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Transition words are one of the most frequently tested skills in the SAT Writing and Language section. These words do not exist to make sentences sound fancy; they exist to show logical relationships between ideas. The SAT specifically tests whether students understand meaning, not tone.
This guide covers all SAT English transition words, grouped exactly by how they appear on the exam, with examples, traps, and strategy notes based on official SAT patterns.
| Transition Category | Purpose (When to Use) | Common SAT Transition Words | Example |
| Addition & Continuation | Used when the second sentence adds supporting or reinforcing information. | moreover, furthermore, additionally, in addition, also, likewise, similarly | The new policy reduced emissions. Moreover, it created thousands of green jobs. |
| Contrast & Opposition | Used when ideas conflict, contradict, or move in opposite directions. | however, although, whereas, yet, nevertheless, in contrast | Scientists expected the treatment to fail. However, patient outcomes exceeded expectations. |
| Cause & Effect | Used when one event leads to a result or conclusion. | therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, hence | The drought lasted eight months. Consequently, crop yields declined sharply. |
| Example & Illustration | Used to introduce specific evidence or cases. | for example, for instance, such as, specifically | Many cities adopted renewable energy. For example, Austin expanded solar infrastructure. |
| Time & Sequence | Used to show chronological order or steps. | first, then, next, afterward, subsequently | First, researchers collected baseline data. Then, they introduced the treatment. |
| Emphasis & Clarification | Used to strengthen or highlight an important point. | indeed, in fact, most importantly, above all | The discovery challenged assumptions. Indeed, it transformed the field. |
| Comparison & Similarity | Used when two ideas share similar traits or patterns. | similarly, likewise, in the same way, just as | Urban populations grew rapidly. Similarly, suburban areas expanded. |
| Concession & Qualification | Used to acknowledge limitations or opposing views before reinforcing the main point. | although, though, even though, despite | Although initial costs are high, solar panels save money long-term. |
| Conclusion & Summary | Used to summarize or close arguments. | in conclusion, ultimately, overall, all things considered | In conclusion, the evidence supports renewable energy adoption. |
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This study guide breaks down all SAT English transition words into clear, test-focused categories. It helps students identify the logical relationship between sentences, making transition questions faster and more accurate on test day.
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Download SAT English Transition Words Study Guide
These flashcards help students quickly master all SAT English transition words by focusing on the logical relationships they signal. Each card reinforces when and why a transition is used, making it easier to recognize correct answers under timed SAT conditions.
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Download SAT English Transition FlashCards
This worksheet is designed to help students master all SAT English transition words tested in the Writing & Language section. Each question focuses on identifying the logical relationship between sentences, not just grammar or sentence flow. Regular practice with these questions improves accuracy, speed, and confidence on test day.
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Download SAT Transition words Practice Worksheets
The city invested heavily in public transportation. ___, traffic congestion continued to worsen.
A. Therefore
B. Moreover
C. However
D. For example
Correct Answer: C. However
Explanation: The second sentence contradicts expectations, so a contrast transition is required.
The study examined several renewable energy sources. ___, wind power showed the fastest growth rate.
A. Therefore
B. For instance
C. However
D. Consequently
Correct Answer: B. For instance
Explanation: The sentence introduces a specific example, not a result or contrast.
The experiment failed to produce reliable data. ___, the researchers redesigned their methodology.
A. Similarly
B. However
C. Consequently
D. For example
Correct Answer: C. Consequently
Explanation: The redesign happened because of the failure → cause-effect.
Many early predictions about space travel proved inaccurate. ___, scientists underestimated the challenges of long-term missions.
A. For example
B. Therefore
C. Meanwhile
D. In conclusion
Correct Answer: A. For example
Explanation: The second sentence illustrates the general claim.
First, researchers collected baseline measurements. ___, they introduced the experimental treatment.
A. However
B. Moreover
C. Then
D. Therefore
Correct Answer: C. Then
Explanation: This is a chronological sequence, not contrast or cause-effect.
The new software reduced processing time significantly. ___, it improved overall system accuracy.
A. However
B. Moreover
C. Therefore
D. Although
Correct Answer: B. Moreover
Explanation: The sentence adds another benefit, so an addition transition fits.
___ initial costs are high, electric vehicles become more economical over time.
A. Therefore
B. For example
C. Although
D. Similarly
Correct Answer: C. Although
Explanation: The sentence acknowledges a limitation before emphasizing the benefit.
The theory challenged existing assumptions. ___, it reshaped decades of scientific research.
A. However
B. Indeed
C. For example
D. Then
Correct Answer: B. Indeed
Explanation: “Indeed” emphasizes and strengthens the previous statement.
Urban populations increased rapidly during the 20th century. ___, rural communities experienced steady decline.
A. Similarly
B. Therefore
C. However
D. For instance
Correct Answer: C. However
Explanation: The trends move in opposite directions, requiring contrast.
The committee reviewed all available data. ___, it approved the proposal unanimously.
A. For example
B. Consequently
C. Similarly
D. Meanwhile
Correct Answer: B. Consequently
Explanation: Approval is a result of reviewing the data.
Many animals rely on camouflage for survival. ___, the Arctic fox changes its coat color with the seasons.
A. Therefore
B. For instance
C. However
D. Ultimately
Correct Answer: B. For instance
Explanation: The second sentence gives one specific example.
The researcher acknowledged several limitations in the study. ___, the overall findings remain valid.
A. Although
B. Nevertheless
C. For example
D. Then
Correct Answer: B. Nevertheless
Explanation: The sentence pushes back against a limitation, making contrast appropriate.
The company expanded into international markets. ___, it saw a significant increase in revenue.
A. For example
B. Similarly
C. Consequently
D. Meanwhile
Correct Answer: C. Consequently
Explanation: Revenue increase is a direct outcome of expansion.
The author examined economic factors in detail. ___, political influences were briefly discussed.
A. Therefore
B. Moreover
C. In conclusion
D. For instance
Correct Answer: B. Moreover
Explanation: The sentence adds related information, not an example or conclusion.
The evidence strongly supports renewable energy adoption. ___, long-term investment in clean technology is essential.
A. However
B. For example
C. In conclusion
D. Similarly
Correct Answer: C. In conclusion
Explanation: The sentence summarizes and closes the argument.
The College Board designs transition questions to test logical reasoning, not grammar alone. A sentence may sound correct, but if the transition creates the wrong relationship, the answer is wrong.
Strong transition-word mastery helps you:
On nearly every SAT test, multiple questions directly assess transition logic.
On the SAT Writing & Language section, transition questions usually appear in three formats:
The SAT does not test how advanced a word sounds. It tests whether you can correctly identify sentence relationships such as addition, contrast, cause-effect, example, or sequence.
| Trap Pair | Why Students Get It Wrong |
|---|---|
| however vs therefore | Contrast confused with result |
| for example vs therefore | Evidence confused with conclusion |
| moreover vs however | Formal tone mistaken for correct logic |
| then vs however | Sequence confused with contrast |
SAT Online Prep Course Details
| SAT Prep Online |
Are transition words heavily tested on the Digital SAT?
Yes. Transition questions appear in nearly every Writing & Language passage.
Should I memorize transition word lists?
No. Focus on identifying sentence relationships.
What is the most confusing transition type?
Contrast vs cause-effect (however vs therefore).
How many transition questions appear on average?
Typically 4–6 per test.
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