words to start off essay

105 Best Words To Start A Paragraph

Chris Drew (PhD)

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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The first words of a paragraph are crucial as they set the tone and inform the reader about the content that follows.

Known as the ‘topic’ sentence, the first sentence of the paragraph should clearly convey the paragraph’s main idea. 

This article presents a comprehensive list of the best words to start a paragraph, be it the first, second, third, or concluding paragraph.

Words to Start an Introduction Paragraph

The words you choose for starting an essay should establish the context, importance, or conflict of your topic.

The purpose of an introduction is to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the topic, its significance, and the structure of the ensuing discussion or argument.

Students often struggle to think of ways to start introductions because they may feel overwhelmed by the need to effectively summarize and contextualize their topic, capture the reader’s interest, and provide a roadmap for the rest of the paper, all while trying to create a strong first impression.

Choose one of these example words to start an introduction to get yourself started:

• The debate surrounding [topic]…
• [Topic] has garnered attention due to…
• Exploring the complexities of [topic]…
• The significance of [topic] lies in…
• Over the past decade, [topic] has…
• The critical question of [topic]…
• As society grapples with [topic]…
• The rapidly evolving landscape of [topic]…
• A closer examination of [topic] reveals…
• The ongoing conversation around [topic]…

Don’t Miss my Article: 33 Words to Avoid in an Essay

Words to Start a Body Paragraph

The purpose of a body paragraph in an essay is to develop and support the main argument, presenting evidence, examples, and analysis that contribute to the overall thesis.

Students may struggle to think of ways to start body paragraphs because they need to find appropriate transition words or phrases that seamlessly connect the paragraphs, while also introducing a new idea or evidence that builds on the previous points.

This can be challenging, as students must carefully balance the need for continuity and logical flow with the introduction of fresh perspectives.

Try some of these paragraph starters if you’re stuck:

• Building upon previous research…
• As [source] suggests, [topic]…
• Analyzing [topic] through [theory]…
• Considering the impact of [policy]…
• Delving deeper into [topic]…
• Drawing from [author]’s findings…
• [Topic] intersects with [related topic]…
• Contrary to popular belief, [topic]…
• The historical context of [topic]…
• Addressing the challenges of [topic]…

Words to Start a Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph wraps up your essay and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

It should convincingly summarize your thesis and main points. For more tips on writing a compelling conclusion, consider the following examples of ways to say “in conclusion”:

• In summary, [topic] demonstrates…
• The evidence overwhelmingly suggests…
• Taking all factors into account…
• In light of the analysis, [topic]…
• Ultimately, [topic] plays a crucial role…
• In light of these findings…
• Weighing the pros and cons of [topic]…
• By synthesizing the key points…
• The interplay of factors in [topic]…
• [Topic] leaves us with important implications…

Complete List of Transition Words

Above, I’ve provided 30 different examples of phrases you can copy and paste to get started on your paragraphs.

Let’s finish strong with a comprehensive list of transition words you can mix and match to start any paragraph you want:

• Secondly, …
• In addition, …
• Furthermore, …
• Moreover, …
• On the other hand, …
• In contrast, …
• Conversely, …
• Despite this, …
• Nevertheless, …
• Although, …
• As a result, …
• Consequently, …
• Therefore, …
• Additionally, …
• Simultaneously, …
• Meanwhile, …
• In comparison, …
• Comparatively, …
• As previously mentioned, …
• For instance, …
• For example, …
• Specifically, …
• In particular, …
• Significantly, …
• Interestingly, …
• Surprisingly, …
• Importantly, …
• According to [source], …
• As [source] states, …
• As [source] suggests, …
• In the context of, …
• In light of, …
• Taking into consideration, …
• Given that, …
• Considering the fact that, …
• Bearing in mind, …
• To illustrate, …
• To demonstrate, …
• To clarify, …
• To put it simply, …
• In other words, …
• To reiterate, …
• As a matter of fact, …
• Undoubtedly, …
• Unquestionably, …
• Without a doubt, …
• It is worth noting that, …
• One could argue that, …
• It is essential to highlight, …
• It is important to emphasize, …
• It is crucial to mention, …
• When examining, …
• In terms of, …
• With regards to, …
• In relation to, …
• As a consequence, …
• As an illustration, …
• As evidence, …
• Based on [source], …
• Building upon, …
• By the same token, …
• In the same vein, …
• In support of this, …
• In line with, …
• To further support, …
• To substantiate, …
• To provide context, …
• To put this into perspective, …

Tip: Use Right-Branching Sentences to Start your Paragraphs

Sentences should have the key information front-loaded. This makes them easier to read. So, start your sentence with the key information!

To understand this, you need to understand two contrasting types of sentences:

• Left-branching sentences , also known as front-loaded sentences, begin with the main subject and verb, followed by modifiers, additional information, or clauses.
• Right-branching sentences , or back-loaded sentences, start with modifiers, introductory phrases, or clauses, leading to the main subject and verb later in the sentence.

In academic writing, left-branching or front-loaded sentences are generally considered easier to read and more authoritative.

This is because they present the core information—the subject and the verb—at the beginning, making it easier for readers to understand the main point of the sentence.

Front-loading also creates a clear and straightforward sentence structure, which is preferred in academic writing for its clarity and conciseness.

Right-branching or back-loaded sentences, with their more complex and sometimes convoluted structure, can be more challenging for readers to follow and may lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Take these examples where I’ve highlighted the subject of the sentence in bold. Note that in the right-branching sentences, the topic is front-loaded.

• Right Branching: Researchers found a strong correlation between sleep and cognitive function after analyzing the data from various studies.
• Left-Branching: After analyzing the data from various studies, a strong correlation between sleep and cognitive function was found by researchers.
• The novel was filled with vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes , which captivated the audience from the very first chapter.
• Captivating the audience from the very first chapter, the novel was filled with vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes.

The words you choose to start a paragraph are crucial for setting the tone, establishing context, and ensuring a smooth flow throughout your essay.

By carefully selecting the best words for each type of paragraph, you can create a coherent, engaging, and persuasive piece of writing.

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Use These Sentence Starter Tips to Strengthen Your Writing

In general, a sentence starter is a quick word or phrase at the beginning of a sentence to help the reader transition, such as the phrase “in general.” Without them, writing can be disorganized, disconnected, and therefore hard to read. But knowing which ones to add—and when —is not always obvious. 

In this article, we discuss sentence starters quite similar to “in this article.” We explain a bit about when and how to use them, and then give specific examples of sentence starters you can use in your writing, divided into categories for quick reference like “topic sentence starters for essays” or “good sentence starters for emphasis.” 

Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Grammarly can check your spelling and save you from grammar and punctuation mistakes. It even proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write.

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What is a sentence starter?

Sentence starters are the words or phrases that introduce the rest of the sentence, typically set apart by commas. The words that start a sentence are some of the most important in writing: They introduce what the sentence is about so the reader knows what to expect. 

In longer academic writing texts, sentence starters are essential for unifying the entire work. Because each sentence essentially has its own individual topic, these writings frequently jump from point to point, sometimes abruptly. Sentence starters help ease the process for the reader by smoothing over jarring transitions and preparing the reader for the next topic. 

That principle also applies to paragraphs , which jump from topic to topic. Paragraph starters fulfill that same role, typically providing an organizational signpost via introduction sentence starters to bridge the gap between the previous and current topics. 

Although they’re common in fiction, sentence starters are most useful for nonfiction, in particular essay writing . While fiction unifies the writing through the narrative, nonfiction often incorporates a variety of facts, which sentence starters coalesce for the reader. In other words, if you think nonfiction is dry, imagine if it were merely a list of facts! 

When to use sentence starters

Sentence starters are not necessary for every sentence. In fact, using them too much can distract your reader. Here are some situations where a sentence starter works best: 

• It’s unclear how one sentence is connected to others.
• You’re introducing a new idea, such as at the beginning of an essay or of a paragraph
• You’re presenting a conclusion or summary, for instance at the end of an essay.
• You want to add emphasis to a particular sentence or point.
• You want to write a hook to captivate readers.
• The sentence requires certain context, such as background information.

There’s no hard rule for when to use sentence starters and when to avoid them. If you’re having trouble deciding, try rereading your last few lines and see how they sound. If your sentences flow together nicely, you don’t need sentence starters. If something seems off, jarring, or missing, try adding one to see if it helps. 

Below you’ll find examples of sentence starters relevant to specific contexts.

Topic sentence starters for essays

Topic sentences are like the sentence starters of an entire essay—they introduce what the paragraph or entire text is about so the readers know what to expect. 

• This paper discusses . . .
• In this paper . . .
• Here, we discuss . . .
• Below, you will find . . .

Conclusion sentence starters for essays

Conclusions and summaries always act a little differently than other sentences and paragraphs because they don’t present new information. When you’re writing a conclusion , remember that sentence starters can cue the reader that you’re about to “wrap things up” so they don’t expect any new points or evidence. 

• In summary . . .
• To summarize . . . 
• Putting it all together . . .
• In conclusion . . .
• To wrap things up . . .
• To review . . .
• In short . . . 
• All in all . . .
• All things considered . . .
• By and large . . .
• Overall . . .
• On the whole . . .

Good sentence starters for sequences or lists

Sentence starters are quite useful for lists of instructions or explaining a series of events. These items aren’t always related in obvious ways, but sentence starters link them together, and in the right order, so that your reader can organize them properly in their head. 

• First . . ., Second . . ., Third . . ., etc. 
• Subsequently . . .
• After that . . .
• Afterwards . . .
• Eventually . . . 
• Later . . .
• Moving on . . .

Good sentence starters for comparisons

Use sentence starters to show that two things are related or alike. Although the topics may be similar to yours, your reader may not yet understand the connection. 

• Similarly . . .
• In the same way . . .
• Along those lines . . .
• Likewise . . .
• Again . . .

Good sentence starters for elaboration or adding new points

For times when one sentence isn’t enough to fully explain your point, adding sentence starters to the subsequent sentences can tie them all together. 

• Additionally . . .
• Moreover . . .
• Furthermore . . .
• Even more important . . .
• Just as important . . .

Good sentence starters for introducing examples

Especially for essays, you want to use evidence to support your claims. Sentence starters ease the transition from explaining the big picture to showing those same ideas at work in the real world. 

• For example . . .
• For instance . . .
• To illustrate . . .
• Specifically . . .
• We can see this in . . .
• This is evidenced by . . .
• Consider the [case/example] of . . .

Good sentence starters for contrasts and abrupt transitions

Sentence starters work best at times when you must change topics abruptly. Without them, the text becomes jarring and scattered, so use them to keep your reader on the right path, especially when contrasting topics. 

• However . . .
• Although . . .
• Otherwise . . .
• On the other hand . . .
• On the contrary . . .
• Nevertheless . . .
• Then again . . .
• Conversely . . .
• Notwithstanding . . .
• In contrast . . .
• Despite that . . .
• Rather . . .
• Still . . .
• Instead . . .

Good sentence starters to establish cause and effect

It’s common to use two different sentences to discuss a cause-and-effect relationship, as in something making something else happen. Sentence starters can make this relationship clear and show which sentence is the cause and which is the effect. 

• As a result . . .
• Accordingly . . .
• Consequently . . .
• Due to . . .
• For this reason . . .
• Hence . . .
• Therefore . . .
• This means that . . .
• That is why . . .

Good sentence starters for emphasis

In some situations, sentence starters aren’t necessary, but they help make a point stand out. Save these for the sentences you really want your readers to remember above all else. 

• Above all . . .
• As usual . . .
• Certainly . . .
• Indeed . . .
• Undoubtedly . . .
• Of course . . .
• Obviously . . .
• Namely . . .
• Generally speaking . . .

Good sentence starters for references

If you’re citing an idea other than your own, like in research papers, it saves space to put the attribution in the words to start a sentence. Use these sentence starters before a quote or concept from another work. 

• According to . . .
• Based on the findings of . . .
• As seen by . . .
• As explained by . . .
• With regards to . . .

Good sentence starters for historical or generally accepted concepts

Some sentences don’t make sense without context. This could be a popular, mainstream idea that the reader is unaware of, or some historical background that is not common knowledge. In these instances, sentence starters can provide that context without becoming a tangent. 

• Traditionally . . .
• Historically . . .
• Customarily . . .
• In the past . . .
• Conventionally . . .
• Initially . . .
• Recently . . .
• Until now . . .

Good sentence starters to show uncertainty or doubt

If you’re writing about facts, your reader will assume everything you write is a fact. In situations where something is unproven or uncertain, it helps to mention that there’s room for doubt so as not to misinform the reader. 

• Perhaps . . .
• Although not proven . . .
• It’s possible that . . .
• It may be that . . .
• Arguably . . .
• While debatable . . .

Ensure your sentences flow

In addition to using strong sentence starters, you want your entire essay to read smoothly and coherently. Grammarly can help. Our writing suggestions flag confusing sentences and provide feedback on how to make your writing clearer, helping you put your best ideas forward.

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50 Most Powerful Words To Start A Paragraph

Declan Gessel

Apr 25, 2024

Are you looking to enhance your essay writing skills? If so, learning about Words To Start A Paragraph could be invaluable. Understanding how to write an essay can be challenging, but using the right words to start a paragraph can make the process more manageable. 

By integrating these words into your writing, you can improve the flow of your arguments and make your ideas stand out more clearly. Being able to use these phrases will help you structure your work more effectively, making it easier for your reader to follow your arguments. So, why not continue reading to learn how to improve your essay-writing skills?

Table of Contents

What is a paragraph starter, categorize the sentence starters, 50 words to start a paragraph to improve your writing, choosing the right sentence starter for a good reading experience, write smarter words to start a paragraph with jotbot — start writing for free today.

Starting a paragraph the right way is vital to keeping your readers engaged and interested in what you have to say. The opening sentence sets the tone for the rest of the paragraph and can make all the difference in how your writing is received. A captivating opening can grab the reader's attention, making them more likely to continue reading.

A captivating opening sentence sets the tone for the rest of the paragraph. It can pique the reader's interest, making them want to know more about what you have to say. This is especially true if you are writing a persuasive or argumentative piece. The opening sentence can make all the difference in whether or not your reader is convinced by your argument.

The Benefits of Having a Variety of Sentence Starters

Having a variety of sentence starters is also essential to keeping your writing engaging and avoiding repetition. Using the same sentence starter over and over again can make your writing dull and uninteresting, and can even make it confusing. By varying your sentence starters, you can keep your reader engaged and make sure they understand exactly what you're trying to say.

Related Reading

• Persuasive Essay • Argumentative Essay • Essay Format • Expository Essay • Essay Outline • How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay • Narrative Essay • Transition Sentences • Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Let's delve on the following: 

Hooks: Grab attention and spark reader interest

Hooks are the opening sentences that are written to captivate the reader’s attention. When I write an article, I try to include a hook to spark the reader’s interest. This helps to pique the reader’s curiosity, encouraging them to keep reading. Hooks come in many forms depending on the goal of the piece. Whether it’s a surprising fact, a rhetorical question , or a bold statement, hooks are an essential part of writing a piece that keeps the reader engaged. A hook can be as simple as starting a sentence with “Did you know…” or “Imagine if…” or “Picture this…”

Transitions: Smoothly connected ideas or introduce new points

Transitional sentences are like bridges between paragraphs. They help to move the writing from one thought to another, guiding readers along the path of the argument. Transitions can take many forms, from simple words and phrases like “for example” or “in addition” to more complex ideas. I use transitions to make my writing more coherent and fluid. Transitions can be the same as using “Moreover, Furthermore, Further, or Additionally.” All variations can be used to link ideas effectively.

Examples: Illustrate concepts with specific cases

Examples are the lifeblood of any argument. They breathe life into your writing and give readers a tangible way to understand abstract ideas. The more specific the example, the more convincing your writing will be. Whether it’s a personal anecdote, a historical event, or a fictional scenario, examples can make or break your writing. There are many ways examples can be presented, such as “For instance, As an illustration, To demonstrate, or To illustrate.” These are all good ways to introduce examples that will clarify your point.

Statistics: Make an impact with data-driven support

Statistics are the hard facts that back up your argument. Whether you’re trying to persuade, inform, or entertain, statistics can add weight to your writing and make your argument more convincing. I use statistics quite often to build authority and credibility in my writing. Statistics can be presented in various ways such as “According to, The data shows, Research indicates, or Studies have shown.” All of these starting phrases introduce statistics effectively.

Figurative Language: Create vivid imagery and engage readers through figures of speech

Figurative language is the paint on the canvas of your writing. It brings your words to life and helps readers imagine the sense of your writing. Whether it’s a simile, metaphor, personification, or hyperbole, figurative language adds color to your writing. I often use figurative language to make my writing more engaging and entertaining. Figurative language can be presented in a variety of ways such as “Like a, As a, As if, or Just like.” These starting phrases introduce figurative language in a way that makes the reader more engaged with the writing.

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Here are some of the examples of starter words: 

Hooks (Grab Attention)

1.imagine a world where... (sparks curiosity and sets a fantastical tone), 2.have you ever wondered... (prompts the reader to think and engage), 3. in the heart of a thriving city... (provides a vivid setting description), 4. what if, instead of... (prompts counterfactual thinking), 5. let's face it... (establishes a common ground with the reader), 6. a startling fact: ... (introduces a surprising statistic), 7. picture this... (invites the reader to visualize a scene), 8. fast forward ten years... (introduces a future scenario), 9. they say... (presents a common belief or saying), 10. can you believe... (expresses disbelief or highlights something unexpected), transitions (connect ideas), 11. building on the previous point... (connects to prior information), 12. in contrast, ... (introduces an opposing viewpoint), 13.furthermore, ... (adds additional support to a point), 14. this leads us to... (transitions to a new but related idea), 15. on the other hand, ... (presents a counterargument), 16. as a result, ... (highlights the consequences of something), 17. interestingly enough, ... (introduces a surprising connection), 18. similarly, ... (compares the current idea to a previous one), 19. notably, ... (draws attention to a specific detail), 20. to illustrate this point, ... (provides an example to clarify), examples (illustrate concepts), 21.for instance, take the case of... (introduces a relevant example), 22. a perfect illustration of this concept is... (emphasizes the example's connection), 23. consider the situation where... (presents a hypothetical scenario), 24. let's look at... (focuses on a specific case or object), 25. one example of this is... (provides a clear and direct example), 26. just like... (uses a familiar analogy to explain a new concept), 27. this can be seen in... (highlights an instance where the concept applies), 28. historical evidence suggests that... (uses historical examples for support), 29. in the real world, ... (connects the concept to practical applications), 30. take, for example, ... (introduces a specific example to elaborate), statistics (data-driven support), 31. a recent study found that... (provides data-driven support), 32. did you know that... (creates curiosity about a statistic), 33. shockingly, ... (highlights a surprising statistic), 34. statistics show that... (introduces relevant data), 35. it's estimated that... (presents an approximation based on data), 36. according to a survey, ... (references research findings), 37. in terms of numbers, ... (focuses on the quantitative aspect), 38. on average, ... (provides a general statistic), 39. data suggests that... (presents a conclusion based on analysis), 40. research indicates that... (highlights findings from research studies), figurative language (vivid imagery), 41. life is like a journey... (uses a metaphor to introduce a concept), 42. her voice was as smooth as silk... (uses a simile for description), 43. the city lights twinkled like a million fireflies... (creates a vivid image with a simile), 44. time seemed to crawl by... (uses personification to describe time), 45.the weight of expectation hung heavy in the air... (uses figurative language to create a sense of atmosphere), 46. her eyes sparkled with mischief... (uses figurative language to describe emotions), 47. the silence was deafening... (uses hyperbole to emphasize a point), 48. the forest floor was a carpet of fallen leaves... (uses a metaphor to describe a scene), 49. he fought like a lion... (uses a simile to describe courage),  50. the storm raged, waves crashing on the shore. (simple and direct description).

• Essay Structure • Types Of Essays • How To Write A Narrative Essay • Synthesis Essay • Descriptive Essay • How To Start Off An Essay • How To Write An Analytical Essay • Write Me A Paragraph • How To Write A Synthesis Essay

Different sentence starters serve different purposes, such as grabbing attention, connecting ideas, or illustrating points. When considering the opening sentence, think about how it relates to your writing goals and audience. Are you trying to introduce a new idea, provide an example, or summarize a point? I recommend selecting the best sentence starter based on these considerations.

Tips for Selecting the Best Sentence Starter

When it comes to selecting the best sentence starter for your paragraph, here is my advice:

Consider the purpose of your paragraph  

Is it meant to introduce a new idea, provide an example, or summarize a point?

Know your audience

What kind of tone and style are most likely to resonate with them?

Aim for variety

Don't overuse the same sentence starter repeatedly throughout your writing.

Choosing the right words to start a paragraph can help you set the tone for the rest of your work. Keep in mind, the goal is to engage your audience and keep them reading. So, take some time to think about the best sentence starter for your writing goals and audience.

Furthermore, advanced AI tools can make it easier to shape your writing by providing additional support. These AI tools even allow you to select a tone, and the AI will offer suggestions to help you write a paragraph accordingly. Choosing the right words at the start of your paragraphs can set the tone for the rest of the essay, so you can keep your audience engaged.

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