SAT® transition words, sorted by what they signal
Transition questions on the digital SAT ask which word or phrase best connects two ideas. The trick is to decide the relationship between the sentences first, before you look at the choices. These lists group the common transitions by the relationship they signal.
The short version
- Read the sentence before the blank and the sentence after it.
- Name the relationship in plain words: contrast, result, addition, example, sequence or summary.
- Pick the choice that signals exactly that relationship. Choices from a different group are wrong, however good they sound.
Transition words by relationship
| Relationship | Use it when | Words and phrases |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | The next idea goes against the last one. | however, but, yet, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, on the other hand, in contrast, conversely, instead, by contrast |
| Concession | The writer admits a point, then holds a position anyway. | admittedly, granted, even so, although, despite this |
| Cause and result | The next idea follows from the last one. | therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, accordingly, hence, so, for this reason |
| Addition | The next idea adds a point in the same direction. | in addition, moreover, furthermore, also, additionally, besides, likewise, similarly |
| Example | The next idea is a specific case of the last one. | for example, for instance, specifically, in particular, to illustrate |
| Emphasis or restatement | The next idea says the last one again, more sharply. | in fact, indeed, that is, in other words, put simply |
| Sequence and time | The next idea comes later in a process or story. | first, then, next, subsequently, meanwhile, previously, finally, afterward |
| Conclusion | The next idea sums up what came before. | in conclusion, ultimately, in short, overall, in sum |
Worked example
The town’s new bike lanes were expected to reduce traffic downtown. ______ car trips into the center rose slightly in the first year, as new apartments brought more residents to the area.
Choices: Similarly, / For example, / However, / Therefore,
Answer: However. The first sentence sets up an expectation (less traffic); the second reports the opposite (more car trips). That is a contrast. Similarly signals addition, For example signals an example, and Therefore would mean the bike lanes caused the rise, which the passage doesn’t say.
Three traps to watch for
- Reading only one sentence. A transition connects two ideas. Always read the sentence before the blank too, and sometimes the one before that.
- Contrast vs. concession. However simply turns against the last idea; admittedly grants a point the writer then argues past. Check whether the writer agrees with the sentence before.
- Result vs. addition. Therefore claims the second idea is caused by the first. If the second idea is just another point, moreover or in addition fits and therefore is wrong.
Practice transitions on Peakscor
Learn’s Transitions module teaches each relationship with worked examples, and you can drill Transitions at easy, medium, hard and challenging levels, with an explanation for every choice. The free 20-question diagnostic shows which Reading and Writing skills to work on first.
All examples on this page were written by Peakscor. Peakscor is an independent practice tool and is not affiliated with College Board.
Questions
How do you answer SAT transition questions?
Ignore the blank, read the sentence before and the sentence after, and name the relationship between them in your own words: contrast, cause and effect, an added point, an example, or a sequence. Then pick the only choice that signals that relationship.
What is the difference between "however" and "therefore"?
"However" signals a contrast: the next idea pushes against the last one. "Therefore" signals a result: the next idea follows from the last one.
Are there two correct answers on transition questions?
Often two choices signal the same relationship, such as "however" and "nevertheless". When that happens, the question is built so that only one choice fits the exact relationship, or the others signal something else. Check the relationship again rather than choosing by feel.
Do transition questions test punctuation too?
Usually not. Transition questions in Expression of Ideas test meaning: which word fits the logic. Where a word like "however" goes between two sentences and what punctuation it needs is tested separately, in Boundaries.
Practice Transitions
Learn the relationships with worked examples, then drill them at any difficulty. The first lesson of every module is free.
Open the Transitions lesson