SAT Reading & Writing - Transition Words Vocabulary Guide

Vocabulary flashcards identifying transition word categories, specific transition functions, and critical look-alike distinctions tested on the Reading & Writing section of the SAT.

3-Step Method for Transitions

A step-by-step strategy for SAT transition questions: 1) Shrink/summarize the sentence before the blank in five words or fewer, 2) Shrink/summarize the sentence with the blank while ignoring the transition, and 3) Name the relationship in plain English before matching it to a word group.

Addition Transitions

A group of transition words (such as moreover, furthermore, additionally, and in addition) that stacks one more supporting point onto the previous one without repeating, contradicting, or following from it.

Similarity Transitions

A group of transition words (such as similarly, likewise, and in the same way) that indicates a parallel relationship between two comparable subjects performing comparable actions.

Direct Contrast Transitions

A group of transition words (such as however, in contrast, by contrast, and on the other hand) where two ideas oppose or differ directly from each other.

Concession & Exception Transitions

A group of transition words (such as nevertheless, nonetheless, even so, that said, granted, admittedly, and regardless) that admits a point cutting against the main claim while showing the main claim still stands, or carves out an exception.

Correction Transitions

A group of transition words (such as on the contrary, instead, and rather) that denies a previous assumption, impression, or possibility and replaces it with the truth or actual replacement.

Alternative Transitions

A group of transition words (such as alternatively and otherwise) that presents a different choice or option for reaching the same goal or handling the same situation.

Result & Conclusion Transitions

A group of transition words (such as therefore, thus, hence, consequently, as a result, accordingly, and as such) that introduces an effect, outcome, or logical conclusion resulting from an earlier cause.

Purpose Transitions

A group of transition phrases (such as to that end and with this in mind) used when the previous sentence states a goal or plan and the new sentence describes a deliberate action taken to carry it out.

Examples & Specifics Transitions

A group of transition words (such as for example, for instance, specifically, in particular, and namely) that illustrates a broader claim with a single case or zooms in on exact details.

Restatement & Clarification Transitions

A group of transition phrases (such as in other words, that is, and put differently) that rephrases the previous sentence using simpler terms, a definition, or clarification, without adding any new idea.

Emphasis Transitions

A group of transition words (such as indeed, in fact, above all, and notably) that intensifies, reinforces, or backs up a statement with a stronger, more precise version or surprising truth.

Sequence & Time Transitions

A group of transition words (such as next, lastly, finally, meanwhile, subsequently, previously, initially, and ultimately) that orders events or steps chronologically or logically within a process.

Summary & Conclusion Transitions

A group of transition phrases (such as in sum, in short, in conclusion, and overall) that compresses or wraps up several previous points into one big-picture verdict.

Frequency, Degree & Judgment Transitions

A group of transition words (such as more often, typically, fittingly, ironically, and unsurprisingly) that describes how often something occurs, how typical it is, or expresses a writer's judgment on the outcome.

Specifically vs. For example

Specifically replaces a vague statement with exact details that complete it, whereas for example offers one illustrative case out of several possible ones.

In other words vs. In sum

In other words restates a single idea in clearer or simpler terms, whereas in sum summarizes multiple preceding ideas into one overall statement.

Moreover vs. Similarly

Moreover adds any distinct, related point to strengthen an argument, whereas similarly adds a parallel point that follows the same pattern with a new subject.

However vs. On the contrary

However simply opposes or pushes against the previous idea, whereas on the contrary flatly denies a false assumption and corrects it with the truth.

However vs. That said / Granted

However introduces a plain opposite idea, whereas that said and granted step back from a broad claim to add a limit or exception while letting the main point stand.

Nevertheless vs. However

Nevertheless means a outcome happened 'in spite of that obstacle,' whereas however simply means 'this goes the other way.'

Thus / Therefore vs. To that end

Thus and therefore introduce an outcome or conclusion that follows naturally from facts, whereas to that end introduces a deliberate, intentional action aimed at a stated goal.

Ultimately vs. Finally / Lastly

Ultimately means 'in the end' after events or 'at the deepest level,' whereas finally and lastly strictly mark the final item in a listed series of steps or points.

Indeed / In fact vs. Moreover

Indeed and in fact intensify, reinforce, or turn up the volume on the exact same idea, whereas moreover adds a separate, additional point.

Alternatively vs. Instead

Alternatively offers another choice or route for reaching the same goal, whereas instead replaces something expected that did not happen with what actually happened.

Conversely

A contrast word that flips a relationship around, indicating that if statement A leads to statement B, then the reverse of A leads to the reverse of B.

In turn

A result transition that indicates the next link in a chain reaction where event A causes event B, which then causes event C.