Transitions
1. Addition & Similarity
These words indicate that the second idea adds to or reinforces the first.
Furthermore / Moreover: Used to add a new, often more important, point.
In addition / Additionally: Standard ways to add more information.
Likewise / Similarly: Used when two ideas are comparable.
Fact is / Indeed: Used to emphasize a previous point with more detail.
2. Contrast & Contradiction
These are high-frequency SAT words. They signal a "pivot" or a change in direction.
However / Nonetheless / Nevertheless: The most common ways to show a "but" relationship.
Conversely / On the contrary: Used to show a direct opposite.
Even so / Still: Used when the second idea happens despite the first.
In contrast / Alternatively: Used to present a different option or viewpoint.
3. Cause & Effect
These words show that the first idea resulted in the second.
Therefore / Consequently: The most formal ways to show a result.
Thus / Hence: Short, punchy ways to say "as a result."
Accordingly: Used when an action follows logically from the previous facts.
As such: Connects a characteristic of something to a following result.
4. Examples & Clarification
These words help define or illustrate the preceding point.
For example / For instance: The standard way to introduce a specific case.
Specifically / In particular: Used to zoom in from a general idea to a detail.
That is / In other words: Used to restate or simplify a complex idea.
To illustrate: Used to provide a descriptive example.
5. Sequence & Time
These words establish a chronological or step-by-step order.
Subsequently: Happens after something else.
Previously: Happens before something else.
Meanwhile: Happens at the same time.
Ultimately / Finally: Signals the end of a process or the most important result.