SAT Transitions Masterlist

These are all the transitions that will show up on the SAT. Have fun!

Again and again

transition for emphasis on something that repeats.

In fact

transition that either emphasizes previous point with extra detail, or undermines/supports a theory against reality.

Furthermore

transition for adding onto another idea with another distinct idea related to the preceding one.

In addition

transition that appends another similar idea to a previously introduced one.

Additionally

same transition as “in addition” with a more formal tone.

Moreover

transition for adding onto another idea with another distinct similar idea to emphasize the preceding one.

For example

transition that introduces an example to the previous idea.

For instance

the same as “for example” with a more conversing/informal tone.

In other words

transition that clarifies the previous idea by restating it into simpler language.

That is

transition that adds a new clarification to an idea that was discussed, more than just pure restating.

Indeed

transition that enforces and emphasizes the previous idea.

Likewise

transition that introduces a discrete idea that agrees with the preceding one. Here, agreement means adding a new idea that can be explained by a similarity or a correlation.

Similarly

transition that introduces a comparison between 2 similar but distinct ideas.

At that time

transition for referring to a specific moment in the past.

Subsequently

transition useful for introducing an idea resulting from the previous idea, almost like a cause and effect relationship.

Next

transition for showing the next idea in a sequence of ideas.

Then

transition for showing chronological order, or a consequence that results very directly out of a preceding idea.

Finally

transition for showing the last idea in a sequence of ideas.

Ultimately

transition that shows an idea that synthesizes all previous idea into a final conclusion or statement, describes the reasons behind an action, and a final judgement on an equivocal topic.

Later

transition for referring explicitly to an effect, where in the cause and effect relationship the effect is emphasized more.

Nowadays

transition that compares the idea in the present to the past.

Previously

transition that shows an idea that occurred before the preceding idea.

Specifically

transition that introduces specific details about the preceding idea.

In particular

transition useful for emphasizing one example out of the many possible ones.

Of course

transition that signals something obvious, expected, or an agreed fact to consider alongside the previous idea.

Often

transition for highlighting the prevalence of the repetition of an idea.

In sum

transition for indicating an idea that summarizes all previous ones mentioned thus far.

Overall

transition for giving the final statement or impression of an idea.

Elsewhere

transition that refers to a different place than where the previous idea refers to.

Alternatively

transition useful for prosing an alternative or a better explanation to the previous idea.

Conversely

transition for presenting an idea that is the opposite of the preceding one.

However

transition for showing an exception or anomaly to an idea or phenomenon previously discussed.

Instead

transition that introduces a better idea than the preceding one

Nevertheless

transition that introduces a contrast that does not neglect or negate the previous idea - could, in fact, strengthen or weaken it through the contrast.

Nonetheless

same as “nevertheless” but oriented more towards continuation of the previous idea. (similar to ‘either way’)

Regardless

transition that introduces an idea that makes the previous idea hold no matter how imposing the new idea is.

Even though

transition that introduces a contrast between 2 ideas that are contrasting but connected in some form.

Despite

transition useful for introducing a comparison without using 2 separate ideas.

In spite of

same as “despite” with a more formal tone

On the contrary

transition that weakens and rectifies a previous idea with the new contrasting idea.

That being said

a transition that qualifies (weaken) the previous idea, often by adding an exception or some sort of a weakening contrast without rejecting the idea entirely.

On the other hand

transition useful for showing another perspective.

Still

transition that is both brief and informal in nature that may show an unexpected continuation.

Rather

transition that suggests a better idea that might replace the preceding one.

Granted

transition that acknowledges a con of the preceding idea before introducing the new contrasting idea.

Admittedly

similar to “granted” but in a more honest tone

Though

similar to “although” or “even though”

Meanwhile

transition that implies parallel action while the previous idea was occurring (which may be contrasting depending on context).

At the same time

transition that could behave similarly to “meanwhile” or introduce an idea that is meant to balance out the previous one in some aspect.

By comparison

transition that shows a direct comparison between 2 ideas head to head.

In comparison

transition that shows a direct comparison, but with more emphasis on the contrast itself compared to the 2 ideas.

Accordingly

transition that introduces an effect according to a previous mentioned cause.

As such

similar to “because of that” often used in contrasty explanations.

Consequently

transition that introduces a DIRECT effect to a previous mentioned cause, can also have a negative connotation.

Ergo

similar to “therefore” in a more philosophical tone.

Hence

similar to “for this reason” in a more formal/academic tone.

For this reason

transition for explaining a new idea as an explained result of the previous idea, very similar to “because of this.”

Thus

transition for signaling a completion in the line of reasoning, very similar to “hence.”

Therefore

transition for introducing a conclusion or an informed effect of the previous ideas.

As a result

very similar to therefore, with a more informal tone.

In turn

a transition that describes the next idea in light of a chain of reactions.

To this end

very similar to “to reach this goal”

To that end

very similar to “to this end” but in a more distant manner.

Fittingly

transition useful for showing an idea that is deemed most appropriate or ‘fit’