how to start a new essay paragraph

The words you choose to start a paragraph are crucial for setting the tone, establishing context, and ensuring a smooth flow throughout your essay. By carefully selecting the best words for each type of paragraph, you can create a coherent, engaging, and persuasive piece of writing.

If you’re aiming to take a new stance or question an accepted understanding with your essay, a great way to start a paragraph is by clearly setting out the concepts you want to challenge. These phrases are also an effective way to establish the context of your essay within your field:

Good paragraphs begin with a topic sentence that briefly explains what the paragraph is about. Next come a few sentences for development and support, elaborating on the topic with more detail. Paragraphs end with a conclusion sentence that summarizes the topic or presents one final piece of support to wrap up.

Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how and when to start a new paragraph, how to use transition words to take your reader from one idea to the next flawlessly, and how to switch up your new paragraph style depending on whether you’re writing an academic or narrative piece.

You’re introducing a new idea, such as at the beginning of an essay or of a paragraph. You’re presenting a conclusion or summary, for instance at the end of an essay. You want to add emphasis to a particular sentence or point. You want to write a hook to captivate readers. The sentence requires certain context, such as background information.

Stuck on writing your essay introduction? Get our pro tips on how to start an essay that will hook your reader instantly.