Transitions Questions - 5B

LEARNING OBJECTIVE
After this lesson, you will be able to:

●​ Determine the appropriate transition word or phrase to establish logical

relationships within the text

To answer a question like this:

Palov is a traditional rice-based dish in Central Asian countries such as
Uzbekistan. Consisting of rice simmered in savory meats and vegetables, palov
may seem like a cozy comfort food prepared only in private homes, ______ the
dish has a strong community aspect as well. On special occasions such as
weddings, skilled chefs sometimes cook a cauldron of palov that can serve
hundreds.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A.​ so
B.​ and
C.​ for
D.​ but

How to Identify Transitions Questions

Transition questions can be identified by the keywords "logical transition"
and typically have the question stem, Which choice completes the text with the
most logical transition?

How to Identify Transition Relationships

The key to answering Transitions questions is to determine what type of
connection exists between the ideas in a passage. To do this, identify the two
ideas that are connected by the missing transition word and paraphrase in your
own words the relationship between the two ideas. The most common types of
transition relationships tested on the SAT include:

●​ Continuation—a continuation of the same point

○​ Cockapoo dogs are great pets. They are highly intelligent; further,
they have sociable personalities.
○​ The keyword "further" indicates a continuation of the reasons
cockapoos are great pets.
●​ Contrast—a change in direction or a point of difference
○​ Cockapoo dogs are great pets; however, they can develop painful
knots in their fur without consistent grooming.
○​ The keyword "however" indicates a contrast between a positive
feature of cockapoos (they are great pets) and a negative feature of
cockapoos (they can get knots).
●​ Cause-and-effect—one idea causes another idea or leads to a conclusion
○​ Cockapoo dogs are great pets; therefore, they were voted the most
popular dog breed in New York City.
○​ The keyword "therefore" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship:
because cockapoos are great pets, they were voted most popular.

A different transition word can entirely change the meaning of a sentence.

Consider how different transition words change the meaning of the following
sentence:

●​ Calculus is Kiyana's strongest subject, and she prepared thoroughly for

the exam.
●​ Calculus is Kiyana's strongest subject, yet she prepared thoroughly for the
exam.
●​ Calculus is Kiyana's strongest subject, so she prepared thoroughly for the
exam.

The continuation transition word (and) indicates that Kiyana's thorough

preparation for the exam is a continuation of the idea that calculus is her
strongest subject. The contrast transition word (yet) indicates that even though
calculus is Kiyana's strongest subject, she still prepared thoroughly for the exam.
Finally, the cause-and-effect transition word (so) indicates that the reason Kiyana
prepared thoroughly for the exam was because calculus is her strongest subject.

Types of SAT Transition

Keywords
Keyword Type What the Keywords Indicate Examples
 Continuation A continuation of the same point Moreover, in addition,
also, further, and

Contrast A change in direction or a point of But, yet, despite, on the

difference other hand, however

Cause-and-effect One idea causes another idea or leads Thus, therefore,

to a conclusion because, since, so

Transition words are extremely helpful, but be aware that passages often
include more subtle clues about the relationships between ideas. Relationships
might be indicated by the content of the ideas themselves, or even by punctuation
marks, so be thorough in your search for clues about the connections between
ideas.

Incorrect answers to a Transitions question may be:

●​ Opposite — Incorrect answers to Transitions questions may give the

opposite of the logical relationship between ideas.
●​ Distortions — Incorrect answers to Transitions questions may
misrepresent the connection between ideas, such as indicating a
cause-and-effect relationship where one does not logically exist.

The correct answer to a Transitions question will:

●​ Precisely reflect the logical relationship between the ideas in the passage

STRATEGY
Step 1. What is the question asking?
If the question stem asks you to fill in the blank with a "logical transition,"
it is a Transitions question.

Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage?

To identify the logical transition, you'll need to identify the two ideas that
are connected by the blank. Then, determine the relationship between those two
ideas; use transition keywords as well as additional clues, such as information in
the ideas themselves and punctuation marks, to help you find the relationship.
Step 3. What answer strategy is best?
Transition questions tend to lend themselves to the strategy of predicting
the type of transition needed before looking at the answer choices. Predict a word
or phrase that conveys the same type of relationship you found between the
ideas: continuation, contrast, cause-and-effect, or another type of connection.
Look for the answer choice that matches the meaning of your predicted transition
word or phrase, and read your selection back into the passage to make sure it
makes sense in context. If needed, eliminate answer choices that are opposite or
distortions of the logical relationship between the ideas in the passage.

The SAT tests your proficiency with transitional words-words like "but,"
"also," and "because" that connect phrases and sentences together. An
understanding of transitional words will ensure that your writing is
well-organized. Here is a list of some of the most common transitional words you
will encounter on the SAT:

General Meaning Transitional Words

Additional Information Also, and, besides, further, furthermore, in addition,

what’s more

Cause and Effect As a result, because, consequently, therefore, thus, to

that end

Clarification At any rate, in other words, in fact

Comparison Likewise, similarly, by the same token

Contrast After all, alternately, although, but, by contrast, even

though, however, instead, meanwhile, nevertheless,
nonetheless, on the other hand, rather, still, whereas

Give an Example For example, for instance

Obviously Of course

Time Sequence Eventually, finally, in the first place, next, ultimately

Typically Traditionally
Example #1
Incorrect: The kitchen had virtually no food in it. Also, we managed to
make dinner.

Correct: The kitchen had virtually no food in it. Still, we managed to make
dinner.

Explanation: Even though the kitchen did not have much food, the group was still
able to make dinner. Thus, a contrast is needed between the two sentences-“Still"
works well. When working through transition questions, be certain to consider
the surrounding context so you can determine the best logical relationship.

In the above example, you needed to look at the sentence before and after the
transitional word. In some sentences, the transition is based just on what comes
after the transitional word, like "Although I was excited to watch the movie, I had
difficulty finding time to do so." Err on the side of considering a bit too much
context just to be sure you fully understand what logical relationship is needed.

Example #2
When school begins in the fall, seniors often ask their past teachers
to write letters of recommendation on their behalf. The best
teachers are typically inundated with requests, and usually have to
limit the number of letters they can write. _____ it is a good idea
to ask teachers in the spring or summer for letters of
recommendation so that the teachers have adequate time to do
them.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A.​ Also,
B.​ For instance,
C.​ Therefore,
D.​ Furthermore,

Problem Set #1 Transitions Practice — select the better

sentence(s) out of the two options.
1.​ (A) Even though I had plenty of sleep, I still felt tired.

(B) Consequently I had plenty of sleep, I still felt tired.

2.​ (A) A part-time job during high school is a great way to make extra money.
Furthermore, it can help you develop skills that will serve you well in
college and in your career.

(B) A part-time job during high school is a great way to make extra money.
In contrast, it can help you develop skills that will serve you well in college
and in your career.

3.​ (A) When making bread, first preheat the oven. Therefore, put the
well-kneaded dough into the oven to bake.

(B) When making bread, first preheat the oven. Next, put the well-kneaded
dough into the oven to bake.

4.​ (A) The yard was completely covered with weeds. Nevertheless, the
gardener happily tackled the weeding and turned the yard into a beautiful
site.

(B) The yard was completely covered with weeds. Also, the gardener
happily tackled the weeding and turned the yard into a beautiful site.

5.​ (A) Majoring in two different areas may allow for a natural synergy
between subjects. For instance, a business major with an engineering
major could help you learn both how to make a product and how to market
it.

(B) Majoring in two different areas may allow for a natural synergy
between subjects. Whereas a business major with an engineering major
could help you learn both how to make a product and how to market it.

6.​ (A) He did not have a good reason to run for office, and, by the same
token, he did not have a reason to avoid running.

(B) He did not have a good reason to run for office, and, in the first place,
he did not have a reason to avoid running.

7.​ (A) A perfect score would, of course, be preferable; thus, a 99 out of 100 is
truly excellent.

(B) A perfect score would, of course, be preferable; however, a 99 out of

100 is truly excellent.

8.​ (A) We did not do very well in the game; consequently, our coach made us
run extra laps.
 (B) We did not do very well in the game; and our coach made us run extra
laps.

9.​ (A) The roller coaster had an awesome first hill, and what's more, it had
three incredible loops.

(B) The roller coaster had an awesome first hill and despite this, it had
three incredible loops.

10.​(A) The wildlife sanctuary had elephants and rhinos. In contrast, it had
zebra, giraffes, and water buffalo.

(B) The wildlife sanctuary had elephants and rhinos. Further, it had zebra,
giraffes, and water buffalo.

11.​ (A) His anger at his neighbor was understandable. Therefore, it was no
justification for vandalism of his neighbor's house.

(B) His anger at his neighbor was understandable. However, it was no

justification for vandalism of his neighbor's house.

12.​(A) The world-renowned orchestra conductor is nonetheless an excellent

violinist.

(B) The world-renowned orchestra conductor is likewise an excellent

violinist.

13.​(A) I did not eat breakfast. As a result, I was really hungry for lunch.

(B) I did not eat breakfast. Moreover, I was really hungry for lunch.

14.​(A) Thanksgiving is, in other words, a day on which people eat quite a bit
of food.

(B) Thanksgiving is traditionally a day on which people eat quite a bit of

food.

15.​(A) Her parents did not think she wanted to join the club. In fact, she was
the first one to sign up for the club at the school fair.

(B) Her parents did not think she wanted to join the club. Typically, she
was the first one to sign up for the club at the school fair.

16.​(A) Best friends are forever; despite this, you will stay connected to your
best friend over many decades and great distances.
 (B) Best friends are forever; in other words, you will stay connected to
your best friend over many decades and great distances.

17.​(A) At first, the athlete resisted the advice of his coach. Ultimately, he took
the coach's advice and improved immensely.

(B) Initially, the athlete resisted the advice of his coach. At first, he took
the coach's advice and improved immensely.

18.​(A) I am excited for the first day of school. On the other hand, I am
worried about a pop quiz over the summer reading.

(B) I am excited for the first day of school. Consequently, I am worried

about a pop quiz over the summer reading.

19.​(A) We climbed up the mountain and still reached the summit.

(B) We climbed up the mountain and eventually reached the summit.

20.​(A) The doctor said you should eat more fruits and vegetables. Therefore,
you should come to the farmer's market to buy some healthy produce.

(B) The doctor said you should eat more fruits and vegetables. Whereas
you should come to the farmer's market to buy some healthy produce.

To demonstrate what transitions are and how they're used, let's consider the
following sentence:

May's cookies are sweet and sugary. Sam eats them all the time.

In this sentence, it's understood that Sam eats May's cookies because they
are sweet and sugary. Despite the implied cause and effect relationship here, the
reader can't be completely sure. It could be that the two sentences represent two
totally independent ideas: May's cookies are sweet and sugary, and it just so
happens that Sam eats them all the time. To make the cause-and-effect
relationship absolutely clear, we could insert a transition:

May's cookies are sweet and sugary. Therefore, Sam eats them all the time.

This is a bit of an extreme example, but it illustrates an important

point-transitions have meaning. They express how two sentences or paragraphs
relate to one another, and they make that connection explicit, even if it's a bit
unnecessary to do so. In this case, the therefore is probably not needed, but
suppose we wanted to imply that sweet and sugary were bad qualities:

May's cookies are sweet and sugary. Nevertheless, Sam eats them all the time.
 With one word, we're able to shift the meaning entirely. Now, sweet and
sugary cookies are unhealthy snacks to be avoided.

How sentences connect to one another comes naturally to most students.

The hard part is staying aware of the full context. In this one made-up example,
we can't be completely sure what the author's intended meaning is, but on the
SAT, the author's intention will always be clear. Your job on SAT transition
questions is to read the context, figure out the author's meaning, and choose the
transition word that conveys that meaning. Always read the sentence before and
the sentence after the one in question.

Although you'll typically see transitions at the start of sentences, they can
also be inserted into the middle of a sentence:

Every culture holds on to its own myths and superstitions.

Many Chinese people, for example, believe the number " 4 " to be
unlucky.

And while there are many transitions out there, as long as you are familiar
with the ones in the table below, you shouldn't need to memorize anything. In
fact, this table includes almost all the transitions that have shown up on released
past exams. The best way to get better is to practice and review, practice and
review.

Common Transition Words

Example Transition… Similar Transitions
I love eating vanilla ice cream. Presents an Fortunately, on the other
However, too much of it makes opposing point or hand, conversely, whereas,
me sick. balances a previous while, in contrast, on the
statement contrary, yet

Math trains you to approach Adds new and In addition, also,

problems more analytically. supporting moreover, and, too, as well,
Furthermore, it helps you information additionally, not to
calculate the minimum tip when mention
you eat out.

Pandas are rapidly becoming Gives emphasis to a As a matter of fact, indeed,

extinct. In fact, some experts point by adding a to illustrate, for instance,
predict that pandas will die out in specific detail/case for example
 50 years.

The state is facing a flu epidemic. Shows cause & effect As a result, because, hence,
Consequently, all hospital therefore, thus,
rooms are filled at the moment. accordingly, so, for this
reason

Granted, the SAT is a long and Concedes a point to Nevertheless, although,

tedious exam, but it’s necessary make way for your regardless, despite, even if,
for college admissions. own point nonetheless, still, even so

Place the bread on an ungreased Shows order or Subsequently, previously,

baking sheet. Finally, bake in a sequence afterwards, next, then,
preheated oven for 10 minutes. eventually, before

Social security numbers uniquely Shows similarity Similarly, likewise, by the

identify citizens. In the same same token
way, IP addresses identify
computers.

In conclusion, the world would Gives a summary or In summary, to sum up, in

be a happier place without restatement short, in other words
nuclear weapons.

Some other transitions that didn't quite fit in the table are meanwhile, instead,
and otherwise. If you understand all these transitions and how they're used, you
should have no problem answering these questions on the SAT.

Tip: The most commonly tested transition is however and it's not even close. It
also turns out to be the correct answer most of the time. Know this transition
well.

Example #3
Let's start by looking at a typical example:

Architects don't often become as famous as other types of artists,

such as painters. Consequently, architects' work can have greater
long-term effects. Buildings shelter and protect us throughout our
lives for home, work, and play. Even if we've never stood in any of
the buildings designed by master architects, we've probably been in
plenty of buildings that incorporate.

A.​ NO CHANGE
 B.​ painters. However, architects' work can have
C.​ painters. In fact, architects' work can have
D.​ painters. Similarly, architects' work can have their influences.

The answers contain different types of transitions, indicating different types of

relationships between the sentences. We must therefore begin by considering
how the two statements relate to one another.

The first sentence states that architects don't often become as famous as
other types of artists. The second sentence states that architects' work can have
greater long-term effects. Those are opposite ideas, so a transition conveying a
contrast is required.

Consequently is used to indicate a result, so A) can be eliminated. In fact is

used to emphasize a preceding statement, so C) can also be eliminated. Similarly
is, by definition, used to connect two statements that express similar ideas, so D)
does not fit either. However indicates a contrasting relationship, so B) is correct.

Notice that we were able to eliminate answers solely by using the purpose,
or function, of each transition. Because we knew beforehand what purpose the
correct word had to have, we did not need to take the time to plug each option
back into the passage.

If two or more answers contain grammatically identical synonyms,

those answers can be automatically eliminated because no question
can have more than one right answer. So, for example, if choice A) is
consequently and choice C) is therefore, you can immediately eliminate both.

Example #4
Let's look at an example:

Conditions in the interior of Antarctica are inhospitable to many

forms of life: sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and extreme
dryness make it impossible for most animals to survive. The
Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands have milder
temperatures and liquid water; _____, more species are able to
thrive there.

A.​ however,
B.​ in contrast,
C.​ nevertheless,
D.​ accordingly,
In this case, the answer choices provide a useful shortcut. However, in contrast,
and nevertheless are all contradictors with more or less equivalent meanings. As
a result, all of those answers can be eliminated right away. D) must be the correct
answer by default. (If you think accordingly sounds a little awkward, by the way,
you're right. That's intentional here. Sometimes, the right answer won't sound
particularly good. Your job is to ignore that and choose the meaning that fits best
in context.)

Although the College Board will not usually be quite so generous, from
time to time you may encounter questions that can be answered this way.
Particularly when the relationship between two statements is not entirely
straightforward, this approach can be very useful. Choices B), C), and D) are all
contradictors, leaving A) as the only possibility.

In most cases, however, "playing synonyms" will only allow you to

eliminate two options. The remaining answers you will need to consider more
closely.

Example #5
Conditions in the interior of Antarctica are inhospitable to many
forms of life: sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and extreme
dryness make it impossible for most animals to survive. The
Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands have milder
temperatures and liquid water; however, more species are able to
thrive there.

A.​ NO CHANGE
B.​ for example,
C.​ nevertheless
D.​ Therefore,

Example #6
Conditions in the interior of Antarctica are inhospitable to many
forms of life: sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and extreme
dryness make it impossible for most animals to survive.
Nevertheless, the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands
have milder temperatures and liquid water.

A.​ NO CHANGE
B.​ However,
 C.​ For example,
D.​ In other words,

Although however and nevertheless are usually interchangeable on the SAT, in

this case however is a slightly better fit. Technically, nevertheless means "despite
[the previous statement]," but the Antarctic Peninsula's milder weather does not
really exist in spite of the harsher weather in the interior. It is simply a different
location with a different climate. B) is thus correct.

Transitions in the Middle of a Sentence

In the examples we've looked at so far, transitions have appeared at the
beginnings of sentences or clauses a construction that makes it pretty clear you
need to back up and read the preceding information. In some cases, however, the
transition may appear between two commas in the middle of a sentence.

Although questions containing this construction may appear to ask

about only one sentence, they are actually testing your ability to
identify the relationship between two sentences: the sentence that
contains the underlined transition and the previous sentence.

Compare these two versions of the following sentence:

Version #1: Therefore, tropical marine mammals have very few fat
reserves in their bodies.

Version #2: Tropical marine mammals, therefore, have very few

fat reserves in their bodies.

The difference between these two sentences is purely stylistic - the sentences have
the exact same meaning. In both cases, the transition serves to connect the
sentence to a previous statement.

Let's look at how that works in context:

Example #7
Healthy arctic marine mammals have a thick layer of fat beneath the skin.
Tropical marine mammals, therefore, have very few fat reserves in their
bodies. As a result, many of them dwell primarily in the warm waters that
surround coral reefs.

A.​ NO CHANGE
 B.​ likewise,
C.​ however,
D.​ example,

To see why the transition can't connect the two halves of the sentence in which it
appears, we can cross it out and consider the information before and after it separately.

1.​ Tropical marine mammals

2.​ have very few fat reserves in their bodies

What should be immediately apparent is that there is no logical relationship

between these two statements. They simply make no sense when read separately.

The transition does, however, serve to clarify the relationship between this
sentence and the previous sentence. So now we're going to back up and consider those
two sentences, again crossing out the transition.

Transitional Words & Phrases

How many times have you used the words for example and however in
your essays for school? Most writers use these common words on a regular basis.
Now, let us ask you another question: How many times have you used the words
in fact, conversely, and consequently in your essays? You probably use these
words a lot less frequently than you use for example and however.

How to Answer Transition Questions

We will examine each of the three transitional relationships in much greater
detail. But first, let's take a detailed look at the steps you should follow to answer
transition questions.

Consider the following example:

Example #8
Harold Garfinkle, a leader in the field of ethnomethodology, has developed
a number of techniques for uncovering hidden social patterns. In one
experiment, Garfinkle's students deliberately injected confusion into
casual conversations. _____, when asked,"How are you?" one student
unexpectedly replied: "How am I in regard to what? My health, my
finances, my peace of mind?"
 A.​ However,
B.​ Alternatively,
C.​ Accordingly
D.​ For example,

Step 1: Identify the type of relationship between the relevant sentences

SAT authors use transitional phrases and words to continue thoughts,
contrast thoughts, or establish a causal relationship between two thoughts. So
consider the two relevant thoughts back-to-back:

Sentence 1: In one experiment, Garfinkle's students deliberately injected

confusion into casual conversations.

Sentence 2: When asked, "How are you?" one student unexpectedly replied:
"How am I in regard to what? My health, my finances, my peace of mind?"

In the first sentence, we learn that Garfinkle's students deliberately caused

confusion. The second sentence describes how the students caused confusion
(they responded to a common question in an unusual way). Those are similar
ideas, and the transition must reflect that fact.

Step 2: Narrow Your Choices

Now that you know what you're looking for, you can eliminate choices that don't
make logical connections.

A) However,

B) Alternatively,

C) Accordingly,

D) For example,

Choices A), However, and B), Alternatively, both express a contrast or reversal
and can be eliminated. Note that if two or more answers express the same
relationship, both answers can be crossed out because no question can have more
than one correct answer. Choice C), Accordingly, can also be eliminated since it
expresses a causal relationship that is not called for in our example.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Answer

Choice D), For example, accurately continues the relationship between our key
sentences by indicating a specific way in which Garfinkle's students disrupted
casual conversations. Now that you have chosen a correct answer, be sure to
accurately bubble it in on your answer sheet!

Types of Transitions
Continuers indicate that two sentences are expressing similar ideas.

Correct: Erenna sirena, a relative of the jellyfish, is one of the rare

marine organisms to emit red light. Indeed, only a few other
deep-sea creatures produce light that color.

Contradictors indicate that two sentences are expressing different ideas.

Correct: An increased reliance on computerized systems can leave

individuals vulnerable to cyber attacks. However, current defenses
are stronger than many people realize.

Cause-and-Effect words indicate that one action is the result of another.

Correct: The light from most quasars was emitted 15 billion years
ago. Therefore, they are a unique clue to how the universe looked
when it was only a quarter of its present age.

The chart below includes some common transitions. You should also be aware
that on recent exams, however and for example/instance have often appeared as
correct answers, whereas therefore, consequently, and likewise have often
appeared as incorrect answers. These are general patterns, however, so you must
consider the context of each particular question.

Continuers Contradictors Cause-and-Effect

Add Information Alternatively Accordingly
Also (Al)though As a result
And But As
Furthermore Conversely As such
In addition Despite/ In spite of Because
Moreover Even so Consequently
Even though For
Give Example However Hence
For example/instance In any case Since
In contrast So
Define, Clarify Instead Thereby
Effectively Meanwhile Thus
Essentially Nevertheless Therefore
 In other words Nonetheless To these ends
That is Otherwise
Rather
Emphasize Regardless
In fact Still
Indeed Whereas
While
Compare Yet
Likewise
Similarly Contrast
Alternately
Sequence of Events Alternatively
Next By/ In contrast
Then On the contrary
Previously On the other hand
Subsequently
Finally
While

A Closer Look at Continuation Words

Continuers are transitional words that add information, introduce
examples, emphasize key points, and elaborate on preceding points. They are the
most frequently tested type of transitional words, comprising just over half of all
transition questions. This should not come as a surprise because the new SAT is
designed to test your ability to identify and provide different types of evidence.
These words lead the reader to additional evidence.

1. FOR EXAMPLE and FOR INSTANCE

Both phrases indicate that a relevant example will follow. They lead the
reader to specific examples that support a previous point or claim. Note that for
example and for instance are the most frequently tested continuers.

2. IN FACT, INDEED, IN PARTICULAR

These phrases and words add emphasis to a previous statement. In fact

and indeed are the second most frequently tested continuers.

3. IN ADDITION, ALSO, MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE, and BESIDES

 These phrases and words signal that the next sentence will add another
example or point. It is important to note that besides is often used as a wrong
answer.

4. SIMILARLY, LIKEWISE, and BY THE SAME TOKEN

The words and phrases mean "in the same way." They continue an
argument by making a comparison between two points.

5. SUBSEQUENTLY

This word indicates that an action or event logically follows another action
or event. You should be able to substitute next and then to confirm that
subsequently is correct.

A Closer Look at Reversal Words

Reversals are words that introduce a contradiction, limitation, conflicting idea or
alternative. They are the second most frequently tested type of transitional word
and comprise about one third of all transition questions.

1. HOWEVER and ALTHOUGH

These key words signal an exception to a point stated in a preceding

sentence. Be alert for a contrast between two thoughts. However is by far the
most frequently tested reversal word. It comprises about two-thirds of all the
questions testing reversal words.

2. INSTEAD

This commonly used word means "in place of" or "a substitute for."
Although instead is often used as a wrong answer, it has on very rare occasions
also been correct.

3. CONVERSELY, IN CONTRAST, and ON THE OTHER HAND

Both words introduce a statement or idea that reverses one that has just
been made or referred to. They signal that the author's thoughts will move in a
contrary or opposite direction.

4. DESPITE

This reversal word means "in spite of." For example, we won the game
despite facing overwhelming odds.
5. NONETHELESS, NEVERTHELESS, and NOTWITHSTANDING

All three are interchangeable synonyms meaning "despite this" or

"however."

6. ALTERNATIVELY

Signals the presentation of another option or different choice.

A Closer Look at Cause-and-Effect Words

Cause-and-effect words signal a causal relationship between two thoughts.
They are the least frequently tested type of transition, comprising about
one-eighth of all transition questions.

A. Key Words and Key Points

1. CONSEQUENTLY, THEREFORE, THUS, HENCE, and TO THESE ENDS

All signal a logical cause-and-effect relationship between two thoughts.

You should be able to substitute the phrase as a result to confirm that any of
these words is correct. Note that consequently and therefore are the two most
frequently tested cause-and-effect words.

2. ACCORDINGLY

Refers to a thought or action that is logically appropriate to a given

circumstance.

Glossary of Transitions
Accordingly and Consequently = Therefore, as a result

Correct: Dolphins are social animals. Consequently, they live in pods of

up to a dozen animals.

Correct: Dolphins are social animals. Accordingly, they live in pods of up

to a dozen animals.

Furthermore and Moreover = Used to emphasize a preceding statement

Correct: Dolphins are social animals. Furthermore, they are highly

intelligent.
 Correct: Dolphins are social animals. Moreover, they are highly
intelligent.

In fact and Indeed = Used to emphasize a preceding statement

Correct: Dolphins are highly intelligent. In fact, they are one of the
smartest mammals.

Correct: Dolphins are highly intelligent. Indeed, they are one of the
smartest mammals.

Even so, Still, and Nevertheless = Despite this, however

Correct: Dolphins are descended from land-dwelling animals.

Nevertheless, they can only survive in water.

Correct: Dolphins are descended from land-dwelling animals. Even so,

they can only survive in water.

Correct: Dolphins are descended from land-dwelling animals. Still, they

can only survive in water.

Whereas = Although

Correct: A salmon is a type of fish, whereas a dolphin is a type of

mammal.

As such = As a + noun

As such is one of the trickier transitions, and it's best explained with an example.

Let's start with this sentence:

Correct: Dolphins are social animals. Because they are social animals,
they live in pods of up to a dozen animals.

We can also write it this way:

Correct: Dolphins are social animals. As social animals, they live in

pods of up to a dozen animals.

These sentences are fine grammatically, but the repetition of the phrase social
animals in the second sentence is awkward. To eliminate the repetition, we can
replace the phrase as social animals with as such.

Correct: Dolphins are social animals. As such, they live in pods of up to a

dozen animals.
Likewise = Similarly, In the same way

Correct: As mammals, dolphins are warm blooded. Likewise, they

nourish their young with milk.

Meanwhile = Literally, at the same time; often used as a synonym for however,
to indicate a contrast.

Correct: Many people think of dolphins as fish. Meanwhile, they ignore

scientific research, which long ago established that dolphins are actually
mammals.

Subsequently = Afterward

Correct: In the 1980s, dolphin populations began to decline because too

many animals were caught in fishing nets. Subsequently, fishing
companies began taking steps to reassure customers that products were
"dolphin safe."

That is - In other words; provides a definition or explanation, and often follows a

dash.

Correct: Dolphins are mammals - that is, they are warm blooded and
nourish their young with milk.