# SAT Transitions: How to Choose the Right Word | topin

SAT guidesTransitions

Section

Reading and Writing, Expression of Ideas domain

Count

Usually 3–4 per module, just before Rhetorical Synthesis

Format

A short passage with a blank for a transition, four choices

Typical stem

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Time

About 30–45 seconds each

## How it works

You read a short passage with a blank at the start of a sentence or clause. The four choices are transition words or phrases, such as however, for example, similarly and as a result. You choose the one that matches the logical relationship between the ideas on either side. Harder items use subtler pairs, such as nevertheless and in other words, and need the logic of the whole passage, not just the sentence before.

## Worked example

Many early electric cars could travel only about 50 kilometres on a single charge. For drivers who used them for short errands around town, this was rarely a problem. \_\_\_\_\_\_ for families in the countryside, where trips were longer and places to recharge were scarce, the limited range made electric cars impractical. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

1. ASimilarly,
2. BAs a result,
3. CIn other words,
4. DBy contrast,
Show the answer

D: By contrast,

The sentence before says the short range was not a problem for town drivers; the sentence after says it was a problem for country families. That is a contrast between two groups, so By contrast fits. Similarly would need the same point repeated. As a result needs the second sentence to follow from the first, but it describes a different group, not a consequence. In other words would need a restatement.

## A method for Transitions

1. 1  
### Cover the choices  
Read the whole passage first, and at least the sentence before and the sentence after the blank.
2. 2  
### Name the relationship  
Is the second idea a contrast, a cause or result, an example, an addition, a restatement or a next step in time? Decide before looking.
3. 3  
### Group the choices  
Sort the choices by relationship: however, nevertheless and by contrast all contrast; therefore and as a result show consequence. If two choices mean the same thing, neither is likely to be right.
4. 4  
### Test the finalist in the passage  
Read the passage with your choice in place and check that it makes sense with everything before the blank, not just the last sentence.

## Traps to avoid

* Choosing from the sentence before the blank alone, without the sentence that follows.
* As a result or therefore where the second idea simply comes next, rather than being caused by the first.
* However where the second idea concedes a point, which calls for nevertheless, still or granted.
* For example where the second sentence restates the first rather than giving a specific case.

## Transitions FAQs

What are the most common SAT transition words?

However, nevertheless, by contrast, similarly, likewise, for example, specifically, in other words, therefore, as a result, moreover, in addition, finally and meanwhile. Know which relationship each one signals.

What is the difference between however and nevertheless?

Both contrast, but nevertheless means despite what was just said, the point still holds. Use it when the second idea persists in spite of the first.

Have SAT Transitions questions got harder?

Prep teachers report that recent tests use subtler transitions that depend on the whole passage, so practise reading both sides of the blank every time.

## Try Transitions under real timing

Your first full-length SAT mock is free, with every section included.

[Take the free mock ](/sat/login)