Grammar and reading terms · SAT Reading and Writing, ACT English, ACT Reading
Transition
Transition: A word or phrase that shows the logical relationship between ideas, such as contrast, cause, addition or example.
By the CollegePrepRoom editorial team · Updated · How we write and check these pages
What it means
Common types: contrast (however, nevertheless), cause and effect (therefore, as a result), addition (furthermore, similarly), example (for instance), and sequence (then, finally). The right transition depends on how the two ideas relate.
Read the sentences before and after the transition and decide the relationship before looking at the choices.
Example
'The bridge was designed to last a century. However, it needed major repairs after only twenty years.' The second sentence contrasts with the first.
On the exam
SAT Transitions questions and ACT transition questions ask for the word that fits the logical relationship.