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“Editorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/editorial. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.

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How To Write An Editorial (7 Easy Steps, Examples, & Guide)

Writing an editorial is one of those things that sounds like it should be pretty straightforward. Easy, even.

But then you sit down to start typing. Your fingers freeze over the keyboard. You gaze into the perfectly blank white space of your computer screen.

Wait , you think. How do I write an editorial ?

Here’s how to write an editorial:

• Choose a newsworthy topic (Something with broad interest)
• Choose a clear purpose (This will guide your entire process)
• Select an editorial type (Opinion, solution, criticism, persuasive, etc)
• Gather research (Facts, quotes, statistics, etc)
• Write the editorial (Using an Editorial Template that includes an introduction, argument, rebuttal, and conclusion)
• Write the headline (Title)
• Edit your editorial (Grammar, facts, spelling, structure, etc)

In this article, we’ll go through each of these steps in detail so that you know exactly how to write an editorial.

What Is an Editorial? (Quick Definition)

Table of Contents

Before we jump into the mechanics of how to write an editorial, it’s helpful to get a good grasp on the definition of editorials.

Here is a simple definition to get us started:

An editorial is a brief essay-style piece of writing from a newspaper, magazine, or other publication. An editorial is generally written by the editorial staff, editors, or writers of a publication.

Of course, there’s a lot more to it than simply dashing out an essay.

There is the purpose, different types of editorials, elements of a good editorial, structure, steps to writing an editorial, and the actual mechanics of writing your editorial.

“In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news story.” – Alan Weintraut

What Is the Purpose of an Editorial?

The purpose of an editorial is to share a perspective, persuade others of your point of view, and possibly propose a solution to a problem.

The most important part is to pick one purpose and stick to it.

Rambling, incoherent editorials won’t do. They won’t get you the results or the response you might want.

When it comes to purpose, you want:

• Singular focus
• Personal connection

The first two probably make sense with no explanation. That last one (personal connection) deserves more attention.

The best editorials arise from personal passions, values, and concerns. You will naturally write with vigor and voice. Your emotion will find its way into your words.

Every bit of this will make your editorials instantly more compelling.

What Are the Different Types of Editorials?

There are two main types of editorials and a number of different subtypes.

One of the first steps in how to write an editorial is choosing the right type for your intended purpose or desired outcome.

The two main types of editorials:

Opinion Editorial

In an opinion editorial, the author shares a personal opinion about a local or national issue.

The issue can be anything from local regulations to national human trafficking.

Typically, the topic of an editorial is related to the topics covered in the publication. Some publications, like newspapers, cover many topics.

Solution Editorial

In a solution editorial, the author offers a solution to a local or national problem.

It’s often recommended for the author of solution editorials to cite credible sources as evidence for the validity of the proposed solution (BTW, research is also important for opinion editorials).

There are also several editorial subtypes based on purpose:

• Explain (you can explain a person, place, or thing)
• Criticism (you can critically examine a person, place, or thing)
• Praise (celebrate a person, place, or thing)
• Defend (you can defend a person, place, or thing)
• Endorsement (support a person, place, or thing)
• Catalyst (for conversation or change)

How To Write an Editorial (7 Easy Steps)

As a reminder, you can write an editorial by following seven simple steps.

• Choose a topic
• Choose a purpose
• Select an editorial type
• Gather research
• Write the editorial
• Write the headline
• Edit your editorial

If you want a short, visual explanation of how to write an editorial, check out this video from a bona fide New York Times Editor:

1) Choose a Newsworthy Topic

How do you choose a topic for your editorial?

You have several options. Your best bet is to go with a topic about which you feel strongly and that has broad appeal.

Consider these questions:

• What makes you angry?
• What makes your blood boil?
• What gets you excited?
• What is wrong with your community or the world?

When you write from a place of passion, you imbue your words with power. That’s how to write an editorial that resonates with readers.

2) Choose a Purpose

The next step for how to write an editorial is to choose your purpose.

What do you want to accomplish with your editorial? What ultimate outcome do you desire? Answering these questions will both focus your editorial and help you select the most effective editorial type.

Remember: a best practice is honing in on one specific purpose.

Your purpose might be:

• To trigger a specific action (such as voting)
• To raise awareness
• To change minds on an issue

3) Select a type

Now it’s time to select the best editorial type for your writing. Your type should align with your purpose.

In fact, your purpose probably tells you exactly what kind of editorial to write.

First, determine which major type of editorial best fits your purpose. You can do this by asking yourself, “Am I giving an opinion or offering a solution?”

Second, select your subtype. Again, look to your purpose. Do you want to explain? Persuade? Endorse? Defend?

Select one subtype and stick to it.

4) Gather Research

Don’t neglect this important step.

The research adds value, trust, credibility, and strength to your argument. Think of research as evidence. What kind of evidence do you need?

You might need:

• Research findings

All of these forms of evidence strengthen your argument.

Shoot for a mix of evidence that combines several different variations. For example, include an example, some statistics, and research findings.

What you want to avoid:

• Quote, quote, quote
• Story, story, story

Pro tip: you can find research articles related to your topic by going to Google Scholar.

For other evidence, try these sources:

• US Census Bureau
• US Government
• National Bureau of Economic Research

You might also want to check with your local librarian and community Chamber of Commerce for local information.

5) Write Your Editorial

Finally, you can start writing your editorial.

Aim to keep your editorial shorter than longer. However, there is no set length for an editorial.

For a more readable editorial, keep your words and sentences short. Use simple, clear language. Avoid slang, acronyms, or industry-specific language.

If you need to use specialized language, explain the words and terms to the reader.

The most common point of view in editorials is first person plural. In this point of view, you use the pronouns “we” and “us.”

When writing your editorial, it’s helpful to follow an Editorial Template. The best templates include all of the essential parts of an editorial.

Here is a basic Editorial template you can follow:

Introduction Response/Reaction Evidence Rebuttal Conclusion

Here is a brief breakdown of each part of an editorial:

Introduction: The introduction is the first part of an editorial. It is where the author introduces the topic that they will be discussing. In an editorial, the author typically responds to a current event or issue.

Response/Reaction: The response/reaction is the part of the editorial where the author gives their opinion on the topic. They state their position and give reasons for why they believe what they do.

Evidence: The evidence is typically a series of facts or examples that support the author’s position. These can be statistics, quotations from experts, or personal experiences.

Rebuttal: The rebuttal is the part of the editorial where the author addresses any arguments or counter-arguments that may be raised against their position. They refute these arguments and offer additional evidence to support their point of view.

Conclusion: The conclusion is the last part of an editorial. It wraps up the author’s argument and provides a final statement on the topic.

6) Write The Headline

Your headline must be catchy, not clickbait. There’s a fine line between the two, and it’s not always a clear line.

Characteristics of a catchy headline:

• Makes the reader curious
• Includes at least one strong emotion
• Clearly reveals the subject of the editorial
• Short and sweet
• Doesn’t overpromise or mislead (no clickbait)

Your headline will either grab a reader’s attention or it will not. I suggest you spend some time thinking about your title. It’s that important. You can also learn how to write headlines from experts.

Use these real editorial headlines as a source of inspiration to come up with your own:

• We Came All This Way to Let Vaccines Go Bad in the Freezer?
• What’s the matter with Kansas?
• War to end all wars
• Still No Exit
• Zimbabwe’s Stolen Election
• Running out of time
• Charter Schools = Choices

Suggested read: How To Write an Autobiography

7) Edit Your Editorial

The final step is to edit and proofread your editorial.

You will want to check your editorial for typos, spelling, grammatical, and punctuation mistakes.

I suggest that you also review your piece for structure, tone, voice, and logical flaws.

Your editorial will be out in the public domain where any troll with a keyboard or smartphone (which, let’s be honest, is everyone) can respond to you.

If you’ve done your job, your editorial will strike a nerve.

You might as well assume that hordes of people might descend on your opinion piece to dissect every detail. So check your sources. Check the accuracy of dates, numbers, and figures in your piece.

Double-check the spelling of names and places. Make sure your links work.

Triple-check everything.

Editorial Structures and Outlines

As you learn how to write an editorial, you have many choices.

One choice is your selection of structure.

There are several editorial structures, outlines, and templates. Choose the one that best fits your topic, purpose, and editorial type.

Every editorial will have a beginning, middle, and end.

Here are a few specific structures you can use:

• Problem, Solution, Call to Action
• Story, Message, Call to Action
• Thesis, Evidence, Recommendation
• Your View, Opposing Views, Conclusion

How Do You Start an Editorial?

A common way to start an editorial is to state your point or perspective.

Here are a few other ways to start your editorial:

• The problem
• Startling statement
• Tell a story
• Your solution

Other than the headline, the beginning of your editorial is what will grab your reader.

If you want to write an editorial that gets read, then you must write a powerful opening.

How Do You End an Editorial?

You can end with a call-to-action, a thoughtful reflection, or a restatement of your message.

Keep in mind that the end of your editorial is what readers will most likely remember.

You want your ending to resonate, to charge your reader with emotion, evidence, and excitement to take action.

After all, you wrote the editorial to change something (minds, policies, approaches, etc.).

In a few sections (see below), you will learn a few simple templates that you can “steal” to help you end your editorial. Of course, you don’t have to use the templates.

They are just suggestions.

Often, the best way to conclude is to restate your main point.

What Makes a Good Editorial?

Even if you learn how to write an editorial, it doesn’t mean the editorial will automatically be good. You may be asking, What makes a good editorial ?

A good editorial is clear, concise, and compelling.

Therefore, the best editorials are thought out with a clear purpose and point of view. What you want to avoid is a rambling, journal-type essay. This will be both confusing and boring to the reader.

That’s the last thing you want.

Here are some other elements of a good editorial:

• Clear and vivid voice
• Interesting point of view
• Gives opposing points of view
• Backed up by credible sources
• Analyzes a situation

“A good editorial is contemporary without being populist.” —Ajai Singh and Shakuntala Singh

How Do You Know If You’ve Written a Good Editorial?

Many people want to know how to tell if they have written a good editorial.

How do you know?

You can tell by the response you get from the readers. A good editorial sparks a community conversation. A good editorial might also result in some type of action based on the solution you propose.

An article by Ajai Singh and Shakuntala Singh in Mens Sana Monograph says this about good editorials:

It tackles recent events and issues, and attempts to formulate viewpoints based on an objective analysis of happenings and conflicting/contrary opinions. Hence a hard-hitting editorial is as legitimate as a balanced equipoise that reconciles apparently conflicting positions and controversial posturings, whether amongst politicians (in news papers), or amongst researchers (in academic journals).

Note that newsworthy events, controversy, and balance matter in editorials.

It’s also a best practice to include contradicting opinions in your piece. This lends credibility and even more balance to your peice.

Editorial Examples & Templates

As you write your own editorial, study the following example templates “stolen” from real editorials.

You can use these templates as “sentence starters” to inspire you to write your own completely original sentences.

Phrases for the beginning:

• It’s been two weeks since…
• Look no further than…
• The country can’t…

Phrases for the middle:

• That’s an astonishing failure
• It should never have come to this
• Other [counties, states, countries, etc.] are…
• Within a few days…
• Not everyone shares my [opinion, pessimism, optimism]
• Officials say…

Phrases for the end:

• Let’s commit to…
• Finally…
• If we can…we will…

Honestly, the best way to learn how to write an editorial is to read and study as many published editorials as possible. The more you study, the better you will understand what works.

Study more editorials at these links:

• New York Times editorials
• USA Today editorials
• The Washington Post

How To Write an Editorial for Students

Writing an editorial for students is virtually the same as writing an editorial at any other time.

However, your teacher or professor might give you specific instructions, guidelines, and restrictions. You’ll want to read all of these thoroughly, get clarity, and follow the “rules” as much as possible.

Writing an editorial is a skill that will come in handy throughout your life. Whether you’re writing a letter to the editor of your local paper or creating a post for your blog, being able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively is an important skill. Here are some tips to help you write an effective editorial:

• Know your audience. Who are you writing for? What are their concerns and interests? Keep this in mind as you craft your message.
• Make a clear argument. What is it that you want your readers to know? What do you want them to do? Be sure to state your case clearly and concisely.
• Support your argument with evidence. Use facts, statistics, and expert opinions to make your case.
• Use strong language . Choose words that will resonate with your readers and make them want to take action.
• Be persuasive, not blasting. You want your readers to be convinced by your argument, not turned off by aggressive language. Stay calm and collected as you make your case.

By following these tips, you can write an effective student editorial that will get results.

What Is an Editorial In a Newspaper?

The editorial section of a newspaper is where the publication’s editorial board weighs in on important issues facing the community. This section also includes columns from guest writers and staff members, as well as letters to the editor.

The editorial board is made up of the publication’s top editors, who are responsible for setting the tone and direction of the paper.

In addition to op-eds, the editorial section also features editorials, which are written by the editorial board and represent the official position of the paper on an issue.

While editorial boards may lean one way or another politically, they strive to present both sides of every issue in a fair and unbiased way.

Ultimately, the goal of the editorial section is to promote thoughtful discussion and debate on the topics that matter most to readers.

Final Thoughts: How To Write an Editorial

Whew , we have covered a lot of ground in this article. I hope that you have gained everything you need to know about how to write an editorial.

There are a lot of details that go into writing a good editorial.

If you get confused or overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Know that many other writers have been there before, and have struggled with the same challenges.

Mostly, know that you got this .

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National Institute of Health (On Editorials)

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From Idea to Impact: A Guide for Writing Editorial Example

You don’t have to be an expert writer to create a stellar editorial. Many students hesitate when assigned an editorial. The thought of impressing a larger campus audience can be intimidating. And may lead some students to consider skipping the assignment altogether.

However, there are ways to improve their editorial writing skills. This post brings you all the essentials with editorial examples. So, start reading to discover how to create a compelling editorial easily!

Table of Contents

What is an Editorial?

Editorials are small articles, usually written in the form of essays, featured in newspapers and magazines. These articles reflect the writer or editor’s viewpoints on a subject matter. More often than not, people consider an editorial as the opinion of a newspaper on a current issue.

Types of Editorial With Editorial Example

Editorials come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose. This segment explores four types of editorials.

• Explain and interpret

General Editorial Example

Before moving on to the types here is a general editorial example.

Title: Understanding Tourette’s Syndrome: A Call for Compassion and Inclusivity

These editorials examine a topic or issue and highlight its flaws or shortcomings.

It can be a criticism of a decision or an action. Sometimes criticism editorials suggest improvements or provide alternatives

Criticism Editorial Example: “The Flawed Education System: A Call for Reform”

*Note: Here, the writer criticizes the current education system, pointing out its weaknesses. (You may also provide necessary changes to improve student outcomes.)

Explain and Interpret

This type of editorial aims to clarify complex issues or events. By providing context it helps readers understand the topic at hand.

Editorial Example: “Breaking Down the Latest Economic Policy: A Comprehensive Analysis”

In this editorial, the author explains the intricacies of a new economic policy. Outlining its key components and potential impact on the nation’s economy.

A Persuasive editorial tries to convince people. It provides a solution and prompts the reader to take specific actions.

Editorial Example: “The Climate Crisis: Why We Must Act Now”

The author presents compelling, evidence-based arguments on  climate change  in this piece. They also persuade readers to take immediate actions essential for our planet’s future.

A praising editorial celebrates or supports a person or entity’s achievement or notable action. It may also talk about an organization or event.

Editorial Example: “The Unsung Heroes: How Online Paper Writing Service Platforms are Helping Students Find Balance in Life “

In this editorial article example, the writer applauds the professionals that help students.

Editorial Example for Students

Tips to write editorial example for elementary students.

Here are 7 tips for elementary students to write editorial examples:

• Find a fun topic . Choose something that you and your friends care about. For example a school event, a new playground, or a favorite book.
• Learn more . Ask your teacher, parents, or friends for information and facts about your topic. This will help you in writing fact or evidence-based editorials. 
• Share your thoughts : Tell your readers what you think about the topic and why it’s important to you.
• Tell a story . Use examples from your own life or from things you’ve seen or heard to make your point easier to understand.
• Make a plan . Down your main ideas in order, so you know what to talk about first, next, and last in your editorial example.
• Keep it simple : Use words and sentences that are easy for you and your friends to understand.
• Ask for help . Show your editorial example to a teacher, parent, or friend and ask them for advice on how to make it even better.

You will be able to create interesting and fun editorial examples by following these tips. Here are some editorial example topics that you can write on. 

Tips to Write Editorial Example for Middle School Students 

Here are 7 tips for middle school students to write editorial examples

• Choose a relevant topic . Pick a subject that matters to you and your peers. These can include school policies, community issues, or social trends.
• Research your topic . Look up information and facts about your subject through different sources. These can include books, articles, or online sources. Make sure your material supports your opinion in the editorial example.
• State your opinion . Be bold when expressing your opinion on an issue. As middle-schoolers, you can explain the reason behind your perspective. This benefits both you and your audience in expressing and understanding your opinion.
• Use real-life examples . Remember that most of your readers are students with lower attention spans. To engage them, you need to make your editorial relatable. Add shared experiences, events, stories, and news to make your argument persuasive. 
• Organize your ideas . Create an outline for your editorial example. A clear introduction, body, and conclusion outline will guide your writing.
• Write clearly and concisely.  Use straightforward language and concise sentences. Make your editorial easy to understand for your fellow middle school students.
• Revise and seek feedback.  Review your editorial example for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You can ask a teacher or friend for their input on improving it.

These steps will help you write impactful editorial examples for your school magazine. Your audience will resonate with your work which can spark meaningful discussions.

Tips to Write Editorial Example for High School Students

Here are 7 tips for high school students to write editorial examples:

• Select a compelling topic . Choose a subject that is relevant and important to you and your fellow high school students, such as school policies, social issues, or current events.
• Conduct thorough research . Investigate your topic using reliable sources like books, articles, or reputable websites to gather evidence and support your opinion in the editorial example.
• Present a clear argument : Articulate your stance on the issue and provide logical reasons for your viewpoint.
• Incorporate real-world examples . Use personal experiences, school-related stories, or news events to strengthen your argument and make it relatable to your audience.
• Structure your editorial . Plan your editorial example with a well-organized outline, including an introduction, body, and conclusion, to ensure a cohesive flow of ideas.
• Write with clarity and precision . Employ clear language and concise sentences to convey your message effectively and engage your high school peers.
• Revise and seek constructive feedback . Edit your editorial example for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and ask a teacher, parent, or friend for their suggestions on how to enhance it.

Editorial Examples For Newspapers

Here are 8 tips for writing editorial examples for newspapers:

• Choose a timely topic : Select a current and newsworthy issue that is relevant to your readers, such as local politics, community events, or national debates.
• Research extensively : Investigate your topic using credible sources like official reports, expert opinions, and reputable news articles to gather solid evidence and support your viewpoint in the editorial example.
• Formulate a strong argument : Clearly articulate your stance on the issue, present logical reasons for your position, and address potential counterarguments.
• Incorporate real-world examples : Use relevant case studies, personal stories, or recent news events to illustrate your points and make your argument more persuasive to newspaper readers.
• Organize your editorial effectively : Structure your editorial example with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas and logical transitions between paragraphs.
• Adopt a journalistic tone : Write with clarity, precision, and objectivity to convey your message professionally and engage your newspaper audience.
• Fact-check and cite sources : Verify the accuracy of your information and provide proper citations for your sources to maintain credibility and trust with your readers.
• Revise and seek professional feedback : Edit your editorial example for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and consult a newspaper editor or experienced journalist for their input on how to improve your piece.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft insightful and impactful editorial examples that will resonate with newspaper readers and contribute to informed public discourse.

Tips to Write Editorial Examples for Newspapers

Students often find themselves lost when writing editorials, as many don’t read newspapers anymore. But fear not! In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to build an amazing editorial. 

Choose Your Topic 

• Brainstorm your ideas.
• Make sure your topic hooks your reader.
• Choose ongoing issues to write on. If you pick an older topic, write with a new perception. 
• Ensure your topic serves a broader purpose.

It is no surprise that controversial topics gain more attention. So don’t be afraid of digging a little dirt. You can pick topics like unsolved cases where people are still seeking answers. 

Editorial example : Choosing a hot topic like “economic inflation” can instantly grab your reader’s attention. If you choose an older topic like  modernism in literature , write about how today’s readers can find those books relatable. 

Conduct Thorough Research

Think of it like writing a  research paper . Your job is to present the truth to the reader, even in your opinion. So;

• Gather all solid facts you can find about your topic 
• Conduct proper research from authentic sources
• Proper facts and evidence will support your opinions 

Editorial example : Let’s say you’re writing on climate change. In this editorial essay, you will gain data from reputable sources like NASA or the IPCC. Such evidence will support your argument, making it easier to sway your audience. 

Composing The Editorial

Before we jump into the structural sections of an editorial, let’s focus on some characteristics. Following is a brief prompt on the important aspects of writing. This segment is properly explained in our next heading. 

Remember that you’re writing for the general public and not experts. So; 

• Write concisely. 
• Keep it clear to avoid confusing your audience.
• Ensure it’s easy for readers to understand your opinion.
• Give yourself a word limit that should be at most 800 words. 
• Avoid tough or fancy words. 

Prompt for a newspaper editorial example : Suppose you’re writing an editorial on “economic inflation”. You will need to use some technical terms in your content. To ensure your reader understands your work, explain these terms. Use simple language and easy sentences to convey your message effectively. 

Now let’s get to the editorial format and observe how to structure your content properly. 

Writing an Introduction

Your introduction is the first thing your reader goes through in writing. You need to engage your audience and push them towards the main body of your editorial. To do that, follow these techniques. 

• Start with catchy quotes, questions or facts. 
• Hook the audience with a powerful thesis statement. 
• In an editorial, your argument is your thesis. 

Example of an editorial : 

Let’s say you are writing on “Consumerism Impacts the Environment”. You can use the following fact:

“Consumerism’s impact: If current consumption patterns continue, by 2050, humanity will require the resources of three Earths, leading to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. An urgent shift towards sustainable consumption is crucial for a viable future.”

Composing a Body

• Organize your arguments and supporting evidence logically.
• Address counterarguments and refute them.
• Use real-life examples to illustrate your points.

An editorial in newspaper example : Suppose you’re writing a criticism editorial on “Landfills”. You can discuss the impacts they have on the environment. You may also provide a solution and the importance of immediate action.

Composing Conclusion

The  conclusion  is another opportunity to leave a strong impression on the audience. Keeping that in view;

• Summarize your main points
• Reinforce your argument
• End with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement

Example of editorial writing : Suppose you are writing on “climate change”. Encourage readers to take steps to combat climate change and emphasize the issue’s urgency.

Proofread and Edit

Proofreading is essential because it ensures your writing is error-free and effectively communicates your message. This enhances your credibility and leaves a positive impression on your readers. So make sure to;

• Check for grammar and spelling errors
• Review the structure and flow of your editorial
• Ensure your argument is clear and persuasive

After completing your editorial on climate change, proofread it carefully and make any necessary edits to ensure it’s polished and compelling.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating an engaging and impactful editorial that resonates with your readers.

Topics For Editorials

Here are some topic ideas to help you decide what to write next. 

• Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• The Importance of Investing in Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future
• Examining the Role of Big Tech Companies in Protecting User Privacy
• Addressing the Global Water Crisis: Finding Solutions for Access and Conservation
• The Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Balancing Security and Compassion
• The Implications of Artificial Intelligence in the Job Market: Preparing for the Future of Work
• Bridging the Political Divide: Fostering Civil Discourse in a Polarized Society
• Examining the Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Ecosystems
• The Role of Journalism in Upholding Democracy: Preserving Truth and Accountability
• Exploring the Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Balancing Progress and Responsibility

And there you have it, our easy guide on how to write an editorial! Just follow these simple steps and keep an eye on editorial examples for the practical applications of the tips.

However, some of you might still find it tricky to create an impactful editorial. Don’t worry – our  college paper writing service  has your back. Our talented writers will not only help you meet those deadlines but also bring balance to your busy life. Together, we’ll make sure you achieve your goals in no time.

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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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Related Words and Phrases

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Carolyn Hax: A second career as an author nets three books, zero spousal support

Dear Carolyn: Is it unreasonable of me to want my spouse to congratulate me? When I retired, I started writing and have now published three books and several magazine articles. While I’m far from a bestseller, my spouse has never said anything positive — or anything at all — when they were published.

I don’t expect flowers or a special dinner, but some kind of recognition would be nice. Am I being unreasonable?

Author: I use this answer sparingly, for obvious reasons, but here I think it’s apt:

The problem lies almost as much in your asking me as it does in your spouse’s silence.

Let’s back all the way up for a sec, to the beginning: What did you say to your spouse about the nonresponse when you published your first book?

First! Book! I mean, newspaper writers write a lot of books — so I know writers of big, little, multiple and best-selling books. And every time it’s a Big Deal. So much work.

About Carolyn Hax

Therefore, a notable thing happened to launch your writing career — and a notable thing did not happen in your marriage in response.

Yet we are talking about it now as if you haven’t broached the subject with your spouse, ever. So I am wondering what you said or did when you first witnessed the yawning void where a loved one’s normal supportive gestures would have been. Even superficial performative ones (in the event of differing tastes).

The response I’d expect is along these lines: “I just did something big; at least, it was big for me — and when you let a milestone like that go by without saying anything to me at all, I was stunned, and I still feel hurt.”

If you haven’t been that direct — if instead you’ve poked and nudged around the subject hoping your spouse would volunteer … something — then we’re long past treating this as a narrowly defined spousal failure to take you out to a celebratory dinner.

Because what you’re telling me here is the time between now and your last real conversation with your spouse can be measured in book publications. It has been at least three book publications since you and your spouse last told each other the truth.

Please give that idea careful thought. Weigh for how long and to what extent your marriage has calcified, then use those two data points to get at the why.

Then invite your spouse to talk. Really talk. And listen.

Congratulations on your new career, by the way, and good luck.

Dear Carolyn: My sister “Wendy” has always been the “marches to her own drummer” sibling. She’s smart, has a terrific job, a loving family, etc., but has always seemed a little out of step with the rest of the world.

Several years ago, “Liz” — another sister — took me aside and said she and her husband had started to think Wendy was somewhere on the autism spectrum. I felt a lot of Wendy-related things immediately click into place in my head and make sense.

Liz feels very strongly that we should say and do NOTHING. My feeling is equally strong in the other direction. I have two dear school friends who weren’t diagnosed with autism until their 50s. Both shared with me their enormous sense of relief and self-acceptance stemming from this diagnosis.

I have even suggested we share our thoughts with Wendy’s husband and allow him to raise the subject with Wendy in some gentle, organic way. Liz nixes this as well. I would really appreciate your thoughts.

— Indiana Sibling

Indiana Sibling: If you can forgive me for not weighing in on whether and what to tell Wendy, then I might have something useful to say about you and Liz.

You are not a “we” here. You are not joined by restrictions on privileged information, because Liz did not give you information that only she has access to or is supposed to have.

Liz didn’t give you information at all, in fact. Not about Wendy. All you got from Liz were her thoughts. You now have your thoughts, which you can give or not to anyone as you see fit.

You and Liz each know as much about Wendy as you ever did.

So, again, there’s no “we” in any conversations you do or don’t have with Wendy about information you don’t have. If you want to talk to Wendy someday about your experiences with your friends and connections you made to Wendy, then that’s your prerogative.

I do recommend talking about this with Liz before saying boo to Wendy, though, if that’s the way you decide to go here — and also saying nothing of Liz to Wendy. That’s basic accountability hygiene.

I also recommend thinking of Wendy in terms of Wendy and not in terms of your other friends. You can be so right about their sense of relief and still be wrong that Wendy will share it.

Maybe get out of your certainty for a bit, and really listen for things Liz understands about Wendy that you don’t (or vice versa). And that Wendy accepts in herself.

More from Carolyn Hax

From the archive:

They refused to host sick dog; mother-in-law is ‘livid’

A stay-at-home mom trapped in a career woman’s life

Estranged dad pressures child who wants ‘no contact ever’

Has breast cancer treatment altered her dating prospects?

Can’t understand why brother blocked your number? Hello?

Sign up for Carolyn’s email newsletter to get her column delivered to your inbox each morning.

Carolyn has a Q&A with readers on Fridays. Read the most recent live chat here . The next chat is April 12 at 12 p.m.

Resources for getting help. Frequently asked questions about the column. Chat glossary

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Guest Essay

Let People Sell Their Kidneys. It Will Save Lives.

By Dylan Walsh

Mr. Walsh is a freelance journalist who focuses on science and the criminal justice system.

I owe the past 25 years of my life to my father, who dozed under general anesthesia as a surgeon cut eight inches from stomach to spine, removed one of his kidneys, placed it on ice and sent it to a nearby operating room, where it was fitted into my abdomen. My brother had a kidney transplant the same week, six days before I did. His new kidney came from a man we never knew who had died in a car accident in the mountains.

We were teenagers, afflicted with a congenital kidney disease. But we were lucky.

There are 100,000 people in the United States waiting for a kidney. More than half a million are on dialysis, which from my experience I know to be more of a means of survival than a form of living. About 4,000 people die each year while waiting for a kidney. Another 4,000 become too sick to undergo surgery — a gentler way of saying that they, too, die. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that without more investment in preventing diabetes and other ailments, more than one million people will be suffering from kidney failure by 2030, up from over 800,000 now .

These numbers illuminate a story of largely preventable suffering. Hundreds of millions of healthy people walk the streets quietly carrying two kidneys. They need only one. The head-scratcher is how to get kidneys from the people who have one to spare into the people who need one. Getting them from genetically modified pigs , as was recently found possible, won’t be a widespread solution for a very long time.

There’s a simpler and long overdue answer: Pay people for their kidneys.

Creating a market for kidneys is not a new concept, but it’s historically been met with disgust: Sell what? To be fair, some of the ways to structure such a market would be irresponsible, coercive and deserving of that disgust.

But others are more thoughtful and prudent. One approach is to make the federal government the sole purchaser of kidneys. Donor and recipient would never meet. Compensation would be fixed, haggling impossible. After the kidney is acquired, the transplant process would unfold in the typical manner.

This idea fits nicely within today’s health economics. Through a quirk of a 50-year-old law , Medicare is the primary insurer for anyone of any age in need of dialysis or a transplant. This has extended the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. It has also been costly, with end-stage renal disease patients accounting for about 7 percent of Medicare’s spending, despite constituting 1 percent of its users. Because transplants are ultimately cheaper than dialysis, if Medicare started paying people to donate kidneys, fewer people would need to survive on dialysis, and Medicare would need less taxpayer money to cover it.

Federal law presents the first and most significant hurdle to a market for kidneys. The 1984 National Organ Transplant Act, NOTA for short, makes it unlawful “to knowingly acquire, receive or otherwise transfer any human organ for valuable consideration for use in human transplantation.” Though markets exist for human tissue, bone, amniotic stem cells and blood plasma and for the use of a woman’s womb and her eggs, organs cannot legally be bought and sold.

For several decades, efforts to persuade people to become kidney donors haven’t increased the number of volunteers. There were roughly 6,000 living kidney donors in 2000; there were roughly 6,000 in 2023. The only way to get more donors is to change the law.

One organization, the Coalition to Modify NOTA, hopes to legalize compensation and then pass a federal law it has titled the End Kidney Deaths Act . As it’s written, it would award living donors $50,000 over five years — $10,000 per year — through refundable tax credits. The coalition says it has held meetings with nearly 100 legislators from both parties and has been encouraged by the level of support for its idea (though the bill still has not been brought to the floor of Congress).

Other proposals meant to solve kidney donation shortages abound. Several bills have recently been introduced to Congress, including one that would prohibit life and disability insurance companies from denying coverage to or increasing premiums for donors, and another that would reimburse donors for expenses they incur during donation. Two Colorado state representatives, one Democratic and one Republican, have drafted their own proposal for a statewide tax credit of up to $40,000 for organ donors; a representative in New Hampshire is trying to create an open market for organs in his state.

Some people who are opposed to the idea of selling organs argue that we should instead improve the process of capturing organs from people who have died. But even a flawlessly functioning system that recovered and transplanted 100 percent of available organs would not meet demand. And deceased-donor kidneys don’t last as long as those from living donors.

One of the most consistent and vociferous objections to a kidney market centers on the fear of coercion or exploitation: If you pay people to do something, particularly if you pay them a lot, then you will drive those who are most desperate and socially precarious to take steps they later will regret.

Ned Brooks, a co-founder of the Coalition to Modify NOTA, told me there are ways to mitigate “the concern that someone is going to donate a kidney because they have a gambling debt or they are losing their house to foreclosure or you name it.” His organization’s proposal, for example, would split the $50,000 payment into installments arriving only around tax season to weaken donation as a get-rich-quick scheme. Even now, donation requires a weeks- to monthslong process of physical and psychological evaluation .

Compensating donors could also go a long way to reducing current inequities. Black patients are more than three times as likely to develop kidney failure as white patients. And under today’s system, white patients are about four times as likely as Black patients (and approximately two times as likely as Asian and Hispanic patients) to receive a living kidney donation within two years of needing one . While there are many reasons for this imbalance, one critical factor is that white people generally possess social networks saturated with volunteers who are able to make the kinds of accommodations needed for major surgery. Compensation would broaden the pool of available kidneys for those who lack these social networks.

Alongside the flurry of political activity surrounding organ donation, a shift in attitudes among the public seems to be underway, making this moment particularly ripe for legislative change. A 2019 study found that roughly 60 percent of Americans would favor compensation through a public agency — and this number, depending on the form of compensation, would increase to 70 percent to 80 percent if such a system eliminated kidney shortages. This is a rare nonpartisan idea at a highly polarized moment and could save the dozen people who die every day waiting for a kidney.

My kidney has been ticking along since August 1998, far longer than the average transplantation. It will give out sometime, maybe before my children graduate from high school. It will almost certainly fail before any children they may have are born. Still, I’ve lived 25 years I would not have had otherwise. I hope for a world in which others — many others — are given such an exquisite gift.

Dylan Walsh is a freelance journalist in Chicago who focuses on science and the criminal justice system.

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