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40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays
To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.
Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.
It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.
If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.
General explaining
Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.
1. In order to
Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”
2. In other words
Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”
3. To put it another way
Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”
4. That is to say
Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”
5. To that end
Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”
Adding additional information to support a point
Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.
6. Moreover
Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”
7. Furthermore
Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”
8. What’s more
Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”
9. Likewise
Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”
10. Similarly
Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”
11. Another key thing to remember
Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”
12. As well as
Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”
13. Not only… but also
Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”
14. Coupled with
Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”
15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…
Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.
16. Not to mention/to say nothing of
Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”
Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast
When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.
17. However
Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”
18. On the other hand
Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”
19. Having said that
Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”
20. By contrast/in comparison
Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”
21. Then again
Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”
22. That said
Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”
Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”
Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations
Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.
24. Despite this
Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”
25. With this in mind
Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”
26. Provided that
Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”
27. In view of/in light of
Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”
28. Nonetheless
Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”
29. Nevertheless
Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”
30. Notwithstanding
Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”
Giving examples
Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.
31. For instance
Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”
32. To give an illustration
Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”
Signifying importance
When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.
33. Significantly
Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”
34. Notably
Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”
35. Importantly
Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”
Summarising
You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.
36. In conclusion
Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”
37. Above all
Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”
38. Persuasive
Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”
39. Compelling
Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”
40. All things considered
Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”
How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.
At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine and engineering .
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Synonyms of 'essay' in British English
Additional synonyms, synonyms of 'essay' in american english.
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Synonyms for essay
composition
dissertation
disquisition
undertaking
have a go at
have a shot at
have a crack at
have a bash at
a relatively brief discourse written especially as an exercise
A procedure that ascertains effectiveness, value, proper function, or other quality, a trying to do or make something, to make an attempt to do or make, to subject to a procedure that ascertains effectiveness, value, proper function, or other quality, an analytic or interpretive literary composition, related words.
piece of writing
written material
thanatopsis
a tentative attempt
Make an effort or attempt.
pick up the gauntlet
take a dare
give it a try
give it a whirl
take a chance
take chances
lay on the line
put on the line
put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
pass judgment
Esperantido
espionage agent
espionage network
espresso maker
espresso shop
esprit de corps
esprit de l'escalier
essential amino acid
essential condition
essential hypertension
essential oil
essential thrombocytopenia
essential tremor
essentiality
essentially
essentialness
established
established church
establishment
establishmentarian
establishmentarianism
Essad Pasha
Essad Pasha Toptani
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Essai Fondé sur la Préférence du Patient
Essais Cliniques en Lorraine
Essais Cliniques et Validation
Essais d'Aptitude Par Inter-Comparaison
Essais Périodiques
Essanay Film Manufacturing Company
Essar Power Gujarat Ltd.
Essar Shipping and Logistics Ltd.
Essarts Club Archerie
Essay and Short Answer Question
Essay Concerning Human Understanding
Essay editing
Essay on Criticism
Essay on Lucidity
essay question
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Essays in International Finance
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Words to use in the essay introduction, words to use in the body of the essay, words to use in your essay conclusion, how to improve your essay writing vocabulary.
It’s not easy to write an academic essay .
Many students struggle to word their arguments in a logical and concise way.
To make matters worse, academic essays need to adhere to a certain level of formality, so we can’t always use the same word choices in essay writing that we would use in daily life.
If you’re struggling to choose the right words for your essay, don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of over 300 words and phrases to use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay.
The introduction is one of the hardest parts of an essay to write.
You have only one chance to make a first impression, and you want to hook your reader. If the introduction isn’t effective, the reader might not even bother to read the rest of the essay.
That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful and deliberate with the words you choose at the beginning of your essay.
Many students use a quote in the introductory paragraph to establish credibility and set the tone for the rest of the essay.
When you’re referencing another author or speaker, try using some of these phrases:
To use the words of X
According to X
As X states
Example: To use the words of Hillary Clinton, “You cannot have maternal health without reproductive health.”
Near the end of the introduction, you should state the thesis to explain the central point of your paper.
If you’re not sure how to introduce your thesis, try using some of these phrases:
In this essay, I will…
The purpose of this essay…
This essay discusses…
In this paper, I put forward the claim that…
There are three main arguments for…
Example: In this essay, I will explain why dress codes in public schools are detrimental to students.
After you’ve stated your thesis, it’s time to start presenting the arguments you’ll use to back up that central idea.
When you’re introducing the first of a series of arguments, you can use the following words:
First and foremost
First of all
To begin with
Example: First , consider the effects that this new social security policy would have on low-income taxpayers.
All these words and phrases will help you create a more successful introduction and convince your audience to read on.
The body of your essay is where you’ll explain your core arguments and present your evidence.
It’s important to choose words and phrases for the body of your essay that will help the reader understand your position and convince them you’ve done your research.
Let’s look at some different types of words and phrases that you can use in the body of your essay, as well as some examples of what these words look like in a sentence.
Transition Words and Phrases
Transitioning from one argument to another is crucial for a good essay.
It’s important to guide your reader from one idea to the next so they don’t get lost or feel like you’re jumping around at random.
Transition phrases and linking words show your reader you’re about to move from one argument to the next, smoothing out their reading experience. They also make your writing look more professional.
The simplest transition involves moving from one idea to a separate one that supports the same overall argument. Try using these phrases when you want to introduce a second correlating idea:
Additionally
In addition
Furthermore
Another key thing to remember
In the same way
Correspondingly
Example: Additionally , public parks increase property value because home buyers prefer houses that are located close to green, open spaces.
Another type of transition involves restating. It’s often useful to restate complex ideas in simpler terms to help the reader digest them. When you’re restating an idea, you can use the following words:
In other words
To put it another way
That is to say
To put it more simply
Example: “The research showed that 53% of students surveyed expressed a mild or strong preference for more on-campus housing. In other words , over half the students wanted more dormitory options.”
Often, you’ll need to provide examples to illustrate your point more clearly for the reader. When you’re about to give an example of something you just said, you can use the following words:
For instance
To give an illustration of
To exemplify
To demonstrate
As evidence
Example: Humans have long tried to exert control over our natural environment. For instance , engineers reversed the Chicago River in 1900, causing it to permanently flow backward.
Sometimes, you’ll need to explain the impact or consequence of something you’ve just said.
When you’re drawing a conclusion from evidence you’ve presented, try using the following words:
As a result
Accordingly
As you can see
This suggests that
It follows that
It can be seen that
For this reason
For all of those reasons
Consequently
Example: “There wasn’t enough government funding to support the rest of the physics experiment. Thus , the team was forced to shut down their experiment in 1996.”
When introducing an idea that bolsters one you’ve already stated, or adds another important aspect to that same argument, you can use the following words:
What’s more
Not only…but also
Not to mention
To say nothing of
Another key point
Example: The volcanic eruption disrupted hundreds of thousands of people. Moreover , it impacted the local flora and fauna as well, causing nearly a hundred species to go extinct.
Often, you'll want to present two sides of the same argument. When you need to compare and contrast ideas, you can use the following words:
On the one hand / on the other hand
Alternatively
In contrast to
On the contrary
By contrast
In comparison
Example: On the one hand , the Black Death was undoubtedly a tragedy because it killed millions of Europeans. On the other hand , it created better living conditions for the peasants who survived.
Finally, when you’re introducing a new angle that contradicts your previous idea, you can use the following phrases:
Having said that
Differing from
In spite of
With this in mind
Provided that
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Notwithstanding
Example: Shakespearean plays are classic works of literature that have stood the test of time. Having said that , I would argue that Shakespeare isn’t the most accessible form of literature to teach students in the twenty-first century.
Good essays include multiple types of logic. You can use a combination of the transitions above to create a strong, clear structure throughout the body of your essay.
Strong Verbs for Academic Writing
Verbs are especially important for writing clear essays. Often, you can convey a nuanced meaning simply by choosing the right verb.
You should use strong verbs that are precise and dynamic. Whenever possible, you should use an unambiguous verb, rather than a generic verb.
For example, alter and fluctuate are stronger verbs than change , because they give the reader more descriptive detail.
Here are some useful verbs that will help make your essay shine.
Verbs that show change:
Accommodate
Verbs that relate to causing or impacting something:
Verbs that show increase:
Verbs that show decrease:
Deteriorate
Verbs that relate to parts of a whole:
Comprises of
Is composed of
Constitutes
Encompasses
Incorporates
Verbs that show a negative stance:
Misconstrue
Verbs that show a positive stance:
Substantiate
Verbs that relate to drawing conclusions from evidence:
Corroborate
Demonstrate
Verbs that relate to thinking and analysis:
Contemplate
Hypothesize
Investigate
Verbs that relate to showing information in a visual format:
Useful Adjectives and Adverbs for Academic Essays
You should use adjectives and adverbs more sparingly than verbs when writing essays, since they sometimes add unnecessary fluff to sentences.
However, choosing the right adjectives and adverbs can help add detail and sophistication to your essay.
Sometimes you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is useful and should be taken seriously. Here are some adjectives that create positive emphasis:
Significant
Other times, you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is harmful or ineffective. Here are some adjectives that create a negative emphasis:
Controversial
Insignificant
Questionable
Unnecessary
Unrealistic
Finally, you might need to use an adverb to lend nuance to a sentence, or to express a specific degree of certainty. Here are some examples of adverbs that are often used in essays:
Comprehensively
Exhaustively
Extensively
Respectively
Surprisingly
Using these words will help you successfully convey the key points you want to express. Once you’ve nailed the body of your essay, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.
The conclusion of your paper is important for synthesizing the arguments you’ve laid out and restating your thesis.
In your concluding paragraph, try using some of these essay words:
In conclusion
To summarize
In a nutshell
Given the above
As described
All things considered
Example: In conclusion , it’s imperative that we take action to address climate change before we lose our coral reefs forever.
In addition to simply summarizing the key points from the body of your essay, you should also add some final takeaways. Give the reader your final opinion and a bit of a food for thought.
To place emphasis on a certain point or a key fact, use these essay words:
Unquestionably
Undoubtedly
Particularly
Importantly
Conclusively
It should be noted
On the whole
Example: Ada Lovelace is unquestionably a powerful role model for young girls around the world, and more of our public school curricula should include her as a historical figure.
These concluding phrases will help you finish writing your essay in a strong, confident way.
There are many useful essay words out there that we didn't include in this article, because they are specific to certain topics.
If you're writing about biology, for example, you will need to use different terminology than if you're writing about literature.
So how do you improve your vocabulary skills?
The vocabulary you use in your academic writing is a toolkit you can build up over time, as long as you take the time to learn new words.
One way to increase your vocabulary is by looking up words you don’t know when you’re reading.
Try reading more books and academic articles in the field you’re writing about and jotting down all the new words you find. You can use these words to bolster your own essays.
You can also consult a dictionary or a thesaurus. When you’re using a word you’re not confident about, researching its meaning and common synonyms can help you make sure it belongs in your essay.
Don't be afraid of using simpler words. Good essay writing boils down to choosing the best word to convey what you need to say, not the fanciest word possible.
Finally, you can use ProWritingAid’s synonym tool or essay checker to find more precise and sophisticated vocabulary. Click on weak words in your essay to find stronger alternatives.
There you have it: our compilation of the best words and phrases to use in your next essay . Good luck!
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39 Different Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay (Rated)
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 phrase “In conclusion …” sounds reductive, simple and … well, just basic.
You can find better words to conclude an essay than that!
So below I’ve outlined a list of different ways to say in conclusion in an essay using a range of analysis verbs . Each one comes with an explanation of the best time to use each phrase and an example you could consider.
Read Also: How to Write a Conclusion using the 5C’s Method
List of Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay
The following are the best tips I have for to say in conclusion in an essay.
1. The Weight of the Evidence Suggests…
My Rating: 10/10
Overview: This is a good concluding phrase for an evaluative essay where you need to compare two different positions on a topic then conclude by saying which one has more evidence behind it than the other.
You could also use this phrase for argumentative essays where you’ve put forward all the evidence for your particular case.
Example: “The weight of the evidence suggests that climate change is a real phenomenon.”
2. A Thoughtful Analysis would Conclude…
My Rating: 9/10
Overview: I would use this phrase in either an argumentative essay or a comparison essay. As an argument, it highlights that you think your position is the most logical.
In a comparison essay, it shows that you have (or have intended to) thoughtfully explore the issue by looking at both sides.
Example: “A thoughtful analysis would conclude that there is substantial evidence highlighting that climate change is real.”
Related Article: 17+ Great Ideas For An Essay About Yourself
3. A Balanced Assessment of the Above Information…
Overview: This phrase can be used to show that you have made a thoughtful analysis of the information you found when researching the essay. You’re telling your teacher with this phrase that you have looked at all sides of the argument before coming to your conclusion.
Example: “A balanced assessment of the above information would be that climate change exists and will have a strong impact on the world for centuries to come.”
4. Across the Board…
My Rating: 5/10
Overview: I would use this phrase in a less formal context such as in a creative discussion but would leave it out of a formal third-person essay. To me, the phrase comes across as too colloquial.
Example: “Across the board, there are scientists around the world who consistently provide evidence for human-induced climate change.”
5. Logically…
My Rating: 7/10
Overview: This phrase can be used at the beginning of any paragraph that states out a series of facts that will be backed by clear step-by-step explanations that the reader should be able to follow to a conclusion.
Example: “Logically, the rise of the automobile would speed up economic expansion in the United States. Automobiles allowed goods to flow faster around the economy.
6. After all is Said and Done…
Overview: This is a colloquial term that is more useful in a speech than written text. If you feel that the phrase ‘In conclusion,’ is too basic, then I’d also avoid this term. However, use in speech is common, so if you’re giving a speech, it may be more acceptable.
Example: “After all is said and done, it’s clear that there is more evidence to suggest that climate change is real than a hoax.”
7. All in All…
Overview: ‘All in all’ is a colloquial term that I would use in speech but not in formal academic writing. Colloquialisms can show that you have poor command of the English language. However, I would consider using this phrase in the conclusion of a debate.
Example: “All in all, our debate team has shown that there is insurmountable evidence that our side of the argument is correct.”
8. All Things Considered…
My Rating: 6/10
Overview: This term is a good way of saying ‘I have considered everything above and now my conclusion is..’ However, it is another term that’s more commonly used in speech than writing. Use it in a high school debate, but when it comes to a formal essay, I would leave it out.
Example: “All things considered, there’s no doubt in my mind that climate change is man-made.”
9. As a Final Note…
My Rating: 3/10
Overview: This phrase gives me the impression that the student doesn’t understand the point of a conclusion. It’s not to simply make a ‘final note’, but to summarize and reiterate. So, I would personally avoid this one.
Example: “As a final note, I would say that I do think the automobile was one of the greatest inventions of the 20 th Century.”
10. As Already Stated…
My Rating: 2/10
Overview: I don’t like this phrase. It gives teachers the impression that you’re going around in circles and haven’t organized your essay properly. I would particularly avoid it in the body of an essay because I always think: “If you already stated it, why are you stating it again?” Of course, the conclusion does re-state things, but it also adds value because it also summarizes them. So, add value by using a phrase such as ‘summarizing’ or ‘weighing up’ in your conclusion instead.
Example: “As already stated, I’m going to repeat myself and annoy my teacher.”
11. At present, the Best Evidence Suggests…
My Rating: 8/10
Overview: In essays where the evidence may change in the future. Most fields of study do involve some evolution over time, so this phrase acknowledges that “right now” the best evidence is one thing, but it may change in the future. It also shows that you’ve looked at the latest information on the topic.
Example: “At present, the best evidence suggests that carbon dioxide emissions from power plants is the greatest influence on climate change.”
12. At the Core of the Issue…
Overview: I personally find this phrase to be useful for most essays. It highlights that you are able to identify the most important or central point from everything you have examined. It is slightly less formal than some other phrases on this list, but I also wouldn’t consider it too colloquial for an undergraduate essay.
Example: “At the core of the issue in this essay is the fact scientists have been unable to convince the broader public of the importance of action on climate change.”
13. Despite the shortcomings of…
Overview: This phrase can be useful in an argumentative essay. It shows that there are some limitations to your argument, but , on balance you still think your position is the best. This will allow you to show critical insight and knowledge while coming to your conclusion.
Often, my students make the mistake of thinking they can only take one side in an argumentative essay. On the contrary, you should be able to highlight the limitations of your point-of-view while also stating that it’s the best.
Example: “Despite the shortcomings of globalization, this essay has found that on balance it has been good for many areas in both the developed and developing world.”
14. Finally…
My Rating: 4/10
Overview: While the phrase ‘Finally,’ does indicate that you’re coming to the end of your discussion, it is usually used at the end of a list of ideas rather than in a conclusion. It also implies that you’re adding a point rather that summing up previous points you have made.
Example: “Finally, this essay has highlighted the importance of communication between policy makers and practitioners in order to ensure good policy is put into effect.”
15. Gathering the above points together…
Overview: While this is not a phrase I personally use very often, I do believe it has the effect of indicating that you are “summing up”, which is what you want out of a conclusion.
Example: “Gathering the above points together, it is clear that the weight of evidence highlights the importance of action on climate change.”
16. Given the above information…
Overview: This phrase shows that you are considering the information in the body of the piece when coming to your conclusion. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for starting a conclusion.
Example: “Given the above information, it is reasonable to conclude that the World Health Organization is an appropriate vehicle for achieving improved health outcomes in the developing world.”
17. In a nutshell…
Overview: This phrase means to say everything in the fewest possible words. However, it is a colloquial phrase that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing.
Example: “In a nutshell, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate about socialism vs capitalism.”
18. In closing…
Overview: This phrase is an appropriate synonym for ‘In conclusion’ and I would be perfectly fine with a student using this phrase in their essay. Make sure you follow-up by explaining your position based upon the weight of evidence presented in the body of your piece
Example: “In closing, there is ample evidence to suggest that liberalism has been the greatest force for progress in the past 100 years.”
19. In essence…
Overview: While the phrase ‘In essence’ does suggest you are about to sum up the core findings of your discussion, it is somewhat colloquial and is best left for speech rather than formal academic writing.
Example: “In essence, this essay has shown that cattle farming is an industry that should be protected as an essential service for our country.”
20. In review…
Overview: We usually review someone else’s work, not our own. For example, you could review a book that you read or a film you watched. So, writing “In review” as a replacement for “In conclusion” comes across a little awkward.
Example: “In review, the above information has made a compelling case for compulsory military service in the United States.”
21. In short…
Overview: Personally, I find that this phrase is used more regularly by undergraduate student. As students get more confident with their writing, they tend to use higher-rated phrases from this list. Nevertheless, I would not take grades away from a student for using this phrase.
Example: “In short, this essay has shown the importance of sustainable agriculture for securing a healthy future for our nation.”
22. In Sum…
Overview: Short for “In summary”, the phrase “In sum” sufficiently shows that you are not coming to the moment where you will sum up the essay. It is an appropriate phrase to use instead of “In conclusion”.
But remember to not just summarize but also discuss the implications of your findings in your conclusion.
Example: “In sum, this essay has shown the importance of managers in ensuring efficient operation of medium-to-large enterprises.”
23. In Summary…
Overview: In summary and in sum are the same terms which can be supplemented for “In conclusion”. You will show that you are about to summarize the points you said in the body of the essay, which is what you want from an essay.
Example: “In summary, reflection is a very important metacognitive skill that all teachers need to master in order to improve their pedagogical skills.”
24. It cannot be conclusively stated that…
Overview: While this phrase is not always be a good fit for your essay, when it is, it does show knowledge and skill in writing. You would use this phrase if you are writing an expository essay where you have decided that there is not enough evidence currently to make a firm conclusion on the issue.
Example: “It cannot be conclusively stated that the Big Bang was when the universe began. However, it is the best theory so far, and none of the other theories explored in this essay have as much evidence behind them.”
25. It is apparent that…
Overview: The term ‘ apparent ’ means that something is ‘clear’ or even ‘obvious’. So, you would use this word in an argumentative essay where you think you have put forward a very compelling argument.
Example: “It is apparent that current migration patterns in the Americas are unsustainable and causing significant harm to the most vulnerable people in our society.”
26. Last but not least…
Overview: The phrase “last but not least” is a colloquial idiom that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing. Furthermore, when you are saying ‘last’, you mean to say you’re making your last point rather than summing up all your points you already made. So, I’d avoid this one.
Example: “Last but not least, this essay has highlighted the importance of empowering patients to exercise choice over their own medical decisions.”
27. Overall…
My Rating: 7.5/10
Overview: This phrase means ‘taking everything into account’, which sounds a lot like what you would want to do in an essay. I don’t consider it to be a top-tier choice (which is why I rated it 7), but in my opinion it is perfectly acceptable to use in an undergraduate essay.
Example: “Overall, religious liberty continues to be threatened across the world, and faces significant threats in the 21 st Century.”
28. The above points illustrate…
Overview: This phrase is a good start to a conclusion paragraph that talks about the implications of the points you made in your essay. Follow it up with a statement that defends your thesis you are putting forward in the essay.
Example: “The above points illustrate that art has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on humanity since the renaissance.”
29. The evidence presented in this essay suggests that…
Overview: I like this phrase because it highlights that you are about to gather together the evidence from the body of the essay to put forward a final thesis statement .
Example: “The evidence presented in this essay suggests that the democratic system of government is the best for securing maximum individual liberty for citizens of a nation.”
30. This essay began by stating…
Overview: This phrase is one that I teach in my YouTube mini-course as an effective one to use in an essay conclusion. If you presented an interesting fact in your introduction , you can return to that point from the beginning of the essay to provide nice symmetry in your writing.
Example: “This essay began by stating that corruption has been growing in the Western world. However, the facts collected in the body of the essay show that institutional checks and balances can sufficiently minimize this corruption in the long-term.”
31. This essay has argued…
Overview: This term can be used effectively in an argumentative essay to provide a summary of your key points. Follow it up with an outline of all your key points, and then a sentence about the implications of the points you made. See the example below.
Example: “This essay has argued that standardized tests are damaging for students’ mental health. Tests like the SATs should therefore be replaced by project-based testing in schools.”
32. To close…
Overview: This is a very literal way of saying “In conclusion”. While it’s suitable and serves its purpose, it does come across as being a sophomoric term. Consider using one of the higher-rated phrases in this list.
Example: “To close, this essay has highlighted both the pros and cons of relational dialectics theory and argued that it is not the best communication theory for the 21 st Century.”
33. To Conclude…
Overview: Like ‘to close’ and ‘in summary’, the phrase ‘to conclude’ is very similar to ‘in conclusion’. It can therefore be used as a sufficient replacement for that term. However, as with the above terms, it’s just okay and you could probably find a better phrase to use.
Example: “To conclude, this essay has highlighted that there are multiple models of communication but there is no one perfect theory to explain each situation.”
34. To make a long story short…
My Rating: 1/10
Overview: This is not a good phrase to use in an academic essay. It is a colloquialism. It also implies that you have been rambling in your writing and you could have said everything more efficiently. I would personally not use this phrase.
Example: “To make a long story short, I don’t have very good command of academic language.”
35. To Sum up…
Overview: This phrase is the same as ‘In summary’. It shows that you have made all of your points and now you’re about to bring them all together in a ‘summary’. Just remember in your conclusion that you need to do more than summarize but also talk about the implications of your findings. So you’ll need to go beyond just a summary.
Example: “In summary, there is ample evidence that linear models of communication like Lasswell’s model are not as good at explaining 21 st Century communication as circular models like the Osgood-Schramm model .”
36. Ultimately…
Overview: While this phrase does say that you are coming to a final point – also known as a conclusion – it’s also a very strong statement that might not be best to use in all situations. I usually accept this phrase from my undergraduates, but for my postgraduates I’d probably suggest simply removing it.
Example: “Ultimately, new media has been bad for the world because it has led to the spread of mistruths around the internet.”
37. Undoubtedly…
Overview: If you are using it in a debate or argumentative essay, it can be helpful. However, in a regular academic essay, I would avoid it. We call this a ‘booster’, which is a term that emphasizes certainty. Unfortunately, certainty is a difficult thing to claim, so you’re better off ‘hedging’ with phrases like ‘It appears’ or ‘The best evidence suggests’.
Example: “Undoubtedly, I know everything about this topic and am one hundred percent certain even though I’m just an undergraduate student.”
38. Weighing up the facts, this essay finds…
Overview: This statement highlights that you are looking at all of the facts both for and against your points of view. It shows you’re not just blindly following one argument but being careful about seeing things from many perspectives.
Example: “Weighing up the facts, this essay finds that reading books is important for developing critical thinking skills in childhood.”
39. With that said…
Overview: This is another phrase that I would avoid. This is a colloquialism that’s best used in speech rather than writing. It is another term that feels sophomoric and is best to avoid. Instead, use a more formal term such as: ‘Weighing up the above points, this essay finds…’
Example: “With that said, this essay disagrees with the statement that you need to go to college to get a good job.”
Do you Need to Say Anything?
Something I often tell my students is: “Can you just remove that phrase?”
Consider this sentence:
“In conclusion, the majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.”
Would it be possible to simply say:
“ In conclusion, The majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.”
So, I’d recommend also just considering removing that phrase altogether! Sometimes the best writing is the shortest, simplest writing that gets to the point without any redundant language at all.
How to Write an Effective Conclusion
Before I go, I’d like to bring your attention to my video on ‘how to write an effective conclusion’. I think it would really help you out given that you’re looking for help on how to write a conclusion. It’s under 5 minutes long and has helped literally thousands of students write better conclusions for their essays:
You can also check out these conclusion examples for some copy-and-paste conclusions for your own essay.
In Conclusion…
Well, I had to begin this conclusion with ‘In conclusion…’ I liked the irony in it, and I couldn’t pass up that chance.
Overall, don’t forget that concluding an essay is a way to powerfully summarize what you’ve had to say and leave the reader with a strong impression that you’ve become an authority on the topic you’re researching.
So, whether you write it as a conclusion, summary, or any other synonym for conclusion, those other ways to say in conclusion are less important than making sure that the message in your conclusion is incredibly strong.
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples
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12 Alternatives to “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” in an Essay
Essays are hard enough to get right without constantly worrying about introducing new points of discussion.
You might have tried using “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in an essay, but are there better alternatives out there?
This article will explore some synonyms to give you other ways to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing.
Can I Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?
You can not say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing. It sounds jarring to most readers, so you’re better off using “first, second, third” (removing the -ly suffix).
Technically, it is correct to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” You could even go on to say “fourthly” and “fifthly” when making further points. However, none of these words have a place in formal writing and essays.
Still, these examples will show you how to use all three of them:
Firstly , I would like to touch on why this is problematic behavior. Secondly , we need to discuss the solutions to make it better. Thirdly , I will finalize the discussion and determine the best course of action.
It allows you to enumerate your points.
It’s easy to follow for a reader.
It’s very informal.
There’s no reason to add the “-ly” suffix.
Clearly, “firstly, secondly, thirdly” are not appropriate in essays. Therefore, it’s best to have a few alternatives ready to go.
Keep reading to learn the best synonyms showing you what to use instead of “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” Then, we’ll provide examples for each as well.
What to Say Instead of “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”
First of all
One reason is
Continuing on
In addition
1. First of All
“First of all” is a great way to replace “firstly” at the start of a list .
We recommend using it to show that you have more points to make. Usually, it implies you start with the most important point .
Here are some examples to show you how it works:
First of all , I would like to draw your attention to the issues in question. Then, it’s important that we discuss what comes next. Finally, you should know that we’re going to work out the best solution.
2. To Begin
Another great way to start an essay or sentence is “to begin.” It shows that you’re beginning on one point and willing to move on to other important ones.
It’s up to you to decide which phrases come after “to begin.” As long as there’s a clear way for the reader to follow along , you’re all good.
These examples will also help you with it:
To begin , we should decide which variables will be the most appropriate for it. After that, it’s worth exploring the alternatives to see which one works best. In conclusion, I will decide whether there are any more appropriate options available.
“First” is much better than “firstly” in every written situation. You can include it in academic writing because it is more concise and professional .
Also, it’s somewhat more effective than “first of all” (the first synonym). It’s much easier to use one word to start a list. Naturally, “second” and “third” can follow when listing items in this way.
Here are a few examples to help you understand it:
First , you should know that I have explored all the relevant options to help us. Second, there has to be a more efficient protocol. Third, I would like to decide on a better task-completion method.
4. One Reason Is
You may also use “one reason is” to start a discussion that includes multiple points . Generally, you would follow it up with “another reason is” and “the final reason is.”
It’s a more streamlined alternative to “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” So, we recommend using it when you want to clearly discuss all points involved in a situation.
This essay sample will help you understand more about it:
One reason is that it makes more sense to explore these options together. Another reason comes from being able to understand each other’s instincts. The final reason is related to knowing what you want and how to get it.
“Second” is a great follow-on from “first.” Again, it’s better than writing “secondly” because it sounds more formal and is acceptable in most essays.
We highly recommend using “second” after you’ve started a list with “first.” It allows you to cover the second point in a list without having to explain the flow to the reader.
Check out the following examples to help you:
First, you should consider the answer before we get there. Second , your answer will be questioned and discussed to determine both sides. Third, you will have a new, unbiased opinion based on the previous discussion.
6. Continuing On
You can use “continuing on” as a follow-up to most introductory points in a list.
It works well after something like “to begin,” as it shows that you’re continuing the list reasonably and clearly.
Perhaps these examples will shed some light on it:
To begin, there needs to be a clear example of how this should work. Continuing on , I will look into other options to keep the experiment fair. Finally, the result will reveal itself, making it clear whether my idea worked.
Generally, “next” is one of the most versatile options to continue a list . You can include it after almost any introductory phrase (like “first,” “to begin,” or “one reason is”).
It’s great to include in essays, but be careful with it. It can become too repetitive if you say “next” too many times. Try to limit how many times you include it in your lists to keep your essay interesting.
Check out the following examples if you’re still unsure:
To start, it’s wise to validate the method to ensure there were no initial errors. Next , I think exploring alternatives is important, as you never know which is most effective. Then, you can touch on new ideas that might help.
One of the most effective and versatile words to include in a list is “then.”
It works at any stage during the list (after the first stage, of course). So, it’s worth including it when you want to continue talking about something.
For instance:
First of all, the discussion about rights was necessary. Then , it was important to determine whether we agreed or not. After that, we had to convince the rest of the team to come to our way of thinking.
9. In Addition
Making additions to your essays allows the reader to easily follow your lists. We recommend using “in addition” as the second (or third) option in a list .
It’s a great one to include after any list opener. It shows that you’ve got something specific to add that’s worth mentioning.
These essay samples should help you understand it better:
First, it’s important that we iron out any of the problems we had before. In addition , it’s clear that we have to move on to more sustainable options. Then, we can figure out the costs behind each option.
Naturally, “third” is the next in line when following “first” and “second.” Again, it’s more effective than “thirdly,” making it a much more suitable option in essays.
We recommend using it to make your third (and often final) point. It’s a great way to close a list , allowing you to finalize your discussion. The reader will appreciate your clarity when using “third” to list three items.
Here are some examples to demonstrate how it works:
First, you need to understand the basics of the mechanism. Second, I will teach you how to change most fundamentals. Third , you will build your own mechanism with the knowledge you’ve gained.
11. Finally
“Finally” is an excellent way to close a list in an essay . It’s very final (hence the name) and shows that you have no more points to list .
Generally, “finally” allows you to explain the most important part of the list. “Finally” generally means you are touching on something that’s more important than everything that came before it.
For example:
First, thank you for reading my essay, as it will help me determine if I’m on to something. Next, I would like to start working on this immediately to see what I can learn. Finally , you will learn for yourself what it takes to complete a task like this.
12. To Wrap Up
Readers like closure. They will always look for ways to wrap up plot points and lists. So, “to wrap up” is a great phrase to include in your academic writing .
It shows that you are concluding a list , regardless of how many points came before it. Generally, “to wrap up” covers everything you’ve been through previously to ensure the reader follows everything you said.
To start with, I requested that we change venues to ensure optimal conditions. Following that, we moved on to the variables that might have the biggest impact. To wrap up , the experiment went as well as could be expected, with a few minor issues.
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10 Other Ways to Say “The Text States” (With Examples)
When analyzing a text or writing about reading, it’s easy to fall into repetitive language like “the text states” over and over. While this phrase isn’t technically wrong, it can make your writing boring for the reader.
Instead, mix it up by using a variety of different phrases to introduce evidence and quotes from the text. This keeps your writing fresh and engaging.
In this blog post, I’ll share different ways to say “the text states” when integrating evidence from reading into your writing. I’ll provide a quick definition and example sentence for each phrase so you can see it in context.
Whether you’re writing an essay for class or analyzing a text as part of a book club or literature discussion, these alternatives to “the text states” will help you smoothly quote the text more dynamically.
Is It Professional to Say “the Text States”?
No, it is not considered professional to overuse the phrase “the text states” in academic writing . While this phrase is direct and clear for introducing a quote or evidence from a text, relying on it too much can make your writing seem repetitive and unsophisticated.
Instead, it is more professional to use a variety of alternative phrases to smoothly integrate quotes and references to the text in your academic work. Phrases like “according to the author” or “as the passage indicates” demonstrate more complex writing skills and make your points flow well.
Varying your language also keeps the reader engaged in your analysis rather than growing tired of seeing the same sentence structure repeated. The occasional use of “the text states” is just fine for clarity.
However academic writing is strengthened when writers use a range of sentence structures and vocabulary , enabling them to express concepts fluidly.
So be sure to break up repetitive phrasing with some of the diverse options available for introducing textual evidence. Your writing will come across more professionally and thoughtfully.
Here is an example text that repetitively uses “the text states”:
In the passage about sea turtles, the text states that these creatures have existed for over 100 million years. The text states that sea turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and the beaches where they nest. The text states that sea turtles face many threats from humans, including pollution, habitat loss, and hunting. The text states that six of the seven sea turtle species are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
Using “ the text states” clearly attributes information to the source text.
Repeating this phrase creates consistency in introducing quotes and evidence.
The repetitive use of “the text states” is monotonous and unsophisticated.
The writing sounds boring and lacks fluidity due to overusing the same phrase structure.
What to Say Instead of “the text states”
The document asserts
The passage claims
The article articulates
The writing specifies
The section mentions
The manuscript declares
The narrative describes
The content reveals
The excerpt indicates
The piece conveys
1. The document asserts
“The document asserts” is a formal way to convey that the text presents a clear statement or position on a topic. It implies a level of authority and confidence in the information presented.
This expression is particularly useful in academic or professional writing when referring to official reports, research findings, or authoritative sources.
In her groundbreaking research on climate change, the document asserts that global temperatures have risen by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past century, highlighting the urgent need for action.
2. The passage claims
“The passage claims” suggests that a specific section of text makes a statement or argument , possibly open to interpretation or debate.
It’s a useful phrase when discussing literary works, essays, or articles that present a particular viewpoint or hypothesis.
In the debate on renewable energy sources, the passage claims that solar power could potentially meet the world’s energy needs, underscoring the importance of investing in solar technology.
3. The article articulates
“The article articulates” indicates that the piece of writing clearly and effectively expresses an idea, opinion, or fact. This expression is ideal for discussing well-written articles that convey their points persuasively and coherently.
The article articulates the need for more inclusive policies in the workplace, arguing that diversity and inclusion are not just moral imperatives but also key drivers of innovation.
4. The writing specifies
“The writing specifies” is used when the text clearly defines or details particular information or instructions. It’s particularly relevant in technical writing , legal documents, or any context where precision and clarity are paramount.
Example: In the instruction manual, the writing specifies the exact steps to safely operate the machinery, ensuring that users can follow the procedures without ambiguity.
5. The section mentions
“The section mentions” is a more casual way to refer to a part of the text that briefly refers to or acknowledges a piece of information without going into extensive detail. It’s useful for pointing out where an idea or topic is introduced in a broader context.
In the discussion on sustainable agriculture, the section mentions the role of organic farming in promoting soil health and biodiversity, though it does not delve deeply into the subject.
6. The manuscript declares
“The manuscript declares” conveys a formal and somewhat grandiose announcement or statement within a document, often used in the context of significant findings, declarations, or proclamations in a scholarly or literary work.
In his latest novel, the manuscript declares the protagonist’s unwavering resolve to overcome adversity, setting the stage for a dramatic narrative of resilience and determination.
7. The narrative describes
“The narrative describes” suggests that the story or account provides detailed descriptions , offering vivid imagery or a thorough explanation of events , settings, or characters. It’s especially fitting for literary analysis or discussions about storytelling.
The narrative describes the bustling streets of Paris in the 1920s with such detail that readers feel as though they are walking alongside the characters, experiencing the city’s vibrant culture and energy.
8. The content reveals
“The content reveals” implies that the text uncovers or discloses information, often something not immediately apparent or previously unknown. It’s a compelling way to discuss texts that provide insights, expose truths, or unveil new findings.
The documentary’s script the content reveals the hidden impacts of plastic pollution on marine life, offering a stark depiction of the environmental crisis facing our oceans.
9. The excerpt indicates
“The excerpt indicates” is used when a particular portion of the text suggests or points to a broader idea, trend, or conclusion. It’s useful for drawing attention to evidence or hints within a text that supports a larger argument or theory.
The excerpt indicates that the author’s views on democracy were heavily influenced by his experiences abroad, hinting at a deeper exploration of political ideologies throughout the book.
10. The piece conveys
“The piece conveys” refers to the overall message or emotion that a piece of writing communicates to its readers. It’s an effective expression for discussing the impact, tone, or underlying themes of a work.
Through its poignant storytelling, the piece conveys a deep sense of longing and nostalgia, evoking strong emotional responses from its audience.
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Refine Your Final Word With 10 Alternatives To “In Conclusion”
Alternatives To In Conclusion
Wrapping up a presentation or a paper can be deceptively difficult. It seems like it should be easy—after all, your goal is to summarize the ideas you’ve already presented and possibly make a call to action. You don’t have to find new information; you just have to share what you already know.
Here’s where it gets tricky, though. Oftentimes, it turns out that the hardest part about writing a good conclusion is avoiding repetition.
That’s where we can help, at least a little bit. When it comes to using a transition word or phrase to kick off your conclusion, the phrase in conclusion is frequently overused. It’s easy to understand why—it is straightforward. But there are far more interesting and attention-grabbing words and phrases you can use in your papers and speeches to signal that you have reached the end.
One of the simplest synonyms of in conclusion is in summary . This transition phrase signals that you are going to briefly state the main idea or conclusion of your research. Like in conclusion , it is formal enough to be used both when writing an academic paper and when giving a presentation.
In summary, despite multiple experimental designs, the research remains inconclusive.
In summary , there is currently unprecedented interest in our new products.
A less formal version of in summary is to sum up . While this phrase expresses the same idea, it's more commonly found in oral presentations rather than written papers in this use.
To sum up, we have only begun to discover the possible applications of this finding.
let's review or to review
A conclusion doesn't simply review the main idea or argument of a presentation. In some cases, a conclusion includes a more complete assessment of the evidence presented. For example, in some cases, you might choose to briefly review the chain of logic of an argument to demonstrate how you reached your conclusion. In these instances, the expressions let's review or to review are good signposts.
The transition phrases let's review and to review are most often used in spoken presentations, not in written papers. Unlike the other examples we have looked at, let's review is a complete sentence on its own.
Let's review. First, he tricked the guard. Then, he escaped out the front door.
To review: we developed a special kind of soil, and then we planted the seeds in it.
A classy alternative to in conclusion , both in papers and presentations, is in closing . It is a somewhat formal expression, without being flowery. This transition phrase is especially useful for the last or penultimate sentence of a conclusion. It is a good way to signal that you are nearly at the bitter end of your essay or speech. A particularly common way to use in closing is to signal in an argumentative piece that you are about to give your call to action (what you want your audience to do).
In closing, we should all do more to help save the rainforest.
In closing, I urge all parties to consider alternative solutions such as the ones I have presented.
in a nutshell
The expression in a nutshell is a cute and informal metaphor used to indicate that you are about to give a short summary. (Imagine you're taking all of the information and shrinking it down so it can fit in a nutshell.) It's appropriate to use in a nutshell both in writing and in speeches, but it should be avoided in contexts where you're expected to use a serious, formal register .
In a nutshell, the life of this artist was one of great triumph and great sadness.
In a nutshell, the company spent too much money and failed to turn a profit.
The expression in a nutshell can also be used to signal you've reached the end of a summarized story or argument that you are relating orally, as in "That's the whole story, in a nutshell."
[To make a] long story short
Another informal expression that signals you're about to give a short summary is to make a long story short , sometimes abbreviated to simply long story short. The implication of this expression is that a lengthy saga has been cut down to just the most important facts. (Not uncommonly, long story short is used ironically to indicate that a story has, in fact, been far too long and detailed.)
Because it is so casual, long story short is most often found in presentations rather than written papers. Either the full expression or the shortened version are appropriate, as long as there isn't an expectation that you be formal with your language.
Long story short, the explorers were never able to find the Northwest Passage.
To make a long story short, our assessments have found that there is a large crack in the foundation.
If using a transitional expression doesn't appeal to you, and you would rather stick to a straightforward transition word, you have quite a few options. We are going to cover a couple of the transition words you may choose to use to signal you are wrapping up, either when giving a presentation or writing a paper.
The first term we are going to look at is ultimately . Ultimately is an adverb that means "in the end; at last; finally." Typically, you will want to use it in the first or last sentence of your conclusion. Like in closing , it is particularly effective at signaling a call to action.
Ultimately, each and every single person has a responsibility to care about this issue.
Ultimately, the army beat a hasty retreat and the war was over.
Another transition word that is good for conclusions is lastly , an adverb meaning "in conclusion; in the last place; finally." Lastly can be used in informational or argumentative essays or speeches. It is a way to signal that you are about to provide the last point in your summary or argument. The word lastly is most often used in the first or last sentence of a conclusion.
Lastly, I would like to thank the members of the committee and all of you for being such a gracious audience.
Lastly, it must be noted that the institution has not been able to address these many complaints adequately.
The word overall is particularly good for summing up an idea or argument as part of your conclusion. Meaning "covering or including everything," overall is a bit like a formal synonym for "in a nutshell."
Unlike the other examples we have looked at in this slideshow, it is not unusual for overall to be found at the end of a sentence, rather than only at the beginning.
Overall, we were very pleased with the results of our experiment.
The findings of our study indicate that there is a lot of dissatisfaction with internet providers overall.
asking questions
Using traditional language like the options we have outlined so far is not your only choice when it comes to crafting a strong conclusion. If you are writing an argumentative essay or speech, you might also choose to end with one or a short series of open-ended or leading questions. These function as a creative call to action and leave the audience thinking about the arguments you have made.
In many cases, these questions begin with a WH-word , such as who or what. The specifics will vary spending on the argument being made, but here are a few general examples:
When it comes to keeping our oceans clean, shouldn't we be doing more?
Who is ultimately responsible for these terrible mistakes?
on a final note
Before we wrap up, we want to leave you with one last alternative for in conclusion . The expression on a final note signals that you are about to give your final point or argument. On a final note is formal enough to be used both in writing and in speeches. In fact, it can be used in a speech as a natural way to transition to your final thank yous.
On a final note, thank you for your time and attention.
On a final note, you can find more synonyms for in conclusion here.
The next time you are working on a conclusion and find yourself stuck for inspiration, try out some of these expressions. After all, there is always more than one way to write an ending.
No matter how you wrap up your project, keep in mind there are some rules you don't always have to follow! Let's look at them here.
Ways To Say
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17 academic words and phrases to use in your essay
(Last updated: 20 October 2022)
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For the vast majority of students, essay writing doesn't always come easily. Writing at academic level is an acquired skill that can literally take years to master – indeed, many students find they only start to feel really confident writing essays just as their undergraduate course comes to an end!
If this is you, and you've come here looking for words and phrases to use in your essay, you're in the right place. We’ve pulled together a list of essential academic words you can use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essays .
Whilst your ideas and arguments should always be your own, borrowing some of the words and phrases listed below is a great way to articulate your ideas more effectively, and ensure that you keep your reader’s attention from start to finish.
It goes without saying (but we'll say it anyway) that there's a certain formality that comes with academic writing. Casual and conversational phrases have no place. Obviously, there are no LOLs, LMFAOs, and OMGs. But formal academic writing can be much more subtle than this, and as we've mentioned above, requires great skill.
So, to get you started on polishing your own essay writing ability, try using the words in this list as an inspirational starting point.
Words to use in your introduction
The trickiest part of academic writing often comes right at the start, with your introduction. Of course, once you’ve done your plan and have your arguments laid out, you need to actually put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and begin your essay.
You need to consider that your reader doesn’t have a clue about your topic or arguments, so your first sentence must summarise these. Explain what your essay is going to talk about as though you were explaining it to a five year old – without losing the formality of your academic writing, of course! To do this, use any of the below words or phrases to help keep you on track.
1. Firstly, secondly, thirdly
Even though it sounds obvious, your argument will be clearer if you deliver the ideas in the right order. These words can help you to offer clarity and structure to the way you expose your ideas. This is an extremely effective method of presenting the facts clearly. Don’t be too rigid and feel you have to number each point, but using this system can be a good way to get an argument off the ground, and link arguments together.
2. In view of; in light of; considering
These essay phrases are useful to begin your essay. They help you pose your argument based on what other authors have said or a general concern about your research. They can also both be used when a piece of evidence sheds new light on an argument. Here’s an example: The result of the American invasion has severely impaired American interests in the Middle East, exponentially increasing popular hostility to the United States throughout the region, a factor which has proved to be a powerful recruitment tool for extremist terrorist groups (Isakhan, 2015). Considering [or In light of / In view of] the perceived resulting threat to American interests, it could be argued that the Bush administration failed to fully consider the impact of their actions before pushing forward with the war.
3. According to X; X stated that; referring to the views of X
Introducing the views of an author who has a comprehensive knowledge of your particular area of study is a crucial part of essay writing. Including a quote that fits naturally into your work can be a bit of a struggle, but these academic phrases provide a great way in.
Even though it’s fine to reference a quote in your introduction, we don’t recommend you start your essay with a direct quote. Use your own words to sum up the views you’re mentioning, for example:
As Einstein often reiterated, experiments can prove theories, but experiments don’t give birth to theories.
Rather than:
“A theory can be proved by experiment, but no path leads from experiment to the birth of a theory.” {Albert Einstein, 1954, Einstein: A Biography}.
See the difference?
And be sure to reference correctly too, when using quotes or paraphrasing someone else's words.
Adding information and flow
The flow of your essay is extremely important. You don’t want your reader to be confused by the rhythm of your writing and get distracted away from your argument, do you? No! So, we recommend using some of the following ‘flow’ words, which are guaranteed to help you articulate your ideas and arguments in a chronological and structured order.
4. Moreover; furthermore; in addition; what’s more
These types of academic phrases are perfect for expanding or adding to a point you’ve already made without interrupting the flow altogether. “Moreover”, “furthermore” and “in addition” are also great linking phrases to begin a new paragraph.
Here are some examples: The dissociation of tau protein from microtubules destabilises the latter resulting in changes to cell structure, and neuronal transport. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction leads to further oxidative stress causing increased levels of nitrous oxide, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidases.
On the data of this trial, no treatment recommendations should be made. The patients are suspected, but not confirmed, to suffer from pneumonia. Furthermore, five days is too short a follow up time to confirm clinical cure.
5. In order to; to that end; to this end
These are helpful academic phrases to introduce an explanation or state your aim. Oftentimes your essay will have to prove how you intend to achieve your goals. By using these sentences you can easily expand on points that will add clarity to the reader.
For example: My research entailed hours of listening and recording the sound of whales in order to understand how they communicate.
Dutch tech companies offer support in the fight against the virus. To this end, an online meeting took place on Wednesday...
Even though we recommend the use of these phrases, DO NOT use them too often. You may think you sound like a real academic but it can be a sign of overwriting!
6. In other words; to put it another way; that is; to put it more simply
Complement complex ideas with simple descriptions by using these sentences. These are excellent academic phrases to improve the continuity of your essay writing. They should be used to explain a point you’ve already made in a slightly different way. Don’t use them to repeat yourself, but rather to elaborate on a certain point that needs further explanation. Or, to succinctly round up what just came before.
For example: A null hypothesis is a statement that there is no relationship between phenomena. In other words, there is no treatment effect.
Nothing could come to be in this pre-world time, “because no part of such a time possesses, as compared with any other, a distinguishing condition of existence rather than non-existence.” That is, nothing exists in this pre-world time, and so there can be nothing that causes the world to come into existence.
7. Similarly; likewise; another key fact to remember; as well as; an equally significant aspect of
These essay words are a good choice to add a piece of information that agrees with an argument or fact you just mentioned. In academic writing, it is very relevant to include points of view that concur with your opinion. This will help you to situate your research within a research context.
Also , academic words and phrases like the above are also especially useful so as not to repeat the word ‘also’ too many times. (We did that on purpose to prove our point!) Your reader will be put off by the repetitive use of simple conjunctions. The quality of your essay will drastically improve just by using academic phrases and words such as ‘similarly’, ‘as well as’, etc. Here, let us show you what we mean:
In 1996, then-transport minister Steve Norris enthused about quadrupling cycling trips by 2012. Similarly, former prime minister David Cameron promised a “cycling revolution” in 2013…
Or Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) aims to bridge the gap of access to electricity across the continent (...). Another key fact to remember is that it must expand cost-efficient access to electricity to nearly 1 billion people.
The wording “not only… but also” is a useful way to elaborate on a similarity in your arguments but in a more striking way.
Comparing and contrasting information
Academic essays often include opposite opinions or information in order to prove a point. It is important to show all the aspects that are relevant to your research. Include facts and researchers’ views that disagree with a point of your essay to show your knowledge of your particular field of study. Below are a few words and ways of introducing alternative arguments.
8. Conversely; however; alternatively; on the contrary; on the other hand; whereas
Finding a seamless method to present an alternative perspective or theory can be hard work, but these terms and phrases can help you introduce the other side of the argument. Let's look at some examples:
89% of respondents living in joint families reported feeling financially secure. Conversely, only 64% of those who lived in nuclear families said they felt financially secure.
The first protagonist has a social role to fill in being a father to those around him, whereas the second protagonist relies on the security and knowledge offered to him by Chaplin.
“On the other hand” can also be used to make comparisons when worded together with “on the one hand.”
9. By contrast; in comparison; then again; that said; yet
These essay phrases show contrast, compare facts, and present uncertainty regarding a point in your research. “That said” and “yet” in particular will demonstrate your expertise on a topic by showing the conditions or limitations of your research area. For example:
All the tests were positive. That said, we must also consider the fact that some of them had inconclusive results.
10. Despite this; provided that; nonetheless
Use these phrases and essay words to demonstrate a positive aspect of your subject-matter regardless of lack of evidence, logic, coherence, or criticism. Again, this kind of information adds clarity and expertise to your academic writing.
A good example is:
Despite the criticism received by X, the popularity of X remains undiminished.
11. Importantly; significantly; notably; another key point
Another way to add contrast is by highlighting the relevance of a fact or opinion in the context of your research. These academic words help to introduce a sentence or paragraph that contains a very meaningful point in your essay.
Giving examples
A good piece of academic writing will always include examples. Illustrating your essay with examples will make your arguments stronger. Most of the time, examples are a way to clarify an explanation; they usually offer an image that the reader can recognise. The most common way to introduce an illustration is “for example.” However, in order not to repeat yourself here are a few other options.
12. For instance; to give an illustration of; to exemplify; to demonstrate; as evidence; to elucidate
The academic essays that are receiving top marks are the ones that back up every single point made. These academic phrases are a useful way to introduce an example. If you have a lot of examples, avoid repeating the same phrase to facilitate the readability of your essay.
Here’s an example:
‘High involvement shopping’, an experiential process described by Wu et al. (2015, p. 299) relies upon the development of an identity-based alliance between the customer and the brand. Celebrity status at Prada, for example, has created an alliance between the brand and a new generation of millennial customers.
Concluding your essay
Concluding words for essays are necessary to wrap up your argument. Your conclusion must include a brief summary of the ideas that you just exposed without being redundant. The way these ideas are expressed should lead to the final statement and core point you have arrived at in your present research.
13. In conclusion; to conclude; to summarise; in sum; in the final analysis; on close analysis
These are phrases for essays that will introduce your concluding paragraph. You can use them at the beginning of a sentence. They will show the reader that your essay is coming to an end:
On close analysis and appraisal, we see that the study by Cortis lacks essential features of the highest quality quantitative research.
14. Persuasive; compelling
Essay words like these ones can help you emphasize the most relevant arguments of your paper. Both are used in the same way: “the most persuasive/compelling argument is…”.
15. Therefore; this suggests that; it can be seen that; the consequence is
When you’re explaining the significance of the results of a piece of research, these phrases provide the perfect lead up to your explanation.
16. Above all; chiefly; especially; most significantly; it should be noted
Your summary should include the most relevant information or research factor that guided you to your conclusion. Contrary to words such as “persuasive” or “compelling”, these essay words are helpful to draw attention to an important point. For example:
The feasibility and effectiveness of my research has been proven chiefly in the last round of laboratory tests.
Film noir is, and will continue to be, highly debatable, controversial, and unmarketable – but above all, for audience members past, present and to come, extremely enjoyable as a form of screen media entertainment.
17. All things considered
This essay phrase is meant to articulate how you give reasons to your conclusions. It means that after you considered all the aspects related to your study, you have arrived to the conclusion you are demonstrating.
After mastering the use of these academic words and phrases, we guarantee you will see an immediate change in the quality of your essays. The structure will be easier to follow, and the reader’s experience will improve. You’ll also feel more confident articulating your ideas and using facts and examples. So jot them all down, and watch your essays go from ‘good’ to ‘great’!
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14 Other Words for “Said” in an Essay
You want to sound as engaging and interesting as possible when writing an essay, and using words like “said” might prevent that.
So, if you’re about to use “said” for the umpteenth time, you’re in luck!
We have gathered some alternatives to show you other ways to say “said” in an essay that are bound to keep the reader entertained.
Other Ways to Say “Said”
Key takeaways.
“Stated” is a great essay word that shows you are quoting a specific statement from a trustworthy source.
“Declared” is a great way to describe an announcement or official quote.
“Mentioned” is a bit simpler and allows you to highlight a quote that’s relevant to your essay.
Keep reading to find out how to quote what someone said in an essay. We’ll go over the three most effective terms to help spice up your academic writing.
One of the most common ways to replace “said” in an essay is “stated.” It’s a great formal synonym that helps to keep things direct and clear for the reader.
It works well before a quote. You should write “stated” to clarify that you’re about to run a quote by the reader.
Of course, you can’t claim that someone “stated” something without backing it up with evidence.
The last thing you’ll want is for the reader to look into the quote and find out it was never actually said.
But, as long as you’ve done your research, this works well. Good academic phrases that start with “stated” help you to establish a clear quote relating to the bulk of your essay.
These essay samples will also help you understand it:
It’s clear that he stated “time is the killer of all things.” However, nobody really understood the prophetic meaning behind it.
She stated that “it’s time to make the changes you want to see in the world.” That’s what led most people to join the revolution.
For a more impactful alternative, you can use “declared.”
You won’t find “declared” quite as often as “said,” but it’s still an incredibly good term to include.
It’s a formal synonym. It also shows that someone announced something important .
Generally, “declared” comes before compelling quotes. It might be more suitable to use it when quoting a famous politician or monarch of some kind.
It’s a surefire way to engage the reader and spark their imagination.
We highly recommend it when you’re certain that it belongs before a quote and will allow you to establish a more powerful meaning behind it.
Perhaps these essay samples will also help you with it:
The king declared “good things will come to those who ask me for them.” He was a very proud man.
She declared that “this was going to be the only time she offered her services to those in need.”
Feel free to use “mentioned,” too. It’s another word you can use instead of “said” in an essay that’ll keep things engaging for the reader.
It’s much subtler than the other phrases. It suggests that someone has made a brief comment about something, and you’d like to quote it for the reader.
Don’t worry; it’s still a good formal synonym. However, you should use it when the quote isn’t the most important part of your essay.
Quotes are there to add a bit of context for the reader. So, they’re not always needed to improve an essay.
“Mentioned” is a simple word that allows you to include a short but interesting quote . However, it usually isn’t as impactful as saying something like “declared” or “exclaimed.”
You can also refer to these essay examples:
The politician mentioned that “we cannot know what we haven’t already experienced.” That resonated with me.
It was clear that he mentioned “things were bound to change soon,” so they had to figure out what he meant.
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Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.
Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .
as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY
The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.
in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE
The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.
at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER
Afterward, she got a promotion.
even though : ALTHOUGH
She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.
in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made
They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.
in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE
I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.
as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY
The words are often confused and are consequently misused.
in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility
Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.
used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said
These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.
used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"
I'm planning to go even though it may rain.
in addition : MOREOVER
I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.
in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement
These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.
because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE
He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.
from this point on : starting now
She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.
in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement
I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.
as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement
The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.
all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement
He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.
for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension
He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.
in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement
She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.
at or during the same time : in the meantime
You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.
BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement
It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.
in spite of that : HOWEVER
It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.
in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS
The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.
without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true
Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.
if not : or else
Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.
more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said
We can take the car, or rather, the van.
in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true
I tried again and still I failed.
by that : by that means
He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.
for that reason : because of that
This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.
immediately after that
The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.
because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY
This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.
while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different
Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.
NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way
It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.
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Guides • Perfecting your Craft
Last updated on Dec 02, 2021
270+ Other Words For "Said" To Supercharge Your Writing
About the author.
Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.
About Martin Cavannagh
Head of Content at Reedsy, Martin has spent over eight years helping writers turn their ambitions into reality. As a voice in the indie publishing space, he has written for a number of outlets and spoken at conferences, including the 2024 Writers Summit at the London Book Fair.
If you've read our previous post on writing dialogue , you'll know that you shouldn't be afraid to default to he said , she said , or they said when you're tagging your dialogue. After all, it's probably the clearest, least distracting way to indicate who's saying what. That being said, it can be useful to deploy a specific and powerful dialogue tag every now and again.
Which dialogue tag are YOU?
Find out in just a minute.
To help you find that perfect synonym to inject action and emotion into your dialogue, here are over 270 other words for said:
Neutral/multi-purpose words
Acknowledged
Added
Agreed
Announced
Articulated
Asserted
Backtracked
Began
Blurted
Called
Commented
Communicated
Conferred
Considered
Contended
Declared
Denoted
Drawled
Elaborated
Emitted
Ended
Enunciated
Expounded
Expressed
Greeted
Interjected
Mentioned
Noted
Observed
Orated
Persisted
Predicted
Pronounced
Quipped
Recited
Reckoned
Related
Remarked
Repeated
Replied
Responded
Shared
Slurred
Stated
Suggested
Told
Urged
Uttered
Vocalized
Voiced
Happy/excited words
Approved
Babbled
Beamed
Bubbled
Chattered
Cheered
Chimed in
Chortled
Chuckled
Congratulated
Complimented
Crooned
Effused
Exclaimed
Giggled
Grinned
Gushed
Jabbered
Joked
Laughed
Praised
Rejoiced
Sang
Smiled
Thanked
Tittered
Trilled
Yammered
Sad/upset words
Agonized
Apologized
Bawled
Blubbered
Cried
Fretted
Grieved
Groaned
Lamented
Mewled
Moaned
Mumbled
Sobbed
Sighed
Sniffled
Sniveled
Wailed
Wept
Angry words
Accused
Choked
Badgered
Barked
Bellowed
Chastised
Cursed
Demanded
Exploded
Fumed
Glowered
Growled
Hissed
Insulted
Raged
Ranted
Reprimanded
Roared
Scolded
Screamed
Screeched
Snarled
Spat
Shouted
Swore
Thundered
Vociferated
Yelled
Annoyed words
Bleated
Complained
Condemned
Criticized
Exhaled
Groused
Grumbled
Grunted
Heaved
Insisted
Mocked
Rasped
Rejoined
Retorted
Scoffed
Smirked
Snapped
Whined
Frightened/pained words
Coughed
Cautioned
Gulped
Howled
Keened
Panted
Prayed
Quavered
Screamed
Shrieked
Shuddered
Squalled
Squealed
Trembled
Wailed
Warbled
Whimpered
Yelped
Yowled
Warned
Prideful words
Advertised
Bloviated
Boasted
Boomed
Bossed
Bragged
Broadcasted
Crowed
Exhorted
Dictated
Gloated
Moralized
Ordered
Prattled
Preached
Sermonized
Snorted
Swaggered
Trumpeted
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Words to express uncertainty
Breathed
Doubted
Faltered
Hesitated
Lilted
Mumbled
Murmured
Muttered
Shrugged
Squeaked
Stammered
Stuttered
Swallowed
Trailed off
Vacillated
Whispered
Words that make fun
Derided
Jeered
Heckled
Lampooned
Mocked
Mimicked
Parodied
Ridiculed
Satirized
Scorned
Spoofed
Sneered
Snickered
Taunted
Teased
Words that ask a question
Asked
Begged
Challenged
Contemplated
Guessed
Hinted
Hypothesized
Implied
Inquired
Interrogated
Invited
Mouthed
Mused
Pleaded
Pondered
Probed
Proposed
Puzzled
Repeated
Requested
Requisitioned
Queried
Questioned
Quizzed
Solicited
Speculated
Wondered
Words that give an answer
Accepted
Advised
Affirmed
Alleged
Answered
Assured
Avowed
Claimed
Conceded
Concluded
Confided
Confirmed
Explained
Disclosed
Disseminated
Divulged
Imparted
Informed
Indicated
Maintained
Notified
Offered
Passed on
Proffered
Promised
Promulgated
Released
Reported
Revealed
Shared
Specified
Speculated
Supposed
Testified
Transmitted
Verified
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How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Tips + Examples
By Eric Eng
A 2019 study found that over 70% of students struggle with academic writing, and synthesis essays are no exception. If you’re having trouble thinking of how to write a synthesis essay, think of it like making a pizza. You can have all the ingredients separately, but combining them creates something that’s even more awesome. A synthesis essay blends different sources to build a strong, unified argument or analysis. When done right, the result is cohesive and compelling.
In this blog, you’ll discover a step-by-step guide on how to write a synthesis essay, complete with tips and tricks to make the process easier. By the end, you’ll have the skills and confidence to tackle any synthesis essay confidently.
What Is a Synthesis Essay?
How to start a synthesis essay, how to write a synthesis paragraph, synthesis essay example, tips for writing a killer synthesis essay, frequently asked questions.
A synthesis essay is a type of writing where you take information from different sources and use it to support a central idea or argument. The goal is to combine facts, data, and viewpoints from these sources to show how they connect and build a stronger case for your own perspective. Instead of just summarizing what each source says, you analyze and pull everything together to form a clear, unified argument.
A successful synthesis essay will:
Present a clear thesis that states your main argument or claim.
Use information from multiple sources to support that argument.
Show how these sources connect and relate to one another.
The biggest challenge for many students? Getting started. Once you know how to begin, the rest falls into place! Here’s a foolproof guide to nailing your intro.
1. Begin with a hook.
Your first sentence should grab attention. Think of something surprising, thought-provoking, or intriguing. This could be an interesting statistic, a bold claim, or even a rhetorical question. The idea is to pique the reader’s interest so they feel compelled to keep reading.
Example of a hook:
“ Did you know that 60% of today’s workforce prefers remote work over traditional office settings? That statistic may surprise you, but it reflects a major shift in how we think about work in the 21st century. “
2. Introduce the topic.
After your hook, you’ll want to ease into your topic. Give a bit of background information so your readers understand what the essay is going to be about. This is where you can introduce the main sources or themes you’ll be synthesizing.
3. End with a thesis.
Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It should clearly tell the reader what your essay will argue. Think of it as the roadmap for your paper. Without it, your reader will be lost!
Example of a thesis:
“ While both traditional office work and remote work offer their own advantages, a hybrid model that blends both approaches is the most effective in promoting productivity and work-life balance. “
The hook grabs attention, the topic is introduced, and the thesis makes it clear what the essay will argue. Having a hook is important because it grabs the reader’s attention right away, making them want to keep reading. It sets the tone for your essay and gives the reader a reason to stay engaged.
The body of your essay is where you’ll really dig into your argument, using your sources to back up your points. Each paragraph should be well-structured so your essay doesn’t feel like a random collection of facts. Here’s a simple breakdown for writing a strong synthesis paragraph:
1. Start with a topic sentence.
This sentence should introduce the main point of the paragraph. It acts as a mini-thesis for that section.
2. Provide evidence from your sources.
Now, it’s time to bring in the sources you’ve found during your research. Ideally, you’ll want to use at least two sources per paragraph to show how different authors or experts agree (or disagree) on your point. Always remember to properly cite your sources!
3. Analyze and synthesize.
The key to a synthesis essay is not just throwing in a bunch of quotes but showing your readers how these sources connect. How does one source support the other? Are they offering different perspectives that, when combined, give a fuller picture of your argument?
4. Conclude the paragraph.
Wrap up the paragraph by linking back to your main thesis. This reinforces how this particular point supports your overall argument.
Now that you’ve got the basics of a synthesis essay down, jump into some examples to see them in action. Use these examples to help you nail a strong introduction and a killer conclusion, so you can ace your AP Lit class!
The benefits of joining a sorority in college
Topic sentence
“ One of the key benefits of joining a sorority is the strong sense of community and support it provides. “
Evidence from sources
“ A 2021 study by the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals found that students involved in Greek life , particularly sororities, reported higher levels of social support and belonging compared to their non-Greek peers (Johnson, 2021). Additionally, research from the University of Southern California showed that sorority members were 25% more likely to graduate on time, citing strong mentorship and academic support within the organization (Davis, 2020). “
“ These studies demonstrate that sororities offer a built-in network of friends and mentors, which helps members navigate the challenges of college life. From emotional support to academic guidance, the sense of community within sororities fosters personal growth and success. “
Concluding sentence
“ Thus, joining a sorority can provide valuable resources and a strong support system, contributing to both academic achievement and personal development. “
Why the example works
This is a good example since it follows the structure of a strong paragraph while effectively supporting the argument. The topic sentence about how sororities provide a strong sense of community and support introduces the main idea and sets up the discussion.
Evidence from sources strengthens the claim by citing credible research, such as the study from the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals and the University of Southern California. These studies provide concrete data demonstrating how sorority members benefit academically and socially.
The analysis explains the connection between the evidence and the main argument and shows how the support system in sororities can help members succeed. The concluding sentence ties everything together and reinforces that joining a sorority can benefit academic and personal growth. This example flows well, uses reliable sources, and clearly supports the thesis.
Now that we’ve walked through the process, here are some tips to make sure your essay stands out :
1. Choose credible sources.
When you’re writing a synthesis essay, choosing reliable sources is crucial. Stick to reputable sources like academic articles, peer-reviewed studies, and books written by experts in the field.
Suppose you’re writing about the effects of climate change, in that case, an article from a scientific journal or a report from an organization like the EPA will carry much more weight than a random blog post or a website without proper credentials.
Think of your sources as the foundation of your essay. If they’re shaky or unverified, your argument won’t be as convincing. Avoid websites that don’t provide the author’s credentials or have questionable information. Trustworthy sources help build your credibility and make sure your essay is based on facts, not opinions or unreliable data.
If you’re looking for credible sources for your research, there are a bunch of great online tools you can use. Google Scholar is a reliable source of tons of academic articles, and JSTOR gives you access to journals and primary sources. For access to free, peer-reviewed articles in all sorts of fields, check out the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).
2. Stay organized.
Working with multiple sources can get messy fast, especially when you’re juggling facts, quotes, and different perspectives. A great way to stay on top of things is to organize your sources by the sections of your essay.
For example, if you’re writing a paragraph about the benefits of online learning, make a note of which studies or articles you’ll pull from to support that point. You could use a digital tool like Google Docs or Evernote, or even just a notebook, to track your sources.
Jot down key facts and which source they came from so you’re not scrambling later. Staying organized helps ensure you don’t accidentally misattribute information or lose track of key data, making your writing process smoother and your essay more cohesive.
3. Be clear and concise.
It’s easy to get excited about all the interesting facts you find during your research, but remember that less is more. Every piece of information you include should directly support your thesis.
Let’s say you’re writing about the impact of technology on education. Instead of throwing in every statistic you come across, focus on the ones that strengthen your argument, like a study showing how virtual classrooms increase student engagement.
Resist the urge to overload your readers with too much information or veer off-topic. Keep it simple, and only include facts that are directly relevant to the point you’re trying to make. Your readers will thank you for staying on track, and your essay will be much more focused and persuasive.
4. Don’t forget to synthesize.
The key to a great synthesis essay is smoothly blending your sources into one cohesive argument. You don’t want your essay to feel like a random list of summaries or unrelated ideas. Instead, treat it like your sources are having a conversation.
Think of it this way, if one source talks about how social media is great for networking and another points out its negative impact on mental health, don’t just list them separately. Show how they’re connected.
You can do this by discussing how social media has its perks while also presenting the downsides that people need to balance. This approach helps your essay feel more connected and shows that you really understand the different perspectives. In a synthesis essay, it’s all about making those connections, not just throwing out facts.
1. How do I choose sources for a synthesis essay?
Select sources that are credible and relevant to your topic. Look for a mix of perspectives, such as scholarly articles, books, and reliable websites. The key is to find sources that provide valuable information to support your argument.
2. What is the best way to structure a synthesis essay?
A synthesis essay typically follows a standard structure. It has an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that integrate and analyze your sources, and a conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates the thesis.
3. How do I write a strong thesis statement for a synthesis essay?
Your thesis should clearly present the main argument or point of view you’ve formed after analyzing your sources. It should reflect the central theme of your essay and guide the reader on what to expect from your synthesis.
4. How can I avoid summarizing sources instead of synthesizing them?
Instead of just restating what each source says, focus on finding connections between them. Compare and contrast the viewpoints, and discuss how they complement or contradict each other to build your own argument.
A synthesis essay combines information from different sources to support a central argument or analysis. It’s not about summarizing sources but about connecting them to form a unified point of view.
Start with a compelling hook to grab attention, introduce your topic clearly, and end with a solid thesis statement that outlines your main argument.
Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, use evidence from multiple sources, and synthesize those sources by showing how they relate to and support your argument.
Use reputable, relevant sources, and keep your essay well-organized and concise, always linking back to your thesis. The key is synthesizing, not just summarizing.
Need help with writing your synthesis essay? You can seek the help of a private consultant to give you feedback on your work.
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Best AI Essay Checker: Improve Your Writing with AI
AI Essay Checker Overview
Introduction to ai essay checkers.
An AI essay checker is your new writing buddy, a tech-savvy sidekick that’s here to make your essays shine like a brand-new penny.
Think of it as a smart assistant that proofreads with the brains of AI, spotting goofs and suggesting nifty tweaks so your writing flows smoother than a swan on a lake. It’s a bit like having a vigilant buddy by your side, making sure every comma and apostrophe is in its place.
These gizmos delve into grammar, syntax, punctuation, and every nook and cranny of your essay’s structure. With the vast knowledge they possess, they’re like tiny, tireless editors ready to dish out personalized tips for upping your essay game.
This makes them a hit with anyone who scribbles for a living or pleasure, from soulful students to jazzy marketers and imaginative content creators.
Benefits of AI Essay Checkers
Having an AI essay checker in your corner can make a world of difference. Here are some key perks of using these digital writing wizards:
Benefit
Description
Like a hawk-eyed editor, AI essay checkers find those sneaky grammar, punctuation, and spelling slip-ups, polishing your piece till it gleams.
By offering handy tweaks, these tools make your writing pack a punch. Expect sharper ideas and a smooth read that’ll leave your readers impressed.
Speedy like a cheetah, AI essay checkers get through your writing in no time, leaving you to focus on crafting content rather than slaving over edits.
Worried about originality? With titans like Turnitin, your work gets vetted against a mountain of existing stuff to ensure it’s as fresh as morning dew ( ).
These tools are as friendly as a golden retriever with newbies and gurus alike, available across different platforms for all writing levels.
On top of these perks, AI essay checkers come with bells and whistles to suit specialized needs. Whether it’s helping teachers sniff out any copy-pasting in student essays with the AI essay checker for teachers , or debating if using AI for essays is crossing the line , these tools let you tread confidently into the wordy wild.
With the need for top-notch writing on the up, AI essay checkers are like a superpower for pen pushers, helping you crank out essays that are clear, concise, and packed with punch.
Comparison of Top AI Essay Checkers
When you’re on the hunt for a top-notch AI essay checker , it’s vital to know what you’re diving into. Let’s hash out the quirks and perks of three big players: Grammarly, Turnitin, and Word Spinner .
Grammarly is like having a handy buddy peeking over your shoulder, ensuring you don’t trip over grammar bloopers, and offering slick suggestions to refine your prose.
Feature
Description
Grammar Checks
Sniffs out grammar goofs and nudges you with fixes.
Punctuation
Spots pesky punctuation slips and suggests alternatives.
Clarity Suggestions
Hands-out tips to boost clarity and flow.
Readability Score
Rates how reader-friendly your piece is.
Grammarly is your go-to, whether you’re a budding author, a stressed-out student, or a slick marketer. Want to know more about how AI can spruce up your writing? Check out can AI proofread my essay ?
Then there’s Turnitin, the originality hound. It’s on sniff duty to make sure your essay doesn’t echo any echoes.
Feature
Description
Plagiarism Detection
Scouts text against a massive stash to spot copycats.
Originality Reports
Spits out reports showing content matches.
Citation Assistance
Helps you dot your i’s and cross your t’s with sourcing.
Feedback Tools
Packs feedback features for peer advice and upgrades.
Turnitin shines in schools and is a treasure for both students and teachers keen on nurturing authentic work. Educators, swing by AI essay checker for teachers for more insights.
Word Spinner
Word Spinner swings in as the wizard in town for polishing AI-born text, making computerized chatter sound more like your wise Aunt Mildred.
Feature
Description
Content Humanization
Transforms AI blabber to mimic human chit-chat.
Avoid AI Detection
Sneaks past AI detectors like a digital ninja.
Customization Options
Lets you tweak for a personal flair.
Perfect for anyone using AI to draft content but aiming to sprinkle in a personal touch. Worried about AI and ethics? Ponder over is using AI for essays cheating? .
Now that you’re loaded up with the nitty-gritty on these AI essay checkers, you’re better armed to decide which one’s the right fit for schoolwork, corporate scribbles, or cranking out creative content.
Understanding AI Detector Tools
You know those nifty gadgets that kick AI content to the curb? That’s what we’re diving into right now. AI detector tools—like the secret sauce in your favorite burger—play a big role in spotting text knocked together by AI systems like ChatGPT.
They’re the watchdogs in places like schools, where honesty counts and they’re all about making sure students ain’t cheating. Plus, content moderators use these bad boys to keep out bogus reviews and spammy junk. Handy, right?
Role of AI Detectors
Alright, so what do these AI detectors actually do? They’re like detectives sniffing out clues, catching on to patterns, and poking at the stuff AI tends to weave into its created content.
With some high-tech chops, these tools figure out if some sentences were cooked up by AI. The big buzzwords they throw around are “perplexity” and “burstiness.”
Perplexity: Think of it as the ‘guess-how-it’ll-end’ game; low numbers mean AI might be behind the text.
Burstiness: It’s all about the mix-up in sentence styles and lengths. Low changes in this department might scream ‘AI wrote me!’
These magic metrics help teachers and content police keep things on the up and up, ensuring the right stuff is what you’re reading.
Functionality and Accuracy
These AI detectors have their Sherlock hats on when sizing up text. They’re looking at:
How tricky or simple the sentences are
If topics flip-flop without warning
Choice of words—Are they just too perfect?
These checks help decide whether it was a human brain or an AI mastermind writing. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right? AI detectors aren’t always spot-on. Their performance can wobble based on the algorithms and data they’re fed, leading to mixed outcomes depending on where they’re put to work.
Characteristic
Indicator of AI-Generated Text
Perplexity
Low
Burstiness
Low
Sentence Complexity
Simple stuff only
Topic Changes
Random detours
Because they’re going by chance, don’t put all your chips on these tools hitting the bullseye every time.
Experiments show they goof up sometimes, like finger-pointing at human-written material and calling it AI, especially when it’s following SEO protocols.
AI detectors are a cool tool but consider them one piece of the puzzle when judging if writing’s genuine.
If your curiosity’s piqued about AI in the classroom or any other place, check out our chat about whether using AI for essays is cheating and see if teachers can sniff out AI essays too. Dig in and learn more!
Verifying AI-Generated Content
As AI content gets more common, folks are abuzz about AI detectors—those clever tools trying to tell if a bot or a person did the writing. Users who want to spot the difference need a grip on what makes these detectors tick and how much we can trust them.
Challenges of AI Detection
AI detectors have their fair share of hurdles. One biggie is dealing with text length. They’re often more on the ball when handling longer passages, but things can go sideways if the text got a little makeover after the AI spat it out.
The fancier detectors barely scrape 84% on a good day, while the freebies hang around 68%. It’s clear, no tool can promise foolproof results ( Scribbr ).
False positives are another curveball. Sometimes, detectors might wrongly tag a human’s work as AI-created. With such a wide variety of writing styles out there, it’s easy for people and machines to end up on the same page now and then.
So, while these tools give a decent heads-up, they shouldn’t be the last word in figuring out who’s behind the keyboard.
Reliability of AI Detectors
AI detectors use all sorts of fancy tech like machine learning and natural language processing to try and pick out if a piece was penned by a human or a machine. Here’s a peek at how they do it:
Detection Metric
Description
Classifiers
Decide where text belongs: AI or human-driven
Embeddings
Turn words into numbers for deep diving
Perplexity
Checks if the word order makes sense
Burstiness
Looks at sentence variety and flair
Even with these high-tech tricks, AI detectors can’t nab AI writing with absolute certainty.
They throw some valuable insights our way, but they should be one part of a bigger toolkit. Experts point out these tech gadgets aren’t always dependable.
They often miss the mark, especially when human scribbles get confused for AI dribble, reminding us to use multiple methods when unraveling who wrote what ( Surfer SEO , Scribbr , The Blogsmith ).
For those curious about the ethics of AI in essay-land, check out musings on whether using AI for essays is cheating or if teachers can spot AI essays for more food for thought.
Is Using AI for Essays Cheating? A Deep Dive Into Academic Integrity
Ai essay checker for teachers: save time grading student work, you may also like, can teachers detect ai-generated essays uncover the truth, can ai proofread my essay find out how ai editing works.
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Speaker 1: Hello there. Are you thinking of applying to graduate school and looking for a scholarship? If your answer is yes, keep watching. Most scholarships require an essay, right? And an essay is an integral part to whether or not you get a scholarship, okay? And so, as a university professor, I have reviewed several, several, several, several applications for scholarships. At the university level, at the departmental level, even for some companies, I've helped them review scholarships from international companies. I can't mention those because typically you have to sign some kind of non-disclosure agreement forms, but I've reviewed a ton of scholarships. This video contains information on how to write a very good scholarship essay, and I also give you tips on how to make your essay more competitive. So, in my experience, the most common essay question is, please tell us about yourself and why you are applying for this scholarship. How will this scholarship help your personal and professional goals? Honestly, this is like 80% of every scholarship I have reviewed, this is the question that is asked. I don't know if there's some rule, but I understand why this question is asked a lot, because it makes sense, because this is the question that can really give the reviewer an insight into who you are as a person, as a student, and as a future professional. So, I understand why this question is so common, guys. Like, literally one out of every two scholarships I've reviewed asks this question. So, you guys, I'm going to include the question in the description box, and honestly, I would advise you guys copy that question, write an essay, answering that question, and that would help you moving forward, because not all scholarships are going to ask that question, but since several scholarship bodies ask that question, you are already positioned, because you already have this document, and all you need to do is kind of tweak it to fit the organization, and you're good to go. So, it's something to have, and this is kind of a universal question. And sometimes, even if they don't ask you this question directly, it's still kind of the same question, tell us about yourself, why do you want this scholarship, how is this scholarship going to help you, personally and professionally. Anyway, I love you guys, and if you have not subscribed, what are you waiting for? Join the Island Demand family, okay? Join us, join us. Join us, subscribe, like this video, it helps, like I told you guys, it helps this channel grow, it helps this content to be recommended to other people, so before you get into this video, click the like button, because I promise you this is a good video, I promise you. And leave me a comment if you have any questions, and I will see you in my next video. Enjoy this video, bye bye. So my last video, I talked about how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school. And so, the difference, let me go over the difference. The difference between a statement of purpose and a scholarship essay is that the statement of purpose is for admission into graduate school, right? You're trying to convince the graduate admissions committee that you're awesome, pretty much, right? The scholarship essay though is to get funding, to get money, to get scholarships, right? To get into graduate, to fund your graduate school. If you have money to go to school, it makes learning so much easier, right? And some of you watching actually need money to go to grad school abroad. In Canada, in UK, Germany, in the US, you need money. And so, having a scholarship is essential. And having, getting a scholarship, one of the most important things in actually being competitive for a scholarship is your scholarship essay. There are two things I want you guys to think about when you're drafting your essay, right? One, your essay must absolutely impress the reader, okay? Whenever a reviewer picks up your essay, you want to capture the reviewer in the first paragraph. You want the reviewer to be impressed in the first paragraph, okay? Number two, your essay must directly address the goals of the scholarship. Companies that advertise scholarships have goals. You have to read what the scholarship is about and make sure that your essay targets that scholarship. So, one of the harder things with applying for scholarships is that a lot of the scholarships are targeting different things, right? So, one of the mistakes a lot of people make is that they write one scholarship essay and then it's blanketed throughout. And then they just submit to different scholarship competitions. But that's not going to get you a scholarship because you have to draft, your scholarship essay must be unique to each funding agency, to each company. So, for example, it's like your statement of purpose, right? Your statement of purpose should be unique to each school. Same as your scholarship essay should be unique to each place you're applying for scholarship, okay? So, number one to think about, I have notes here. So, I'm going to read this out. So, read and understand the essay topic properly. Make sure to read between the lines, right? So, a lot of, some scholarships, I know I've reviewed some scholarships and then they ask you, they may ask you, write about a time in your life where you managed a difficult situation. Okay. So, you may not actually have managed a difficult situation well. Sometimes you just have to mix stuff up. That's what it is, you have to imagine things and mix stuff up, right? But there are some things that when they ask you a question like that, when they ask you to write about a particular situation in your life, typically they want to find out about your leadership skills, okay? They want to understand how you handle conflict resolution. They also want to get interested in finding out what your personality is like. Because remember, these people are not going to meet you in person. Most scholarships don't meet you in person, but they're going to give you a lot of money, right? Tens of thousands of dollars or pounds. So, they really want to get a sense of who you are from your essay, okay? Because they, I mean, they have your transcripts, but your scholarship essay gives them a peek into your personality and your life, okay? So, they also want to find out how you're going to survive in a foreign country, okay? So, those are things to look out for. They want to ask, they want to find out how intelligent you are and how good of a student you're going to be. So, these essay topics, they're not just asking you, they're not just wanting a story. They want to find out more about you, things that you're not even thinking about. And a lot of scholarship essays ask you about, like, conflict resolution or leadership skills, those kind of things, right? Because those are the kind of students you're really interested in, okay? All right, I've talked too much on that already, too much. Ask me questions in the comments if you're confused. Okay, so, one thing to think about in your scholarship essays, you want to include key words and, like, key people in your scholarship essay. So, for example, you guys know John Maxwell. He's a leadership god, right? Leadership guru. It's really tricky, but it's really nice if, it says a lot about you if you include, like, a John Maxwell quote in your scholarship essay. Because what does it tell the reviewer? Hmm, this person knows John Maxwell, interesting, cool, right? It means that you're actually interested in developing your leadership skills. So, that's just something to think about, you know, you kind of, like, if you have to talk about, like, conflict resolution or something, you want to say something about Nelson Mandela, you know, like, because you're trying to show these people you're super smart, you read books, you're dedicated, you know, you're dedicated to improving yourself, okay? So, those are just two people to kind of, those are, like, my two people, I always include in everything because I just feel they're awesome, okay? So, my advice is that never have more than two quotes in your scholarship essay, not more than two. Anything more than two quotes is just too much and it's just lazy, it's taking up space that you can actually be talking about yourself in your essay. So, two quotes is good. And never open your essay with a quote. Don't, it's just, like, really, right? So, you want to start strong, not with a quote. Add two separate quotes here and there in your essay, okay? All right, number three, include relevant information about your background, your experiences. You want to make sure, you want to sell yourself. So, when you're writing a scholarship essay, you are trying to sell yourself, right? You're a salesperson and what you're selling is you, okay? So, you want to put your best foot forward. You talk about, give them strong, concise information about your background. You want to talk about how poor you are. You don't have to be poor, but nobody wants to give scholarships to somebody who has, who comes from a wealthy home or who has a lot of money. You're not going to get that scholarship. So, you want to emphasize that you have a need for these scholarships, okay? So, you want to talk about your background. You want to tell a very sweet, sweet story. So, remember, if you haven't watched my Statement of Purpose video, that first, your first paragraph in your Statement of Purpose, in your Statement of Purpose can actually be directly cut, sort of, in your essay. It's kind of the same idea where you're talking about yourself. Very concise, very brief, concise, but powerful, so that they know, they get a sense for who you are and they're sympathetic. That's something you guys need to think about. You need the reviewer to be sympathetic to you. I'm telling you, because this, think about it, these reviewers, they're human, okay? I know, like, whenever I review scholarships, they give us a rubric of what, you know, what you're looking for and things like that. But ultimately, it's up to humans to pick people to fund. So, you want to make sure that these people are sympathetic and like you. And it's really hard, right? Think about it, because how are you going to make someone like you through paper? Like, how are you going to convince someone to be sympathetic and like you through a piece of paper? It's really hard, but that's why your scholarship essay is vital, you know? That's why your writing has to be top-notch, because you really want to convey something. You want to strike a chord with the reviewers and make them like you, okay? So, number four is start writing your essay today. Start a draft, because the issue with writing a scholarship essay is you keep procrastinating. You found the scholarship you want to apply for, you have your transcript, you have all the documents ready, you have your references, but you haven't started your draft yet. If you don't start your scholarship essay draft, it's never going to be done. So, drafts are important. It doesn't have to be perfect, but start today. Start your draft. Dump your ideas on paper. So, you want to start dumping your ideas on paper, and then you can come back to edit, but you have to start writing. You have to start writing your essay. So, start a draft. Whatever it is that they are asking for, just start writing. Start today and start dumping ideas down, and then you can leave it for two to three days, and then come back and edit. The majority of my job is writing. So, what I do is I write and dump. I write, write, write, write, write, leave it for two days or a day, a couple of hours, come back, and then edit. Dump, dump, dump, leave it, come back. Come back with fresh eyes. So, that's just something to think about. You want to start today. So, you want to revise, edit, revise. Remember, in my other video, I keep referring to my Statement of Purpose video, because they are connected. So, if you haven't watched that, go and watch that. But you have to edit your essay. That's very important. So, you revise, and you edit, and you revise, and you edit, and you get somebody from outside to come in, revise, and edit. You want to get someone you trust to revise your essay for you and provide feedback. So, somebody you trust and respect. Maybe even pay someone to revise your essay and provide feedback. So, even if you have to pay a little fee, just do it, because this is for a bigger purpose. If you're trying to get 50,000 pounds, and you're paying 1,000 Naira to have somebody edit your work, I mean, guys, it's huge, right? It's fine. It's fine. So, just do it. So, have somebody you trust read, edit your essay, provide very good constructive feedback for you, for your essay. So, this is probably one of the best investments you can do for yourself. Have somebody professionally edit your essay, so that the grammar is just sweet, crisp. I'm telling you, I always stress this editing, because I know a lot of Nigerians, a lot of Africans, honestly, do not write very well, because they don't teach us writing. Nigeria is my experience, but they don't really teach us writing. That was something I struggled with when I moved here. So, writing is difficult. So, you have to invest in writing. You have to make sure that your essay is crisp, like a fresh vegetable. When the reviewer is reading it, it's like they're biting into this fresh apple, and they're like, oh, my God, this person. You get it? Obviously, there's nothing worse than a scholarship reviewer finding grammatical errors or spelling errors in your essay. I'm one of those reviewers. I'm going to tell you guys today. I'm one of those reviewers that when I see grammatical errors, I literally, I just knock you down, knock your application down, like three notches. I'll finish reading it, but it has already tainted my mind against you, if there are grammatical errors in your essay. So, never go over the word counts. What happens is, if you apply for a scholarship, let's say you apply online, the company gathers your documents and sends to reviewers. So, most times, you have to copy and paste your essay in a box or something. Some of you, let's say they tell you 1,000 words, and you write 1,200 words. That box is going to cut out your essay. So, there are times I've reviewed an essay, and it stops at a weird point, and I'm like, oh, this person went over the word limit. And so, whatever, the company is just going to send me the exact word limit, and they're going to cut out the other parts. So, you have to keep to the word limit. And even if they don't cut it out, you get points ducked off because you could not follow instructions. I know. These things, okay, so they are so strict with this stuff. Why? Why are they so strict? Why are they so strict? Because hundreds and thousands of people apply for scholarships, especially big scholarships, like international scholarships. So many people apply. So, it's the little things that gets you disqualified, right, like going over the word limit, like having grammatical errors. A lot of people have the first class and have great stuff going on, have great experience and great things happening, but this is competitive, right? It's the little things that get points taken off, right? And then if you say, oh, everyone with 90 points and above will get a scholarship, and then you have 89 because you went over the word limit or because you had a grammatical error, like something stupid like that. That's sad. Isn't that sad? Just follow instructions, okay? Okay, so you want to make sure that you research the organization. You want to know the mission of the organization, the vision, the goals, the objectives, and make sure that your essay encompasses these. Also, if there is no formatting guidelines, always use 12-point font times New Roman with double spacing. So, that's like the general rule of thumb, right? Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spacing. I want you to think like you're reviewing a scholarship. Think like a reviewer, right? Your essay must be closely aligned with the funder's mission and priority areas, okay? So, you want to research the organization and check what their priority areas are in. You want to make sure that you understand the company's priority, their priority areas, and tailor your essay to fit their priority areas, okay? If you're a biology major, you want to do your master's in, let's say, biology, but you're more interested in microbiology. So, you have to tailor your essay to microbiology. Do you guys get what I'm saying? Make sure that your essay is tailored to the priority areas of the funding body.
Friday essay: ‘I know my ache is not your pain’ – disabled writers imagine a healthier world
Creative Writing Lecturer, The University of Melbourne
Disclosure statement
Andy Jackson received funding from RMIT University under their Writing the Future of Health Fellowship.
University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU.
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There are many reasons why I shouldn’t be here. If you’d shown my ten-year-old self my life as it is now, he’d have been stunned, mostly because he half-expected an early death. My father, who had Marfan Syndrome , the genetic condition I have, died when he was in his mid-40s, when I was two, and the conventional medical wisdom of the time was that this was normal, almost expected.
Marfan is known as a “disorder of connective tissue”, meaning numerous systems of the body can be affected – the connective tissue of the heart, joints, eyes are liable to strain or tear. In my teens, I had multiple spinal surgeries, but there was always the spectre of sudden aortic dissection: a potentially life-threatening tear in the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel. Like walking around under a storm cloud, never knowing if or when the lightning would strike.
If you’d shown my 20-year-old self my life now, he’d have said, well, I’m not disabled, not really, I mean, I’m not disadvantaged by my body, there’d be other people who really are. At that age, I felt profoundly stigmatised, faltering under the weight of other people’s intrusive attention, a different kind of lightning, that kept striking.
My sense back then was that disability was about impairment. They use wheelchairs. They’re blind or deaf. They’re intellectually disabled. Not me. I just had a differently shaped body, which was other people’s problem, not mine. As if I could keep those things discreet.
Back then, in the films, television dramas and books I consumed, there were disabled characters, invariably marginal or two-dimensionally pathetic or tragic. Their existence was functional, a resource to be mined. Their bodies were metaphorically monumental, looming over the narrative, yet somehow hollow, without the fullness of agency. I certainly didn’t know any disabled authors.
This is an edited extract of the Association for the Study of Australian Literature Patron’s Lecture, delivered at UniSA Creative’s Finding Australia’s Disabled Authors online symposium on Wednesday 25 September.
Becoming a writer within a community
My 35-year-old self would mostly be surprised at the distance I’ve travelled as a writer. From open mic poetry nights in Fitzroy and Brunswick, via publication in photocopied zines and established literary journals, onto my first book of poems (then more), grants, residencies, a PhD in disability poetics, the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Poetry – and now teaching creative writing at the University of Melbourne.
These, of course, are only the outward markers. What’s most potent for me is the sense that, in spite of my ongoing sense of dislocation and marginality, I do belong within a net of support and meaning-making.
I’m part of a community of poets and writers. A community of disabled people and people with disabilities, people who know chronic illness, the flux of mental health, who know what it’s like to be othered. I also live as a non-Indigenous person on Dja Dja Wurrung country, whose elders have cared for their land, kept culture alive, and resisted colonisation and its brutal extractions.
An awareness of where we are situated, a felt sense of relationship with others like and unlike us, a consciousness of the histories and political forces that shape us, a hunch that our woundedness is not separate from the woundedness of the entire biosphere: none of this just happens automatically, though it emerges from a very subtle inner resonance.
It has to be attended to, nurtured with curiosity and empathy, within a community. Because disability – as a socially-constructed reality, and as an identity that is claimed – is not essentially a category, but a centre of gravity every body is drawn towards.
This may not be the conception of disability you’re used to.
Disability as human experience
The social model of disability is the idea that what makes someone disabled are the social, political, medical, institutional, architectural and cultural forces and structures. Stairs (for people using wheelchairs) and stares (for those who look, or move, or talk in a non-normative way, where normal is a kind of Platonic abstraction of what humans ought to be).
But disability is also a fundamental aspect of human experience, with its own magnetism or impersonal charisma. Disability is an unavoidable bedrock of being alive.
There is a tension here, of course. Between disability as a dimension of discrimination, which creates barriers we want to dismantle, and disability as an inherent aspect of an embodiment that is precarious, mortal and relational.
I am here because some of the barriers that impeded me have been, if not removed, then softened, weakened. Shame, stigma, an internalised sense of being less-than, abnormal, sub-normal: these things are being slowly eroded. Not, fundamentally, through any great effort on my part, but through the accumulated efforts and energies of communities that have gone before me, and that exist around me.
How can we best flourish?
In late 2021, the Health Transformation Lab at RMIT University announced their Writing the Future of Health Fellowship . The successful writer would be paid for six months to work on a project of their choice. The call for applications emphasised innovation, creativity and collaboration. It invited a Melbourne writer to address the question: what does the future of health look like?
I proposed a collaboration: an anthology of poems, essays and hybrid pieces by disabled writers. It will be published next week, as Raging Grace: Australian Writers Speak Out on Disability .
I applied for the fellowship less than a year after the devastations of Australia’s Black Summer bushfires of 2019. Loss of lives, homes and livelihoods. Billions of animals dead or displaced. Smoke blanketed the sky and the trauma of it blanketed our lives. Then came COVID-19, which would kill millions worldwide. Its overwhelming burden was on poor and disabled bodies.
In Australia, 2020 was the year of lockdowns, social distancing and mask mandates, then vaccination, hope, resentment, disinformation, fear, fatigue. Quite quickly, it seems in retrospect, the talk was of “opening up”, “learning to live with it”. “The new normal” switched to “back to normal”. Everything felt scorched, fraught, ready to ignite again.
Those of us with experience of disability, neurodivergent people, those who live with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, trauma (I could go on) – we have unique and profound expertise on what health actually is, in the deepest sense, and what kind of environments allow us to survive and flourish.
The future of health, for all of us, I felt, depended on the health systems and the wider society being diagnosed by disabled people. It depended on us being integrally involved in imagining genuinely therapeutic futures.
‘An almost utopian daydream’
My fellowship pitch was an almost utopian daydream: collective empowerment and imagination in an era of crisis, precarity and isolation. What the project required was a community: diverse and open to each other.
I wanted a range of personal and bodily experiences, places of residence, cultural backgrounds, genders, sexualities and ages. In the end, a collective of 23 writers coalesced – poets, essayists, memoirists, thinkers, activists and community workers, but, above all, writers.
All of us in this project have first-hand experience of disability, neurodivergence, chronic pain and/or mental illness. The labels mean something, but we’re much larger than them. Men, women, non-binary folk; people of varying ages and cultural backgrounds, some First Nations, most not; queer, straight, cis, not; shy, vociferous, uncertain, confident, tired, in flux. People from many different corners of this continent.
Throughout 2022, we met in person and online. I called these meetings “workshops”. We looked at poems and essays together, thinking through the music and the bodily energies of the language. But these were really conversations: minimally guided, intensely honest and free-flowing conversations about what we have experienced, and what we know about how society creates and exacerbates disability.
We diagnosed the systems (health, bureaucratic, economic), and daydreamed utopian and practical therapeutic futures. In the process, across our diverse experiences, resonances and affinities sparked. Two people (or sometimes three or more) would begin to wonder what it might be like to write together with another particular person, around a certain theme or idea.
We wrote about the wild liberation of wheelchairs, the claustrophobia of shopping centres, the dehumanising tendencies of hospitals. We riffed on shame, ambivalence, love and sensitivity. We speculated about a future where consultancies run by people with autism and disability would help non-disabled people amplify their otherness, rather than the other way round. We interrogated the history and future of medical research. We thought together about racism, misogyny and eugenics. We sat beneath trees.
Sensitive listening and speaking
Every collaboration, for us, was a painstaking exercise in listening and speaking. This unpredictable, uncontrollable, expansive process determined both the process and the outcome. It was shaped by the energies each writer brought to the encounter, which were in turn shaped by preoccupations, traumas, aspirations, sensitivities, aesthetic inclinations and curiosities.
The most subtle, unforced collaborations sometimes resulted in poems in one coherent voice. The most intense, difficult collaborations sometimes led to two-column poems, with stark white space between them. This is as it should be. In any conversation, a burgeoning intimacy often makes our differences both more apparent, more significant, and yet also a little less obstructive.
I know my ache is not your pain, which is not their suffering. Why do I think myself alone? I am trying to quieten this murmur in my bones, so I can listen. – Gemma Mahadeo & Andy Jackson, from the poem Awry
In one collaboration, thinking of a spine that is not straight and a sexuality that is not straight, thinking of how we navigate public spaces differently and yet similarly, we each wrote a few lines of poetry each, until we had what felt like an entire poem. We then embarked on a process of editing, each time removing those elements of the piece that made it seem like two distinct voices. Our voices almost merged.
I extend my hand-cane hybrid towards the ground in front of me like a diviner – this path, this body, not the only crooked things… We yearn for the possibilities of another city, another body as we fall, knee-first onto the blunt fact of queer promise. – Bron Bateman & Andy Jackson from the poem Betrayal
In another collaboration, I was aware the other writer had experienced traumatic abuse, so I soon felt that when writing together – in a way that would not just be respectful but useful, for us both and for the poem – our voices would have to be distinct.
To dominate or erase another’s words, even with good intentions or under some pretence of “improving the poem”, would have been precipitous ground. The poem we ended up writing together was composed of two parallel voices, two wings. The air around them, and between us, held us up.
Assure child they are not at fault. Refuse to be absolved of blame. Find the subliminal rhymes. Broken as open. Other as wisdom.
– Leah Robertson & Andy Jackson, from the poem Debris
Rigour and care
Each collaboration had its own particular questions and dilemmas. Each one required rigour and care, patience and courage. There were many awkward little stumbles and pauses. Yet the process was also profoundly liberating. It felt like someone had opened a window, so that a stifling room finally had air and outlook.
My sense, too, was that with the windows flung open, those outside our world could see in, might begin to more deeply appreciate the innumerable ways bodies are marginalised. That readers of all kinds would see their own predicaments connected to ours. Disability as one dimension of injustice, a dimension that reminds us of the ground we share, flesh and earth. Disability as gravitational force.
There is something in the collective political and social atmosphere that suggests collaboration, working together, especially with people outside our usual circle, is either anathema or too difficult.
Think of any of the crises that are front of mind at the moment – the dialogue around the Voice referendum and the fallout from its defeat , the fraught process of ensuring a just transition away from fossil fuels , the long histories and cycles of war and revenge across the globe. You could even include your own intimate cul-de-sacs of unresolved conflict.
Corporate tech algorithms amplify our tribal attachments, assume and encourage our binarism, our quick, unthinking reactions. The blinkers are on, and are being tightened.
This is not, to state the obvious, desirable or in any way sustainable. Perhaps this is why, in the last five to ten years, there has been an increasing number of collaborative writing projects. Against the tide of hesitation and mistrust, a felt need to work together, within and across identities.
I’m thinking of Woven , the anthology of collaborative poetry by First Nations writers from here and other lands, edited by Anne Marie Te Whiu. John Kinsella’s careful and ethical collaborative experiments with Charmaine Papertalk-Green, Kwame Dawes and Thurston Moore.
Then there’s Audrey Molloy and Anthony Lawrence’s intensely lyrical and sensitive conversation in Ordinary Time . And Ken Bolton and Peter Bakowski’s four recent collaborative books , which contain an array of darkly humorous fictional and fictionalised characters. This is only the poetic tip of the iceberg of recent collaborations.
Writers are one group of people who are tuning in to the need to go beyond the isolation or echo chambers. They know that the stories we are told – the need to be self-reliant and independent, the impetus to be suspicious of the other, or even that sense of inferiority that makes us feel disqualified from contributing – aren’t carved in stone. Or if they are, the persistent drip and flow of water can do its liberatory, erosive (and constructive) work.
We have, after all, only survived as a species and as communities through collaboration and mutual support.
Of course, we know there are countless collaborations currently being orchestrated by malicious agents: fascists, racists, misogynists, cynical corporate shills astroturfing against essential urgent climate action, even (to some degree) the reflexive social-media pile-ons. People are always working together in some way, deeply connected and inter-responsive. Collaboration in itself is not some utopian panacea.
Disabled collaboration
So I want to suggest that only a particular kind of collaboration can be properly transformative, humanising and grounding. It’s a collaboration of deep attentiveness and mutual exposure: a way of being together in which we set our certainties and fears aside, to be present to the other, to allow the other to be themselves, and to be open to the otherness in ourselves, an encounter which sensitises us to the complexities and bodiliness of injustice.
Let’s call it disabled collaboration.
Let me explain. As a disabled person, you are constrained, walled out of important social spaces: there are only steps into the workplace, the performance isn’t translated, or the shop is non-negotiable sensory overload. Even if you do manage to enter these spaces, it is made clear to you that you don’t really belong. They might stare at you, or signal their discomfort with silence or overcompensation. (And, yes, the shift to second-person is deliberate.)
Unless you give up – and which of us would not admit to giving up sometimes, or in some part of ourselves? – you spend a lot of energy proposing, asking, suggesting, pleading, demanding. You know what you need to be able to live a life of nourishment, connection, pleasure. You speak, in your own voice, out of your particular situation, from across the barriers.
Perhaps disability is really essentially about this giving voice. About constantly having to express what is unheard – or perhaps sometimes unhearable – by the broader society.
This isn’t about transmitting thoughts or ideas. This is essentially a cry for connection, for help. For solidarity, allyship, change. What you’re after is collaboration: two or more people bringing their resources to bear upon a human situation, which may have fallen heavily on one person, but hovers over us all. Disabled people know this territory intimately. We regularly share much-needed information, resources, concern and time with each other.
This kind of collaboration, by definition, cannot assume an equality of voice, mode of operation or capacity. It is predicated on learning about difference and then responding to it: whether through listening, care work, protest or support.
This collaboration acknowledges and resists disadvantage, isolation and enforced voicelessness. It’s the kind of orientation towards another person that, I want to suggest, is exactly what might help us respond properly to the multiple, intersecting crises we find ourselves in.
It’s a listening not only to the concerns and experiences of the other, but an ambition to adapt to their particular way of expressing themselves.
To be clear, I’m not saying disabled people have any special talent for collaboration. We can be as bitter, isolationist, selfish or stubborn as any non-disabled person. In fact, there are aspects to being disabled that can encourage suspicion towards others, a scepticism that at times affords you the space to assess risk.
Can I trust this person with my needs, my life? It’s a caution that is understandable, and useful, but it can also keep us isolated. The cycle of othering depends on those othered doing some of the work, thinking this is all I deserve , or the perpetual doubtful thought of “maybe next time”.
On top of that, there are intersections of injustice that are particularly resistant. They don’t dissolve in the presence of collaboration, but require immense effort to shift.
In facilitating this project, I found that the most stubborn dividing factors were class and race. There are individualist, neoliberal dynamics at the core of funding guidelines and in our lives generally. Writing and publishing remain fields still dominated by white, middle-class connections and aesthetics.
When we sit down to write or work together, these things do not disappear. When writers are paid for their work, it does not mean the same thing for each person.
Throughout this project, I have asked myself a number of questions. How do I, as a funding recipient, ensure that my collaborators are not exploited or taken for granted? What assumptions do I carry, invisibly, about the merits of particular voices? Should I step back to give more space to Indigenous writers, culturally and linguistically diverse writers, queer writers? How do we speak together within a poem or essay in a way that reaffirms common cause without diminishing the very real differences?
These difficult questions have not been resolved. Still, their intractability really only reinforces my wider point. We need to engage together in a way that is predicated on difference, exposure, vulnerability and mutual support. If disability is the imprint or shadow of bodily injustice, then collaborating in a disabled way, consciously, can radically expand our understanding of our shared predicament.
What happens within the process of disabled collaboration is akin to the words in Sarah Stivens and Jasper Peach’s poem, Crack & Burn:
Different bodies with the same fears, different aches with the same stories Our brains tell us that we’re alone, but we know not to believe them … When we gather in numbers it’s impossible to feel less than because all I see – everywhere I look – is raging grace and powerful repose.
The experience foreshadows, in a small but potent way, the future we wish to live in.
What might disabled collaboration achieve? The poem Coalescent, written by Beau Windon, myself, Michèle Saint-Yves, Robin M Eames and Ruby Hillsmith, suggests a hopeful answer:
overturning the old regime of normalcy for something strange / / something glorious / / something new
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Home > Blog > Best Ways To Increase Word Count in an Essay
Best Ways To Increase Word Count in an Essay
已出版: May 23, 2024
关于内容和写作的一般指南
Are you writing a homework essay and struggling to meet the minimum word count requirements? Or maybe you’re finding it challenging to add substance without sacrificing quality.
In this guide, we’ll cover simple strategies to increase word count in an essay while also improving the quality of your writing. These methods include using AI tools like Smodin, refining your paraphrasing, and mastering sentences.
1. Use AI Writing Tools
Using AI writing tools can help make your essay longer. These tools can provide assistants in various ways:
AI tools like Smodin can analyze your text. They suggest alternatives, letting you expand on ideas without harming your writing.
AI tools can help you find chances to break up or combine sentences. This will increase the required word count while keeping things clear and flowing.
These tools can recommend synonyms. They replace generic terms, adding depth to your essay.
AI writing assistants, like Smodin Writer , can give tailored suggestions based on your essay’s topic and tone. They ensure your desired word count increases and fits your writing goals.
Adding AI writing tools to your essay-crafting process can be a powerful way to boost your word count easily. They can also improve the quality of your work.
2. Write Short Stories
Adding stories to your essay is a compelling way to add words and engage your readers, especially when it comes to creative writing. Here’s how you can effectively utilize storytelling:
Add anecdotes : They give context and detail to your points while adding extra words.
Develop vivid characters and scenarios : Use them to illustrate your ideas and add depth to your writing.
Use vivid language to paint a picture for your readers : It will immerse readers in the story while increasing your word count.
Use emotional appeal : Connect with your reader through stories. The stories should evoke feelings and resonate with their experiences.
Weaving stories into your essay boosts word count. It also makes your content more engaging and memorable. Consider using AI tools like Smodin. They can refine your storytelling and improve your narrative flow.
3. Expand Paragraphs
Expanding paragraphs is a strategic approach. It will increase the word count and improve the depth and coherence of your essay. Here are key tactics to effectively expand your paragraphs:
Add detail and explanation to your main points : This will make your writing more substantial and longer.
Eliminate filler words : As you expand, watch for words that do not add meaning which will negatively affect your essay length.
Strengthen body paragraphs : Develop your body paragraphs by connecting ideas logically and cohesively.
Use transitional phrases : These help you move between ideas and paragraphs. They keep your essay flowing and positively increase the word count.
By expanding your paragraphs carefully, you can boost your word count. This will enrich your writing’s quality and structure. AI tools, like Smodin, can help here, too. They will streamline and improve how you expand paragraphs.
4. Add Examples
Adding examples to your essay is a powerful way to support your arguments. It also makes your writing more engaging. Here are some strategies for effectively incorporating examples into your writing:
Use relevant examples : They must relate to the topic and support your arguments. Avoid using examples that are unrelated or confusing.
Use many examples : They can emphasize different parts of your argument and make your writing more complete.
Use examples from different sources : They give a full view of the topic. They show your skill at analyzing and evaluating diverse views.
Use examples to contrast and compare : Using examples to contrast and compare ideas can highlight their strengths and weaknesses. It can provide a more nuanced understanding of the topic.
Use examples to clarify complex concepts : They can make concepts easier to understand.
Adding examples to your essay provides evidence to back your arguments. It also makes your writing more engaging and persuasive.
5. Clarify Sentences
When aiming to increase your essay’s word count, clear sentences are crucial. They add substance and depth to your writing. Here are key strategies to enhance clarity and expand your content effectively:
Provide more detail : Elaborate on key points by adding more detail and examples to enrich your explanations.
Use descriptive language : It illustrates concepts and engages readers deeply.
Clarify your statements : Make them clear and short. Avoid ambiguity and complexity.
Emphasize the key points : Do this to reinforce your arguments and provide a full understanding.
Add more depth : Dive deeper into topics by exploring various angles and perspectives to enrich your analysis and clarify statements.
Avoid unnecessary information : Trim away details that do not matter or add to the main ideas. This keeps your writing clear.
These strategies will help you clarify your sentences and add depth to your content. They will also increase the word count while keeping your essay relevant and coherent.
6. Use Quotations
Using quotes in your essay can boost word count and add credibility and depth to your arguments. Here are some effective ways to use quotations in your writing:
Use quotes from quality sources : They will give solid evidence for your claims.
Adding authority : Quotes from experts or well-known figures can add a sense of authority to your writing and boost the validity of your arguments.
Emphasizing key points: Similar to using examples, quotations can be used to highlight key ideas or perspectives that align with your argument.
Provide different viewpoints : Integrate quotes with diverse viewpoints. They enrich the discussion and show a complete understanding of the topic.
Use quotes strategically : They will strengthen your argument and persuade your readers.
Cite relevant quotes : Remember to cite quotes correctly as per your school or university’s guidelines.
By skillfully using quotes, you can improve your writing, increase your word count, and enrich your essay with valuable insights and perspectives.
7. Expand the Introduction and Conclusion
The intro and conclusion of your essay are crucial. By expanding these sections, you can boost your word count and strengthen the coherence and impact of your writing.
Expanding the introduction:
Provide more detail : Start your essay with a more detailed and engaging hook to capture your reader’s attention.
Introduce the topic thoroughly : Spend more time setting the context and giving background on it.
Connect ideas : Make clear connections between your introduction and the body of your essay. This ensures a smooth transition.
Show off your writing : The introduction sets the tone for the whole essay. Aim to showcase your writing skills from the very first sentence well.
Write the introduction last : While this may seem like a backward approach, it’s the best way to ensure you include all the necessary details in your intro.
Expanding the conclusion:
Revisit key points : Summarize the main arguments and ideas from your essay. Give a full recap for your readers.
Offer more insights : Explore the broader meaning of your topic. Or suggest new research and discussion topics.
Tie your conclusion to the introduction : This will create a cohesive essay.
Write with intention : Invest time crafting a thoughtful conclusion. Make it impactful to leave a lasting impression on your professor or teacher.
By adding to your introduction and conclusion, you can increase your essay’s word count. You will also improve the structure, coherence, and impact of your writing.
8. Add Transition Phrases
As mentioned, adding transition phrases to your school or college essay is a strategic way to increase your word count. It also improves the flow and coherence of your writing. These phrases act as bridges between ideas. They help your readers navigate your essay smoothly.
Here are some effective ways to utilize transition phrases to boost your word count:
Use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas. Do this for both paragraphs and sections. It will make your essay cohesive and well-structured.
Use a variety of transitions. Try a range of phrases, such as “in addition,” “furthermore,” “on the other hand,” and “in conclusion.” They will add depth and complexity to your writing.
Ensure the phrases you use are right for the context. They should guide your readers through your arguments well.
By adding transition phrases to your essay, you can increase your word count. This will also improve the clarity, flow, and coherence of your writing.
Let Smodin Boost Your Word Count
Learning to increase word count in essays is not just about quantity. It’s also about improving the quality and impact of your writing.
These techniques will change your own writing process and help you write essays and research papers that resonate with your professors and teachers, no matter how many words you need.
Platforms like Smodin use AI to offer a simple solution to essay writing. They help you increase your word count easily. Here’s how Smodin can help you:
Smodin uses AI to analyze your text and suggests ways to add words in addition to removing unnecessary words.
Smodin can help with paraphrasing. It can also add depth and length to sentences.
Use Smodin to improve your writing. It gives suggestions on grammar and style.
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IMPORTANT Synonym: List of 24 Synonyms for Important with Examples
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English vocabulary words/ words synonym// learn and speak English fluently 💫
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प्रायवाची शब्द/Important Paryavachi shabd/Paryayvachi Shabd in Hindi/Synonym/समानार्थी शब्द#hindi
EASY terms to get into your English Essays to sound more academic
COMMENTS
ESSAY Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words
Synonyms for ESSAY: article, paper, dissertation, theme, thesis, composition, treatise, editorial; Antonyms of ESSAY: quit, drop, give up
80 Synonyms & Antonyms for ESSAY
Find 80 different ways to say ESSAY, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
What is another word for essay
dive in. try to get. try to obtain. make a bid for. make a play for. make a pitch for. make a move. more . "The spectators essay a smile in order to draw him into their confidence, but their overtures are met with a stolid immobility of feature.".
ESSAY
ESSAY - Synonyms, related words and examples | Cambridge English Thesaurus
40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays
4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
ESSAY Synonyms
Synonyms for ESSAY in English: composition, study, paper, article, piece, assignment, discourse, tract, treatise, dissertation, …
Essay synonyms, essay antonyms
Synonyms for essay in Free Thesaurus. Antonyms for essay. 82 synonyms for essay: composition, study, paper, article, piece, assignment, discourse, tract, treatise ...
Synonyms: try, attempt, endeavor, endeavour (UK), undertake, take on, have a go, give it a go, make an effort, try your hand at, take a shot at (informal), take a stab at (informal), take a whack at (informal), take a crack at (informal), give it a whirl (informal), strive for, make an attempt at.
Essay Definition & Meaning
The meaning of ESSAY is an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view. How to use essay in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Essay.
Words to Use in an Essay: 300 Essay Words
If you're struggling to choose the right words for your essay, don't worry—you've come to the right place! In this article, we've compiled a list of over 300 words and phrases to use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay. Contents: Words to Use in the Essay Introduction. Words to Use in the Body of the Essay.
39 Different Ways to Say 'In Conclusion' in an Essay (Rated)
Example: "In a nutshell, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate about socialism vs capitalism.". 18. In closing…. My Rating: 7/10. Overview: This phrase is an appropriate synonym for 'In conclusion' and I would be perfectly fine with a student using this phrase in their essay.
12 Alternatives to "Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly" in an Essay
What to Say Instead of "Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly". 1. First of All. "First of all" is a great way to replace "firstly" at the start of a list. We recommend using it to show that you have more points to make. Usually, it implies you start with the most important point. Here are some examples to show you how it works:
10 Other Ways to Say "The Text States" (With Examples)
The content reveals. The excerpt indicates. The piece conveys. 1. The document asserts. "The document asserts" is a formal way to convey that the text presents a clear statement or position on a topic. It implies a level of authority and confidence in the information presented.
92 Essay Transition Words to Know, With Examples
What are essay transition words? In general, transition words and phrases bridge the gap between two topics whose connection isn't obvious. Transition words and phrases like however, although, likewise, and on the contrary cue the reader that a change is coming so they know to expect it.. The type of transition word or phrase signals which type of change is coming.
ESSAYS Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words
Synonyms for ESSAYS: articles, papers, themes, dissertations, editorials, treatises, commentaries, compositions; Antonyms of ESSAYS: drops, gives up, quits
10 Phrases To Use Instead Of "In Conclusion"
Concluding your paper or presentation can feel redundant if you always say "in conclusion." These alternatives will help you end your project with style.
15 Other Words for "This Shows" in an Essay
KEY TAKEAWAYS. "This shows" is a common phrase used in essays to demonstrate how one thing leads to another. "This demonstrates" is a great formal synonym that'll help to spice up your academic writing. Try "suggesting" as an alternative that shows how one thing could have created another. Keep reading to learn different ways to ...
17 academic words and phrases to use in your essay
4. Moreover; furthermore; in addition; what's more. These types of academic phrases are perfect for expanding or adding to a point you've already made without interrupting the flow altogether. "Moreover", "furthermore" and "in addition" are also great linking phrases to begin a new paragraph. Here are some examples:
18 Other Ways to Say "However" in an Essay
This could be very detrimental to the appearance of your essay to any marker. Therefore, it's a good idea to use our list of synonyms to find other ways to say "however" when you have already used it. Nevertheless, "however" is a perfectly polite word that can be used to introduce contrasting information or to transition to a new ...
14 Other Words for "Said" in an Essay
Stated. One of the most common ways to replace "said" in an essay is "stated.". It's a great formal synonym that helps to keep things direct and clear for the reader. It works well before a quote. You should write "stated" to clarify that you're about to run a quote by the reader. Of course, you can't claim that someone ...
33 Transition Words for Essays
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
270+ Other Words for "Said" to Enhance Your Dialogue
To help you find that perfect synonym to inject action and emotion into your dialogue, here are over 270 other words for said: Neutral/multi-purpose words Acknowledged
How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Tips + Examples
A synthesis essay blends different sources to build a strong, unified argument or analysis. When done right, the result is cohesive and compelling. In this blog, you'll discover a step-by-step guide on how to write a synthesis essay, complete with tips and tricks to make the process easier. By the end, you'll have the skills and confidence ...
Best AI Essay Checker: Improve Your Writing with AI
On top of these perks, AI essay checkers come with bells and whistles to suit specialized needs. Whether it's helping teachers sniff out any copy-pasting in student essays with the AI essay checker for teachers, or debating if using AI for essays is crossing the line, these tools let you tread confidently into the wordy wild.. With the need for top-notch writing on the up, AI essay checkers ...
Mastering Scholarship Essays: Tips from a University Professor
One, your essay must absolutely impress the reader, okay? Whenever a reviewer picks up your essay, you want to capture the reviewer in the first paragraph. You want the reviewer to be impressed in the first paragraph, okay? Number two, your essay must directly address the goals of the scholarship. Companies that advertise scholarships have goals.
Friday essay: 'I know my ache is not your pain'
In our post-COVID age of climate change catastrophe, disabled people are ideally equipped to imagine how to overcome barriers to an inclusive world. Andy Jackson led a collaboration of disabled ...
Best Ways To Increase Word Count in an Essay
By adding to your introduction and conclusion, you can increase your essay's word count. You will also improve the structure, coherence, and impact of your writing. 8. Add Transition Phrases. As mentioned, adding transition phrases to your school or college essay is a strategic way to increase your word count. It also improves the flow and ...
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Synonyms for ESSAY: article, paper, dissertation, theme, thesis, composition, treatise, editorial; Antonyms of ESSAY: quit, drop, give up
Find 80 different ways to say ESSAY, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
dive in. try to get. try to obtain. make a bid for. make a play for. make a pitch for. make a move. more . "The spectators essay a smile in order to draw him into their confidence, but their overtures are met with a stolid immobility of feature.".
ESSAY - Synonyms, related words and examples | Cambridge English Thesaurus
4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
Synonyms for ESSAY in English: composition, study, paper, article, piece, assignment, discourse, tract, treatise, dissertation, …
Synonyms for essay in Free Thesaurus. Antonyms for essay. 82 synonyms for essay: composition, study, paper, article, piece, assignment, discourse, tract, treatise ...
Synonyms for ESSAY: composition, theme, article, paper, piece, assay, proof, test, trial, tryout, attempt, effort, trial, endeavor, try, dissertation; Antonyms for ...
Synonyms: try, attempt, endeavor, endeavour (UK), undertake, take on, have a go, give it a go, make an effort, try your hand at, take a shot at (informal), take a stab at (informal), take a whack at (informal), take a crack at (informal), give it a whirl (informal), strive for, make an attempt at.
The meaning of ESSAY is an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view. How to use essay in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Essay.
If you're struggling to choose the right words for your essay, don't worry—you've come to the right place! In this article, we've compiled a list of over 300 words and phrases to use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay. Contents: Words to Use in the Essay Introduction. Words to Use in the Body of the Essay.
Example: "In a nutshell, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate about socialism vs capitalism.". 18. In closing…. My Rating: 7/10. Overview: This phrase is an appropriate synonym for 'In conclusion' and I would be perfectly fine with a student using this phrase in their essay.
What to Say Instead of "Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly". 1. First of All. "First of all" is a great way to replace "firstly" at the start of a list. We recommend using it to show that you have more points to make. Usually, it implies you start with the most important point. Here are some examples to show you how it works:
The content reveals. The excerpt indicates. The piece conveys. 1. The document asserts. "The document asserts" is a formal way to convey that the text presents a clear statement or position on a topic. It implies a level of authority and confidence in the information presented.
What are essay transition words? In general, transition words and phrases bridge the gap between two topics whose connection isn't obvious. Transition words and phrases like however, although, likewise, and on the contrary cue the reader that a change is coming so they know to expect it.. The type of transition word or phrase signals which type of change is coming.
Synonyms for ESSAYS: articles, papers, themes, dissertations, editorials, treatises, commentaries, compositions; Antonyms of ESSAYS: drops, gives up, quits
Concluding your paper or presentation can feel redundant if you always say "in conclusion." These alternatives will help you end your project with style.
KEY TAKEAWAYS. "This shows" is a common phrase used in essays to demonstrate how one thing leads to another. "This demonstrates" is a great formal synonym that'll help to spice up your academic writing. Try "suggesting" as an alternative that shows how one thing could have created another. Keep reading to learn different ways to ...
4. Moreover; furthermore; in addition; what's more. These types of academic phrases are perfect for expanding or adding to a point you've already made without interrupting the flow altogether. "Moreover", "furthermore" and "in addition" are also great linking phrases to begin a new paragraph. Here are some examples:
This could be very detrimental to the appearance of your essay to any marker. Therefore, it's a good idea to use our list of synonyms to find other ways to say "however" when you have already used it. Nevertheless, "however" is a perfectly polite word that can be used to introduce contrasting information or to transition to a new ...
Stated. One of the most common ways to replace "said" in an essay is "stated.". It's a great formal synonym that helps to keep things direct and clear for the reader. It works well before a quote. You should write "stated" to clarify that you're about to run a quote by the reader. Of course, you can't claim that someone ...
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
To help you find that perfect synonym to inject action and emotion into your dialogue, here are over 270 other words for said: Neutral/multi-purpose words Acknowledged
A synthesis essay blends different sources to build a strong, unified argument or analysis. When done right, the result is cohesive and compelling. In this blog, you'll discover a step-by-step guide on how to write a synthesis essay, complete with tips and tricks to make the process easier. By the end, you'll have the skills and confidence ...
On top of these perks, AI essay checkers come with bells and whistles to suit specialized needs. Whether it's helping teachers sniff out any copy-pasting in student essays with the AI essay checker for teachers, or debating if using AI for essays is crossing the line, these tools let you tread confidently into the wordy wild.. With the need for top-notch writing on the up, AI essay checkers ...
One, your essay must absolutely impress the reader, okay? Whenever a reviewer picks up your essay, you want to capture the reviewer in the first paragraph. You want the reviewer to be impressed in the first paragraph, okay? Number two, your essay must directly address the goals of the scholarship. Companies that advertise scholarships have goals.
In our post-COVID age of climate change catastrophe, disabled people are ideally equipped to imagine how to overcome barriers to an inclusive world. Andy Jackson led a collaboration of disabled ...
By adding to your introduction and conclusion, you can increase your essay's word count. You will also improve the structure, coherence, and impact of your writing. 8. Add Transition Phrases. As mentioned, adding transition phrases to your school or college essay is a strategic way to increase your word count. It also improves the flow and ...