SAT Transition words

1. Cause → Effect (shows result)

Use these when the second sentence explains what happened because of the first.

  • As a result,

  • Therefore,

  • Consequently,

  • Thus,

  • So,

Example:

  • “It rained all night. As a result, the soccer game was canceled.”

2. Contrast / Opposition (shows difference)

Use these when the second sentence goes against the first or shows a surprising twist.

  • However,

  • Nevertheless,

  • On the other hand,

  • By contrast,

  • Regardless, (means “despite that”)

  • Although… / Even though…

Example:

  • “He was tired. However, he kept studying.”

3. Addition (adds more information)

Use these when the second sentence just adds another point in the same direction.

  • Furthermore,

  • Moreover,

  • In addition,

  • Also,

Example:

  • “She enjoys hiking. Moreover, she loves swimming.”

4. Example / Emphasis (zooms in or highlights)

Use these when the second sentence gives a specific example or detail.

  • Specifically,

  • For example,

  • For instance,

  • In particular,

  • Namely,

Example:

  • “Many animals live in the rainforest. Specifically, jaguars and toucans are common.”

5. Similarity (shows same idea)

Use these when the second sentence agrees with or parallels the first.

  • Similarly,

  • Likewise,

  • In the same way,

Example:

  • “She enjoys traveling. Similarly, her brother loves exploring new countries.”

6. Sequence / Time (order of events)

Use these when you’re showing time order or steps.

  • First, / Second, / Finally,

  • Then,

  • Next,

  • Afterward,

  • Previously,

  • Meanwhile,

Example:

  • “First, wash your hands. Then, prepare the ingredients.”

7. Conclusion / Summary

Use these to wrap up or sum up the previous ideas.

  • In conclusion,

  • Overall,

  • In summary,

  • To sum up,

  • Ultimately,

Example:

  • “In conclusion, exercise improves both physical and mental health.”

🔹 Initially

  • Meaning: at first, at the beginning. (Time order / sequence)

  • Use: when you describe the starting point of a situation, before something changes.

  • Clue: Think timeline.

🔹 In fact

  • Meaning: actually, to emphasize truth, or to correct a mistaken impression.

  • Use: when you want to strengthen or clarify something that was just said.

  • Clue: Think proof or emphasis.

🔹 Ultimately

  • Meaning: in the end, after considering everything, final outcome.

  • Use: when you describe the final result or conclusion of a process, decision, or series of events.

  • Clue: Think “after all is said and done.”

🔹 Granted

  • Meaning: it’s true that… / I admit that… (introduces a concession).

  • Use: when you acknowledge something is true, but you’ll contrast it with a bigger point.

  • Clue: Think “okay, that’s true, but still…”

Besides

  • Meaning: “in addition to” / “apart from” / “also.”

  • Use: Adds another idea, point, or example.

subsequently 

  • “later,” “afterward,” “as a result of what happened before.”

  • Use: Shows chronological order; places one event after another.

  • Grammar: Usually placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence.

A= always singular 

Even so

  • Meaning: “nevertheless,” “despite what was just said,” or “but still.”

  • Use: Shows contrast — acknowledges the previous idea is true, but introduces an opposing point.

  • Grammar: Usually comes at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma.

Still

  • Meaning: “nevertheless,” “yet,” “even so.”

• • Use: Shows contrast — something is true despite the previous statement.