32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (2023)

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32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (1)
32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (2)Amanda N

When trying to compare and contrast different things, it helps to have the right words and phrases to clearly explain your ideas. That's whereCompare and contrast transition wordsto be useful.

Atransitional word or phraseguides the listener or reader through what the speaker or writer is saying. We use transitional words, also known as "Discourse markers', or 'signal words' to help us structure what we say and make our meaning clearer.

So let's look at some similaritiesTransition words for comparing and contrasting– as well as some you may not be familiar with. We have included many example sentences so you can understand how to use them correctly.

32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (3)

Compare and contrast transition words

Comparing and contrasting is about explaining how things arethe same asorelse ifsomething else and consider alternatives. For example, you may be given an essay assignment to compare and contrast, or you may be required to write a business plan exploring various possible outcomes.

Whatever the situation, these transitional comparison and contrast words will help you move from one point to the next in a clear and logical way.

Transition words for comparing similarities

If you want to emphasize the similarities between two things or talk about the fact that they are the same, you should use these comparison transition words.

The following signal words can be used to compare two things in the same sentence:

  • how how
  • like
  • similar

"Cats areiffreundlichifDogs.”
“This cloud lookslikeA face."
"I am lookingsimilarto my mother."

The next group of comparison words are used after a point has been stated or mentioned, and they begin the following sentence containing the second point:

  • equally
  • in the same way
  • Likewise
  • similar

“The sales team has to work hard this month to reach their goals.Similar, all warehouse workers must strive to ship all orders on time.”

Find more examples ofalternative words for "similar"here.

Transition words to emphasize contrast

When we are presenting something that is contrary to what was previously written or said, or what would be expected as a result of a previous point, we can use these conflicting transition words.

In a simple sentence, when presenting the two pieces of information together, we can use:

  • but
  • not how
  • whereas

“I can play the guitar really wellbutI can't play the flute."
“Alan is a great singerwhereasAnna is an excellent painter.”
“Spain is good for beach holidays,not howAustria is good for skiing.”

To add information that contradicts or differs from what has been said previously in a separate sentence, we may use one of the following:

  • the opposite
  • however
  • in contrast
  • on the other hand
  • On one side on the other side

Here are some sentences with discourse markers to show the contrast:

“Our children's products have developed very well this year.The opposite, menswear sales have declined slightly.”
“Today was sunny;however"I think it will rain tomorrow."
“I'm not sure if we should continue working with this supplier.On the one hand, they have the best prices on the market and a good reputation.On the other hand, we have had many problems with their service lately.”

Transition words to signal contrast in an outcome

When we talk about one thing happening in spite of another thing (as opposed to the expected outcome), we can use transition words and phrases like:

  • all the same
  • even so
  • despite it
  • Mind you
  • Nevertheless
  • yet
  • still
  • still

“The away team fought really hard to win.Still, the home team won 2-1 in the end.”
"I'll try to buy some groceries on the way home.All the same, it would be nice if you had time to go shopping this afternoon.”
“It's been a very tough year for the hospitality industry.Nevertheless, our restaurant managed to make a good profit.”

(Video) How to use Transition Words and Sentences in Essays | Scribbr 🎓

In the same situation as above, but with the two dots connected in the same sentence, you can use these signal words:

  • although
  • Trotz
  • trotz
  • although

althoughThe kids had never met before, they got along really well at the party.”
“We managed to afford a holidayTrotzour financial problems.”
“We had a great time at the beach,trotzthe clouds."

Find moreTransition words for end and conclusionhere.

Transition words for contrasting solutions and suggestions

And finally, these signal words can be used when making a suggestion or offering a solution that differs from another suggestion or solution:

  • Alternative
  • instead of
  • Another option is
  • how about

Instead ofAre you cooking dinner tonight, why don't we get some takeout?
“We could hire a new employee for this project.Alternativewe could only use a consultant on a temporary basis.”

And that concludes this list of comparison and contrast transition words. If you have more examples or are unsure how to use these comparison and contrast words in a sentence, please leave a comment below.

If you found this article useful, take a look at these others, covering different categories of transition words:

Transition words for addition
Transition words for cause and effect
Transition words for examples
Temporal order and sequence transition words

Finally, when you have an essay assignment on comparing and contrasting,this resourcecan help you structure it well and cover the topic completely.

Would you like to be more confident in using English? Why not tryGrammarly's free proofreading tool. It checks as you type and helps you correct and improve your spelling and grammar.

32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (4)
  1. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (5)

    Jake

    May 18, 2022 at 4:02 p.m. 9 months ago

    answer

    Is the word "during" one of the comparison and contrast signal/transition words?

    1. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (6)

      Amanda N

      May 19, 2022 @ 3:51am 9 months ago

      answer

      Yes, that's another good one. "While" is used in the same way as "Whileas" in the context of comparing and contrasting.

      (Video) Transition Words and Phrases to Improve Your Writing | 120+ Transition Words for Essays
  2. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (7)

    Jo

    June 10, 2022 at 10:50 am 8 months ago

    answer

    What about "different than"? Can it be considered as a contrast and comparison word?

    1. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (8)

      Amanda N

      Jun 17, 2022 @ 11:13am 8 months ago

      answer

      Good question! In some cases, yes, "different from" could be used to contrast positive and negative points.
      For example: "Apart from the broken tail light and the defective speedometer, this car is in perfect condition."

  3. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (9)

    Ethan

    Aug 6, 2022 @ 2:16am 6 months ago

    (Video) Transition Words Quiz

    answer

    Hello Amanda. Please help me with this.

    He has changed his mind about coming over, even though we prepared the food and everything else for him.

    I have a feeling the marker isn't quite working there. I would like to stress the host's great disappointment with the guest's change of plan. Do you have another suggestion?

    1. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (10)

      Amanda N

      Aug 8, 2022 @ 1:13am 6 months ago

      answer

      Hallo Ethan,

      The phrase you suggested goes well with "although". The only change you should make is the tense, either:

      "He changed his mind about coming to us even though we had prepared the food and everything else for him." (Account of a past event)

      or

      "He changed his mind about coming to us even though we prepared the food and everything else for him." (talking about how it happens).

      An alternative would be to replace "although" with "despite the fact that"; that could indicate even greater disappointment with the decision.

  4. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (11)

    Rifqah

    October 22, 2022 @ 9:35am 3 months ago

    answer

    (Video) WriteWell "Comparison Writing with a Focus on Transition Words" 2nd grade - Cindy Monarch

    Hi Amanda, I want to ask you why "as" isn't part of the signal words for comparison and contrast?

    1. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (12)

      Amanda N

      October 22, 2022 @ 11:39am 3 months ago

      answer

      You are right, this is an important word for comparison when paired with a comparative adjective.

  5. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (13)

    Rifqah Aqiilah

    November 7, 2022 @ 1:14am 3 months ago

    answer

    Thanks Amanda, but I want to make sure that "than" is not part of the signal words in comparison and contrast other than "more than" or "less than". Is that right?

    1. 32 Compare and Contrast Transition Words (with Examples) (14)

      Amanda N

      November 8, 2022 at 3:08 am 3 months ago

      answer

      You can use "as" with any comparative adjective. For example: "Your dessert looks tastier than mine." "This car is slower than when I bought it." "Joshua is smarter than James."
      I hope it helps!

      (Video) CONNECTIVES, TRANSITIONS, LINKING WORDS in English

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FAQs

What are examples of compare and contrast transition words? ›

for example, for instance, in other words, in particular, namely, specifically, such as, that is, thus, to illustrate. To Compare or Contrast Ideas. but, even so, conversely, differently, however, in contrast, in spite of, in the same way, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still,yet.

What are 10 examples of transitions? ›

And, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, besides, than, too, also, both-and, another, equally important, first, second, etc., again, further, last, finally, not only-but also, as well as, in the second place, next, likewise, similarly, in fact, as a result, consequently, in the same way, for example, for instance, ...

What is an example of a compare and contrast sentence? ›

Comparison Contrast

Kim likes heavy metal, but Tom prefers classical music. Kim likes heavy metal. But Tom prefers classical music. Subordinators join dependent clauses to sentences.

What is an example of a contrast transition? ›

Contrast transitions

I've had breakfast; however, I'm still hungry. Opposition (not x but y). The island was nothing like the tropical paradise we had expected. On the contrary, it was noisy, dirty, and completely unrelaxing!

How do you transition a sentence in a compare and contrast essay? ›

Examples of transition words for compare and contrast essays

Use words such as further, furthermore, moreover, in addition to, likewise, etc.

What are the 8 types of transition words? ›

So, let's take a look at some of the different types of transition word you might use in English, and learn how to use them correctly.
...
Other terms for 'transition words' include:
  • Discourse markers.
  • Signal words.
  • Filler words.
  • Transitional phrases.
  • Linking words.
  • Connecting words.
  • Clue words.
  • Sentence connectors.
Jan 24, 2022

What are the 6 transition words? ›

Examples of transitional words and phrases include:
  • And.
  • But.
  • Or.
  • However.
  • In contrast.
  • Because.
  • For instance.
  • So.

What is a good example of a transition sentence? ›

Transitional expressions
LOGICAL RELATIONSHIPTRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION
Timeafter, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently, then
Examplefor example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
8 more rows

What are 3 transitions examples? ›

and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)

How to compare and contrast? ›

  1. Overview.
  2. Address Both Similarities and Differences.
  3. Make Sure You Have a Clear Thesis Statement.
  4. Use Clear Transitions.
  5. Structure Your Paper.
  6. Include Analysis.
  7. Make Analogous Comparisons.
  8. Related Webinar.

Is while a compare and contrast word? ›

We can also use while to compare and contrast ideas. However, unlike the previous two words, we typically use while at the beginning of a sentence.

What are 5 things to compare and contrast? ›

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2022 in College
  • E-learning vs Classroom Learning.
  • School vs. ...
  • Students, Who Work Vs Unemployed Students: Who Takes the Best of This Life?
  • Research Paper and Essay: What Is More Responsible?
  • Comparing Life with Parents to Living on Campus.
  • Part-Time Jobs Vs Seasonal Jobs.

What are some examples of compare? ›

Verb The singer's voice has been compared to that of Elvis. We each did the homework assignment, then compared answers. I compared several bicycles before buying one.

How do you write a 3 way compare and contrast essay? ›

Introduction: where you explain your thesis or what your essay will discuss. Body: where you actually list the similarities and differences of your subjects; the largest section. Conclusion: where you wrap up and summarize your points.

What are transitions with examples? ›

A transitive verb is a verb that uses a direct object, which shows who or what receives the action in a sentence. In the example “she gives a gift,” gives is a transitive verb and a gift is the direct object (what is being given).

What does compare and contrast mean? ›

A compare and contrast essay examines two or more topics (objects, people, or ideas, for example), comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences.

How do you start a compare and contrast example? ›

Begin by saying everything you have to say about the first subject you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second subject (and after that, the third, and so on, if you're comparing/contrasting more than two things).

What is a good sentence starter for a compare and contrast essay? ›

To compare and contrast

Similarly, … In the same way … Likewise, … In comparison …

How do you write a first sentence for a compare and contrast essay? ›

Begin with a topic sentence that explains one area of comparison between your first subject and your second subject. For example, if your subjects are two different countries and your paragraph topic is political structure, you can start by broadly describing each country's political processes.

What are the 4 main transitions? ›

There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

What are transitional words and give 4 examples? ›

Transition words are words and even phrases that connect ideas. 'Because,' 'consequently,' 'and,' 'what's more,' 'resultantly,' 'in sum,' and 'briefly' are a few common transition words examples. Owing to their job as words that bridge ideas, transition words are also called connecting or linking words.

What are the 4 types of transitions? ›

Going through any transition takes time. Even with a change you've decided to make, parts of the process will still feel uncomfortable. Merriam (2005) talks about 4 different life transitions: anticipated, unanticipated, nonevent and sleeper.

What are 20 transition words? ›

Common Transitional Words and Phrases
  • cause and effect: consequently, therefore, accordingly, as a result, because, for this reason, hence, thus.
  • sequence: furthermore, in addition, moreover, first, second, third, finally, again, also, and, besides, further, in the first place, last, likewise, next, then, too.

How do you write a transition sentence? ›

Your transition sentence should do two things: introduce its paragraph's topic and give it context within your piece as a whole. Take a look at this example of a strong transition sentence between paragraphs: We hiked all day.

Is first a transition word? ›

Many transitional words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.

Is for example a good transition word? ›

One caveat though: Always keep the literal meaning of a transition word in mind as you use it—therefore, do not use "for example" unless you are introducing an example that links to the preceding information; do not use "nevertheless" unless you are offering a contrasting point.

What is a good first transition word? ›

Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.

What are transition words for last sentence? ›

• To summarise or conclude:
as a resultin conclusiontherefore
in other wordsthusconsequently
to concludefinallyon the whole
hencesumming upultimately

What are 3 key words for compare and contrast? ›

Ask: How did I compare and contrast two animals in the sentences? Students should respond that you used compare key words such as similar, at the same time, and likewise. You used contrast key words such as in comparison to, in contrast, and rather.

What is contrast examples? ›

Contrast often means “opposite”: for example, black is the opposite of white, and so there's a contrast between black ink and white paper. But contrast can also happen when the two things are just very different. For example, cats and dogs are definitely a contrast, but they're not opposites.

How do you compare 4 things? ›

Use a quadrant layout to compare four things. A quadrant layout shows four options side by side. Similar to how you can use two different colors to differentiate between two options, you can use four colors to help each quadrant stand out.

What are the list of contrast words? ›

On the contrary, contrarily, notwithstanding, but, however, nevertheless, in spite of, in contrast, yet, on one hand, on the other hand, rather, or, nor, conversely, at the same time, while this may be true.

Is but an example of contrast? ›

The conjunctions but and although/though connect ideas that contrast. Whereas is also used but it is not as common: The new city hall is amazing but it's going to cost a lot.

Is however a contrast word? ›

'However' most often modifies a group of words to show a contrast with something that had been said before.

What are the different types of compare and contrast? ›

Although they have many different names, the two main approaches to a compare/contrast essay are block style and point-by-point style. The block approach explains about three aspects of one topic in a paragraph, then compares or contrasts the same three aspects about another item in the next paragraph.

How do you compare two things examples? ›

Comparing two things

She's a lot more intelligent than him.” “This car is much faster than the other one.” “They are much less wealthy than they used to be.” “He's a little taller than his sister.”

What are 2 ways to structure a compare and contrast essay? ›

There are two ways to organize a comparison and contrast essay. The first (and often the clearest) method is the Point-by-Point method. The second method is called the Block method.

What are some key words for compare and contrast? ›

like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.

What are some transition words for comparing similarities? ›

The following signal words can be used to compare two things in the same sentence: as … as. like.
...
The next group of comparing words are used after one point has been stated or mentioned, and they begin the following sentence that contains the second point:
  • equally.
  • in the same way.
  • likewise.
  • similarly.
Jan 24, 2022

What are some good examples of transition words? ›

and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)

How do you start a compare and contrast essay example? ›

Begin with a topic sentence that explains one area of comparison between your first subject and your second subject. For example, if your subjects are two different countries and your paragraph topic is political structure, you can start by broadly describing each country's political processes.

What is one word for compare and contrast? ›

The words collate and contrast are common synonyms of compare. While all three words mean "to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses," compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

What are some examples of comparisons? ›

Comparing two things

She's a lot more intelligent than him.” “This car is much faster than the other one.” “They are much less wealthy than they used to be.” “He's a little taller than his sister.”

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