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In their own SAT and ACT essay-writing, many students struggle making fluid and appropriate transitions from one sentence or paragraph to another. Likewise, students struggle with selecting the appropriate transition word on the SAT Writing section. They could also benefit from recognizing what different transition words mean when authors employ them in the Critical Reading section. Accordingly, this article will provide you with a list of transition words to familiarize yourself with. By the end, you’ll have a host of transitions to reach for in your own writing, and you’ll be well equipped to judge which transitions to use.
List of common SAT transition words
Each transition will be defined and used in an example.
Accordingly
“Accordingly” means “therefore” or “as a result.”
The SAT can be very tricky. Accordingly, it’s important to take advantage of test prep resources.
Consequently
“Consequently” also means “therefore” or “as a result.”
It’s going to rain later. Consequently, I’m bringing my umbrella.
Furthermore
“Furthermore” means “in addition.”
Apples are delicious. Furthermore, they’re good for you.
Moreover
“Moreover” also means “in addition.”
Bananas are delicious. Furthermore, they’re rich in potassium.
In fact
“In fact” serves to emphasize what comes before it.
Artificial sweeteners are not healthy. In fact, they may contribute to cancer.
Indeed
“Indeed” also serves to emphasize what comes before it.
Russia is huge. Indeed, it spans nine time zones.
Even so
“Even so” means “despite this fact.”
It looked like it was going to rain. Even so, they decided to go swimming.
Still
“Still” also means “despite this fact.”
The movie was panned by critics. Still, audiences loved it.
Nevertheless
“Nevertheless” also means “despite this fact.”
The traveler was tired. Nevertheless, he kept traveling.
While
“While” means “although” or “but.”
Frogs need to live near water to survive, while toads do not.
Whereas
“Whereas” means “although” or “but.”
Dogs require constant attention, whereas cats do not.
As such
“As such” is best explained by an example:
Whales are mammals. As such, they are warm-blooded.
In this sentence, “such” refers to “mammals.”
Likewise
“Likewise” means “in a similar manner.”
Yellow is a primary color. Red and blue, likewise, are primary colors.
Meanwhile
“Meanwhile” means “at the same time.”
Sally mowed the lawn. Meanwhile, John cooked dinner.
That is
“That is” means “in other words.”
Toads are amphibious. That is, they can dwell in or out of water.
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That’s it for now! Memorize these transitions, and be ready to choose which transition (if any) to use between sentences on the SAT.
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