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them."
• In other words, it's unknown if, or to what extent, Trump's campaign is talking to leaders of the initiative. Many political analysts and the Biden administration believe Project 2025 is a good indication of Trump's vision for a second term.

Here at Snopes, the internet's premiere fact-checking site, we believe in unbiased, fact-driven reporting to help guide people's everyday lives. And when it comes to voting in elections, we hold that responsibility high. We call out candidates' mistruths, contextualize campaign claims and pull back the curtain on efforts shaping political parties' agendas. Our hope is to give voters the knowledge they need to mark ballots without any distorted sense of reality. Below is an example of that work — a months-long analysis of an all-encompassing effort to reshape the American bureacracy following the 2024 U.S. presidential election. If you'd like to support this type of journalism,  we'd love your help .   —  Jessica Lee ,  senior assignments editor,  snopes.com

As the U.S. 2024 presidential election nears, U.S. President Joe Biden's reelection campaign has been sending foreboding emails to supporters, invoking "Trump's Project 2025" to tap into anxieties over another four years with Donald Trump in the White House and to raise campaign money.

According to some of the emails, "Project 2025" calls for proposals that would separate "mothers away from their children," a reference to border policies during Trump's administration, or result in "higher housing costs and rampant discrimination."

The Biden campaign is not alone in its concern over the policy initiative. Critics including legal experts and former government employees have described Project 2025 as a precursor to authoritarianism — albeit a difficult one to implement — and a wave of social media  posts  are expressing  fear over the initiative, calling it a " fascist " and " extremist " plan for Trump to " reshape America." Numerous reports have also called this conservative effort to reshape the government unprecedented in its scale. 

But what exactly is Project 2025? Are the messages from critics rooted in fact or fear-mongering? What should people know about the alleged policy plan? Over the past year, Snopes has received a flood of inquiries from readers asking if Project 2025 was real and what it entails, and if American politicians plan to implement it.

Under the leadership of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, Project 2025 is indeed a real, all-encompassing initiative to transform the American bureaucracy if, or when, a conservative president takes over the White House. Project leaders are hoping to put it into motion as early as November 2024 if voters elect former President Donald Trump. 

Politico once described the policy initiative as an effort to make a "MAGA" conservative government by reshaping how federal employees work, and the  creators themselves have framed it as a push to institutionalize " Trumpism " —  that is,  Trump's political agenda — at every level of federal government. On Truth Social, a Trump-owned social media platform, users have described it as a return to "constitutional" values.

In June 2024, House Democrats launched a task force to make plans for a potential future in which Project 2025's recommendations could become reality.

The growing interest in Project 2025 coincided with the progression of Trump's presidential campaign. A  June 2024  NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found the presidential race to be extremely tight, with Biden and Trump almost tied, echoing a months-long trend of national surveys. ( Historically , polls at this stage of campaigns are not indicative of actual election outcomes.)

Leaders and supporters of the initiative declined to be interviewed for this story or did not respond to Snopes' inquiries.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025 has four parts, according to its website : 

• A roughly 1,000-page document titled " Mandate for Leadership 2025: The Conservative Promise ."  That report details supporters' proposals for federal departments, as well as their overall agenda for a conservative government.
• A purported transition plan for federal departments. Project 2025 leaders say they have a 180-day transition plan for each federal agency to quickly adapt to a Trump presidency should he win in November. As of this writing, the contents of that plan were unknown.
• A new database that aims to fill federal jobs with conservative voices. Spencer Chretien, associate director of Project 2025, once called the online system to screen potential new hires the " conservative LinkedIn ." It's currently active on the Project's website.
• A new system to train potential political appointees . Called the " Presidential Administration Academy ," the system aims to teach skills for "advancing conservative ideas" as soon as new hires join the administration. The lessons touch on everything from budget-making to media relations and currently consist of 30- to 90-minute online sessions. Project 2025 leaders say they will host in-person sessions as the election nears. 

There's reportedly another facet to Project 2025 that's not detailed on its website: an effort to draft executive orders for the new president. According to a November 2023 report by The Washington Post that cites anonymous sources, Jeffrey Clark (a former Trump official who sought to use the Justice Department to help Trump's efforts to overturn 2020 election results) is leading that work, and the alleged draft executive orders involve the Insurrection Act — a law last updated in 1871 that allows the president to deploy the military for domestic law enforcement. Speaking to the Post, a Heritage spokesperson denied that accusation. (We were unable to independently corroborate The Washington Post's reporting due to its anonymous sourcing and our unsuccessful attempts to interview members of The Heritage Foundation.)

While many of Project 2025's proposals simply need the president's executive order to become reality, others would need Congressional approval, even as the Project seeks to expand presidential authority. In other words, lawmakers would need to write and approve legislation that details the changes to the government's existing structure, or establishes new systems. Come November, voters will choose who will fill  435 seats in the Republican-led House and 34 positions  in the Senate.

Key Points of The Roughly 1,000-Page Document

Speaking to Politico , Russell Vought, who served as the director of the Office of Management and Budget under Trump and is now a leading adviser for Project 2025, once described the effort as "more systematic than it is just about Trump," adding, "We have to be thinking mechanically about how to take these institutions over" in reference to federal departments.

Project 2025's document lays out in great detail how supporters want to do that. As of early June 2024, about 855,000 people had downloaded the document, The New York Times reported . 

Among its numerous recommendations, it calls for the following (in no particular order):

• Changing how the FBI operates. According to the plan, the agency is "completely out of control," and the next conservative administration should restore its reputation by stopping investigations that are supposedly "unlawful or contrary to the national interest." Also, the document calls for legislation that would eliminate term limits for the FBI's director and require that person to answer to the president. 
• Eliminating the Department of Education. The plan explicitly proposes, "Federal education policy should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated." The report also calls for bans on so-called " critical race theory" (CRT) and "gender ideology" lessons in public schools, asking for legislation that would require educators who share such material to register as sex offenders and be imprisoned. 
• Defunding the Department of Justice. Additionally, the document proposes prosecuting federal election-related charges as criminal, not civil, cases. Otherwise, the document says, "[Voter] registration fraud and unlawful ballot correction will remain federal election offenses that are never appropriately investigated and prosecuted." 
• Reversing Biden-era policies attempting to reduce climate change. The document's authors call for increasing the country's reliance on fossil fuels and withdrawing from efforts to address the climate crisis — such as "offices, programs, and directives designed to advance the Paris Climate Agreement ." 
• Stopping cybersecurity efforts to combat mis- and disinformation. The document recommends the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to stop its efforts to curtail online propaganda campaigns, arguing the federal government should not make judgment calls on what's true and what isn't.
• Changing immigration policies. Authors want the federal government to deprioritize DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), the program that temporarily delays the deportation of immigrants without documentation who came to the U.S. as children; phase out temporary work-visa programs that allow seasonal employers to hire foreign workers; impose financial punishments on so-called "sanctuary cities" that do not follow federal immigration laws, and divert tax dollars toward security at America's border with Mexico. (While the Biden campaign claims Project 2025 calls for "ripping mothers away from their children" at the border, there's no explicit mention of separating families. Rather, it calls for stronger enforcement of laws governing the detainment of immigrants with criminal records and restricting an existing program that tracks people in deportation proceedings instead of incarcerating them. In some cases, those changes could possibly play a role in border control agents detaining a parent while their child continues with immigration proceedings.)
• Restricting access to abortion. The plan wants the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop promoting abortion as health care. Additionally, Project 2025 recommends the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to stop promoting, and approving, requests for manufacturing abortion pills. "Alternative options to abortion, especially adoption, should receive federal and state support," the document states.
• Removing LGBTQ+ protections. The plan calls for abolishing the Gender Policy Council , a Biden-created department within the White House that aims to "advance equity in government policy for those who face discrimination." Also, the proposal wants the federal government to remove terms such as "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" from records and policies, as well as rescind policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of "sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, and sex characteristics."
• Cutting ties completely with China. For instance, the document advocates for restricting people's access to TikTok because of its China-based parent company; prohibiting Confucius Institutes, cultural institutions at colleges and universities funded by the Chinese government, and blocking other Chinese entities from partnering with U.S. companies. 
• Reversing protections against discrimination in housing. The Biden campaign emails reference a portion of the document that calls for repealing a decades-old policy—strengthened under Biden—that attempts to prevent discrimination and reduce racial disparities in housing. Project 2025 also recommends making it easier to sell off homes used for public housing — a benefit to real estate developers — but result in fewer cheap housing options for poor and low-income families. 

Here's a PDF of the full report :

(www.project2025.org)

Changing Federal Job Classifications 

To execute the above-listed objectives, the roughly 1,000-page document calls for a federal government operated by political appointees equipped to "carry out the President's desires." 

Put another way, Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, said in a July 2023 interview with The New York Times that Project 2025 leaders want to dismantle independent federal agencies that do not answer to the president. Then, they want to fill positions with people who subscribe to conservative politics — including jobs that are currently merit-based hires, not politically appointed.

Under the current system, the federal government's administrative sector is made up of two employee groups: political appointees and career civil servants. When a new administration takes over the Oval Office, it selects similarly minded people to fill high-ranking positions (political appointees), and those people leave the jobs when a new president takes over. According to the Brookings Institution , a public policy think tank, around 4,000 political appointees run the executive branch.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of positions that run day-to-day operations are hired through a merit-based system — that is, a hiring process that is designed to prioritize applicants' specialized expertise or experience , not their personal beliefs or affiliations. Those people are career civil servants. 

Project 2025 proposes turning up to 50,000 career civil servant jobs into politically appointed positions. 

To do that, Project 2025 wants the president to reissue Schedule F, a Trump-era executive order that Biden rescinded when he became president. Generally speaking, the order would recategorize career civil servants into at-will employees, giving higher-level workers the ability to terminate employment for any reason without warning and fill those jobs with new people.

Additionally, Project 2025 recommends revamping the existing appeals process for employee dismissals, arguing the current system prevents managers from firing or hiring the right employees. 

The plan also proposes a freeze on hiring top-career civil service positions at the beginning of the administration. By doing so, the plan argues, the new administration will prevent today's administration's leaders (later on "outgoing" political appointees) from "burrowing-in"— that is, hiring left-leaning career bureaucrats across federal agencies for the purpose of undermining the next president. 

Keeping Track of Potential Employees' Opinions

In addition to expanding government leaders' abilities to hire and fire at will, Project 2025 calls for a new federal database to gather information on potential new hires. The database contains people's answers to questions on social issues , such as abortion and immigration, allowing for department leaders to easily fill job vacancies with applicants who lean conservative.

"Our current executive branch was conceived of by liberals for the purpose of promulgating liberal policies," John  McEntee , who is leading Project 2025's personnel database project, told The New York Times in mid-2023, citing then-U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's (who was a Democrat) 1930s New Deal as the last major reorientation of the government. "There is no way to make the existing structure function in a conservative manner. It's not enough to get the personnel right. What's necessary is a complete system overhaul." 

By submitting resumes and answering questionnaires , applicants sign up to be vetted by Project 2025 leaders. According to the questionnaire , participants answer whether they "agree" or "disagree" with statements such as, "Life has a right to legal protection from conception to natural death," and "The U.S. should increase legal immigration."

If the participants pass that screening, Project 2025 intends to recommend them to department leaders for hiring. (We are unable to determine what would happen with applicants' data if Trump does not win the 2024 election, or if his potential administration does not want to use it.)

Project 2025 leaders partnered with technology company Oracle to set up the system, according to The New York Times . Several thousand potential recruits had applied, as of April 2023. 

Former presidents have established similar systems, including Barack Obama, according to Kevin Kosar, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right public policy think tank. "They [The Obama administration] created a massive online jobs bank , where you could apply."

Also, during Obama's first term (January 2009 - January 2017), his administration required extensive vetting of applicants for high-ranking, politically appointed positions. Like Project 2025's program, that process included a questionnaire. That form asked participants to elaborate on past public statements, social media posts and potential conflicts of interests, as well as share things about their personal lives , like whether they own guns. (We found no evidence of the Obama administration circulating a similar questionnaire during his second term.)

Asked about that Obama-era questionnaire, a Biden aide said it was not comparable to Project 2025's system. The latter was a "loyalty test" to Trump, the aide said, while Obama's survey was more of a background check.

Trump Hasn't Publicly Endorsed Project 2025

Many former Trump administration members and current allies are working on the initiative. 

For example, the Center for Renewing America (CRA) — a think tank that formed in 2021 with ties to Trump through its founder, Russell Vought — is a "coalition partner." Vought was the director of the Office of Management and Budget when Trump was president. Should Project 2025 be a part of the next presidential administration, Vought will be in charge of implementing  its proposals, according to Politico. (In November 2023, The Washington Post reported he was in regular contact with Trump and could be a candidate for a high-ranking position in his potential future administration.) Also, Vought is policy director for the 2024 Republican National Convention's Platform Committee.

Reportedly , some people affiliated with Project 2025 are assisting Trump's reelection campaign behind the scenes.

(The groups that conceptualized, or are currently pushing, Project 2025 include a number of former Trump administration members and current allies.)

However, in terms of public-facing actions, Trump hasn't officially connected himself to the initiative. In speeches at campaign rallies and interviews, he hasn't mentioned Project 2025, and, on July 5, 2024 , he attempted to publicly distance himself by posting on Truth Social (his social media site):

I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.

Trump's campaign is at the very least aware of the initiative. Campaign officials once told Politico Project 2025's goals to restructure government, which are outlined in a publicly available document , indeed align with Trump's campaign promises.

But in a November 2023 statement, the Trump campaign said: "The efforts by various non-profit groups are certainly appreciated and can be enormously helpful. However, none of these groups or individuals speak for President Trump or his campaign." Without naming Project 2025, they said all policy statements from "external allies" are just "recommendations."

Concurrently, in an interview with the conservative outlet The Daily Wire , a Project 2025 representative said the Trump campaign and Project are separate "for now."  McEntee , a former Trump staffer and leader of Project 2025's personnel database project, said : 

I think the candidate and the campaign need to keep their eye on the ball. They need to be totally focused on winning. We're totally focused on what happens after [...] Obviously, there will need to be coordination and the president and his team will announce an official transition this summer, and we're gonna integrate a lot of our work with them. 

That said, given overlap between Project 2025's proposals and the Trump campaign's agenda , political analysts and the Biden campaign believe the coalition's effort is a good indication of Trump's vision for a second term. Among the similarities are proposals to change how the administration fills tens of thousands of government jobs and overhaul  the DOJ. According to The Heritage Foundation's own reporting, Trump adopted and seriously considered about two-thirds of the organization's policy prescriptions in 2018, for example.

In an interview with Snopes, James Singer, a Biden campaign spokesperson, said:

Project 2025 is the extreme policy and personnel playbook for Trump's second term that should scare the hell out of any American voter. The Trump team's pathetic denials fall flat when Project 2025 staff and leadership are saying they are connected to the Trump team, leading the RNC policy platform and part of Trump's debate prep, campaign, and inner circle.

But the extent to which Project 2025 leaders and Trump campaign officials are communicating is unclear. According to Kosar, at the American Enterprise Institute, no one outside of the two circles knows how closely they're working together. "[What] is the level of coordination? We have no idea." 

From the view of Cecilia Esterline, an immigration research analyst at the Niskanen Center, a think tank  with libertarian-right roots, Project 2025 is a good indicator of Trump's plans for a potential second term. "Given the people involved putting their names on this and the author portions of this report, and the success of [past] implementation, it's a good indicator of where Trump is at."

The Forces Behind Project 2025

Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts launched Project 2025 in April 2022, a few months before Trump officially announced his reelection campaign.

Since then, the number of groups backing the initiative has grown. As of now, Project 2025's advisory board and so-called "coalition partners" include: the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI), a nonprofit that aims to connect conservative applicants to congressional jobs and is led by Trump's former chief of staff, Mark Meadows; Turning Point USA, a far-right student advocacy group that is led by Charlie Kirk; America First Legal , a legal advocacy group that supports conservative-backed lawsuits and is led by Trump stalwart Stephen Miller. (According to a June 2024 Politico report, Miller was part of private meetings with Trump to help him prepare for upcoming televised debates against Biden.) 

Furthermore, in May 2024, Reuters interviewed what the news outlet described as unnamed Trump allies working on a plan to restructure the Department of Justice (DOJ) and fill currently nonpartisan jobs there with people who identify as conservatives. While the allies group wasn't named, Reuters reported it was tied to Project 2025. 

Lastly, many authors of the roughly 1,000-page document outlining Project 2025's policy proposals have connections to Trump. They include Ben Carson , William Perry Pendley , Jonathan Berry , Diana Furchtgott-Roth , Rick Dearborn , Adam Candeub , Ken Cuccinelli , Mandy Gunasekara , Dennis Dean Kirk , Gene Hamilton , Christopher Miller , Bernard L. McNamee , Mora Namdar , Peter Navarro , Roger Severino , Paul Dans , Kevin Roberts , among others. 

These Types of Pre-Election Efforts Aren't Uncommon

In the months or years before U.S. presidential elections, it's routine for nonprofit research groups to prepare plans for a potential presidential transition, according to Landon Storrs, a political history professor at the University of Iowa. 

And, according to Kosar, numerous think tanks want Trump's ear as he plans his potential return to the White House. "Whenever there is a new executive coming into the White House, [many] groups are trying to get in there."

According to the Heritage Foundation's website , the organization mostly operates on individual donations and does not take money from the government. However, how exactly it divvies up its money for Project 2025 was unclear. The New York Times reported Project 2025 was a $22 million operation.

Project 2025 authors built their proposals on an idea popular during former President Ronald Reagan's time: the "unitary executive theory." That's the belief that Article II of the U.S. Constitution gives the president complete power over the federal bureaucracy and all levels of government report to him. 

In 1980, the Heritage Foundation developed similar policy prescriptions for Reagan, who was a presidential candidate at the time. Some of the organization's recommendations aligned with Reagan's campaign promises , and, when he later assumed office, he put the ideas to action. Heritage once described its effort as putting "the conservative movement and Reagan on the same page."

However, according to Politico , the present-day initiative by the Heritage Foundation was more "ambitious" than any other such proposal. The New York Times  said Project 2025 was operating at "a scale never attempted before in conservative politics." Its efforts are a contrast to the 1930s Democrat-led New Deal under then-U.S. President Roosevelt, which gave the federal government an unprecedented role in social and economic affairs on the belief that it would get the country out of the Great Depression.

Critics' Logistical Concerns, Worries

If some of Project 2025's ideas turn into formal policy recommendations or laws, experts in government and history have concerns over how they could be implemented. Such drastic changes would come with big logistical hurdles and have a ripple effect on agencies overseeing day-to-day governance, several such experts said. 

For example, Project 2025's proposal to reclassify tens of thousands of federal workers' positions — that is, change career bureaucrats into jobs that can be politically appointed — would have widespread effects, according to Storrs, of the University of Iowa. She said:

When [Project 2025's] intention is to install officials based on their loyalty to the president rather than on their qualifications, [the result] is even more damaging to effective administration. [...] The President already has authority over who heads the agencies. But below them, people are simply trying to collect taxes, get social security checks out — there is a lot that shouldn't be disrupted.

Kosar, of the American Enterprise Institute, expressed concern over skills required for jobs that aren't currently appointed. "These positions have a serious degree of expertise attached. You can't just plug in a private sector businessman into the department of transportation. It's going to be a challenge to match the people and the competencies and the expertise." 

Esterline, the Niskanen Center analyst, said with presidential administrations changing every four to eight years, government agencies rely on the expertise of continually employed civil servants — employees with institutional knowledge — to make the transitions as smooth as possible. "[If] we suddenly disrupt that balance of political appointees to civil servants, it will be a much rougher transition." 

Among other aspects of Project 2025, Esterline is attempting to raise the alarm on its prescriptions for specific regulatory changes. "[Project 2025] is a meticulous outline of how they will crumple the system simultaneously through minute changes."

Meanwhile, some former government officials are particularly concerned about the initiative's plans for the DOJ and FBI. For instance, in an interview for The Guardian , Michael Bromwich, a former DOJ inspector general, said the proposals to turn the departments into "instruments" to fulfill Trump's political agenda "should send shivers down the spine of anyone who cares about the rule of law."

Overall, critics including legal experts and former government employees have zeroed in on Project 2025's goal to give the executive branch more power, describing it as a precursor to authoritarianism.

However, the initiative's push to increase executive power may be part of a deeper trend in American politics, Peter Strauss, a professor at Columbia Law School, said in a  lecture  on Faculti, a research video platform. He said momentum to increase executive authority has been steadily increasing over many presidential administrations: 

We have seen in the United States a steadily expanding presidential claim of authority to control not only tenure but also ordinary acts of government. This has been happening at least since the presidency of Ronald Reagan and it reached a peak with President Trump and his first term, and he's promised that he's going back there. 

Our Reporting

For this report, we repeatedly tried to interview representatives of the Heritage Foundation — the conservative think tank that conceptualized Project 2025 — as well as the Trump campaign and other supporters of the effort. All either declined to be interviewed or did not respond to our inquiries. 

For example, we reached out to dozens of groups on Project 2025's advisory board — a collection of groups under the Heritage Foundation's oversight that have co-signed the effort, given feedback on its proposals or promoted it to government officials. The groups include Center for Renewing America , Turning Point USA , The American Conservative , and  American Cornerstone Institute . We asked the organizations about the nature of their involvement in the initiative, proposals they support, and more. As of this writing, none has responded.

After we initially reached out to the Heritage Foundation for this story, a spokesperson responded asking for more specifics on our reporting. We responded with key points, including requests to comment on project leaders' communication with former U.S. President Donald Trump, concerns from legal experts about the initiative's proposed changes and general criticism. The Heritage Foundation did not respond to that message. Later, after informing the organization of our writing deadline, a spokesperson said no one was available.

"A Questionnaire for Applicants to the Next Conservative White House." The New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/12/01/us/politics/project2025-heritage-foundation-administration-application-questionnaire.html. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing." HUD.Gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), https://www.hud.gov/AFFH. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"Agenda47: Firing the Radical Marxist Prosecutors Destroying America." Donald J. Trump For President 2024. https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/agenda47-firing-the-radical-marxist-prosecutors-destroying-america. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"Agenda47: President Trump's Plan to Dismantle the Deep State and Return Power to the American People." Donald J. Trump For President 2024. https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/agenda47-president-trumps-plan-to-dismantle-the-deep-state-and-return-power-to-the-american-people. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Allen, Mike. "Scoop: Biden Campaign's Plan of Attack." Axios, 6 Mar. 2024, https://www.axios.com/2024/03/06/biden-trump-project-2025. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"American Cornerstone: A Much-Needed Endeavor." RealClearPolitics, Feb. 3, 2021. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2021/02/03/american_cornerstone_a_much-needed_endeavor_145170.html. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Arnsdorf, Isaac, et al. "Trump and Allies Plot Revenge, Justice Department Control in a Second Term." Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2023. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/11/05/trump-revenge-second-term/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Ball, Molly. "The Most Interesting Think Tank In American Politics." TIME, 7 Mar. 2023, https://time.com/6258610/niskanen-center-bipartisanship-think-tank-politics/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Brugger, Kelsey. "Inside Heritage's Plans for a 2025 GOP Administration." E&E News by POLITICO, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.eenews.net/articles/inside-heritages-plans-for-a-2025-gop-administration/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Bump, Philip. "Analysis | A New Fox Poll Has Biden up. Fox's Prime-Time Hosts Didn't Mention It." Washington Post, 20 June 2024. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/20/new-fox-poll-shows-biden-up-their-primetime-hosts-didnt-mention-it/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Calmes, Jackie. "For a Washington Job, Be Prepared to Tell All." The New York Times, 13 Nov. 2008. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/us/politics/13apply.html. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Chretien, Spencer. "Project 2025." The Heritage Foundation, https://www.heritage.org/conservatism/commentary/project-2025. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Cohn, Nate. "Trump Leads in 5 Key States, as Young and Nonwhite Voters Express Discontent With Biden." The New York Times, 13 May 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/13/us/politics/biden-trump-battleground-poll.html. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"Conservatives Aim to Restructure U.S. Government and Replace It with Trump's Vision." PBS News, 29 Aug. 2023, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/conservatives-aim-to-restructure-u-s-government-and-replace-it-with-trumps-vision. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Control of the Senate Is at Stake in 2024. Here Are the Top Races to Watch. https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/04/11/top-u-s--senate-races-2024. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Ecarma, Caleb. "Donor Infighting and Dwindling Subscribers: The American Conservative May Be on Its Last Legs." Vanity Fair, 9 May 2023, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/05/the-american-conservative-may-be-on-its-last-legs. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Esterline, Cecilia. "Project 2025: Unveiling the Far Right's Plan to Demolish Immigration in a Second Trump Term - Niskanen Center." Niskanen Center - Improving Policy, Advancing Moderation, 20 Feb. 2024, https://www.niskanencenter.org/project-2025-unveiling-the-far-rights-plan-to-demolish-immigration-in-a-second-trump-term/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Esterline, Cecilia. Phone Interview.

"Excepted Service." Ballotpedia, https://ballotpedia.org/Excepted_service. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"Financial Information." The Heritage Foundation, https://www.heritage.org/financial. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"Former PPO Director John McEntee Joins Project 2025; Personnel Database Launches." The Heritage Foundation, https://www.heritage.org/press/former-ppo-director-john-mcentee-joins-project-2025-personnel-database-launches. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Garcia-Navarro, Lulu. "Inside the Heritage Foundation's Plans for 'Institutionalizing Trumpism.'" The New York Times, 21 Jan. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/21/magazine/heritage-foundation-kevin-roberts.html. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"Gender Policy Council." The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/gpc/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Gross, Terry. "How the Trump White House Misled the World about Its Family Separation Policy." NPR, 11 Aug. 2022. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2022/08/11/1116917364/how-the-trump-white-house-misled-the-world-about-its-family-separation-policy. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Gupta, Alisha Haridasani. "Biden Signs Executive Order to Advance Gender Equity." The New York Times, 8 Mar. 2021. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/08/us/politics/gender-policy-council-biden.html. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Hirsch, Lauren, et al. "Companies Counter Pushback on Price Increases With Promotions." The New York Times, 1 June 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/01/business/dealbook/companies-counter-pushback-on-price-increases-with-promotions.html. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Hirsh , Michael. "Inside the Next Republican Revolution." Politico, 19 Sept. 2023, www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/09/19/project-2025-trump-reagan-00115811. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"House Democrats Step up to Try to Stop Project 2025 Plans for a Trump White House." AP News, 11 June 2024, https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-biden-election-congress-6899a1167a4522b1c8be371f7abe7ee9. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"How Trump Secured the Delegates for the 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination." AP News, 12 Mar. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-nomination-delegates-61801649ea454f730bd193ca04ab739f. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Isenstadt, Alex, and Meredith McGraw. "Trump Ramps up Debate Prep: 'Policy Discussions' Instead of Mock Debate." Politico, 17 June 2024, https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/17/donald-trump-debate-prep-00163749. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Knefel, John. "The Center for Renewing America Has a Plan to Unleash the FBI on Its Political Enemies." Media Matters for America, 4 Jan. 2023, https://www.mediamatters.org/fox-news/center-renewing-america-has-plan-unleash-fbi-its-political-enemies. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Kosar, Kevin. Phone Interview.

Lawton, Sophie, et al. "A Guide to Project 2025, the Extreme Right-Wing Agenda for the next Republican Administration." Media Matters for America, 20 Mar. 2024, https://www.mediamatters.org/heritage-foundation/guide-project-2025-extreme-right-wing-agenda-next-republican-administration. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Lewis, Neil A. "300,000 Apply for 3,300 Obama Jobs." The New York Times, 6 Dec. 2008. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/06/us/politics/06seek.html. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Liles, Jordan and Taija PerryCook. "Trump Convicted on All 34 Counts of Falsifying Records in Hush-Money Case." Snopes, 30 May 2024, https://www.snopes.com//news/2024/05/30/donald-trump-verdict/. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise." The Heritage Foundation, 2023, thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/project2025/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"MANDATE II." Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/11/22/mandate-ii/ee2ede6b-86c0-4180-8e94-3d4a533a9b72/. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"Mark Meadows." Conservative Partnership Institute, https://www.cpi.org/staff/mark-meadows/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Moore, Elena. "Biden and Trump Will Debate on Thursday. Here's What You Need to Know." NPR, 24 June 2024. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/06/24/nx-s1-5013579/trump-biden-presidential-debate-when. Accessed 25 June 2024.

North, Anna. "Trump May Sound Moderate on Abortion. The Groups Setting His Agenda Definitely Aren't." Vox, 8 Apr. 2024, https://www.vox.com/policy/24122099/trump-second-term-project-2025-christian-nationalists. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"Obama Moves into Hiring Mode." BBC, 15 Nov. 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7730808.stm. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"Overseer or 'The Decider'? The American President in Administrative Law." Faculti, 5 Mar. 2024, https://faculti.net/overseer-or-the-decider/. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Palma, Bethania. "What Is Critical Race Theory and Why Are Some People So Mad at It?" Snopes, 27 May 2021, https://www.snopes.com//news/2021/05/27/what-is-critical-race-theory/. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the New Deal | Great Depression and World War II, 1929-1945." Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/great-depression-and-world-war-ii-1929-1945/franklin-delano-roosevelt-and-the-new-deal/. Accessed 27 June 2024.

"Project 2025 Reaches 100 Coalition Partners, Continues to Grow in Preparation for Next President." The Heritage Foundation, https://www.heritage.org/press/project-2025-reaches-100-coalition-partners-continues-grow-preparation-next-president. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"Project 2025 Advisor Says the Initiative Will 'Integrate a Lot of Our Work' with the Trump Campaign Later This Year." Media Matters for America, 22 Apr. 2024, https://www.mediamatters.org/project-2025/project-2025-advisor-says-initiative-will-integrate-lot-our-work-trump-campaign-later. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"RNC, TRUMP CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCE LEADERSHIP FOR 2024 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION'S PLATFORM COMMITTEE." GOP.Com, 15 May 2024, gop.com/press-release/rnc-trump-campaign-announce-leadership-for-2024-republican-national-conventions-platform-committee/. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"Senior Executive Service." Ballotpedia, https://ballotpedia.org/Senior_Executive_Service. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Shortis, Emma. "Friday Essay: Project 2025, the Policy Substance behind Trump's Showmanship, Reveals a Radical Plan to Reshape the World." The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2024, http://theconversation.com/friday-essay-project-2025-the-policy-substance-behind-trumps-showmanship-reveals-a-radical-plan-to-reshape-the-world-227161. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Singer, James. Biden Campaign. Email Interview.

Slattery, Gram, et al. "Donald Trump Wants to Control the Justice Department and FBI. His Allies Have a Plan." Reuters, 29 May 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump-wants-control-justice-department-fbi-his-allies-have-plan-2024-05-17/. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Stone, Peter. "A Far-Right US Youth Group Is Ramping up Its Movement to Back Election Deniers." The Guardian, 2 Mar. 2024. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/02/far-right-youth-group-turning-point-charlie-kirk. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Stone, Peter. "Money and Misinformation: How Turning Point USA Became a Formidable pro-Trump Force." The Guardian, 23 Oct. 2021. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/23/turning-point-rightwing-youth-group-critics-tactics. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Stone, Peter. "'Openly Authoritarian Campaign': Trump's Threats of Revenge Fuel Alarm." The Guardian, 22 Nov. 2023. The Guardian, Nov. 22, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/22/trump-revenge-game-plan-alarm. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Storrs, Landon. Phone Interview.

Stracqualursi, Veronica and Gabby Orr, Kristen Holmes. "Former President Donald Trump Announces a White House Bid for 2024." CNN, 16 Nov. 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/15/politics/trump-2024-presidential-bid/index.html. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Swan, Jonathan, et al. "Trump and Allies Forge Plans to Increase Presidential Power in 2025." The New York Times, 17 July 2023. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/17/us/politics/trump-plans-2025.html. Accessed 21 June 2024.

Swan, Jonathan, and Maggie Haberman. "Heritage Foundation Makes Plans to Staff Next G.O.P. Administration." The New York Times, 20 Apr. 2023. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/us/politics/republican-president-2024-heritage-foundation.html. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"The 2024 Executive Power Survey – Unitary Executive." The New York Times, 15 Sept. 2023. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/politics/unitary-executive-executive-power.html. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"The Paris Agreement." UNFCCC. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"The Principles of Trumpism." The Heritage Foundation, https://www.heritage.org/event/the-principles-trumpism. Accessed 26 June 2024.

"The Risks of Schedule F for Administrative Capacity and Government Accountability." Brookings, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-risks-of-schedule-f-for-administrative-capacity-and-government-accountability/. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"TikTok Content Creators Sue the US Government over Law That Could Ban the Popular Platform." AP News, 14 May 2024, https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-creators-sue-ban-bytedance-3324b0fee4473f6e05c5c51ae5ff6946. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"Tracking the Criminal and Civil Cases against Donald Trump." Associated Press, 17 Nov. 2023, https://apnews.com/projects/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"Trump Administration Embraces Heritage Foundation Policy Recommendations." The Heritage Foundation, https://www.heritage.org/impact/trump-administration-embraces-heritage-foundation-policy-recommendations. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Trump Wants to Be America's Landlord | The Nation. 14 June 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20240614115404/https://www.thenation.com/article/society/housing-policy-hud-section-8-real-estate/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Under a Second Trump Term, the DHS Will Be Even Harsher Than Before | The Nation. 5 June 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20240605003444/https://www.thenation.com/article/society/project-2025-dhs-immigration/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"United States Congress Elections, 2024." Ballotpedia, https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Congress_elections,_2024. Accessed 21 June 2024.

"What You Need to Know about Jeffrey Clark's 2020 Election Charges." PBS News, 8 Sept. 2023, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-you-need-to-know-about-jeffrey-clarks-2020-election-charges. Accessed 20 June 2024.

"Who We Are." The Center for Renewing America, https://americarenewing.com/about/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

July 5, 2024: This post was updated to include Trump's July 5, 2024, post on Truth Social.

By Nur Ibrahim

Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing.

By Aleksandra Wrona

Aleksandra Wrona is a reporting fellow for Snopes, based in the Warsaw area.

Article Tags

• Get 7 Days Free

ESG Turns 20: A Brief History, and Why It’s Not Going Away

12 things to know about ESG and sustainable investing, and a look at the next 20 years.

Sometime in your investing journey, you’ve probably encountered the term ESG. It celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year, and it stands for environmental, social and governance analysis of companies and investing. It evolved from an early approach called “socially responsible investing.” Sometimes, the term ESG is confused with the broader term “sustainable investing,” which includes a wide array of approaches , including ESG analysis. (You can learn more about the prehistory of ESG here .)

As the planet warms, and as younger consumers and investors make sustainability a priority, ESG has never been more financially relevant. But while it’s been roundly criticized in recent years, it’s here for good. We asked Morningstar analysts and other sustainable-investing experts how it came about, and what the next 20 years may hold.

ESG Turns 20 this year. How did it start?

ESG evolved from values-based investing as people sought more systematic ways to describe risks that weren’t strictly financial. In 2004, the UN Global Compact published “Who Cares Wins,” which discussed the concept of “environmental, social and governance” factors to describe these nonfinancial issues. It provided a systematic way of accounting for nonfinancial risks—the changing climate, say, or human rights violations―and rejected the view that investment should happen from a purely financial perspective. “In many cases, for example, responsible investors are compensating for a lack of effective public policy,” says Thomas Kuh, head of ESG Strategy for Morningstar Indexes.

Next, the law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer showed that ESG issues are relevant for financial valuation and consistent with fiduciary duty. That laid the groundwork for using ESG analysis. Its report was commissioned by the United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative, the first of a number of studies showing that fiduciaries needed to consider ESG issues, when they were material.

The same UN body launched the Principles for Responsible Investment in 2006, creating a framework for institutional investors to incorporate ESG into their investment processes.

The Freshfields report “was a turning point. It said that not only are investment funds allowed to include nonfinancial factors, but that they arguably must, because the time horizon for what’s material to financial returns is long and nonfinancial factors present all sorts of risk and opportunities for investors,” says Lisa Cooper, founder, Figure 8 Investing Strategies. “Soon you had big European pension plans asking banks and asset managers to figure it out.”

Two landmark events catalyzed the growth of ESG. Developments in society also helped it along.

In 2015, the Paris Climate Accord and the Sustainable Development Goals were signed. The Paris Agreement, now ratified by 180-plus countries, sets goals for curbing global warming.

The UN also established Sustainable Development Goals, calling for nations to address challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate change, and peace by 2030. The SDGs embrace actions that corporations and others can take to achieve the goals. This sets a framework by which business leaders and investors could speak the same language and work toward shared targets.

Soon after, “Corporate Sustainability: First Evidence on Materiality” was published, which showed that focusing on financially relevant ESG factors had a positive effect on shareholder value. For example, “If climate change matters for investors’ decisions, then climate risk is material even if the company is not inclined to state that in regulatory documents,” says Kuh.

Issues that weren’t on investors’ radar were now financially relevant. The 2008 global financial crisis showed how unchecked financial system weaknesses could erode value. Investors began framing the climate crisis as a market failure, providing momentum for the Paris Agreement, says Jackie Cook, who leads the proxy-voting advisory service for Morningstar Sustainalytics.

As they adopted ESG analysis, investors found new risks. Consider factory farming, where ESG analysis underscored risks such as food contamination and labor issues. The coronavirus pandemic disproportionately affected vulnerable communities and thrust companies in the public glare. “Remember workers in slaughterhouses continuing to work during covid? Suddenly, people realized ‘Oh, we’re looking at ESG issues,’” says Maria Lettini, executive director of US SIF, the trade organization for sustainable investing. “Covid highlighted how food system risk affects economies and commodities and access to food.”

Companies also saw ESG as increasingly relevant.

To help address the challenges of achieving the Paris Agreement goals, the G20 and Financial Stability Board created the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, to help people understand “carbon-related assets in the financial sectors.” TCFD would become a regulated reporting requirement across many global regions. By 2022, 61% of G250 companies disclosed information in line with at least one of the framework’s pillars.

In 2018, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink urged fellow CEOs to position for long-term profitability by focusing on the role of the corporation in society. Companies focused on minimizing negative environmental and social impacts and accentuating positive ones would be rewarded by customers, protect their brands, and attract top talent, enabling them to better navigate the transition to an increasingly low-carbon and digital economy, Fink wrote.

Previously, the economist Milton Friedman’s doctrine of shareholder primacy held sway . By 2019, the powerful Business Roundtable also reversed its stance on shareholder primacy, saying that other stakeholders—customers, employees, suppliers, communities—are also important.

“The shift toward a stakeholder view of the firm and how it should be governed was already happening well before the COVID pandemic—fueled by a post-financial crisis awakening to the systemic vulnerabilities introduced by short-termism, as well as a growing urgency for global action to halt climate change,” says Cook of Sustainalytics. “However, [the pandemic] brought to the fore fundamental flaws in shareholder primacy-style governance. The economic and political fallout ignited a collective awareness of the overlapping interests of stakeholder groups in securing resilience across systems.”

ESG goes mainstream.

In 2016, Morningstar introduced the Sustainability Rating for funds and ETFs and established its sustainability indexes. Jon Hale, a prominent sustainable-investing commentator and former Morningstar head of sustainability research, helped create the rating. Hale recalls: “I couldn’t believe how complex and sophisticated the frameworks had gotten. I asked Joe [Mansueto, Morningstar’s founder], ‘Can we do this?’ He said, ‘Sure.’ And once he said that, then people said, OK, we’ll shake loose some resources. When we launched the rating, it focused attention on sustainable investing. Academic papers were written. Morningstar had given its stamp of approval on this idea of sustainable investing. It got a lot of heads nodding.”

More big investors began to use ESG analysis. “In 2014, we noticed in our trends reporting that the biggest jump was in the use of the ESG integration strategy,” says Bryan McGannon, managing director of US SIF, the trade group for the sustainable-investing industry. “It began to permeate mainstream finance.”

As the value proposition grew clear, consolidation took place throughout the sustainable-investing ecosystem. Eaton Vance bought Calvert Research & Management in 2016, followed by Impax purchasing Pax World Management, both prominent sustainable-investing boutiques. In 2017, Morningstar took a stake in data and analytics provider Sustainalytics, which provided the data for its fund sustainability ratings, and bought the rest of the firm in 2020.

Morningstar’s own development, like that of many financial-services companies, is intertwined with ESG’s evolution.

Morningstar analysts covered socially responsible funds PAX World Fund, Dreyfus Third Century, and the Calvert funds, starting in the 1980s. Sustainalytics established global ESG research and ratings offerings in 2010 and expanded its offering to include governance research and carbon solutions in 2015. Morningstar’s approach to its own corporate sustainability drew on its approach to research, centering on independence, materiality, and transparency. “We’re founded on the idea that investors deserve transparency into what’s in their portfolios and the tools to make better decisions,” said Gabriel Presler, global head of enterprise sustainability for Morningstar. “Stakeholders, meaning our employees, shareholders, and clients, deserve that same transparency. Environmental, social, and governance information provides stakeholders with a more complete view of an issuer or investment or an organization―not only its value in the market and the risk it presents, but also the externalities, good and bad, it is creating.”

Europe takes the lead.

In 2017, the European Commission presented its sustainable finance action plan to refocus capital on a low-carbon economy. The plan included proposals for regulation of disclosures on sustainable investment and sustainability risks. The European Green Deal came in 2019, followed by a separate plan to help companies and investors identify economic activities that are environmentally sustainable, as well as an anti-greenwashing rule that makes fund managers and others communicate the environmental and social impact of their transactions. Such moves accelerated the adoption of ESG. By 2023, Morningstar’s coverage of ESG funds was worth $2.8 trillion dollars, with Europe representing more than 80% of these global ESG fund assets.

Transparency and comparability grow more robust .

It was a big year in 2023: The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive became law, new sustainability reporting standards were finalized, and California enacted two broad-based climate-related reporting laws. In 2024, the SEC finally adopted a sweeping rule to make companies listed in the US report climate-related risks and their plans to adapt to them. Today, according to the SEC, some 90% of companies in the Russell 1000 Index already disclose this kind of sustainability data. Other jurisdictions go further than the SEC: For example, companies that do business in Europe or California are preparing to make more detailed disclosures than what the SEC requires. (For more on sustainability reporting requirements around the globe, download Morningstar’s “Sustainability Reporting Requirements” white paper ).

But … the nomenclature grows confusing.

Increasingly, people use the term ESG investing for a vast array of approaches, whether investing according to their values, such as screening out stocks or finding companies that have an impact, or pursuing values based on nonfinancial factors, or some combination of approaches. ESG as a tool becomes conflated with the broader notion of sustainable investing.

Properly understood, ESG is an analytical framework that uses ESG factors to approach an investment, says Morningstar’s Kuh. “It’s is a useful tool for informing investment decisions.” There is no such thing as an “ESG company,” for example.

The ESG reckoning begins .

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2021, highlighted contradictions, inconsistencies, and conflicts between the E, the S, and the G, points out Hortense Bioy, head of sustainable investing research for Morningstar Sustainalytics. For example, in Europe, governments reneged on their environmental goals by turning to fossil fuels to reduce dependence on Russian gas. The war also boosted oil and gas shares, making fossil-fuel-light ESG funds underperform by comparison. It highlighted the need for a strong defense industry, “something that doesn’t align with the values of investors focused on sustainability,” says Bioy.

Meanwhile, as fund managers chased after new clients, greenwashing charges grew—just as critiques of sustainable investing were on the rise. In 2023, DWS, an investment firm controlled by Deutsche Bank, settled with the SEC over misstatements regarding its ESG investing. Separately, critics slammed ESG on grounds that it overpromises on performance or reduces motivation by governments to solve climate change. Others said it violates fiduciary duty because it ventures outside the economic interest, narrowly defined, of investors. Says Kuh: “Greenwashing can be seen as primarily overreach on the part of fund managers but also unrealistic expectations on the part of investors.”

ESG becomes politicized.

In 2021, Texas prohibited government contracts with companies it thought were punishing the fossil fuel and firearms industries and banned public pension funds from using ESG principles in investing. Republican opponents also slammed companies for venturing into social issues, dubbing ESG “woke capitalism.” This year, Florida effectively bans the term “climate change” from its state laws.

Today, dozens of states have passed either pro- or anti-ESG bills related to financial institutions and other large companies. The decisions have financial consequences: Wharton says decisions to ban certain banks as municipal bond underwriters in Texas means cities will pay an additional $303 million to $532 million in interest on $32 billion in bonds. As the term “ESG” became a political football, companies and investors shied away: BlackRock CEO Fink said he’d stop using it because it’s become weaponized on both sides, the right and the left, and it’s become too polarizing.

Should the term ESG be retired?

• Some people think so. Originally a specific term, “it’s often used to refer to both value- and values-based investing approaches which has fueled an opportunistic political attack on investing choice based on a deliberately narrow interpretation of ‘fiduciary duty,’” says Cook. Adds Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds: “The term should be retired because it’s misused. There’s no such thing as ESG investing. There’s using ESG data to assess risk and reward. But too often it becomes synonymous with investments that are making an impact in the real world instead of companies that are just addressing their risks.”
• ESG is necessary. Most things that aren’t purely financial or economic have an ESG angle to them. “It’s that breadth that has sometimes left proponents of ESG integration in investing open to the charge that they are taking their eye off the ball when it comes to fiduciary duty,” says Lindsey Stewart, director of stewardship research and policy for Morningstar Sustainalytics. But considering ESG information is essential for getting a 360-degree view of the risks and opportunities a business is facing.
• ESG data and frameworks allow investors and companies to understand the actual costs of corporate behavior . “With negative externalities, it becomes the public’s responsibility to bear the cost. ESG data demonstrates the true cost of company behavior. It’s transparency in the hands of people who have not had this power before,” says Presler of Morningstar.

Says Andy Behar, CEO of shareholder advocate As You Sow: “ESG is about the relationship between shareholders and companies they own. Companies need to disclose [ESG information] honestly and in a standardized format for shareholders to make a good decision,” much as the SEC required standardized financial disclosures decades ago.

• And it’s too late to go back. Any factors that are material to investment returns will find their way back into the investment process. Most financial system participants, including central banks, regulators, large institutional investors, believe that nonfinancial investing factors are financially relevant. Consumers have increasingly voiced support for their own sustainability goals. “Couldn’t we just drop ESG altogether and get back to investing as we used to know it? It’s not that simple : ESG issues are already embedded into our lives,” says Adam Fleck, director of research, ratings, and ESG at Morningstar Sustainalytics.

The next 20 years. Remember that the year 2030—a target for many climate pledges—looms large.

• Expect regulations and standards globally for companies to measure and disclose climate risk management, says Stewart, “like the birth of generally accepted accounting principles half a century ago, but for sustainability. Today, it’s almost incomprehensible that there would be no standardized method for companies to disclose their revenues and profits, or assets and liabilities. Before long, we’ll feel exactly the same way about ESG disclosures like GHG emissions or workforce metrics.”
• Expect more impact-oriented investing and other data . “Impact is a new form of values-oriented investment,” says Bioy. New EU regulations require companies to report on risks to their business and their impact on the world around them. These regulations “will facilitate the new trend.”
• Expect funds to be more targeted . For example, about two thirds of sustainable funds have energy sector exposure, as they engage with companies. “It’s time to reconsider that view,” says Hale. “Sustainable funds that currently invest in fossil fuels should say they are going to spend no more than the next five years engaging—and after that, they are going to wind down their exposure to fossil fuels. There is no more time to wait.”
• Expect “S” factors to remain a political hot button . “Investors’ efforts to advance S-related policies, practices and investing approaches will continue, but will be increasingly referred to in general terms like human capital management and supply chain resilience,” says Cook.
• Artificial intelligence will transform how we gather and analyze sustainability issues in a world inundated with data. Sustainability research will complement company-reported information with data about companies from external sources, such as geospatial data on methane emissions. “Sustainable investing should not be expected to ‘solve’ complex, often global, problems, but it can be a force for change,” says Kuh.

The author or authors do not own shares in any securities mentioned in this article. Find out about Morningstar’s editorial policies .

More in Sustainable Investing

These Companies Lead Their Sectors in the Carbon Transition

The Story of the First ESG Index

5 Undervalued Stocks From Morningstar’s New LGBTQ+ Index

About the authors, leslie p. norton.

Leslie Norton is editorial director for sustainability at Morningstar.

Norton joined Morningstar in 2021 after a long career at Barron's Magazine and Barrons.com, where she managed the magazine's well-known Q&A feature and launched its sustainable investing coverage. Before that, she was Barron's Asia editor and mutual funds editor. While at Barron's, she won a SABEW "Best in Business" award for a series of stories investigating fraudulent Chinese equities, which protected the savings of investors and pensioners by warning about deceptive stocks before they crashed.

She holds a bachelor's degree from Yale College, where she majored in English, and a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.

Which Tesla Shareholder Proposals Could Win Support?

Investors challenge ai and automation at meta, alphabet, and more companies, proxy season 2024: how to act like an owner, investors pressure exxonmobil board on climate; meta shareholders consider child safety and ai, proxy votes this week at amazon, schwab, and morgan stanley, during aapi month, financial advice for a poorly understood group, shareholders push these companies on human rights, worker-friendly policies, and biodiversity, shareholder activism on the rise at these two major companies.

Charity Blue

Charity Blue is a senior product manager and reporting program manager on Morningstar's Enterprise Sustainability Team.

9 Things to Know About the SEC’s New Climate Rule and How It Affects You

5 companies championing female leadership representation, 3 stocks that stress equal pay as we observe international women’s day, sponsor center.

• Friday, 12th July, 2024
• Rest of the World
• Health & Wellbeing
• Life & Style

Rep Akinremi Buried in Ibadan Amidst Tears  6 hours ago

Govs to meet virtually tonight after supreme court granted financial autonomy to lgs 6 hours ago, court remands buhari’s power minister, saleh mamman, in prison custody over alleged n33.8bn fraud  6 hours ago, tinubu, labour talks continue next week 9 hours ago, latest headlines.

Report: Productivity Declined Marginally in June as Agriculture, Manufacturing Outpaced Services

NASENI Trains Osun Youths on Shoemaking, Tailoring

Ethiopian Airlines Inaugurates New Engine Testing Capability

Keyamo to Lead Discussion at LAAC Annual Conference

Teensthink transitions to international stage with 2024 essay competition on food security.

TeensThink, renowned for its role in nurturing leadership and educational excellence among teenagers, achieved a significant milestone with its 4th annual edition, now evolved into an international essay competition. Held at the Radisson Blu in Lagos, Nigeria, the event attracted participants from various corners of Africa, including representatives from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, as well as entries from Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.

The theme of the 2024 edition, “Food Security,” emphasized TeensThink’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through the lens of youth empowerment and education.

Aboyeji Toluwanimi Elizabeth of Funaab International School, Abeokuta emerged as the overall winner of the competition. Her profound essay not only delved into the complexities of food security challenges but also proposed innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture in Africa. Otito Ofolue and Owoeye Ayomide, from Babington Macaulay, Lagos, and Advanced Breed Comprehensive, Lagos, respectively, secured the first and second runners-up positions with equally compelling perspectives.

The awards, which included Lenovo laptops, cash prizes, and gift packs, recognized the outstanding achievements of the winners. Aboyeji Toluwanimi Elizabeth received 150,000 Naira, while Otito Ofolue and Owoeye Ayomide were awarded 100,000 Naira and 70,000 Naira, respectively. These prizes underscore TeensThink’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to providing tangible support to nurture the potential of young leaders.

Kehinde Olesin, the Convener and Founder of TeensThink, expressed pride in the participants’ accomplishments, highlighting the organization’s dedication to equipping teenagers with the skills and knowledge essential for navigating global food systems. “TeensThink believes in the transformative power of education and leadership,” said Olesin. “Through our comprehensive programs, workshops, and mentorship, we empower young minds to proactively address challenges like food security.”

The event also featured Deina Mayaki, Co-Founder and CEO of Agriarche Ltd., as a special guest. Mayaki, a prominent agro-entrepreneur, encouraged participants to harness technology to drive agricultural adoption across Africa. Her keynote address underscored the critical role of innovation in achieving sustainable food security measures on the continent.

Adeboye Adeyemi, Chairman of the Advisory Board at TeensThink, commended the winners for their exceptional contributions. “Your exceptional work sets a benchmark for others to follow,” remarked Adeyemi. “Your essays have the potential to spark meaningful conversations, challenge societal norms, and pave the way for a more secure future.”

Sifax Group, Nigerian Breweries, Multichoice, Tulcan Energy, Nigeria, Friesland Wampico,STL Trustees Hansol Geonetworks, Viju, MTN, and Pepsi were amongst the partners and sponsors for the 2024 edition of TeensThink.

TeensThink is a dynamic leadership and educational platform initiated by MarchMedia, a prominent marketing and communications agency based in Lagos, Nigeria. Dedicated to cultivating exceptional leaders with marketable skills and a passion for education and global issues, TeensThink continues to empower youth through innovative programs and initiatives.

Related Articles

Founded on January 22, 1995, THISDAY is published by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LTD., 35 Creek Road Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria with offices in 36 states of Nigeria , the Federal Capital Territory and around the world. It is Nigeria’s most authoritative news media available on all platforms for the political, business, professional and diplomatic elite and broader middle classes while serving as the meeting point of new ideas, culture and technology for the aspirationals and millennials. The newspaper is a public trust dedicated to the pursuit of truth and reason covering a range of issues from breaking news to politics, business, the markets, the arts, sports and community to the crossroads of people and society.

Helpful Links

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

You can email us at: [email protected] or visit our contact us page.

A cooling towel, odorless mosquito repellent and more summer essentials — starting at $5

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• TODAY Plaza

People love to hate this self-described ‘doctor’s wife’ on Instagram: She explains herself

Anyone who stumbles upon Laura Noonan’s Instagram account knows two things right away: She’s married to a doctor. 

“Everyone thinks my my husband’s job is my entire personality,” Noonan, 34, tells TODAY.com , “but all they're seeing is one sliver of my life that I choose to post on social media."

Noonan identifies herself with a "doctorwife" hashtag and shares daily videos with her 20,000 followers about her “physician family,” which includes, Tim, an infectious disease specialist, and their sons Ethan, 4, and Levi, 2. The couple is expecting their third child, a boy, in October.

Noonan says her niche is similar to that of military/police/firefighter wife influencers. She talks about topics such as medical school debt, relocating for work and date nights getting interrupted by consult calls. 

“There are so many unique nuances that come with being married to medicine,” Noonan explains. “Right off the bat, I think of going through residency and fellowships. It’s one of those things that you can’t understand unless you’ve been there.”

“I get so many DMs from people who are like, ‘I’m so glad I found your account. I feel so seen,’” Noonan continues.

Noonan is regularly accused of being tone-deaf, out of touch and braggy.

“Your husband’s job is your entire personality. And it’s LAME,” one critic commented.

Kari J. Winter, a professor of global gender and sexuality studies at the University of Buffalo, calls Noonan a “documentarian and memoirist.”

“She absolutely has an identity of her own. She’s helping people who are going through similar things — and that is meaningful,” Winter tells TODAY.com. “But at the same time, she is picking up on an ancient patriarchal notion by calling herself a ‘physician wife.’ It goes back to times when a woman ceased to exist as a person recognized by law. She lost her personhood when she got married.”

Noonan described her house-hunting woes in a recent reel: “When a realtor tries to upsell you from $600,000 home to a $1,000,000 home because you’re a ‘physician family, who can afford it.’”

“Is this page satire? It has to be…” one person wrote.

Other reactions included:

• “We had the exact same thing happen!! I could have written this!”
• “Took my time to look through the account just to confirm her whole personality is her husband’s job.”
• “Physician family means both of the married couple are physicians. Not one.”
• “Girl, get a damn job and stop complaining about money.”

Noonan, a former family support specialist at a low-income preschool, says she tries not to let the critics get her down.

“For the people who are like, ‘Get a job,’ if I did go back to work — our kids wouldn’t have a ton of support. We don’t have family here,” she says. “I manage all of our lives, and that’s important.”

Rachel Paula Abrahamson is a lifestyle reporter who writes for the parenting, health and shop verticals. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and elsewhere. Rachel lives in the Boston area with her husband and their two daughters. Follow her on Instagram .

Tamra Judge’s daughter, 18, returns to ‘Real Housewives’ after yearslong absence with edgy look

Mom shares warning after sun reflecting off a mirror burns her son’s car seat

I’m a happy mom but my favorite stories are about child-free women

I refuse to play with my kids — and it makes me a better mom

Hoda Kotb and her daughters are moving. What the TODAY co-host has said about the transition

This mom’s response when her daughter called her fat is brilliant

Vanna White shares a rare photo of her daughter Gigi, a tattoo artist

Pink (lovingly) ‘fires’ her daughter Willow from her world tour

Heartbreaking episode of 'Mama June' shows Anna Cardwell’s death

60 sweet baby quotes that will definitely make you smile

• SI SWIMSUIT
• SI SPORTSBOOK

'He's a blur': Terrence Shannon Jr. can be 'ready-to-play' transition bucket for Wolves

Nolan o'hara | jul 10, 2024.

• Minnesota Timberwolves

Chris Finch stressed often throughout last season the need for the Timberwolves to convert more in transition , one of their weaknesses during the 2023-24 campaign. 

Some of that has to do with the construction of the roster. The Timberwolves feature a two-big lineup with Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert that naturally wouldn’t be among the fastest in the NBA. But the Wolves ranked 29th of the 30 NBA teams in fast-break points per game at 12.4, and Finch would often point to the transition opportunities that came up fruitless. 

Addressing that issue and finding an additional scoring punch has been a clear offseason focus for the Wolves. While the starting lineup, which returns from a season ago, won’t get any faster, the roster changes the Wolves did make — including drafting Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. in the first round of this year’s NBA draft — could bring a rise in transition buckets.

Shannon in particular could be a player to look out for. Wolves assistant Chris Hines, who’s coaching the Summer League team that will feature Shannon and Dillingham, among others, told Paul Allen on KFXN-FM Wednesday that Shannon’s speed in transition will surprise people.

“I mean, he’s a blur,” Hines told Allen. “I’ve been around the game for 10 years coaching. I’ve coached some of the best players in the world and work with some of them, and this kid is super fast in the open floor and he’s super aggressive at the rim and he’s tenacious off the catch, too as well. He’s a guy I look at as maybe a ready-to-play now guy. 

“Obviously experience in the NBA is where these young guys need to get to, but I love him. And he’s super coachable, so I think his development will move on pretty quick.” 

Shannon’s speed could bring some needed pace to the Timberwolves’ second unit, one Finch typically likes to see play faster with the starting unit built on the slow side. 

Last season, Shannon helped Illinois rank No. 94 of 351 Division I programs with 11.47 fast-break points per game on its way to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. That mark was fourth best in the Big Ten behind just Rutgers (12.22), Michigan State (14.09) and Iowa (14.85). 

Meanwhile, Shannon, 23, also provides a needed skillset as a scorer who can create for himself. Shannon was among the nation’s leading scorers last season, averaging 23.0 points on 48% shooting, including a 36% mark from 3, as well as 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. 

Dillingham, too, is another player who can bring pace and provide the Wolves with a scoring punch, particularly as a player who can beat defenders off the dribble. Hines told Allen that Dillingham has the potential to be an “elite scorer” but that it may take some time before he gets there. Hines believes Dillingham can be an adept playmaker, too. 

Both Shannon and Dillingham have the potential to help the Timberwolves improve in transition this season, they’ll just need to get ready for NBA-level basketball first. That begins this Friday when the Wolves open their Summer League schedule with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Overall, the Summer League will be about developing the young Wolves into players who can contribute at the highest level this fall. 

“The biggest thing for me, and I’ve told the staff, is teaching these guys,” Hines told Allen. “How do we teach and win at the same time, right? And that’s one of the hardest things I think in Summer League that you have to do.” 

NOLAN O'HARA

• Newsletters
• Account Activating this button will toggle the display of additional content Account Sign out

What’s a Gender Doula?

Jules talks to Eli Lawliet about their practice as a Gender Doula, offering practical and emotional support to people as they transition

Listen & Subscribe

Choose your preferred player:

• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music

Please enable javascript to get your Slate Plus feeds.

Get Your Slate Plus Podcast

If you can't access your feeds, please contact customer support.

Thanks! Check your phone for a link to finish setting up your feed.

Please enter a 10-digit phone number.

Listen on your phone: RECOMMENDED

Enter your phone number and we'll text you a link to set up the podcast in your app:

We'll only text you about setting up this podcast, no spam.

Listen on your computer:

Apple Podcasts will only work on MacOS operating systems since Catalina . We do not support Android apps on desktop at this time.

Listen on your device: RECOMMENDED

These links will only work if you're on the device you listen to podcasts on.

Set up manually:

How does this work?

We're sorry, but something went wrong while fetching your podcast feeds. Please contact us at [email protected] for help.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Jules talks to Gender Doula Eli Lawliet. They break down what it means to offer non-medical support to people during transition, the long history of trans support networks, and the value of ritual and spirituality during transition.

About the Show

Outward, Slate's queer podcast, is a whip-smart monthly salon in which hosts and guests deepen the audience’s understanding of queer culture and politics, delight them with unexpected perspectives, and invite listeners into a colorful conversation about the issues animating LGBTQ communities.

Jules Gill-Peterson is a writer based in Baltimore, where she teaches transgender history, culture, and politics at Johns Hopkins University. She is the author of Histories of the Transgender Child .