Expression of Ideas: Transitions

SAT transition

Accordingly

Causality relationship. Signals a consequence or result.

Example: She studied hard. Accordingly, she aced the exam.

Actually

Signals a clarification or correction.

Example: Many people believe that goldfish have a three-second memory span. Actually, research has shown that goldfish can remember information for months.

Additionally

Signals an added point or extra information.

Example: The hotel had a pool and a gym. Additionally, there was a spa for guests to enjoy.

Afterward

Temporal relationship. Signals a chronological sequence of events.

Example: The student spent an hour solving math problems. Afterward, he took a break by watching his favorite TV show.

Alternatively

Contrast relationship. Signals an alternative or different option.

Example: To save on gas money, many people choose to take the bus. Alternatively, some may prefer riding a bike.

As a result

Causal relationship. Signals the consequence of a previous action or situation.

Example: The team practiced hard all week, even on rainy days. As a result, they won their next match.

Besides

Signals an additional point or consideration.

Example: The venue was small, but the group enjoyed the concert. Besides, the place had fantastic acoustics.

By contrast

Contrast relationship. Signals a difference in points.

Example: The critics dismissed the new film as a shallow and predictable blockbuster. By contrast, the audience overwhelmingly praised the movie for its unique character dynamics.

Consequently

Causal relationship. Signals a cause-and-effect relationship.

Example: The boy spent all his allowance on trading cards. Consequently, he was unable to buy a new gaming console right away.

Currently

Temporal relationship. Signals events in a present situation.

Example: Many people associate success solely with financial wealth, assuming that the more money one has, the more successful they are in life. Currently, there is a shift in societal perspectives, acknowledging that success can also be measured by personal fulfillment and meaningful relationships.

Finally

Temporal relationship. Signals the conclusion or last point.

Example: Many believed that reaching the summit of Mount Everest was an impossible feat until Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay accomplished it in 1953. Finally, their successful ascent shattered misconceptions and opened new possibilities for hiking enthusiasts.

For example

Introduces an illustrative point.

Example: The Renaissance was a period of cultural and intellectual transformation in Europe, marked by a revival of interest in art, literature, and humanism. For example, the works of Leonardo da Vinci showcased the spirit of intellectual curiosity and creativity that defined this era.

For instance

Similar to "for example," it introduces a specific example.

Example: There are many reasons to exercise regularly. For instance, not only can it help to maintain a healthy weight, but it can also help to improve mood.

For this reason

Explains the reason behind a statement or action.

Example: Advancements in technology have made communication significantly easier and quicker. For this reason, people around the world have become more interconnected.

Furthermore

Adds more information to support a previous statement.

Example: The neuroimaging study not only confirmed the hypothesized brain activation patterns during problem-solving tasks but also revealed unexpected correlations between increased frontal lobe activity and creative thinking. Furthermore, these discoveries have the potential to reshape current cognitive neuroscience theories and guide future investigations.

Hence

Causal relationship. Signals a conclusion or a result based on the preceding information or argument.

Example: The weather forecast predicts heavy rain later today. Hence, it would be wise to bring an umbrella when you head out.

However

Contrast relationship. Signals a contradiction or point of difference.

Example: The Industrial Revolution brought about unprecedented economic growth and technological advancements in the 18th and 19th centuries, transforming societies and industries. However, this period also led to significant social inequalities and labor exploitation.

In addition

Signals the inclusion of another point.

Example: In the 20th century, the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union accelerated advancements in space exploration. In addition, the competition spurred significant scientific innovations that impacted other industries, such as the creation of smaller and more powerful electronic devices.

In comparison

Signals differences between two points.

Example: Pablo Picasso revolutionized the art world with his abstract representations through bold colors and shapes. In comparison, Claude Monet's Impressionist paintings depicted the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere through soft, tentative brushstrokes.

Increasingly

Signals a growing trend or pattern.

Example: As technology continues to advance, virtual reality is becoming an integral part of various industries, from gaming to education and healthcare. Increasingly, companies are incorporating VR applications to enhance user experiences and provide innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Indeed

Signals a point of emphasis or validity of a statement.

Example: The archaeological discovery unearthed a trove of ancient artifacts, shedding light on the daily life and customs of a long-lost civilization. Indeed, these findings have the potential to reshape our understanding of the region's history and cultural development.

In fact

Signals a point of emphasis by describing the reality or truth of a situation.

Example: The renewable energy sector has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, with solar and wind power becoming increasingly prevalent sources of electricity. In fact, many countries are now investing heavily in these sustainable technologies to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

In other words

Signals that a point is being rephrased or clarified.

Example: The concept of entropy in thermodynamics quantifies the degree of disorder or randomness in a system, providing a key insight into the direction of natural processes. In other words, as entropy increases, the system tends to move towards a state of greater chaos.

Instead

Signals an alternative or difference course of action.

Example: At a glance, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein might seem to be about a monster that symbolizes scientific ambition gone awry. Instead, as the narrative unfolds, the creature becomes a tragic figure, revealing the complexity of human emotions and the impact of societal rejection on an individual.

Likewise

Signals a point of similarity or agreement.

Example: Practicing meditation has been linked to an increase in alpha brain waves, promoting a state of relaxation. Likewise, certain types of music, such as soothing melodies or binaural beats, have demonstrated the ability to induce alpha brain wave patterns.

Meanwhile

Temporal relationship. Signals an event happening at the same time as another event.

Example: In William Golding's Lord of the Flies, tension mounts as a storm brews towards the novel's climax. Meanwhile, with ominous clouds looming overhead and the wind picking up, the boys stranded on the island mistake one of their own for a beast, culminating in a tragic and violent outcome.

Moreover

Signals the inclusion of additional information in order to emphasize a point.

Example: Websites such as YouTube have revolutionized the way information is accessed and shared, enabling people to learn new skills for free. Moreover, such sites have empowered content creators to share their knowledge in a more accessible way while also creating new career opportunities that were previously unavailable.

Nevertheless

Signals a contrast or concession ("in spite of this")

Example: The dedicated staff at the animal shelter experienced a large and unexpected influx of animals during the cold winter months. Nevertheless, the staff's unwavering commitment led to countless adoptions for both cats and dogs, finding forever homes for previously overlooked pets.

Regardless

Signals that the following statement is true despite other factors.

Example: Mikayla faced numerous obstacles while working on her play script, from writer's block to constant interruptions. Regardless, she persisted in her efforts, determined to complete her script by the end of the month.

Still

Signals that something is true in spite of the circumstances.

Example: The rain poured relentlessly, creating a steady thrumming against the windowpane as the house creaked with every gust of wind. Still, the warmth of a cozy blanket and a steaming mug of tea made the gloomy weather less miserable.

Similarly

Signals an additional point that is like or similar to a previous point.

Example: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice showcases the intricate dance of courtship and romance in Regency-era England, with Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy at its center. Similarly, Sense and Sensibility delves into the social complexities of the time, portraying the contrasting characters of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they navigate love and societal expectations.

Specifically

Signals an example or detail to illustrate a point.

Example: The Renaissance period was marked by a flourishing of art, literature, and scientific inquiry, showcasing a renewed interest in humanism and classical knowledge. Specifically, artists like Michelangelo made significant contributions to this cultural reawakening through masterful works of art.

Subsequently

Temporal relationship. Signals an event happening after another event.

Example: Alexander Fleming's accidental observation of mold killing bacteria in his laboratory marked a groundbreaking moment in medical history. Subsequently, this discovery paved the way for the development of penicillin, saving countless lives through the introduction of antibiotics.

Therefore

Causal relationship. Signals a logical consequence or conclusion based on previous statements.

Example: Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism emphasizes individualism and rational self-interest as the guiding principles for a flourishing society. Therefore, her novels, such as Atlas Shrugged, serve as both fictional narratives and vehicles for conveying her philosophical ideas to a wider audience.

Thus

Causal relationship. Signals a result based on previous information.

Example: Eating utensils made from single-use plastics frequently end up in a landfill, contributing to environmental concerns associated with waste. Thus, innovative solutions to address the problem are gaining more traction, such as edible utensils made from flour.

Conversely

Contrast relationship. Signals opposing information between two ideas.

Example: Many people believe that technology is making us more connected than ever before. Conversely, others argue that it's actually leading to increased feelings of isolation.

In short

Summary relationship. Signals the following statement will provide a concise summary or conclusion of the preceding information.

Example: The company implemented several new processes that included streamlining operations and renegotiating supplier contracts. In short, the company wanted to save money.

Simultaneously

Temporal relationship. Signals that two or more actions, events, or processes are occurring at the same time.

Example: Lyra was only half-listening to the company town hall meeting via Zoom, bobbing her head periodically to indicate her involvement in the discussion. Simultaneously, she was discreetly typing up a report that was due that day.

What's more

Signals that the following information adds to or reinforces the previous point.

Example: The new smartphone model boasts impressive battery life and advanced camera features. What's more, it comes with enhanced security features to protect user data.

To that end

Signals that the following statement or action is being undertaken with the specific aim of achieving a particular goal mentioned earlier.

Example: The school administration is introducing a series of wellness programs to promote student mental health and well-being. To that end, it has partnered with local organizations and trained staff members to provide support and resources to students.

That is

Clarification relationship. Signals the following information will further explain or elaborate on a previous point.

Example: Bookstores have faced challenges in recent years with the growing popularity of e-books and online retailers. That is, the convenience of purchasing books online has led to a decrease in foot traffic and sales at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores.