"Each paragraph should address a single main idea. Introduce the main idea in a general statement in the paragraph's first sentence. Follow this topic sentence with a few sentences that support the main idea. These might consist of informative details or an argument to defend your idea. Wrap up the paragraph with a summary sentence" (Tingum, n.d.).
Begin "with a paragraph that introduces the subject of the document. This is followed by one or more paragraphs that develop the subject. A concluding paragraph summarizes the information you've provided or asks the reader to take a specific action. For example, a letter presenting reasons for an ad campaign might begin with an introductory paragraph proposing the campaign, followed by three paragraphs each detailing a separate reason for the campaign and a concluding paragraph asking the reader to approve the campaign. If the document is lengthy, use headings to separate major sections" (Tingum, n.d.).
"When writing, you need to lead your readers from one idea to the next, showing how those ideas are logically linked. Transition words and phrases help you keep your paragraphs and groups of paragraphs logically connected for a reader" (Excelsior University, n.d.). Use the Transitions Guide (APA Style) and the tabs (above) to learn more and explore examples.
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Excelsior University. (n.d.). Paragraphing & transitioning. Excelsior Online Writing Lab. https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/paragraphing/paragraphing-and-transitioning/
Tingum, J. (n.d.). What does writing paragraphs in business format mean? Chron. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/writing-paragraphs-business-format-mean-23715.html
Zaczek, J. (2013). Writing tips: Term paper vocabulary. BarCharts.
| additionally | as well | futhermore | moreover |
| again | besides | in a similar manner | next |
| along with | equally important | in addition | similarly |
| also | finally | in fact | too |
| and | for example | indeed | |
| another study found | for instance | likewise |
| also | even though | nevertheless | still |
| although | however | nonetheless | though |
| but | in comparison | notwithstanding | when in fact |
| by comparison | in contrast | on the other hand | whereas |
| by contrast | in the same way | otherwise | while |
| conversely | likewise | similarly | yet |
| interestingly | surprisingly | importantly | |
| it is interesting that | it is surprising that | it is important that |
| that is | in other words |
| as one example | in another case | in this situation | to demonstrate |
| for example | in particular | particularly | to illustrate |
| for instance | in this case | specifically |
| it seems plausible that | it seems reasonable that | it seems logical that | it could be argued that |
| consistent with | as predicted | in agreement with | congruent with |
| contrary to | as expected | in accordance with |
| as such | being that | for the reason that | thus |
| because | consequently | inasmuch as | since |
| because of | due to | therefore | whereby |
| accordingly | because | for this reason | therefore |
| as a result | consequently | so | thus |
| after | finally | later | since |
| afterward | first, second, third, etc. | meanwhile | soon |
| as soon as | formerly | first, next, then, finally | subsequently |
| at | frequently | now | then |
| before | immediately | once | until |
| currently | in due time | presently | when |
| during | initially | previously | while |
| eventually | last | simultaneously | yesterday |
| accordingly | eventually | in conclusion | overall |
| as a result | finally | in general | taken together, these findings |
| at last | given these facts | in short | therefore |
| because | in any case | in sum | to conclude |
| briefly | in brief | in summary | to put it in brief |
| consequently | in closing | lastly | to summarize |
