Strong Words to Use in an Essay

There are various strong words to use in an essay to make it a substantial piece of writing. These words are occasionally seen in academic papers assigned to students.

Writers can make writing memorable without resorting to clichés and trite phrases that pad the piece with fluff and cheap sentimentality.

Here are some strategies and strong words to use in an essay to make it a substantial piece of writing.

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Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Words to Use in the Essay Introduction

Writing an engaging introduction can be daunting. This is because you need to grab the attention of your reader right away. The reader may decide not to continue reading the essay if the opening is weak.

That’s why it’s so crucial to consider the words you use in the introduction of your essay.

1. Hook for the introductory paragraph

Many students employ a quote in the introductory paragraph to establish credibility and set the tone for the entire essay.

Try some of these phrases when referring to another writer or speaker:

  • To use the words of X
  • According to X
  • As X states

Near the conclusion of the introduction, you should present the thesis statement to describe the paper’s central argument.

2. How to start your thesis

If you are unsure of how to start your thesis, consider one of the following 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

Following your thesis’s introduction, you should introduce the evidence that will support it.

3. Introduction to Body Paragraph

The following phrases can be used to introduce the initial argument in a chain:

  • First
  • To begin with
  • First and foremost

You can use these phrases and words to write an engaging beginning that compels readers to keep reading.

4. Substantive Essay Words

In the essay’s body, you develop your main points and provide supporting details.

For the essay’s body, pick terms and phrases that clarify your stance and convince the reader that you’ve done the necessary research.

Let’s examine a variety of terms and phrases that can be used in the main body of an essay.

5. Transitional Words and Phrases

A strong essay will smoothly progress from one point of argument to the next.

You must smoothly transition between thoughts to avoid confusing your reader. Transitional phrases and linking words let readers move smoothly between arguments. They add a polished air to your writing.

The best transition is to go from one notion to another that serves the same purpose in the larger argument. When introducing a new related idea, try one of these phrases:

  • In addition
  • Another critical thing to remember
  • In the same way
  • Similarly

The transitional technique of restatement is another option. Restating complex concepts in less technical language can be helpful for the reader. Use the following phrases when restating an idea:

  • In other words
  • To put it another way
  • That is to say
  • To put it more simply

6. Strong words to give examples

Providing examples is a great way to make your message clear to the reader. Use the following phrases to illustrate what you have just said:

  • To give an illustration of
  • For instance
  • To exemplify
  • As evidence
  • To demonstrate

There will be occasions when you need to elaborate on the meaning of your words.

7. Conclusion based on evidence

Use these phrases when forming a conclusion based on the data you’ve presented:

  • As a result
  • Due to
  • As you can see
  • For this reason
  • For all of those reasons
  • Consequently

8. Supporting Phrases & Words

Use the following phrases to introduce a concept that reinforces one you’ve already mentioned or adds another vital element to the same argument:

  • What’s more
  • Along with
  • Besides
  • To say nothing of
  • Another key point

9. Strong words to use when contrasting viewpoints

It isn’t uncommon to want to give an opposing viewpoint on a contentious issue. The following phrases can be used when contrasting two concepts:

  • On the one hand / on the other hand
  • In contrast to
  • On the contrary
  • Whereas
  • By contrast
  • In comparison

10. For fresh perspective

Finally, you can use the following sentences to provide a new perspective that conflicts with your earlier argument:

  • Having said that
  • That said
  • Differing from
  • Granted
  • Despite
  • While
  • With this in mind
  • Provided that
  • Notwithstanding
  • Admittedly

Essays that succeed use various logical arguments. In the body of your essay, you can employ any number of the transitions mentioned above to establish a firm, understandable framework.

Great Verbs for Use in Academic Writing

Clear essays rely heavily on the use of strong verbs. Often, a subtle message can be communicated by using the appropriate verb.

Use active, specific verbs to give your writing power and movement. Avoid using a generic verb in favor of a more specific one wherever possible. Here are some strong verbs to employ in your next paper.

  • Alter
  • Accommodate
  • Evolve
  • Fluctuate
  • Generate
  • Transform
  • Transition
  • Vary

Best Adjectives and Adverbs to use in Academic Essays

As they tend to fill sentences with extraneous detail, you should use adjectives and adverbs sparingly in essays.

Nonetheless, adjectives and adverbs can elevate your writing from merely enough to very outstanding if you pick them carefully.

Adjectives can be helpful when trying to convince readers that your research or argument is worthwhile. Several adverbs that put the attention in the right place are as follows:

  • Effective
  • Important
  • Invaluable
  • Significant
  • Strong
  • Successful
  • Unbiased
  • Useful
  • Valid
  • Valuable

Sometimes you’ll need an adverb to emphasize how unhelpful or ineffectual a discovery or argument is. To emphasize the negative, consider the following adjectives:

  • Biased
  • Controversial
  • False
  • Flawed
  • Insignificant
  • Invalid
  • Irrelevant
  • Limited
  • Minor
  • Questionable
  • Unnecessary
  • Unrealistic

Words to Use in Your Essay Conclusion

You should summarize the points you’ve made and restate your thesis in the final paragraph of your paper.

Try incorporating some of the following essay words into your last paragraph:

  • In conclusion
  • To summarize
  • To sum up
  • In summary
  • On the other hand
  • Given the above
  • All things considered
  • Finally
  • Lastly

In the conclusion of your essay, you should not only restate the main points you made in the body. You can also add any last thoughts or findings. Provide your concluding thoughts and some food for the reader’s imagination.

Use the following essay words to draw attention to a specific idea or piece of evidence:

  • Unquestionably
  • Undoubtedly
  • Particularly
  • Especially
  • Importantly
  • Conclusively
  • Above all
  • Ultimately
  • On the whole

Use these final phrases to wrap up your essay with authority and conviction.

Wrapping Up

Academic essays require a certain amount of formality. This means that we can’t always utilize the same word choices we would use daily.

The correct words may make or break an essay. If you can use appropriate strong words throughout your essay, you will demonstrate that you can deliver a well-organized essay.

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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