55 Best Words to Start a Paragraph

How do you start an introductory paragraph, what are the appropriate words to use, and the words to start a conclusion paragraph?

Whether you are writing a business proposal, paper report, essay, or article, the first words of a paragraph should inform the reader about the content.

The first words of a paragraph give the reader an insight into what will be discussed. Those first words construct the introductory paragraphs, giving meaning and clarity to the reader.

In this article, we will be discussing how can start an introduction paragraph with the right words, what your paragraphs should contain, how and words to start a conclusion paragraph, and more.

Words to Start an Introduction Paragraph?

The purpose of writing an introductory paragraph in an essay is to enable the reader to understand the topic and capture the reader’s interest. The first words are important because they should establish the importance or conflict of the topic.

Many students often struggle to start with the right words to construct sentences for the introductory paragraph. It’s important for the introductory paragraph in an essay to engage readers and provide a clear understanding of the topic.

There are a few words that would fit to start an introductory paragraph in an essay. Let’s look at some words you can choose to start an introductory paragraph.

The significance of (the topic) lies in.
The debate surrounding (the topic).
(The topic) has drawn attention due to.
The critical question of (the topic).
A closer review of (the topic) reveals.
Looking at the last few decades (add the topic) has.
The current conversation around (add the topic).

Also Read: What Are the Sociological Concepts? (Tips for Students)

What Should Your Paragraphs Contain?

When writing an essay, there are several conventions and guides on what a paragraph should contain. Whether you are writing an expository essay or an argumentative essay, the aim of writing remains to make the readers understand what is been discussed.

Your introductory paragraph should be long enough to discuss your idea and evidence. Make sure that you always start a new paragraph for every new idea.

How to Start a Body Paragraph

Body paragraphs usually make up the most part of an essay. It should include your argument, evidence, deductions, all your main points, data, and analysis.

Your body paragraph should guide the reader with transitions and signposts. Each paragraph should be centred on a single idea and the body paragraphs may be evidential, persuasive, analytical, or descriptive.

Words to Start a Body Paragraph

The purpose of a body paragraph in an essay is not just to guide the reader to understand the body of your essay but to also develop and support the main argument in the essay.

A lot of students may struggle to come up with words to start body paragraphs. They often search for the appropriate phrases or transition words to connect the paragraphs.

Well, here are a few words you can choose to start your body paragraphs.

The historical context of (the topic).
Analysing (the topic) through (theory).
(The topic) intersects with (related topic).
Addressing the challenges of (the topic).
Considering the impact of (policy).
Drawing from (author’s) findings.
Searching thoroughly into (the topic).
The historical context of (the topic).

Also Read: List of Examples of Behaviour in Psychology

How to Start a Concluding Paragraph

Concluding paragraphs are a bit different compared to other paragraphs. They summarize the main point in the essay and also point out important discussions.

They should not be discussing new arguments or evidence but instead should be drawing the argument together.

The concluding paragraph in your essay should notify the reader that they have arrived at the end by signposting its purpose. This is important, especially if your essay does not include headers.

Words to Start a Conclusion Paragraph

Conclusion paragraphs at the end of your essay should leave a lasting impression on the reader. The conclusion paragraph should summarize your main points and thesis.

You can check out this article on How to Write a Conclusion paragraph.

Here are a few examples of words you can use to start your conclusion paragraph.

In summary, we discovered that…
A thorough review of these analyses indicates that…
To conclude, this essay has demonstrated that we need to act immediately if we intend to halt the drastic declining population of our bees.
In conclusion, this research has shown….
In summary, (the topic) demonstrates
The evidence suggests…..
In the light of the analysis….
By synthesizing the main points…
(The topic) leaves us with several important implications…
Taking all factors into account…

How to Create a Clarity for Your Readers

When writing an essay, it’s important that the reader understands each paragraph clearly. From your introductory paragraph to your conclusion paragraph, they should all make sense for the reader to understand.

Paragraphs generally serve as tools to increase readability and clarity in any writing. A well-written essay consists of paragraphs that highlight the main point of the writing and transition words that connect the previous paragraph to the new one.

The introductory paragraph of your essay should capture the reader’s attention, making them see the reason to engage in the ensuing discussion.

With transition words, you can form a connection between two paragraphs, which will enable the reader to understand the main point in each paragraph.

Transition words enable the reader to understand the link and relationships between the ideas you are presenting.

Also Read: What Is the SOLO Taxonomy? Five Levels of Learning Complexity

List of Transition Words

There are enough transition words you can use to connect two paragraphs in your essay. Let’s look at a few transition words you could pick up.

Moreover
In addition
Furthermore
On the other hand
Firstly
Secondly
Thirdly
However
Meanwhile
In contrast
Despite this
As a result
Although
For example
In particular
Notably
Specifically
As previously mentioned
Therefore
Conversely
Nevertheless
For instance
In comparison
Thus
Simultaneously
Comparatively
Significantly
Interestingly
In the context of
In the light
Taking into consideration
Given that
According to
Considering the fact that
To illustrate
To demonstrate
Bearing in mind
Importantly
With regards to
Based on
In support of
To put that into perspective
In other words
Surprisingly
Undoubtedly
In fact
As a consequence

Types of Transition Words

Transition words are words or phrases that connect two or more paragraphs in a writing and they can be divided into several categories.

The examples of transition words listed above fall into different categories and are often used to connect two or more paragraphs.

Here are the types of transition words and their examples in sentences.

Cause and Effect

Example word: as a result, therefore, so, consequentially
Example sentence: He is late to the practice. Therefore, he won’t be joining the team.

Clarification

Example word: in other words, to clarify, that is to say.
Example of sentence: your services are no longer needed. In other words, you have been sacked.

Contrast

Example word: however, but on the other hand
Example sentence: I like the way you play the piano. But, you need to improve in some areas.

Example

Example word: for example, for instance
Example sentence: I like to go for a walk in the morning. For instance, I enjoy walking for up to a mile.

Conclusion

Recommendations

References

Helpfulprofessor: 105 Best Words To Start A Paragraph
Examstudyexpert: How To Start A Paragraph: 200+ Important Words And Phrases
Yoast: Transition words: why and how to use them

55 Best Words to Start a Paragraph

Words to Start an Introduction Paragraph?