Transition words
63 flashcards covering Transition words for the SAT Reading & Writing section.
Transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas in writing, helping to show relationships between sentences or paragraphs. For instance, words like "however," "therefore," and "for example" indicate contrast, cause and effect, or addition. They make text flow more smoothly and clarify the author's intent, which is key for strong communication and comprehension in essays, articles, and everyday reading.
On the SAT Reading and Writing section, transition words appear in questions that test your ability to improve passage coherence, such as selecting the best word to link ideas or identifying errors in logic. Common traps include choosing transitions that alter the meaning, like using "and" for contrast when "but" is needed. Focus on the context and relationships like sequence, comparison, or concession to answer accurately.
Practice with sample passages to spot transitions quickly.
Terms (63)
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Transition words
Words or phrases used to connect ideas and show the relationship between sentences or parts of a sentence, helping to improve the logical flow and coherence in writing.
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Addition transitions
Transitions that introduce additional ideas or information, such as 'and', 'also', 'moreover', or 'in addition', to build upon what has already been stated.
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Contrast transitions
Transitions that highlight differences or opposing ideas, like 'but', 'however', 'on the other hand', or 'nevertheless', to show a shift in thought.
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Cause and effect transitions
Transitions that indicate a cause leading to an effect, such as 'because', 'therefore', 'as a result', or 'consequently', to explain relationships between events.
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Sequence transitions
Transitions that show the order of events or steps, including 'first', 'next', 'then', or 'finally', to organize information chronologically.
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Example transitions
Transitions that introduce illustrations or specific instances, such as 'for example', 'for instance', or 'such as', to provide evidence or clarification.
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Comparison transitions
Transitions that draw similarities between ideas, like 'similarly', 'likewise', or 'in the same way', to emphasize parallels.
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Concession transitions
Transitions that acknowledge an opposing view while maintaining the main argument, such as 'although', 'even though', or 'while', to add nuance.
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Conclusion transitions
Transitions that signal the end of a discussion, like 'in conclusion', 'finally', or 'to sum up', to wrap up ideas effectively.
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However
A contrast transition word used to introduce an opposing idea or exception, often following a semicolon or period to connect contrasting clauses.
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Moreover
An addition transition word that adds emphasis to a previous point by introducing related supporting information.
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Therefore
A cause and effect transition word that indicates a logical conclusion based on prior evidence or reasoning.
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For example
An example transition phrase used to introduce a specific illustration that supports a general statement.
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In addition
An addition transition phrase that introduces extra information to strengthen or expand on the main idea.
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On the other hand
A contrast transition phrase that presents an alternative or opposing viewpoint to what was previously mentioned.
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As a result
A cause and effect transition phrase that shows the outcome of a preceding cause, linking events logically.
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First
A sequence transition word that indicates the beginning of a series of steps or ideas in a logical order.
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Next
A sequence transition word that moves from one step to the following one in a process or list.
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Finally
A sequence or conclusion transition word that signals the last item in a series or the end of a discussion.
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Such as
An example transition phrase that provides specific instances to exemplify a broader category.
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Similarly
A comparison transition word that highlights how one idea is like another, reinforcing connections.
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Although
A concession transition word that introduces a contrasting element while still supporting the overall argument.
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In conclusion
A conclusion transition phrase that summarizes key points and brings the discussion to a close.
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But
A simple contrast transition word that shows a difference or exception between two ideas.
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Also
An addition transition word that incorporates more information related to the previous point.
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Because
A cause and effect transition word that explains the reason for an action or event.
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Then
A sequence transition word that indicates what follows immediately after another event.
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For instance
An example transition phrase similar to 'for example', used to provide a concrete illustration.
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Likewise
A comparison transition word that shows agreement or similarity between ideas.
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Even though
A concession transition phrase that admits a contrasting fact while maintaining the main point.
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To sum up
A conclusion transition phrase that briefly restates the main ideas at the end of a passage.
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Nevertheless
A contrast transition word that concedes a point but emphasizes the original argument.
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Furthermore
An addition transition word that adds more evidence or details to support a claim.
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Consequently
A cause and effect transition word that indicates a result following from a cause.
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In the same way
A comparison transition phrase that draws parallels between two situations.
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While
A concession or contrast transition word that introduces a differing condition or idea.
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After that
A sequence transition phrase that shows what happens subsequent to an event.
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Specifically
An example transition word that narrows down to particular details.
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On the contrary
A contrast transition phrase that directly opposes a previous statement.
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Thus
A cause and effect transition word that draws a conclusion from evidence.
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In contrast
A contrast transition phrase that highlights differences between two elements.
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Meanwhile
A sequence transition word that indicates events happening at the same time.
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Indeed
An addition transition word that emphasizes or confirms a previous point.
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Hence
A cause and effect transition word meaning 'therefore' or 'as a result'.
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By contrast
A contrast transition phrase that emphasizes differences more strongly.
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Subsequently
A sequence transition word that means 'following this' in time.
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For one thing
An addition transition phrase that introduces a primary example or point.
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Yet
A contrast transition word that introduces a surprising difference.
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Accordingly
A cause and effect transition word that shows action taken in response.
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In summary
A conclusion transition phrase that encapsulates the main points.
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Alternatively
A contrast transition word that suggests another option or idea.
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Prior to
A sequence transition phrase that indicates something happening before another event.
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Above all
An addition transition phrase that emphasizes the most important point.
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Nonetheless
A concession transition word that means 'in spite of that'.
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Strategy for identifying transitions
Look for words that link ideas across sentences, considering the context to determine if they show addition, contrast, or other relationships.
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Common trap with contrast words
Misusing words like 'however' when the ideas are similar, which can disrupt logical flow and lead to incorrect sentence choices on the test.
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Using transitions for coherence
In writing, transitions ensure that paragraphs flow logically, which is often tested by identifying where a transition improves sentence connections.
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Transitions in complex sentences
In more advanced contexts, transitions within compound or complex sentences help clarify relationships, such as using 'because' in subordinate clauses.
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Avoiding overuse of transitions
On the SAT, excessive transitions can make writing awkward, so choose them only when they enhance clarity and logical progression.
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Transitions for emphasis
Some transitions, like 'indeed' or 'above all', are used to stress key points, adding rhetorical strength to arguments.
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Fixing transition errors
Identify when a transition word creates inconsistency, such as using 'and' for contrast, and replace it to match the intended relationship.
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Transitions in persuasive writing
In SAT passages, transitions help build arguments by linking evidence to claims, making the overall structure more convincing.
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Subtle transitions
Advanced transitions like 'granted that' introduce concessions indirectly, requiring careful reading to understand nuances in tone.