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How To Start A Paragraph: 200+ Important Words And Phrases

by Kerri-Anne Edinburgh | Last updated Nov 18, 2024 | First published on Aug 3, 2022 | 0 comments

There’s a lot to get right when you’re writing an essay. And a particularly important skill is knowing how to start a paragraph effectively. That first sentence counts!

Luckily for you, we’ve compiled HEAPS of advice, example phrases and top connective words to help you transition between paragraphs and guide your reader with ease.

So read on for a pick ’n’ mix of how to start a paragraph examples!

Meet the expert

Kerri-Anne Edinburgh

By Dr Kerri-Anne Edinburgh , our Cambridge University educated specialist in study skills, mindset, research and writing. As Head Writer and Editor for the popular Exam Study Expert blog since 2021, Kerri has spent over three years immersed in the psychology of learning, ensuring each article is packed with valuable insights, practical tips and helpful graphics.

Article review by William Wadsworth

Paragraphs: the lowdown

So why exactly are paragraphs such an important tool for writing effectively ? Well:

• They’re an important part of keeping your reader captivated
• They help your reader to follow your argument or narrative
• And they keep your writing in easily digestible chunks of information!

And an important part of all that is nailing the start of your paragraphs . Honestly!

Start off strong and your reader will know exactly what you’re going to do next and how your information interrelates. Top marks here you come – and for the low, low cost of some clever vocab!

Start your paragraphs off weakly however, without setting up effective signposting and transitions , and they’ll get lost and ( horror !) might have to re-read your essay to make sense of it. Ugh.

What should your paragraphs contain?

If you’re writing an academic essay, there are a lot of popular conventions and guides about what a paragraph should include.

Academic writing guides favour well-developed paragraphs that are unified, coherent, contain a topic sentence, and provide adequate development of your idea. They should be long enough to fully discuss and analyse your idea and evidence.

And remember – you should ALWAYS start a new paragraph for each new idea or point .

You can read more about paragraph break guidelines in our helpful what is a paragraph article! If you’re wondering how long your paragraphs should be , check out our guideline article.

Paragraph structure (the PEEL method)

Academic paragraphs often follow a common structure , designed to guide your reader through your argument – although not all the time ! It goes like this:

• Start with a “topic sentence”
• Give 1-2 sentences of supporting evidence for (or against) your argument
• Next, write a sentence analysing this evidence with respect to your argument or topic sentence
• Finally, conclude by explaining the significance of this stance, or providing a transition to the next paragraph

(A quick definition: A “topic sentence” introduces the idea your paragraph will focus upon and makes summarising easy. It can occur anywhere but placing it at the start increases readability for your audience. )

One popular acronym for creating well-developed academic paragraphs is PEEL . This stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link . Using this method makes it easy to remember what your paragraph should include.

• I.e. your point (the topic sentence), some evidence and analysis of how it supports your point, and a transitional link back to your essay question or forwards to your next paragraph.

NOTE : You shouldn’t start all your paragraphs the same way OR start every sentence in your paragraph with the same word – it’s distracting and won’t earn you good marks from your reader.

How to create clarity for your readers

Paragraphs are awesome tools for increasing clarity and readability in your writing. They provide visual markers for our eyes and box written content into easily digestible chunks.

But you still need to start them off strongly . Do this job well, and you can seamlessly guide your readers through the narrative or argument of your writing.

The first sentence of your paragraph is an important tool for creating that clarity . You can create links with the surrounding paragraphs and signal the purpose of this paragraph for your reader.

• Transitions show the links and relationships between the ideas you’re presenting: addition, contrast, sequential, conclusion, emphasis, example/citation
• Connective words help you to join together multiple paragraphs in a sequence
• Note: there is quite a lot of overlap in vocabulary! Some transitions are also great signposts etc.

Tip : Don’t overuse them! These techniques can make your writing sounds more professional and less like spoken language by smoothing over jarring jumps between topics. But using too many will make your writing stilted.

A common term that encompasses these three tools is “ sentence starter ”. They are typically set apart from the body of your sentence by a comma.

You can learn more about these key skills in our two helpful articles linked above – or explore a range of other writing skills advice, such as how to start an essay , structure an essay , and proofread an essay effectively!

Picking the right tone

It is important that the paragraph-starting phrases and connective words you choose complement the style of your writing and the conventions of the subject you are writing for .

For example, scientific papers usually have much clearer and expected structure and signposting conventions than arts and humanities papers.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to check some of the sources you’ve researched for your essay, explore the relevant academic style guide, or get help from a teacher – ask them for some examples!

Getting your grammar right

Grammatical conventions can be a minefield, but they’re worth remembering if you want to get top marks!

If you’re looking to increase the clarity of your writing and paragraphs, make sure you pick the right spot for your commas and colons .

For example, when you’re starting a new paragraph, many of the common signposting words and phrases require a comma. These include: however, therefore, moreover, what’s more, firstly, secondly, finally, likewise, for example, in general … (and more!).

These phrases should always be followed by a comma if it’s at the start of a sentence, or separated with a comma before and after like this if placed mid-sentence:

However, we cannot say for sure what happened here. We know, for example, that X claims to have lost the icon.

A word about “ this ” (a tip for really great writing)

As you start writing your paragraphs (and even sentences), you might be tempted to kick off with the word “ this” – as in the classic “ this shows that … ”.

But that’s not a great idea.

Why ? Academic essays aim should aim for maximum clarity, and “ this ” is just vague !

What’s important is that the connections that are clear to you , the writer (who is – hopefully – intimately familiar with your argument), are ALSO clear to your reader , who has probably never read your essay before.

Just imagine, your reader might be muttering “this what??” as they read, and then having to re-read the paragraph and the paragraph before to check … which is not ideal for getting good marks.

In complex documents (especially essays and theses) where a lot of information is presented at once, the points you’re referencing might be spread across several paragraphs of evidence and argument-building. So, unless your sentence/paragraph-starting “this” follows on immediately from the point it references, it’s best to try a different phrase.

And all it really takes is a little signposting and clarification to avoid the vagueness of “ this shows that ”. Ask yourself “ this WHAT shows that? ” And just point out what you’re referencing – and be obvious ! 

Here’s some examples:

You can also do a similar exercise with “ they ” and other demonstrative pronouns (that, these, those).

Specifying what your pronouns refer to will great help to increase the clarity of your (topic) sentences . And as an added bonus, your writing will also sound more sophisticated!

What type of paragraph are you starting?

When it comes to essay writing, there’s usually an expected structure: introduction, body (evidence and analysis) and conclusion .

With other genres of writing your paragraphs might not conform to such

Consider the structure of your paragraph. What do you want it to do? What is the topic? Do you want to open with your topic sentence?

How to start an introductory paragraph

Nailing the introduction of your essay is simultaneously one of the most important and hardest sections to write . A great introduction should set up your topic and explain why it’s significant.

One of the primary goals of an effective introduction is to clearly state your “ thesis statement ” (what your essay is about, and what you are setting out to achieve with your argument).

A popular (and easy) technique to start an introduction is to begin your first paragraph by immediately stating your thesis statement .

Here’s some examples of how to start a paragraph with your thesis statement:

• This paper discusses …
• In this paper, you will find …
• This essay argues that …
• This thesis will evaluate …
• This article will explore the complex socio-political factors that contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire between the reign of Constantine (312-337AD) and the fall of Rome in 476AD .

However, starting your introductory paragraph effectively is not all about immediately stating your thesis!

So head over to our great article on how to start an essay , for lots of more advice and examples on how to kick off your introductions and capture your reader’s attention with style!

How to start a body paragraph

Unless you’re writing an introduction or conclusion, you’ll be writing a “body paragraph”. Body paragraphs make up the majority of your essay, and should include all of your main points, data, evidence, analysis, deductions and arguments.

Each paragraph should have a particular purpose and be centred around one idea . Your body paragraphs might be analytical, evidential, persuasive, descriptive etc.

To help your reader make sense of the body of your essay, it’s important to guide them with signposts and transitions. These usually occur at the start of your paragraphs to demonstrate their relationship to preceding information.

However, that means there are LOTS of different techniques for starting your body paragraphs! So for 200+ words and phrases for effectively starting a body paragraph, simply keep reading!

How to start a concluding paragraph

Concluding paragraphs are a little different to other paragraphs because they shouldn’t be presenting new evidence or arguments . Instead, you’re aiming to draw your arguments together neatly, and tie up loose ends.

You might find them as part of a smaller sub-section within a longer academic dissertation or thesis. Or as part of the conclusion of your essay.

When starting your conclusion it’s always a great idea to let your reader know they’ve arrived by signposting its purpose . This is especially true if your essay doesn’t contain any headers!

Here are some examples of how to kick off your concluding paragraph:

• In conclusion, this paper has shown that …
• In summary, we have found that …
• A review of these analyses indicates that …
• To conclude, this essay has demonstrated that we must act immediately if we want to halt the drastic dwindling of our global bee population.

How to start a paragraph: 200+ top words and phrases for a winning first sentence

Choosing the best start for your paragraph is all about understanding the purpose of this paragraph within the wider context of the preceding (and following) paragraphs and your essay as a whole.

Where does it fit into the structure of your essay? Is it:

• Opening a new topic or theme?
• Providing explanations or descriptions?
• Continuing a list or sequence?
• Providing evidence?
• Presenting a different opinion or counter-argument?
• Beginning an analysis?
• Highlighting consequences?
• Drawing a conclusion?

It’s important to be direct in how you start each paragraph – especially if you’re struggling to get your point across!

The best way to craft a killer first sentence is to be clear on what you want it to do . We’ve covered 12 options below, packed with vocab and examples to get you started …

And don’t forget to consider when you should start a new paragraph , and how long you want your paragraphs to be . Where you place your paragraph breaks will have a big effect on the kind of starting sentence you need !

Finally – remember that the best time to craft effective opening sentences is after you’ve written your first draft and decided on your paragraph breaks! You should already have all your ideas arranged into a logical order.

Showing structure and presenting concepts

This first type of paragraphs are commonly found throughout your essay, whether you’re introducing your ideas, providing evidence and data, or presenting results.

There a lots of useful types of connective words and phrases to help you kick off your paragraphs with clarity:

Most notable are the sequential signposting words , which you can use throughout your essay to guide your reader through the steps of your argument, or a list of related evidence, for example.

If you’re looking for something a little more specific, read on for four sets of example academic phrases to use to start a paragraph!

1.       Starting or continuing a sequence

One of the most important types of transitional phrases to help you start a paragraph is a sequential transition . These signposting transitions are great for academic arguments because they help you to present your points in order, without the reader getting lost along the way.

Sequential connectives and transitions create order within your narrative by highlighting the temporal relationship between your paragraphs. Think lists of events or evidence , or setting out the steps in your narrative .

You’ll often find them in combination with other paragraph-starting phrases ( have a look at the examples below to spot them !)

Why not try out some of these examples to help guide the readers of your essay?

• Before considering X, it is important to note that …
• Following on from Y, we should also consider …
• The first notion to discuss is …
• The next point to consider is …
• Thirdly, we know that Y is also an important feature of …
• As outlined in the previous paragraph, the next steps are to …
• Having considered X, it is also necessary to explore Y …

2.       Providing evidence, examples or citations

Once you’ve made your claims or set out your ideas, it’s important to properly back them up. You’ll probably need to give evidence, quote experts and provide references throughout your essay .

If you’ve got more than one piece of evidence, it’s best to separate them out into individual paragraphs . Sequential signposting can be a helpful tool to help you and your reader keep track of your examples.

If your paragraph is all about giving evidence for a preceding statement, why not start with one of these phrases:

• For example, X often …
• This stance is clearly illustrated by …
• Consider the example of Y, which …
• This concept is well supported by …

If you want to quote or paraphrase a source or expert, a great way to start your paragraph is by introducing their views. You can also use phrases like these to help you clearly show their role in your essay:

• [Author], in particular, has argued that …
• According to [source], Y is heavily influenced by …
• [Source] for example, demonstrates the validity of this assertion by …
• This [counter-] argument is supported by evidence from X, which shows that …

Always remember to provide references for your sources in the manner most appropriate for your field ( i.e. footnotes, and author-date methods ).

3.       Giving emphasis to your point

Not all points and paragraphs in an essay are made equal. It’s natural you’ll want to highlight ideas and evidence for your reader to make sure they’re persuaded by your argument !

So, if you want to give emphasis to what you’re about to discuss, be obvious ! In fact, you may need to be more direct than you think:

• This detail is significant because …
• Undoubtedly, this experience was …
• Certainly, there are ramifications for …
• The last chapters, in particular, are revealing of X …

4.       Acknowledging uncertainty

In academia it’s common to find a little uncertainty in your evidence or results, or within the knowledge of your field . That’s true whether you’re a historian exploring artefacts from Ancient Greece, or a social scientist whose questionnaire results haven’t produced a clear answer.

Don’t hide from this uncertainty – it’s a great way to point ahead to future research that needs to be done. In fact, you might be doing it in your essay!

Why not try one of these examples to highlight the gaps in your academic field or experiment?

• Whether X is actually the case remains a matter of debate, as current explorations cannot …
• Although not proven, it is commonly understood that X …
• Whilst the likelihood of X is debateable …
• Given the age of the artifacts, it is impossible to say with accuracy whether Y …
• Although we cannot know for sure, the findings above suggest that …
• Untangling the causes of X is a complex matter and it is impossible to say for sure whether …

Showing the relationships between your points

As your essay progresses you will need to guide your reader through a succession of points, ideas and arguments by creating a narrative for them to follow. And important part of this task is the use of signposting to demonstrate the relationship between your paragraphs . Do they support each other? Do they present opposite sides of a debate?

Luckily there are lots of agreement , opposition and contextual connectives to help you increase your clarity:

Read on for four more sets of example academic phrases to help you present your ideas!

5.       Making a new point

If there’s no connection between your new paragraph and the preceding material, you’re probably starting a new topic, point or idea.

That means it’s less likely ( although not impossible ) that you’ll need transitional phrases . However, it’s still important to signpost the purpose and position of this new paragraph clearly for your reader.

• We know that X …
• This section of the essay discusses …
• We should now turn to an exploration of Y …
• We should begin with an overview of the situation for X …
• Before exploring the two sides of the debate, it is important to consider …

You can find some great ideas and examples for starting a new topic in our how to start an essay article. Whilst they’re definitely applicable to introductions, these strategies can also work well for kicking off any new idea!

6.       Presenting accepted concepts

If you’re aiming to take a new stance or question an accepted understanding with your essay, a great way to start a paragraph is by clearly setting out the concepts you want to challenge .

These phrases are also an effective way to establish the context of your essay within your field:

• It is commonly believed that …
• The accepted interpretation of X is …
• Until recently, it was thought that …
• Historically, X has been treated as a case of …
• Over the past two decades, scholars have approached X as an example of …
• The most common interpretation of Y is …

7.       Adding similar points

Agreement connectives are an important tool in your arsenal for clearly indicating the continuation or positive relationship between similar ideas or evidence you’re presenting.

If you’re looking to continue your essay with a similar point, why not try one of these examples:

• Another aspect of X is …
• Another important point is …
• By the same token, Y should be explored with equal retrospection for …
• Moreover, an equally significant factor of X is …
• We should also consider …
• Proponents of Y frequently also suggested that …

8.       Demonstrating contrast

In contrast, if you’re looking to present a counter-argument, opposite side of a debate, or critique of the ideas, evidence or results in your preceding paragraph(s), you’ll need to turn to contradiction and opposition connectives.

These phrases will help you to clearly link your paragraphs whilst setting them in contrast within your narrative:

• A contrary explanation is that …
• On the other side of this debate,  X suggests that …
• Given this understanding of X, it is surprising that Y …
• On the other hand, critics of X point to …
• Despite these criticisms, proponents of X continue to …
• Whilst the discussion in the previous paragraph suggests X to be true, it fails to take into consideration Y …

Note : some paragraph-opening sentences can be modified using connective words to show either agreement or contrast! Here are some examples:

• It could also be said that X does [not] …
• It is [also] important to note that X … OR It is important, however, to note that X …
• There is [also/however], a further point to be considered …

Presenting analyses, arguments and results

An important stage of any essay is the analysis – that’s when you bring your own arguments to the table, based on your data and results.

Signalling this clearly, therefore, is pretty important! Happily, there are plenty of connective words and phrases that can help you out:

Read on for four sets of example academic phrases to use to start your analysis, results and summary paragraphs!

9.       Conducting an analysis and constructing your argument

Once you’ve set out your evidence or data, it’s time to point out the connections within them. Or to analyse how they support the argument you want to make.

With humanities essays it is common to analyse the impact of your evidence as you present it. In contrast, sciences essays often contain a dedicated analysis section after the data has been presented.

You’ll probably need several analytical paragraphs to address each of your points. So, a great way to get started is to dive straight in by signposting the connections you want to make in each one:

• Each of these arguments make an important contribution to X because …
• In order to fully understand Y, we need to analyse the findings from …
• Each model of X and Y changed throughout the experiment because …
• Exploring this dataset reveals that, in fact, X is not as common as hypothesised …
• Notwithstanding such limitations, this data still shows that …
• Of central concern to Y, therefore, is the evidence that …
• This interpretation of X is …
• This critique implies that …
• This approach is similar to that of Y, who, as we have seen above, argues that …
• The resulting graphs suggest that …
• Whilst conducting the survey, it was discovered that …

10.   Presenting results

Having completed your analyses of any evidence (and hopefully persuaded your reader of your argument), you may need to present your results. This is especially relevant for essays that examine a specific dataset after a survey or experiment .

If you want to signpost this section of your essay clearly, start your paragraph with a phrase like these:

• The arguments presented above show that …
• In this last analysis, we can see that X has shown …
• As we have seen, the data gathered demonstrates that …
• As demonstrated above, our understanding of X primarily stems from …

11.   Demonstrating cause and effect

When writing an academic essay you may often need to demonstrate the cause and effect relationship between your evidence or data, and your theories or results . Choosing the right connective phrases can be important for showing this relationship clearly to your reader.

Try one of these phrases to start your paragraph to clearly explain the consequences:

• As a consequence, X cannot be said to …
• Therefore, we can posit that …
• Provided that X is indeed true, it has been shown that Y …
• As such, it is necessary to note that …
• For this reason, the decision was made to …
• The evidence show that the primary cause of X was …
• As a result of Y, it was found that …

12.   Summarising a topic or analysis

In general, summary paragraphs should not present any new evidence or arguments. Instead, they act as a reminder of the path your essay has taken so far.

Of course, these concluding paragraphs commonly occur at the end of an essay as part of your conclusion. However, they are also used to draw one point or stage of your argument to a close before the next begins .

Within a larger essay or dissertation, these interludes can be useful reminders for your reader as you transition between providing context, giving evidence, suggesting new approaches etc.

It’s worth noting that concluding your topic or analysis isn’t always the same as presenting results, although there can be some similarities in vocabulary.

Connect your arguments into summaries with clear linking phrases such as:

• Altogether, these arguments demonstrate that …
• Each of these arguments make an important contribution to our understanding of X …
• From this overview of X and Y, we can conclude that …
• We can therefore see that …
• It was hypothesised that X, however, as we have seen …
• Therefore, we can [clearly] see that …

Time to get writing your paragraphs!

And that’s it! You should now have a much-improved understanding of how to start a paragraph.

Whether you we’re worried about how to start your introductions or conclusions, or were wondering about specific types of body paragraphs, hopefully you’ve found what you need in the examples above .

If you need more writing advice to help you nail top marks for your essay, we’ve got a whole series of articles designed to improve your writing skills – perfect ! Have a read for top tips to for capturing easy marks 😊

You can learn:

• how to create effective paragraphs
• about the ideal length(s) for your paragraphs
• how to start an essay AND how to structure an essay
• the 70+ top connective words and phrases to improve your writing
• how to signpost your essay for top marks
• about improving clarity with easy proofreading tricks

Good luck completing your essay!

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How to Start a Paragraph in an Essay: A Simple Guide

Learn how to start a paragraph in an essay with engaging techniques and tips. Discover effective strategies to captivate your readers from the get-go!

Table of Contents:

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Understanding the Role of a Strong Opening

Common pitfalls when starting a paragraph, techniques for crafting engaging openings, using quotes and anecdotes to hook readers, tips for revising your paragraph starters.

Starting a paragraph in an essay can feel a bit like standing at the edge of a diving board, right? You know you need to jump in, but the water looks a little chilly. No worries! This guide is here to help you make that leap with confidence. Whether you’re crafting a paper for class or just trying to get your thoughts down on paper, knowing how to kick off your paragraphs effectively can make all the difference. So, let’s dive in!

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of starting a paragraph in an essay. Trust me, it’s not as daunting as it might seem at first glance. In fact, mastering this skill can be your secret weapon in crafting engaging essays that’ll make your professors sit up and take notice.

So, why all the fuss about paragraph openings? Well, think of them as the first impression your ideas make on the reader. You know how they say you never get a second chance to make a first impression? Same goes for your paragraphs. A strong opening sets the tone, grabs attention, and gives your reader a reason to keep going. It’s like the appetizer before the main course – it should be tasty enough to make them hungry for more!

Now, I’ve seen my fair share of essay openings that could put an insomniac to sleep. Don’t be that writer! Your paragraph opening is your chance to shine, to show off your writing chops and prove you know your stuff. It’s where you can flex those effective writing strategies you’ve been working on.

But here’s the thing – and I’m gonna let you in on a little secret – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to nailing that perfect paragraph opening. It’s more of an art than a science. That said, there are some tried-and-true techniques that can help you avoid common writing mistakes and kick things off with a bang.

One approach is to start with a bold statement or a surprising fact. Something that makes your reader go, “Huh, I didn’t know that!” It’s like dropping a little knowledge bomb right at the start. For example, did you know that the average reader decides whether to continue reading within the first 6-8 seconds? That’s why your opening needs to pack a punch!

Another trick up your sleeve could be posing a thought-provoking question. It gets those mental gears turning and invites your reader to engage with your ideas right from the get-go. Like, “Ever wondered why some essays keep you hooked while others make you want to toss your textbook across the room?”

You could also kick things off with a relevant quote or anecdote. Just make sure it’s not one of those overused, eye-roll-inducing quotes that everyone’s heard a million times. Keep it fresh, keep it relevant.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “This all sounds great, but how do I actually put it into practice?” Well, my friend, that’s where the real work begins. It takes practice, and yes, you might stumble a few times along the way. But hey, that’s all part of the learning process, right?

Remember, the goal here isn’t perfection (thank goodness, because who needs that kind of pressure?). It’s about finding your voice and learning to use these paragraph opening techniques in a way that feels natural to you. So go ahead, experiment a little. Try different approaches and see what resonates with your writing style.

And hey, if you’re feeling stuck or need some extra guidance, don’t hesitate to check out our 3-4 page essay writing guide. It’s packed with tips and tricks to help you level up your essay game.

So there you have it – a crash course in understanding the role of a strong opening. Now go forth and conquer those paragraphs! Your readers (and your grades) will thank you.

Alright, let’s dive into the murky waters of paragraph beginnings. Trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of essay disasters, and a lot of them start right at the beginning of a paragraph. So, what are these common pitfalls that can trip you up faster than a banana peel in a cartoon? Let’s break it down.

The Dreaded “This Paragraph Is About” Syndrome

You know what I’m talking about, right? It’s when you start a paragraph with something like, “This paragraph will discuss…” or “In this paragraph, I will explain…” Yawn. It’s like announcing you’re about to tell a joke – it kills the punchline before you’ve even started. Your readers aren’t goldfish; they don’t need a reminder of what they’re about to read every few sentences.

The Overly Ambitious Opener

Picture this: you’re writing an essay about the American Revolution, and you start a paragraph with, “Since the dawn of time, humans have fought for freedom.” Whoa there, cowboy! Unless you’re writing a dissertation on the entire history of human conflict, that’s way too broad. Keep it focused, folks. Your paragraph should start with something relevant to your specific topic, not a sweeping statement about all of humanity.

The Repetitive Rambler

This one’s a classic. You’ve just finished a paragraph about, say, the causes of World War I. Then you start the next paragraph with, “Another cause of World War I was…” Hold up! You’re basically telling your reader, “Hey, remember that thing I was just talking about? Well, I’m gonna talk about it some more!” Instead, try transitioning smoothly. Maybe something like, “While political tensions were a significant factor, economic rivalries also played a crucial role in igniting the conflict.”

The Abrupt Leap

Imagine you’re reading an essay, and one paragraph ends talking about apples, and the next one starts with, “Quantum physics is a fascinating field.” Wait, what? Unless you’re writing about how Newton’s apple led to groundbreaking physics theories, that’s one heck of a jarring transition. Remember, your paragraphs should flow logically from one to the next. Don’t leave your reader feeling like they’ve just been teleported to a different essay.

The Quote Bombardment

Don’t get me wrong, quotes can be great. But starting every paragraph with “According to [insert famous person here]…” is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Mix it up a bit! Use quotes sparingly and effectively. Your own voice should be the star of the show, with quotes playing a supporting role.

The Wishy-Washy Waffler

Ever read a paragraph that starts with “I think maybe…” or “It could possibly be argued that…”? It’s like the writer is tiptoeing around their own ideas. Confidence is key, my friends! If you’ve done your research and formed an opinion, stand by it. Start your paragraphs with clear, assertive statements. Save the hedging for when you’re discussing limitations or counterarguments.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to crafting engaging, effective paragraphs that keep your readers hooked. Remember, starting a paragraph in an essay is an art form, and like any art, it takes practice. So keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be a paragraph-starting pro!

Oh, and if you’re struggling with the overall structure of your essay, you might want to check out our 3-4 page essay writing guide. It’s a lifesaver when you’re feeling lost in the essay wilderness. Happy writing, folks!

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting those killer paragraph openings that’ll make your essay pop! Trust me, nailing this skill is like having a secret weapon in your academic arsenal. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your jam), and let’s chat about how to start a paragraph in an essay that’ll have your professors doing a double-take.

First things first, let’s talk about the hook. You know, that sentence that grabs your reader by the collar and says, “Hey, you! Yeah, you! You’re gonna want to read this.” It’s like the academic equivalent of a catchy pop song intro. But how do you nail it? Well, there are a few tricks up our sleeve:

• The Question Opener : Ever thought about starting with a question? It’s like giving your reader a little mental nudge. For example: “Have you ever wondered why some essays keep you glued to the page while others make you want to take a nap?” Boom! They’re hooked.
• The Stat Shocker : Hit ’em with a surprising statistic. It’s like dropping a knowledge bomb. “Did you know that 73% of students struggle with paragraph openings?” (Okay, I totally made that up, but you get the idea!)
• The Anecdote Approach : Start with a brief story or example. It’s like inviting your reader to a mini-movie in their head. “Picture this: It’s 2 AM, you’re surrounded by empty coffee cups, and you’re staring at a blank page…”
• The Quote Quandary : Kick things off with a relevant quote. It’s like borrowing a bit of wisdom to set the tone. Just make sure it’s not one of those overused ones that’ll make your prof roll their eyes.

Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. You’ve got your hook, but how do you transition smoothly into the meat of your paragraph? It’s like being a DJ – you gotta know how to mix those tracks seamlessly.

One technique is the “bridge sentence.” Think of it as the friendly usher guiding your reader from the hook to the main idea. For instance, after your hook about essay struggles, you might say, “This common challenge highlights the importance of mastering paragraph opening techniques.”

But wait, there’s more! (I sound like an infomercial, don’t I?) Let’s talk about some common pitfalls to avoid:

• The Captain Obvious Opener : “In this paragraph, I will discuss…” Yawn. Your reader knows it’s a paragraph. Don’t state the obvious.
• The Dictionary Debacle : “According to Webster’s dictionary…” Unless you’re writing about dictionaries, maybe skip this one.
• The Overly Dramatic Opener : “Since the dawn of time, humans have been writing essays…” Easy there, Shakespeare. Let’s not get carried away.

Remember, the key to engaging essay writing is to keep your reader interested. It’s like you’re having a conversation with them through your writing. Speak to them, not at them.

Oh, and before I forget! If you’re looking to level up your overall essay game, you might want to check out our academic writing tips for university success. It’s packed with more juicy tidbits to help you crush those assignments.

So there you have it, folks! A crash course in crafting engaging paragraph openings. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you’ll get at nailing those intros. Now go forth and conquer those essays! Your future self (and your GPA) will thank you.

Alright, let’s dive into the world of essay writing and talk about how to start a paragraph with a bang! You know, sometimes the hardest part of writing is just getting those first few words down. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve to make your paragraphs pop right from the get-go.

The Power of a Good Quote

Ever heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, in essay writing, a good quote can be worth a thousand… well, maybe not a thousand, but you get the idea! Starting your paragraph with a relevant quote can be like dropping a mic – it grabs attention and sets the tone.

Here’s the deal:

• Choose a quote that’s on-point with your topic.
• Make sure it’s from a credible source (no, your roommate’s witty remarks don’t count).
• Keep it short and sweet – we’re not looking for a novel here.

For example, if you’re writing about perseverance, you might kick off with something like:

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

Boom! Now you’ve got your reader’s attention, and you can dive into why this quote is relevant to your essay topic.

Anecdotes: Your Secret Weapon

Now, let’s talk about anecdotes. These little stories can be absolute gold when it comes to engaging essay writing. They’re like the appetizer before the main course – they give your reader a taste of what’s to come.

Here’s how to nail it:

• Keep it short (sensing a theme here?)
• Make sure it’s relevant (duh, right?)
• Use vivid details to paint a picture

Let’s say you’re writing about the importance of time management. You could start with something like:

“Picture this: It’s 3 AM, you’re surrounded by empty coffee cups, and you’re frantically trying to finish a 10-page essay due in… oh, about 5 hours. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there, and it’s not pretty.”

See what I did there? I bet you could practically smell the desperation and coffee, couldn’t you?

Why These Techniques Work

Using quotes and anecdotes as paragraph opening techniques isn’t just about being fancy. They’re effective writing strategies that serve a real purpose:

• They hook the reader (like a fish… but in a good way)
• They provide context for your argument
• They make your writing more relatable and engaging

Plus, they help you avoid one of the most common writing mistakes: the boring intro. You know, the kind that makes your professor’s eyes glaze over faster than you can say “In conclusion…”

A Word of Caution

Now, before you go quote-crazy or turn your essay into a short story collection, remember: moderation is key. Use these techniques sparingly for maximum impact. Think of them like spices – a little goes a long way.

And hey, while we’re on the topic of essay writing, you might want to check out our guide on how to write a 3-4 page essay. It’s packed with more tips to help you nail your next assignment.

So there you have it, folks! With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be starting paragraphs like a pro in no time. Now go forth and write those killer essays – your professors won’t know what hit ’em!

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of polishing those paragraph starters. You’ve written your essay, and now it’s time to make sure your paragraphs pack a punch right from the get-go. Trust me, this can make a world of difference in how your writing is received.

Take a Step Back

First things first, give yourself a breather. Seriously, step away from that essay for a bit. It’s like when you’ve been staring at a “Where’s Waldo?” page for too long – everything starts to blur together. Come back with fresh eyes, and you’ll be amazed at what you notice.

Read It Out Loud (Yes, Really)

Okay, this might make you feel a bit silly, but it works wonders. Read your paragraph starters out loud. Does it sound natural? Or do you stumble over your words like you’ve had one too many coffees? If it’s the latter, it might be time for a rewrite.

Check for Variety (Mix It Up!)

Here’s where a lot of students trip up. They start every paragraph with “The…” or “This…” Boring! Mix it up, folks. Try starting with:

• A question (rhetorical or not)
• A bold statement
• A brief anecdote
• A relevant quote
• A transition from the previous paragraph

Remember, variety is the spice of life… and essays!

Hook ‘Em Good

Your paragraph starters should be like those free samples at the grocery store – irresistible enough to make the reader want more. Ask yourself: “Would this make me want to keep reading?” If the answer’s no, it’s back to the drawing board.

Keep It Relevant (No Wandering Off!)

Make sure your paragraph starters actually relate to what follows. It’s easy to get carried away with a fancy opening, only to realize it has nothing to do with the rest of your paragraph. Don’t be that person.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Starting with “In conclusion” (unless it’s actually your conclusion)
• Using clichés like “Since the beginning of time…”
• Repeating the same transition words (However, Moreover, Furthermore… yawn)

Get a Second Opinion

Sometimes, we’re too close to our own writing to see its flaws. Ask a friend, classmate, or even your dog (okay, maybe not your dog) to take a look. Fresh eyes can spot things we miss.

Use Those Resources!

Don’t forget, there are tons of resources out there to help you improve your writing. For instance, check out our guide on academic writing tips for university success. It’s packed with advice that’ll help you nail those paragraph starters and more.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like anything else, writing killer paragraph starters takes practice. The more you write, the better you’ll get. So keep at it!

Remember, revising your paragraph starters isn’t just about making your essay look pretty. It’s about engaging your reader, making your arguments clearer, and ultimately, scoring that top grade. So take the time to get it right – your future self (and your GPA) will thank you!

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54 Best Transition Words for Paragraphs

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Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Good transition words for starting a paragraph include addition phrases like ‘furthermore’, cause and effect words like ‘consequently’, and contradiction words like ‘however’. Scroll down for a full table of transition words.

Using transition words in your writing can help you improve the readability and flow of your paragraph to the next.

These words help your text flow seamlessly into the next idea, which shows your readers the relationship between paragraphs and phrases.

List of Transition Words for Starting a Paragraph

Transition words can fall into more than one category based on what type of transition in your paragraph you’re planning to make.

For example, you’d want a different transition word if your second paragraph contradicts your first than if it supports it. Take the following examples:

Here is a list of transition words and what category they fall under.

• Addition – A transition that combines two or more ideas and shows their relationship. Examples include, what’s more, equally important, again, also, and, furthermore, moreover, besides .
• Cause and Effect – When one idea triggers another. This lets the reader know that they are directly connected. Examples include, consequently, hence, therefore, thus, next, as a result .
• Clarification – This is to rephrase what was said to clarify a statement and provide emphasis. Examples include, in other words, that is to say, to clarify.
• Compare and Contrast – This shows a relationship between two ideas that are compared based on differences or similarities. Examples are, after all, although this may be true, in contrast, likewise, on the contrary, similarly, whereas, yet.
• Emphasis (Boosting) – This shows certainty. Examples include, emphatically, in fact, surprisingly, undeniably, in any case, indeed, never, without a doubt.
• Providing examples : For example, for instance, as illustrated by, take the following case in point.
• Exception or Contradiction – This happens when an action with a pre-conceived notion ends with a different action. Examples are, however, nevertheless, in spite of, of course, once in a while, despite.
• Summarize or conclude – This signals the reader that they are at the end of the paragraph. Examples are, as this essay has shown, as a result, In conclusion, therefore, thus, hence, in short, in brief.
• Sequential – This expresses a numerical sequence, conclusion, continuation, resumption, or summation. Examples are to change the topic, to conclude with, afterward, incidentally, by the way, initially.

List of Transition Words for New Paragraphs

Transition words to avoid.

I recommend avoiding the following transition words:

Examples in Sentences

The best way to understand transition words is to provide examples. Let’s look at this sentence:

“Amy did not study for her test. Therefore, she did not get a good result.”

When you see the word ‘therefore,’ the reader knows that this is a cause and effect. What happened in the first sentence caused a resulting action.

The transition word provided a seamless flow into the next sentence that describes this effect.

Using the transitional word, ‘therefore,’ shows that the two sentences are part of one idea/process. Even with skimming, the reader can guess what’s the resulting action. This is how transition words hold your ideas together. Without them, it’s like your piece is just a jumble of coherent words.

Transition words don’t have to be placed at the start of a sentence. Let’s look at this sentence:

“Many people came to the event. Cristine, Emily, and David, for instance.”

In this sentence, ‘for instance’ is at the end of the sentence. However, it still gives the reader the necessary information to see how the two sentences are linked.

What are Transition Words?

Transition words for beginning paragraphs help writers to introduce a shift, opposition, contrast, agreement, emphasis, purpose, result, or conclusion from what was previously written. They are essential in argumentative essays.

Transition words are like bridges between the different paragraphs in your pieces. They serve as the cues that help your reader understand your ideas. They carry your ideas from one sentence to the next and one paragraph to the next.

Transitional words and phrases link an idea from a sentence to the following paragraph, so your work is read smoothly without abrupt jumps or sudden breaks between concepts.

Why use Transition Words

Proper communication of your ideas through paragraphs is important in writing. In order for your reader to read your piece with a thorough understanding of each idea and point conveyed in the piece, you have to use transition words and phrases.

With the examples provided, you would see that transitions string together your ideas by establishing a clear connection between the sentences and paragraphs.

Without transition words, your work may seem daunting and stressful to read, and the reader will not understand the idea you’re trying to convey.

Transitional phrases are especially important when writing an essay or thesis statement , as each paragraph has to connect ideas effortlessly.

Therefore, when a paragraph ends, the next idea must have some link to the previous one, which is why transition words play an important role.

Where Else to use Transition Words in an Essay

Transition words are important English devices for essays and papers. They enhance the transitions and connections between the sentences and paragraphs, giving your essay a flowing structure and logical thought.

Transition terms may seem easy to remember; however, placing them in the incorrect manner can cause your essay to fall flat.

Here are some places where essays transition words may fit:

• To show a connection between evidence and the ending
• To flow into the next paragraph, use your closing statement at the conclusion of each one
• At the start of the first body paragraph
• At the start of the second body paragraph
• In some of the starting sections of your summary or introductory paragraphs
• In an overview of your opinions/solutions in the conclusion

When adding your transition words and phrases in your essay, make sure not to accidentally form an incomplete or fragmented sentence. This is common with transitions, such as, if, although, and since .

While transition words are important in any writing piece, you have to make sure that the word or phrase you choose matches the logic of the paragraph or point you’re making. Use these words and phrases in moderation, as too much of them can also heavily bring the quality of your work down.

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500+ Good Transition Words To Start A Paragraph

by Jennifer Lopez | Nov 21, 2024 | Student Guide | 0 comments

Academic writing is one of the most challenging forms of writing. It must not only contain information but also maintain coherence and cohesion so the reader feels connected. Transition words and phrases play an essential role in delivering the ideas. This blog will help you learn how to write a good essay. Furthermore, this blog will help you choose the perfect words to start a paragraph. Thus, let’s begin!

Table of Contents

What Is a Sentence Starter?

Usually, the comma separates these words and phrases from the rest of the sentence, which is a basic introduction to the rest of the sentence. The sentence starters help set the tone, clarify the connections between thoughts, and also help indicate the structure of the entire content. Sentence starters are the most useful words and phrases in academic and essay writing. 

Examples of Sentence Starters:

• To Introduce A Point: “Firstly,” “To begin with,” “For example,”
• To Add Information: “Additionally,” “Moreover,” “Furthermore,”
• To Contrast: “However,” “On the other hand,” “In contrast,”
• To Show Cause And Effect: “Therefore,” “As a result,” “Consequently,”
• To Conclude: “In conclusion,” “Overall,” “To summarize,”

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What is a topic sentence.

Topic sentences are the sentences that introduce the entire essay. This helps the readers know what the essay talks about. For example, the sentences that start with “This paper discusses,” “In this paper,” “Here, we discuss,” or “Below, you will find” are some examples of topic sentences.

When Should Writers Use Sentence Starters?

Sentence starters can help you make your writing comprehensible and effective. Here’s when most writers use sentence starters: 

Introducing New Ideas:   

It is important to introduce a new idea in the essay properly. It’s always a great idea to start writing with sentence starters indicating a proper beginning of the new idea.  

Creating Hooks:  

The success of a creative writing piece depends on how well you can grab the reader’s attention. Always use sentence starters to create a hook that engages the readers in your writing.

Emphasizing Key Points:   

Use sentence starters to emphasize important information in the paragraph clearly and make the writing more engaging. This helps in drawing the reader’s attention to the important points.

Transitioning Between Thoughts:

Sentence starters are great for bridging gaps and maintaining a smooth writing flow. This is very significant when writing essays, theses, and research papers because they are long, and abrupt shifts of ideas can confuse readers.  

Providing Context Or Background:  

If you wonder what words to use to start your paragraph where you need to talk about the background, use sentence starters because they will never fail you. They help in making the piece more comprehensible. 

Clarifying Relationships Between Ideas:  

Sentence starters are especially helpful for Compare-and-Contrast Essays. They can help you show the relationship between two or more different points that have a connection. 

Concluding Thoughts:  

The conclusion is as essential as the introduction, and using concluding transition words helps readers know that the piece is ending, giving the essay or writing an effective closure. 

Is It Mandatory To Use Transition Words For Essays To Start A Paragraph?

Well, there is no rule stating that one has to use transition words to start a paragraph in an essay. However, there is no rule stating you must research well to write an essay, but you research anyway, right? Similarly, you may opt out of adding transition words to start a new paragraph, but if you do, it will only help your writing. To know why and how to read on patiently.

Why Is It Important To Choosing The Right Words To Start A Paragraph?

Tone and style.

The word choice significantly sets the tone and style of the writing. You must be careful about the words you choose or use at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph. Words’ meaning and emotional weight change depending on where and how they are used.

Connection And Flow

Logical and precise connection plays a significant role in maintaining flow. When you use the right words or place transitional words and phrases seamlessly, it will help your reader connect with the idea of the text. But ensure that you choose smoothing over jarring. 

Clarity And Precision

Whether you’re beginning paragraphs or need to connect the body paragraph to the previous introductory paragraph, maintain clarity and precision, and in order to maintain clarity and precision, your word choice for transitional words and phrases or sentence starters plays an important role. 

Engagement And Interest

There are multiple ways to start a paragraph, but none can match the brilliance and beauty of choosing an effective word or phrase that captures the reader’s attention. Always remember that the first sentence of your writing will decide whether the reader will continue to read! Therefore, intrigue them well, especially for creative writing and persuasive essays. 

Recommend: How To Write A Claim

7 Tips On How To Start An Introduction!

It is important to make the introduction engaging and exciting. Therefore, you can use the following best ideas as introductory sentences to keep your readers hooked.  

Tell A Story

When writing a paragraph as an introduction, start with a story. A personal touch always makes your argument or new topic engaging and relatable. You can also dramatize the idea to hook the reader. 

Ask A Question

Every sentence carries weight when you add a Wh word in the beginning. Start paragraphs with questions that will bind the readers to stay and read your piece.  

Keep It Concise

Use your A-level writing skills to reflect your idea, argument, or knowledge simply and concisely. Sentence structure should be compact, making it easier to read and understand.  

Provide Context

Your introduction is like a mirror, so write enough so that the readers know and understand the background of your piece. 

State Your Thesis

When you’re writing a thesis, it is best to be straightforward. Thus, state your thesis idea in the opening phrases that introduce your entire writing. 

Start With A Hook

No matter what type of paragraph it is, you have to create a hook, so selecting the best hook line is important. You can use a shocking fact, intriguing question, or vivid anecdote to create the hook.  

Share A Relevant Quote

Quotations can get the readers hooked immediately. Therefore, you can start with a relevant quotation that will help you reach the audience easily.   

Here’s a bonus tip: You can opt to do my online course service if you are clueless about your essay.

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5 Mistakes We Make When Using Paragraph Starters For Essay Writing To Start A New Paragraph

Using cliches.

“In conclusion” and “first and foremost” are very common. Instead of using these transition words or phrases, use other phrases like “in essence” to engage readers better.  

Lack of Clarity

Be careful to be direct at the beginning of the first paragraph. Vague language or sentences might confuse the reader. Also, always use transition words or phrases as linking words to begin the next paragraph to establish a link.   

Inconsistent Tone

Maintain a consistent tone because an inconsistent tone may look disoriented, making the reader feel disconnected. Consistency cues the reader that the topic talks about the same thing throughout. 

Ignoring Structure

Every writing guide discusses maintaining a structure. A proper structure helps the reader understand better. If you are confused about which structure to follow, use a peel paragraph structure . 

Neglecting Context

Always add words that connect to the previous paragraph, as without contextual reference, the essay might seem vague.

Examples: How To Use Good Transition Words And Phrases To Start A Body Paragraph?

It’s time to check out the examples of transition words to start a body paragraph that will bridge the new and previous paragraphs. Add transition words appropriately to keep the readers glued to your research paper or writing.

1. To Show Continuation or Addition

When you’re adding to a previous idea or introducing a similar point, use transition words like:

• Furthermore: Furthermore, this study supports the theory that…
• In addition: In addition to these benefits, the approach also improves…
• Moreover: Moreover, the data highlights the importance of…
• Similarly: Similarly, another factor contributing to the success is…

2. To Show Contrast or Opposition

When you want to introduce a contrasting point or opposing viewpoint:

• However: However, not all experts agree on this conclusion.
• On the other hand: On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that…
• Nevertheless: Nevertheless, it remains a widely accepted theory.
• Conversely: Conversely, a different set of data indicates…

3. To Show Cause and Effect

When explaining reasons or causes:

• As a result: As a result, the implementation of these strategies led to…
• Consequently: Consequently, this has improved overall performance.
• Thus: Thus, it can be concluded that the method is effective.
• Therefore: Therefore, the recommendation is to follow this procedure.

4. To Provide Examples or Clarifications

When you want to illustrate a point or give specific examples:

• For example: For example, in a recent study…
• For instance: For instance, when analyzing customer feedback…
• In other words: In other words, the research indicates that…
• Specifically: Specifically, the results show a significant increase in…

5. To Summarize or Conclude a Point

When you’re wrapping up a paragraph or section:

• In conclusion: In conclusion, these findings highlight the need for…
• To sum up: To sum up, the experiment demonstrates…
• Overall: Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
• In short: In short, the results are promising.

Why Use Transitional Words To Start A Conclusion Paragraph When Writing Essays?

Whether you need to signal closure or Spatial Order , summarize key points, or emphasize significance, you can always use the following words can help you. Concluding paragraphs are essential because one needs to put in all the information given throughout the essay. Here, we have added 20+ conclusion paragraph starters with words and phrases like “Summing up,” “As we have seen,” “To put it briefly,” and “In a nutshell,” to start a conclusion paragraph, which will help you make your writing compact.

1. In conclusion, 2. To summarize, 3. To wrap things up, 4. All in all, 5. In essence, 6. Ultimately, 7. Taking everything into account, 8. In the final analysis, 9. Overall, 10. To bring this discussion to a close, 11. In the end,

12. Upon reflection, 13. As a result, 14. Thus, 15. To reiterate, 16. On the whole, 17. From the above, it is clear that… 18. In light of this discussion, 19. By and large, 20. Finally, 21. As illustrated above, 22. With these points in mind,

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500+ Best Words To Start A Paragraph & Improve Your Writing

Below, we have mentioned 500+ transition words or phrases so that you can improve the style of your writing. Also, adding correct transition words makes the piece of writing easier to read and grabs the reader’s attention. 

Good Sentence Starters For Emphasis

1. Above all 2. Most importantly 3. It is critical to note 4. Undeniably 5. Without a doubt 6. In fact 7. Clearly 8. Of particular importance 9. Notably 10. To be sure 11. As a matter of fact 12. Significantly 13. Indeed 14. Undoubtedly 15. In truth 16. Surely 17. What is striking is 18. It is worth mentioning that 19. Emphatically 20. Let it be emphasized 21. It is essential to understand 22. Needless to say 23. Particularly 24. Conspicuously 25. To highlight further

26. More than that 27. Fundamentally 28. Crucially 29. Above everything else 30. Importantly 31. What stands out is 32. What deserves attention is 33. Overwhelmingly 34. It must be stressed that 35. What cannot be overlooked is 36. A key point here is 37. To focus on 38. Especially noteworthy is 39. What needs to be highlighted is 40. Distinctly 41. A striking feature is 42. Most prominently 43. It should be emphasized that 44. Central to this discussion is 45. It is apparent that 46. What becomes obvious is 47. Of immense importance 48. The standout idea is 49. Indisputably 50. At the core

Good Sentence Starters For References

51. According to 52. As stated by 53. As noted by 54. Referring to 55. Based on 56. As mentioned in 57. As per 58. In accordance with 59. As outlined in 60. Citing 61. As articulated by 62. As documented in 63. As observed by 64. As reported by 65. From the perspective of 66. As highlighted in 67. In the words of 68. As expressed by 69. As proposed by 70. As indicated in 71. According to the findings of 72. Drawing from 73. As written by 74. As evidenced in 75. As clarified in

76. With reference to 77. As described in 78. From the report of 79. As explained by 80. As pointed out by 81. In the publication 82. Referring to the data in 83. According to recent studies 84. As researched by 85. As discussed in 86. From the analysis of 87. As concluded by 88. As revealed in 89. Based on the observations of 90. As reviewed in 91. From the perspective described in 92. As summarized in 93. As inferred by 94. As captured by 95. From the report by 96. Drawing evidence from 97. From the studies of 98. As demonstrated by 99. As corroborated by 100. As supported by

Good Sentence Starters For Comparisons

101. Similarly 102. In the same way 103. Likewise 104. Correspondingly 105. Equally 106. Comparable to 107. Much like 108. Just as 109. Analogous to 110. In parallel 111. Alike 112. In comparison with 113. Along the same lines 114. By the same token 115. As with 116. In a similar fashion 117. With equal importance 118. Comparable with 119. As equally significant as 120. Likewise to 121. Parallel to 122. Equivalently 123. Along similar lines 124. In the same manner 125. Reflective of

126. Identically 127. Mirroring 128. Just as importantly as 129. As in 130. Consistent with 131. In much the same way 132. Similarly to 133. As observed in 134. Comparable in scope to 135. By extension 136. Analogously 137. Homologous to 138. Similar to that of 139. Reminiscent of 140. As can be likened to 141. In congruence with 142. In accordance with 143. As reflected by 144. Close to 145. In alignment with 146. Resembling 147. In a comparable way 148. On the same level as 149. In similar circumstances 150. With similarities to

Good Sentence Starters For Sequences Or Lists

151. First and foremost 152. To begin with 153. Secondly 154. Thirdly 155. Following that 156. Next 157. Subsequently 158. Then 159. Afterward 160. In the first place 161. In addition to that 162. Moreover 163. Furthermore 164. To continue 165. As a next step 166. First of all 167. Before moving on 163. As the second point 169. After considering 170. In the following stage 171. As an additional note 172. In sequence 173. Enumerating further 174. Markedly 175. Lastly

176. Finally 177. To conclude the list 178. To close out 179. Additionally 180. In another step 181. Taking the next step 182. The next item 183. Chronologically 184. To move ahead 185. Listing onward 186. A subsequent point 187. Beyond that 188. Moving forward 189. Sequentially 190. Building on that 191. Expanding on this 192. To move along 193. In a numbered order 194. Arranging steps 195. To further explain 196. Conclusively 197. Prior to that 198. As a final stage 199. Wrapping up the list 200. In closing

Good Sentence Starters For Introducing Examples

201. For example 202. For instance 203. Namely 204. Such as 205. As illustrated by 206. To illustrate 207. Specifically 208. Take the case of 209. A prime example is 210. As shown in 211. By way of example 212. As evidenced by 213. One instance is 214. Consider the case of 215. To cite an example 216. An example being 217. In particular 218. An instance of this is 219. Notably 220. As exemplified by 221. This includes 222. As a case in point 223. To demonstrate 224. Such instances include 225. As proof

226. A notable example is 227. Evidence of this can be seen in 228. Highlighted by 229. An illustration of this is 230. To shed light on 231. Referencing 232. In the context of 233. Represented by 234. A clear instance of this is 235. To clarify further 236. By taking 237. With the example of 238. In the form of 239. Marked by 240. As portrayed by 241. Evident in 242. Seen in 243. A strong example is 244. Drawing attention to 245. As backed by 246. Demonstrated by 247. As outlined through 248. Showcased by 249. Found in 250. Representing this is

Good Sentence Starters To Establish Cause And Effect

251. As a result 252. Consequently 253. Therefore 254. Thus 255. Hence 256. Because of this 257. For this reason 258. This leads to 259. Due to 260. As a consequence 261. Owing to 262. Resulting in 263. Since 264. In light of this 265. With this in mind 266. As an outcome 267. As a result of 268. Given that 269. Following from 270. Stemming from 271. This caused 272. Triggered by 273. Resulting from 274. Which leads to 275. The result was

276. Consequently leading to 277. On account of 278. Derived from 279. It follows that 280. By virtue of 281. From this arises 282. This explains why 283. One outcome is 284. Originating in 285. In view of 286. This brought about 287. This produced 288. Induced by 289. Created by 290. The cause was 291. That’s why 292. Inevitably 293. With the effect that 294. Ending up in 295. Manifesting as 296. The outcome was 297. Culminating in 298. To this end 299. This precipitated 300. Resultantly

Good Sentence Starters To Show Uncertainty Or Doubt

301. Perhaps 302. It is possible that 303. It seems 304. Presumably 305. Arguably 306. Potentially 307. In some cases 308. It is uncertain if 309. There is a possibility that 310. Supposedly 311. Allegedly 312. It could be 313. Conceivably 314. It appears that 315. There is doubt whether 316. One might assume 317. It is plausible that 318. It may be the case that 319. Hypothetically 320. While not confirmed 321. It is likely that 322. Some suggest that 323. To a degree 324. Ostensibly 325. Based on speculation

326. There are questions about 327. It remains unclear if 328. While it might 329. Assuming this 330. Arguing for 331. It has been suggested that 332. Probabilities indicate 333. Contingent upon 334. One interpretation could be 335. According to some 336. Unconfirmed reports suggest 337. Tentatively 338. Doubt exists over 339. It might be inferred that 340. Circumstantial evidence shows 341. It is debatable whether 342. A possibility worth exploring 343. While unclear 344. If one were to assume 345. Questionably 346. It stands to reason that 347. It might be thought 348. On shaky ground 349. Some argue that 350. It is theorized that

Good Sentence Starters For Contrasts And Abrupt Transitions

351. However 352. On the contrary 353. In contrast 354. Yet 355. Conversely 356. Alternatively 357. While 358. Although 359. Instead 360. Even though 361. Whereas 362. On the other hand 363. Nevertheless 364. Though 365. Despite 366. Rather than 367. Regardless of 368. Notwithstanding 369. Albeit 370. Unlike 371. Different from 372. Although this may be true 373. Be that as it may 374. At the same time 375. On the flip side

376. In spite of 377. Opposing this is 378. In opposition 379. A stark difference 380. Diverging from 381. Nonetheless 382. Contrary to 383. Variance can be seen 384. Distinct from 385. Unlike the previous point 386. To contradict 387. As opposed to 388. On a different note 389. Meanwhile 390. Alternatively speaking 391. A departure from 392. While it might seem 393. Opposingly 394. Breaking from 395. Even so 396. Markedly different 397. A sharp contrast is 398. Divergent from 399. At odds with 400. Although contrary

Good Sentence Starters For Elaboration Or Adding New Points

401. Additionally 402. Furthermore 403. Moreover 404. What’s more 405. To add to that 406. Along with 407. On top of that 408. Not only that 409. In addition 410. Over and above this 411. To expand further 412. By the same token 413. Similarly 414. Building upon 415. Another point to consider is 416. Let’s not forget 417. Also 418. Besides that 419. It’s worth noting that 420. Beyond that 421. To elaborate further 422. One additional point is 423. Coupled with this 424. To go deeper 425. To explain further

426. In like manner 427. Adding to this 428. Moreover, it can be said 429. In the same vein 430. One could also argue 431. It’s important to add 432. Beyond this 433. By extending 434. Not to mention 435. Expounding upon 436. In continuation of 437. To deepen this idea 438. Enriching this point 439. Another aspect is 440. More importantly 441. Expanding on this 442. And even more so 443. For a fuller picture 444. To shed more light 445. Adding dimension to 446. As a complement 447. To further underscore 448. In a broader sense 449. To extend the thought 450. Deepening the focus

Good Sentence Starters For Historical Or Generally Accepted Concepts

451. Historically 452. Traditionally 453. In the past 454. Over time 455. Since ancient times 456. From a historical perspective 457. Through the ages 458. As history shows 459. In earlier times 460. In the course of history 461. Looking back 462. Centuries ago 463. As it has been 464. It has long been believed 465. Historically speaking 466. As recorded in history 467. Dating back to 468. From the dawn of 469. Throughout history 470. In bygone days 471. Generations ago 472. As the ancients noted 473. Over the centuries 474. In days of old 475. Before modern times

476. Long-standing beliefs suggest 477. As early as 478. In antiquity 479. From the beginning 480. In traditional accounts 481. As per historical records 482. A long time ago 483. From ancient records 484. Based on precedent 485. Through historical accounts 486. Over the ages 487. Millennia ago 488. Rooted in history 489. In the chronicles of 490. Before the advent of 491. As our ancestors did 492. A glance into history reveals 493. As commonly accepted 494. It has always been the case that 495. From a cultural standpoint 496. As has been observed over time 497. Tracing its roots to 498. Before recorded history 499. Time has shown that 500. Dating back centuries

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