Since these phrases work best when they are invisible/glossed over, there is little risk of

them being viewed as hackneyed. However, when they are not executed properly (e.g.,
are missing entirely, or are too long/awkward) readers notice and wince or get confused.

1. Transitions
Build up some stock phrases that can quickly and unobtrusively convey "I've finished
describing that idea, now on to the next!" For example:

When adding one concept to another:

 This idea can be coupled with ...

 Building on the first idea, ...

When contrasting two ideas:

 However, if we compare this first idea to...

 When examined alongside the opposite position, however, ...

When moving to an entirely different concept:

 While this idea reflects one approach, others take a different approach.

2. Outline Cues
Build up some stock phrases that can quickly and unobtrusively convey, "Here is how
this essay is outlined." For example:

Chronological approaches:

 From the start / After this first period / Then / In the final stage

Showing Controversy/Alternate Theories:

 (In order of popularity): The most popular approach is... / Also widespread
is... / Garnering only minor support is the idea that ...
 (In order of expert support): The approach best supported by current research
is... / Many researchers also found... / Alternate theories supported by
anecdotal or unscientific evidence include

Building a Case:

 Three factors support this approach. First ... / It is also important to note that
... / The most compelling factor, however, is ....

3. Wrapping up a Point
Too many people get stuck trying to conclude one thought (before moving on to the
next), and end up on a runaway train of rambling. Build up some phrases that will help
you say, "Done. Moving on..."

Conveying inconclusiveness:
  While there are a number of approaches and ideas, as of today, there is no
definitive [best practice / one way / single correct answer] available.

Conveying a conclusive point:

 All of this leads to one undeniable conclusion: ...

 These factors clearly show that ....

Conveying incompleteness:

 While these are the most [popular/prevalent/etc.] ideas on the topic, so many
diverse approaches exist that it would be impossible to highlight all of them in
a single essay.
 These represent just a small sample of the wealth of ideas that exist, and
[researchers/individuals/target-population-shout-out] are honing new
approaches every day.

Areas where having generic phrases is bad:

Any area that needs to set up or demonstrate the unique tone, purpose and structure for
the essay.

For example:

 Introductions
 Conclusions
 Any text describing an argument/idea/concept