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• in the beginning

adjective as in first

Strongest match

Strong matches

• fundamental

Weak matches

• introductory
• primogenial
• right up front
• rudimentary

adverb as in originally

Strongest matches

Strong match

• primitively
• at the outset
• at the start
• in the first place
• incipiently
• to begin with

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Related words.

Words related to in the beginning are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word in the beginning . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in earliest in order

• antecedent(s)

adverb as in initially

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On this page you'll find 58 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to in the beginning, such as: early, aboriginal, antecedent, anterior, basic, and beginning.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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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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Synonyms and antonyms of in the beginning in English

In the beginning.

Word of the Day

be chasing your tail

to be busy doing a lot of things but achieving very little

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

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In the beginning synonyms

What is another word for in the beginning .

• in the first place initially, at first
• to begin with initially
• primitively initially
• first initially, earlier
• at first initially
• at the outset
• initially earlier
• at the start
• primarily earlier
• early earliest in order
• to start with
• headmost earliest in order
• prime earliest in order
• antecedent earliest in order
• head earliest in order
• fundamental

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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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Words to Use in an Essay: 300 Essay Words

Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

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!

Good writing = better grades

ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of all your assignments.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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What is another word for in the beginning ?

Synonyms for in the beginning in the be·gin·ning, this thesaurus page includes all potential synonyms, words with the same meaning and similar terms for the word in the beginning ., princeton's wordnet rate these synonyms: 0.0 / 0 votes.

primitively, originally, in the beginning adverb

with reference to the origin or beginning

Synonyms: to begin with , in the first place , originally , primitively , earlier

in the first place, earlier, in the beginning, to begin with, originally adverb

"why didn't you tell me in the first place?"

Synonyms: primitively , in the first place , originally , before , sooner , to begin with , earlier , primarily

Suggested Resources

in the beginning

Read the full text of the In The Beginning poem by Harriet Monroe on the Poetry.com website.

How to pronounce in the beginning?

How to say in the beginning in sign language, words popularity by usage frequency, how to use in the beginning in a sentence.

Jan Zalasiewicz :

Global warming as a phenomenon is just beginning, species extinctions and other changes are far more advanced.

Cathie Wood :

I really do think that the policy makers in China are beginning to play with fire.

Deborah Archer :

After beginning my career as an The ACLU fellow, it is an honor to come full circle and now lead the organization as board president, the ACLU has proven The ACLU as an invaluable voice in the fight for civil rights in the last four years of the Trump era, and we are better positioned than ever to face the work ahead.

Mark Esper :

Were beginning to get on the ground, get our people in the right places. We have a lot of work in the days and weeks and months ahead.

Adam Leventhal :

We believe we are studying the occurrence of new symptoms that weren’t present at the beginning of the study.

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• in the adjacent house adverb
• in the air adverb
• in the altogether adj
• in the bargain adverb
• in the beginning adverb
• in the black
• in the buff adj
• in the closet
• in the doghouse
• in the drivers seat

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What Is Another Way to Say “In the Beginning”?

January 11, 2024

Linda Brown

Looking for synonyms for in the beginning ? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say in the beginning .

• At the outset
• To start with
• At the start
• From the start
• In the first place
• At the commencement
• At the inception
• At the genesis
• At the dawn
• In the early stages
• In the initial stages
• From the get-go

Want to learn how to say in the beginning professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Initially

Use when indicating the first phase of a process or the beginning of a sequence of events. Example: Initially, the company focused on software development before expanding into hardware.

2. At the outset

Use to emphasize the very beginning of an event or process. Example: At the outset of the project, we established clear objectives and timelines.

3. At first

Use when describing the early stage of a situation or condition that may change later. Example: At first, the new policy seemed effective, but later issues arose that required adjustment.

4. Originally

Use when indicating the first form or version of something before any changes. Example: Originally, the conference was planned for May, but it was later postponed to September.

5. To start with

Use in a more informal context to refer to the beginning of a process or sequence. Example: To start with, let’s analyze the current market trends before making any investment decisions.

6. At the start

Use to describe the beginning of an event or process. Example: At the start of her career, she worked as an intern at a major accounting firm.

7. From the start

Use to emphasize something that has been the case since the very beginning. Example: From the start, it was clear that the merger would dramatically increase our market share.

8. In the first place

Use to refer back to the beginning of a situation, often when questioning why something was done. Example: We need to understand why the software was chosen in the first place to address the current issues.

9. At the commencement

Formal usage to denote the beginning of an event, process, or period. Example: At the commencement of the fiscal year, the company introduced several key strategic initiatives.

10. At the inception

Use to refer to the very beginning or formation of an institution, idea, or process. Example: At the inception of the organization, its founders prioritized innovation and employee welfare.

11. At the genesis

Use to denote the origin or mode of formation of something. Example: At the genesis of the project, we conducted extensive research to ensure its feasibility.

12. At the dawn

Use to describe the early period of something, often indicating the emergence of new ideas or changes. Example: At the dawn of the digital era, many traditional businesses had to adapt to new technologies.

13. In the early stages

Use when referring to the initial phase of a process or development. Example: In the early stages of the product’s development, we encountered several technical challenges.

14. In the initial stages

Similar to “in the early stages,” used to describe the beginning phase of a process or development. Example: In the initial stages of planning, it’s crucial to set realistic goals and benchmarks.

15. From the get-go

Informal usage meaning from the very start. Example: From the get-go, the team demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting the project deadlines.

Related posts:

• What Is Another Way to Say “As You Know”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “First of Its Kind”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “Needless to Say”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “Taken Aback”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “For Your Information”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “Fast Growing”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “Far-Reaching”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “As You Can See”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “Area of Expertise”?
• What Is Another Way to Say “Be Careful”?

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Synonyms of essay

• as in article
• as in attempt
• as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissertation
• composition
• prolegomenon
• undertaking
• trial and error
• experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

Articles Related to essay

To 'Essay' or 'Assay'?

You'll know the difference if you give it the old college essay

Thesaurus Entries Near essay

Cite this entry.

“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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In the Beginning or at the Beginning: Understanding the Differences and Usage

By: Author Dr. Patrick Capriola

Posted on Published: March 27, 2021

Beginnings are amazing. They mark the start of new chapters, new ideas, new relationships, and new challenges. But as you turn that metaphorical (or physical) page, should you say “at the beginning” or “in the beginning?”

“At the beginning” should be used to reference the start of a time period or to reference specific placement in time. “In the beginning” should be used to contrast the start of a situation with a later period of time. While many people often use these phrases interchangeably, they are not quite the same

That may sound rather confusing, but bear with us. Continue reading to learn how to differentiate “in” and “at” and use “in the beginning” or “at the beginning” properly.

“In the Beginning” vs. “at the Beginning”

You can tell what the beginning represents based on the word order. “At the beginning” refers to “at first,” while “in the beginning” refers to a position within the beginning of a time, place, or object.

When to Use “In the Beginning”

So when do you use “in the beginning”? Well, it depends on what “the beginning” refers to.

So as we’ve established previously, the beginning refers to a starting point. “In the beginning,” however, refers to a part of the beginning of a period of time or the beginning section of something.

“In the beginning” also shows contrasting periods or sections of time together, which is why it is largely synonymous with “at first” ( source ). Below are some examples.

• The school was very small in the beginning, and then it became much larger. 
• In the beginning, the joke was funny, but, with time, it grew stale. 
• In the beginning, Harry was a normal boy, but soon he found out he was a wizard. 
• Love is sweet in the beginning but sour in the end. 

When to Use “At the Beginning”

“At the beginning” has its own rules. It is often followed by “of,” and this phrase refers only to the start.

Sentences with “at the beginning” include:

• At the beginning of the war, people fled the city in droves.
• I left at the beginning of the party.
• They play the national anthem at the beginning of every football match.
• I will be paid a bonus at the beginning of December.

Practice Work

This can seem quite tricky, so below are some examples for you to practice with. The answers follow.

• Were you born at/in the beginning of September?
• Capital letters are used at/in the beginning of sentences.
• At/in the beginning, it was a small shop; later on, it grew into a franchise.
• At/in the beginning of the day, she would wash her face and brush her teeth.

After completing the task, hopefully, you’ve figured out that 1, 2, and 4 should use “at the beginning,” while with number 3, you’ll want to use “in the beginning.”

If you chose correctly, congratulations! If not, go back and look over the rules one more time — you’ll find that a bit of extra review always helps. 

This article was written for strategiesforparents.com.

Keep in mind that some of these rules are not widely known. Chances are you will encounter sentences that do not follow the rules exactly, but that shouldn’t stop you from using them correctly in your own writing.

The + Beginning

These two phrases — a group of words that cannot stand alone like a sentence or clause — have one thing in common: “the beginning” ( source ). Each word has its own significance.

The word “the” is a determiner ( source ). Specifically, “the” is a definite article, which means it refers to a specific noun and, in this case, a specific “beginning” ( source ). The word “beginning” is a noun, and a noun is a word that refers to a person, place, or thing.

“Beginning” literally refers to the start of something or a part of the start, or even a point in time or space. The beginning can also represent an abstract concept or a straightforward one.

In the Beginning

For those familiar with the Bible, chances are this topic reminded you of the opening words of Genesis, where it says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Here, it doesn’t say “In the beginning of.” Therefore, the concept of “beginning” is quite general, and it refers to the start of an unknown — at least without analysis — concept.

However, you can conclude that here “the beginning” refers to the beginning of time, the beginning of all creation, or even just an undefined starting point.

You’ll find a similar concept in the sentences below:

• I found myself beginning to disagree with her.
• She was beginning to feel tired.

In these two examples, the beginning refers to the start of something. You can even replace the word “beginning” with “starting,” and nothing will change when it comes to the meaning of the sentence.

At the Beginning Of

Going back to the Genesis example, the position of that verse is at the beginning of the Bible/Genesis. This usage is in contrast to the phrase itself, “In the beginning,” which refers to time. Instead, “at the beginning” refers to a place.

Unlike the abstract starting points we previously discussed, the word “of” tells us what the beginning refers to, which is something you will regularly encounter in reading and writing English:

• I wrote “dear diary” at the beginning of all my journal entries.
• The beginning of the novel was far too boring for her to get through.
• The beginning of spring often triggered his hay fever.

If you want to dive more deeply into definitions, look for The Oxford New Essential Dictionary on Amazon. It’s an affordable book with over 100,000 entries, definitions, and various illustrations that make expanding your vocabulary much more interesting.

Prepositions

If you’ve read or written English, chances are you’re well-acquainted with prepositions —  most sentences have at least one.

Prepositions are single words or a collection of words you use before nouns, pronouns, and noun phrases. These words indicate time, position, location, and direction. You can also use prepositions to introduce an object.

The article “ Is It “What Are You Up To” or “What Are You Up Too”? ” takes a deeper look into prepositions, so if you’re interested, give it a quick read.

Common examples of prepositions are:

You should understand the prepositions “in” and “at” in order to correctly differentiate between “in the beginning” and “at the beginning.”

The Preposition In

The preposition “in” is one of the most common in the English language, and we can use it in an abundance of ways.

Inclusion, Position, or Location within Limits

The word “in” can first refer to being encased or inside something physical, such as a container, place, or area. You can also use “in” to refer to wearing clothing items:

• “Get in the car!” she yelled.
• I was born in New Jersey.
• The book was in the old trunk.
• The girl in the blue dress looked stunning.
• They refer to soldiers as “men in uniform.”
• Many say people look most flattering in red or black.

The word “in” can also refer to being a part of something, such as a field, organization, or any broader category:

• She used to work in education, but now she works in medicine.
• Pop is the best genre in music.
• There was an astonishing lack of paragraphs in his three-page essay.

The word “in” can precede a period of time (or a part of it). Often, when you use the word “in” like this, the word “during” can stand in place of “in”:

• The leaves turn orange in autumn.
• He was born in March.
• She was a famous actress in the 20th century.
• I read the book in two weeks.

Circumstance

The word “in” can also precede an experience or feeling:

• He watched his toddler’s movements in awe.
• I was in love with his green eyes.
• You’re in a bad mood.

You can use “in” to refer to the organization of people or things or how they broke up:

• The mug shattered in two.
• The ducks were all lined up in a row.

Medium or Means

You can use “in” to refer to how you express something:

• She wrote in an untidy script.
• The words sounded posh in his British accent.
• She did her artwork in gel paints.
• Her internal monologue was in French.

Indicating Purpose

“In” can separate actions and consequences/responses:

• The mother yelled in response to her child’s prank
• I didn’t say anything in reply to her criticism. 

Cause and Effect

“In” has a special purpose when attached to -ing and a verb. In that case, you’ll use it to contrast how one thing is the cause of another thing:

• I blocked her and, in doing so, I ended our friendship. 
• In stepping up, I had allowed my mother to take a break.

Within or During

You can see that “in” is synonymous with “within” or “during” much of the time. This relationship is relevant if you recall what “the beginning” is.

The beginning is a noun that can refer to each of the following:

• A part of a start
• A period of time

So, “in the beginning” refers to a time or position during “the beginning” of whatever you are speaking about.

The second preposition you should acquaint yourself with is “at.”

The Preposition At

“At” also has multiple purposes, making it a useful preposition while reading or writing.

You can  use “at” to show position/location:

• She was at the party.
• When writing in the active voice, the subject is at the beginning of the sentence.
• The dog cuddled up at the foot of my bed.

The word “at” can also be followed by a time:

• At midnight, Cinderella’s dress turned to rags.
• The meeting is at 10:00 p.m., don’t forget.
• At the age of 35, I met the woman I now call my best friend. 

“At” can also play a role in discussing direction, which means the word after references the direction of or what the subject is interacting with:

• “Look at the camera!” the photographer yelled.
• The teacher shouted at the children.
• I aimed the dart at the center of the dartboard.

You can also use “at” to show the cause of something:

• He giggled at her words.
• My family was delighted at the news.

“At” can stand in front of an activity:

• She was exquisite at ice skating.
• You’re even better at swimming than I am.

“At” can come before a number. This number can indicate a price or units of measurement:

• At 60 dollars, I felt the shirt was far too expensive.
• The water was too hot at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

“At” can also precede a state, condition, or activity:

• I felt at peace when I finally collapsed onto the couch.
• He was already hard at work by 6 a.m. 

From the above examples, you can see that “at” does not position the concept in the same way that “in” does. Instead, it refers to a more general position at the top, bottom, end of something, or near something physical. 

It can also indicate a direction, location, activity, or a particular point on a scale/unit of measurement.

When keeping “at the beginning” in view, you’ll begin to see that the meaning is essentially “at the start” ( source ).

Final Thoughts

Whether “in the beginning” or “at the beginning,” English gives you various ways to express yourself, both literally and figuratively. 

“At the beginning” and “in the beginning” are particularly confusing, but you’ll find that when you break the phrases down, you’ll be able to understand them easily enough.

Just remember that we use “at the beginning” to reference the start of a time period or to specific placement, while “in the beginning” refers to a point within the beginning, and we typically use it to contrast the start of a situation or time with a later period or situation.

Knowledge on or Knowledge of: Which Is Correct?

Thursday 15th of April 2021

[…] a related topic, make sure you check out our article, “In the Beginning or At the Beginning: Understanding When to Use Each Phrase,” where we discuss the correct use of the prepositions “in” and […]

In Home or at Home: Which Is the Correct Form?

Saturday 27th of March 2021

[…] To learn more about the subtle differences between similar phrases, read “In the Beginning or at the Beginning: Understanding When to Use Each Phrase.” […]

11 Alternatives To “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” In Writing

“Firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly” are all ways to list things out in writing. It gives a structure or order to events, and that’s great in many cases. However, there are better alternatives that it’s worth knowing about. This article will share the best ones with you.

What Can I Say Instead Of “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” In Writing?

To help you get better at writing out lengthy lists, you might be interested in trying one of the following alternatives:

• First of all
• One example is
• Another example is
• The last example is
• One reason is
• Another reason is
• Most importantly

The preferred version is “first of all,” which would go on to be “second of all” and “third of all.” We can use them when we want to list things in order, and they all work much better in writing than “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly.”

First Of All

“First of all” works well when we continue the list with “second of all” and “third of all.” These are useful because it allows us to number our examples specifically. In writing, this flow helps many readers to understand how different things connect with each other.

We can use these forms in both formal and informal writing. That’s what makes them so useful to us, and we recommend you get used to using them. They are much more suitable formally than “firstly” and their counterparts.

Here are some examples to show you how it works:

• First of all, one of you needs to tell me where to find the key for the chest.
• Second of all, once I have opened the chest, we will follow the map that it contains to the treasure.
• Third of all, we will locate said treasure, dig it up, and split it amongst ourselves.

“First” also works well when we drop “of all.” We can continue the list with “second” and “third,” which again are associated with the numbers one, two, and three, respectively. It’s helpful to use a phrase like this in many written formats.

Just like “first of all,” “first” is a great choice for formal writing. Some people prefer it without the “of all” ending, which is why we thought it should be placed high on this list.

• First, I would like to discuss the matter that surrounds the pollution in our lakes.
• Second, I would like to try and find some common ground that will allow us to figure out the solution.
• Third, I would like to see evidence that new legislation has been put in place to correct the pollution problems.

One Example Is

“One example is” works well when we want to start a list. It can act like “first of all,” where we want to start a list. However, using “one example is” does not always have to begin a list, which is why it can work quite well in written cases.

Sometimes, we might just want to use “one example is” to list an example of something we spoke about before. Once that example has been stated, there might not be a reason for us to continue listing more examples.

Here are some examples:

• One example is that many chimps do not get the same diets like the ones in the wild.
• One example is that there are plenty of different ways for us to help the oceans by binning our plastics.
• One example is the theory that everything comes from nothing and how perplexing that is.

Another Example Is

“Another example is” would be the continuation from “one example is.” We can use it when we want to list a second example, which might add to the list. However, we can also stop the list after this second “example.” It does not always need to come in threes.

Here are some examples of how you might use it:

• Another example is that other zoos are not as eco-friendly as they would like the people to believe.
• Another example is that we should be working a lot harder to clean up our local parks.
• Another example is that there are plenty of ways people would tackle the trolley problem, but none of them are honest solutions.

The Last Example Is

“The last example is” would be the third installment of the “example” list from above. We can use it when we want to close out the list because we use “last” to show that no further examples will be spoken of.

You might benefit from reading through these examples to see how it works:

• The last example is that there are never enough free-roaming spaces for many of the animals in our zoos.
• The last example is that billionaires do not seem to care about the current state of the world.
• The last example is that philosophy presents problems that no one really wants to solve.

“To begin” is a great way to start a list. It’s much more open-ended than the other choices in this article. If we were going to continue on this list, we would use a phrase like “continuing on” to show that there is more to our train of thought.

These examples should help you to make more sense of it:

• To begin, I would like to discuss all the matters that we raised in the previous meeting.
• To begin, it would be wise if you told me what the problems were and how you have remedied them.
• To begin, I would like to divert your attention to the figure below, as what it contains might shock you.

One Reason Is

“One reason is” is another great way to start a list. However, just like “one example is,” it does not have to begin a list at all. We can simply use it to state a single “reason,” which we then clarify and move on to our next point.

If we wanted to continue “one reason is,” we would do so in the same way as “one example is.” They are almost identical, though “reasons” are usually explanations of a previous point, while “examples” simply show what we are talking about.

Here are a few examples to help you with it:

• One reason is that people have stopped caring about their neighbors, and the world seems further apart than ever.
• One reason is that many people are scared to go out to local supermarkets anymore.
• One reason is that the government was never designed to be a trustworthy organization.

Another Reason Is

“Another reason is” would allow us to continue the list of “one reason is.” We could also use “the last reason is” if we wanted to close the list. These phrases work well when we want to show how different reasons might impact the things we are writing about.

Here are some examples to help you understand them:

• Another reason is that the age of technology has made it even harder to socialize and make friends.
• Another reason is that online shopping just happens to be a more lucrative thing to do these days.
• Another reason is that people have become naturally more untrusting since they gained access to the news.

“Finally” works when we want to finish any list. It allows us to share our “final” point, which is usually one of the most important ones. The more important we can make the final point, the more potent our writing tends to be.

Here are a few good examples:

• Finally, I would like for you to consider why you are even reading this article if you do not care.
• Finally, I would like to know why so many people pretend that the world is fine.
• Finally, we have to figure out how to fix these issues before it’s too late .

Most Importantly

“Most importantly” is another way we can end a list. It works well to replace the final item in a list when we know it is the “most important” of all to mention. It’s a superlative phrase, which considers the final item as the one the readers should focus their attention on.

Here are a few ways we can use this one correct:

• Most importantly, I think we should all start caring a little more about each other.
• Most importantly, someone is out there right now thinking about the same thing you are.
• Most importantly, it’s not all about you, and you need to give a little back to the world.

“Lastly” is another great way to close a list. It can replace a word like “thirdly” if there are only three items. Again, we typically want our “lastly” point to be the most important, but this does not always need to be the case, depending on what you are writing about.

Here are a few examples to show it to you:

• Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to read this message.
• Lastly, I think it’s important that we do not forget our roots.
• Lastly, I believe that someone else will be continuing on my efforts, so at least they weren’t in vain.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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