Important Transitions for the SAT and the ACT
Below are difficult / unfamiliar transitions (and their definitions) that have appeared as an answer in the SAT and the ACT at least once.
*I have omitted obvious transitions such as "however" or "moreover".
Though
The word “though” is arguably one of the most important words in the SAT.
“Though” appears in both punctuation and transition questions, and there are two different usages.
1) “Though” can be used like “Although” and “Even though,” creating modifiers or dependent clauses.
Although I liked her, she didn’t.
Even though I liked her, she didn’t.
Though I liked her, she didn’t.
2) “Though” can be used as “However.”
This is the most important usage of “though” for the SAT.
I went to the shop. The shop, however, was closed.
I went to the shop. The shop, though, was closed.
I went to the shop. The shop was closed, though.
*Remember that transitions can come in the beginning, middle, and end.
In fact / Indeed
used to emphasize the previous sentence
Jack is very smart. In fact, he is one of the smartest boys in our school.
Conversely
used to contrast or reverse the previous sentence (similar to "however")
Hemmingway often wrote short sentences in his novel. Conversely, Faulkner wrote long sentences.
You can pour the water into the mixture. Conversely, you can add the mixture into the water.
Subsequently
used to show something happened AFTER the previous sentence
A clear association between listening to classical music and memory improvement was discovered. Subsequently, many parents made their children listen to classical music.
Accordingly
used to show a result (similar to "therefore" and "as a result")
The government increased the minimum wage. Accordingly, many people's standard of living improved.
To this end / To these ends
definition: To achieve this goal or aim.
Jack wants to get a perfect score on his test. To this end, he must study effectively.
Given that
definition: Considering the fact that
Given that reading books improves vocabulary and comprehension skills, students should be encouraged to read books.
In particular
In particular could mean either "specifically" or "especially."
In the SAT, it has been used as "specifically."
I am interested in Shakespeare's tragedies. In particular, I am interested in Othello.
In turn
used to show another action/event that follows the first action/event (sequence)
Max revealed his secret recipe to Jack who, in turn, told his brothers.
often used as a result of previous statement or action (similar to "as a result")
If employees are given higher incentive for their work, it will in turn motivate employees to work harder.
Then
Then can be used in three ways:
1) At that time
I was in Toronto then.
2) Afterwards
I went home. Then, I went to sleep.
3) In that case (similar to therefore) / This usage is most important for the SAT.
They found the evidence. The case, then, is closed.
In effect
‘In effect’ is used to summarize something. However, there is a sense that the statement is not completely accurate.
Similar to "Basically"
In effect, the new system will benefit everyone.
That is (also “that is to say”)
used to clarify what has been said (similar to “In other words”)
He was very considerate: that is, he would always care about what I would say.
Of course / Admittedly
used to make a concession
Watching TV is beneficial for students. Of course, some TV programs should be avoided.
Watching TV is beneficial for students. Admittedly, some TV programs should be avoided.
Although vs. Whereas
They can be used similarly: to contrast and begin a modifier or a dependent clause.
Their main difference is that “whereas” is used when comparing TWO things or people.
“Although” can be used more freely (it could also create different meanings, but this is not important for the SAT)
I went shopping, whereas I was broke. (x)
I went shopping, although I was broke.
He likes to sleep early, whereas his wife prefers to sleep late.
Although he likes to sleep early, his wife prefers to sleep late.
In fact / Indeed vs. For example
Many students believe that these two transitions are interchangeable. However, they are two completely different transitions. “In fact / Indeed” are used to emphasize the first statement, while “for example” is used to give an example.
The company has released unique colors for its new laptop. In fact, these colors have never been used by any other laptops that they designed.
The company has released unique colors for its new laptop. For example, these colors have never been used by any other laptops that they designed. (x)
The second statement here does not give examples of "colors" the company has released. Thus, “for example” cannot be used.
If we want to use “for example” in this sentence, we will need to provide some examples like this:
The company has released unique colors for its new laptop. For example, a rainbow is one of the colors customers can choose from.