SAT Reading & Writing: Contrast Transition Words
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The concept, explained
- 1
Contrast transitions signal that the second idea opposes, qualifies, or contradicts the first. Common ones: however, although, even though, despite, while, whereas, nevertheless, on the other hand, yet, in contrast.
- 2
Before choosing a transition, label the relationship between the two ideas: do they agree (use addition: furthermore, also, in addition) or disagree (use contrast)? The relationship drives the word choice.
- 3
"Although" and "even though" introduce a subordinate clause that concedes a point before the main clause contradicts it: "Although the study was small, its findings were significant."
- 4
"Despite" and "in spite of" must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause. "Despite she worked hard" is wrong — use "Despite working hard" or "Although she worked hard."
- 5
"Nevertheless" and "however" connect two independent clauses and must follow a semicolon or period, not a comma alone: "It was raining; nevertheless, the game continued."
- ✗ Confusing "however" (contrast) with "therefore" (cause-and-effect conclusion). Read both sentences carefully — if the second follows logically from the first, use "therefore"; if it pushes back, use "however."
- ✗ Using "despite" with a full subject-verb clause: "Despite the economy improved..." is wrong. It must be "Despite the economy improving..." or "Despite improvements in the economy..."
SAT-style practice
Many early computers were extremely large, filling entire rooms; _____, modern smartphones contain far more computing power than those machines ever did.
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