Understand it. Then remember it.

Adds another relevant fact, reason, or benefit to the point already made.

The new windows reduce street noise. Additionally, they help keep the rooms warm.

Adds another reason or consideration, often to strengthen a decision or opinion.

Let's take the train because it is faster. Besides, we will avoid paying for parking.

Watch for: In a phrase such as 'besides the cost,' it means 'in addition to the cost'; do not confuse it with 'beside,' meaning next to.

Moves from inventing a word or phrase to another, broader contribution.

The guidebook introduced a new name for the hiking route. Beyond the simple coining of a term, it encouraged visitors to explore the area.

Watch for: The earlier part must mention naming or inventing a term; the next part should add something beyond that contribution.

Adds a fact that makes the problems or questions already mentioned harder to resolve.

The organizers faced a small budget and a crowded schedule. Further complicating these issues, the venue announced that it would close for repairs.

Watch for: The earlier part must establish issues, and the new fact must add difficulty rather than merely provide an answer.

Adds another point that develops or strengthens the same overall case.

The proposed park would provide space for exercise. Furthermore, its trees would shade the surrounding streets.

Watch for: A new supporting point differs from a specific example or a restatement of the same point.

Adds another fact or supporting point alongside the one already given.

The library lends books and magazines. In addition, it offers free language classes.

Introduces something to consider alongside the influences or conditions already listed.

Rainfall and sunlight affect how fast the plants grow. In addition to these factors, soil quality matters.

Watch for: A conclusion reached from the listed factors is not itself another factor.

Adds another point that supports or develops the same general discussion.

The new windows reduce street noise. Moreover, they keep the rooms warmer in winter.

Watch for: The new point should add information; if it explains the same point in different words, a clarification may fit better.

Adds another relevant point, often giving extra weight to the point already being made.

The community pool offers free swimming lessons. What’s more, it lends equipment to beginners.

Watch for: The next part should contribute another point rather than merely translate the previous one into simpler words.

Introduces a particular case that illustrates the broader point before it.

Some plants store water in their leaves. For example, aloe has thick leaves that hold moisture.

Watch for: Check that the specific case really belongs under the earlier general claim.

Gives one specific illustration of the idea just stated.

The community center offers activities for beginners. For instance, its pottery class requires no previous experience.

Watch for: It works much like 'for example'; the important question is whether the second part illustrates the first.

Restates the same main idea in a clearer or different way.

Only residents of the town may enter the contest. In other words, you must live in the town to take part.

Watch for: The meaning should stay consistent; a new example, result, or opposing claim is not a restatement.

Focuses attention on one specific part, case, or detail within a broader topic.

The team reviewed several parts of the building. In particular, it examined the roof for leaks.

Watch for: It singles something out for attention; it does not merely introduce the next step in a process.

Narrows a broad statement by supplying exact details about what it means or how it happened.

The school made the entrance easier to use. Specifically, it installed a ramp beside the steps.

Watch for: An example illustrates a broader claim; 'specifically' gives a more precise account of the matter already being described.

Explains the same point more clearly by restating it or spelling out what it refers to.

The club meets fortnightly. That is, its meetings take place every two weeks.

Watch for: The two parts should express the same underlying information, not two separate examples or actions.

Replaces a broad or approximate description with a precise detail.

The walk takes just under an hour. To be exact, it takes fifty minutes.

Watch for: Look for increased precision about the same subject, rather than an unrelated fact.

Introduces evidence presented as supporting the proposed explanation or prediction already mentioned.

The students predicted that warmer water would dissolve the sugar faster. Confirming this hypothesis, their tests showed shorter dissolving times in warmer water.

Watch for: Identify the exact prediction being supported; a related discovery may weaken it instead, and support does not always settle a question forever.

Introduces a fact that strengthens, makes more precise, or sometimes corrects the preceding idea.

The hall can hold a large audience. In fact, it has seats for two thousand people.

Watch for: It can reinforce a claim or correct an impression; do not assign it one relationship without reading both parts.

Often strengthens or confirms the preceding point with a more forceful statement or supporting detail.

The storm caused serious damage. Indeed, it destroyed the roof of the largest building.

Watch for: It can sharpen a claim, as in “not merely useful; indeed, essential.” It can also acknowledge a point before a limitation follows; read both parts.

Introduces someone reaching a conclusion like the one already described.

One research team concluded that the marsh needed more protection. Drawing a similar conclusion, a second team recommended limiting construction nearby.

Watch for: Compare the conclusions themselves; studying the same topic does not mean reaching similar conclusions.

Connects a second case that shares the relevant feature, action, or pattern of the first.

The first poem connects rain with sadness. Likewise, the second uses storms to express grief.

Watch for: Name the shared feature before choosing it; mentioning two poems or two people is not enough.

Shows that a second example or situation follows a pattern like the first.

One teacher uses songs to help students remember new words. Similarly, another uses rhymes to make vocabulary memorable.

Watch for: Compare what the two parts say, not just their subject matter; they must share a relevant pattern.

Introduces what is really true, often correcting an earlier belief or making a surprising point.

We thought the sculpture was made of stone. Actually, it was carved from wood.

Watch for: It can also emphasize a surprising fact without directly correcting a claim; read what the second part does.

Judges one thing against another, often showing how much they differ on the same feature.

The first suitcase weighs eight kilograms. By comparison, the second weighs only three.

Watch for: Look for a shared feature being compared; comparison can reveal similarity as well as difference.

Introduces a clear difference between the thing just described and another thing.

The northern slope receives little direct sunlight. By contrast, the southern slope stays sunny for much of the day.

Introduces something that conflicts with the observed event or pattern just described.

Most samples expanded when heated. Contrary to this phenomenon, one sample became slightly smaller.

Watch for: A phenomenon is what happens; challenging an explanation of why it happens is a different relationship.

Introduces an opposite or reversed situation in a comparison.

A wider opening lets more light into the box. Conversely, a narrower opening lets less light in.

Watch for: Look for a meaningful reversal; two unrelated differences do not automatically fit.

Introduces a difference, limitation, or point that pushes against the preceding idea.

The jacket is very warm. However, it is too bulky to pack easily.

Watch for: It need not introduce a total opposite; a limitation can fit. In 'however hard she tried,' it means 'no matter how.'

Describes something in relation to another thing used as a reference point, often highlighting a difference.

Last year's class had thirty students. In comparison, this year's class has just eighteen.

Watch for: Compare the same feature across the two cases; a comparison can also show that they are similar.

Highlights how the next case differs from the one before it.

The morning class works in small groups. In contrast, the afternoon class meets as one large group.

Introduces the actual situation, often correcting how something appears or what someone assumes.

From a distance, the lake appeared shallow. In reality, its center was more than fifty meters deep.

Watch for: Look for an appearance, belief, or expectation that the actual facts change.

Rejects a claim or expectation by stating that the opposite is true.

Some feared the new rule would slow the process. On the contrary, it made the process faster.

Watch for: It is stronger than merely adding a different viewpoint: the second part pushes back against the first claim or expectation.

Introduces a different side or competing consideration, while allowing both points to be true.

The apartment is close to my office. On the other hand, its rent is high.

Watch for: It does not require the words 'on the one hand' earlier, and it does not necessarily correct a false statement.

Signals that the next finding weakens the proposed explanation just given.

Observers suggested that wind alone moved the floating marker. Undermining this explanation, a researcher found that the marker also moved in perfectly still air.

Watch for: Identify the explanation being challenged; weakening a proposed cause does not deny that the observed event happened.

Acknowledges a fair point or limitation, often one that makes the writer's main position less simple.

The new bus route would serve more neighborhoods. Admittedly, the trip would take longer.

Watch for: The acknowledged point can appear before or after the main claim; it does not mean the writer gives up that claim.

Means despite what was just said; the next point remains true even though the first might suggest otherwise.

The forecast called for light rain. All the same, we decided to hold the picnic outdoors.

Watch for: As a transition, it means 'even so,' not that two things are identical.

Says that what follows is true even though the work created a widely recognized story pattern or device.

The novel introduced a plot device that later writers used widely. Despite its creation of such an iconic trope, the novel itself is rarely read today.

Watch for: The passage must establish that the work created the device; using an old tradition or inventing a word is not the same thing.

Introduces something true or done even though the earlier estimates suggest a different expectation.

The estimates put the repairs far above the town's budget. Despite these estimates, the council voted to begin the project.

Watch for: The next statement must push against an expectation raised by the estimates, rather than simply report what they say.

Introduces something that remains true despite the preceding fact.

The puzzle had only twenty pieces. Even so, it took us an hour to finish.

Watch for: Ask what the first fact would normally lead you to expect, then check how the second resists that expectation.

Accepts a point as fair or true, often before explaining why a larger claim still holds.

The new bike path would be useful to many residents. Granted, building it would require months of roadwork.

Watch for: It acknowledges a complication; it does not signal a result or merely add a neutral fact.

Introduces something that is true or happens despite the fact just stated.

The trail was steep and muddy. Nevertheless, the hikers reached the summit.

Watch for: Ask why the first fact might make the second unexpected; ordinary differences may need a simpler contrast.

Means 'despite that' and connects an obstacle or limiting fact with something that remains true.

The room was small. Nonetheless, it held everything we needed.

Watch for: It has much the same meaning as 'nevertheless'; check for a real 'despite that' relationship.

Presents a fact as expected or easy to accept, often acknowledging a limit before continuing the main point.

This indoor garden brings a little nature into the station. Of course, it cannot replace a full outdoor park.

Watch for: It can simply emphasize something expected; look at the surrounding sentences to see whether it introduces a limitation.

Shows that an action or conclusion holds without being changed by the fact just mentioned.

The forecast warned of light rain. Regardless, the organizers kept the outdoor event on the schedule.

Watch for: Ask what fact is being set aside; it does not merely add another supporting example.

As a transition meaning 'even so,' introduces a point that remains true despite the preceding fact.

The instructions were brief. Still, they gave us enough information to finish the task.

Watch for: In 'She still works there,' it instead means that an earlier situation continues; this is different from simply saying 'currently.'

Acknowledges the preceding point, then adds a qualification or a consideration that pulls in another direction.

The plan would save money. That being said, it would require more volunteer time.

Watch for: It usually limits or balances the earlier point rather than restating it or presenting a result.

Means 'having acknowledged that': it introduces a point that qualifies or balances what came before.

The model leaves out several details. That said, it gives a useful picture of the basic process.

Watch for: The first statement can remain true; the second explains why it is not the whole story.

As a transition meaning 'however,' qualifies the preceding statement with a contrasting point.

The two bags look identical. One, though, holds twice as much as the other.

Watch for: It can appear inside or at the end of the second sentence; compare the whole ideas on either side of the blank.

Offers a different option or possible explanation to consider.

We could take the train to the museum. Alternatively, we could ride our bikes.

Watch for: An alternative is a different possibility, not simply the next event or another supporting detail.

Shows that one action, result, or idea takes the place of another that was considered or expected.

We expected the team to build a new stage. Instead, it repaired the existing one.

Watch for: Find the displaced option or expectation; two different facts do not automatically involve a replacement.

As a transition, replaces or corrects an idea with a better description of what is true.

The sculpture is not made from stone. Rather, the artist shaped it from recycled plastic.

Watch for: In 'rather cold,' it means 'somewhat'; in 'would rather,' it expresses preference, so do not apply the transition meaning everywhere.

Introduces an action or conclusion that follows from the situation just described: because of that, or in a way that fits that situation.

The trail was covered in ice. Accordingly, the hikers chose a safer route.

Watch for: The first part should explain the response in the second; two events happening in order is not enough.

Introduces an effect produced by the event or situation before the blank.

Heavy rain flooded the field. As a result, the match was postponed.

Watch for: Check the direction: the first part gives the cause, and the second gives the effect.

Links what follows to the role, quality, or situation just described: in that role, or because that is the case.

Maya is the team's elected captain. As such, she represents the team at league meetings.

Watch for: Ask what 'such' points back to; it can connect a situation to its implication, but it is not a substitute for every use of 'therefore.'

Says that the models already mentioned provide the basis for the next estimate or conclusion.

The engineers built computer models of the bridge under heavy loads. Based on these models, they estimated how much weight the bridge could support.

Watch for: This phrase needs earlier models; it connects evidence to a finding, not necessarily a physical cause to an effect.

Says that reaching the ambitious goal already mentioned brought about the next result.

The town aimed to power every public building with sunlight and reached that target. By achieving such a lofty goal, it greatly reduced its use of fossil fuels.

Watch for: There must be an ambitious goal, and the passage must support that it was achieved; an impressive result alone does not show that it was intended.

Introduces a consequence of the preceding event, condition, or reasoning.

The store ran out of flour. Consequently, the bakery could not make its usual bread.

Watch for: The consequence must follow from the first part; a detail explaining that first part runs in the other direction.

Points to the earlier statement as the reason for the next action or conclusion.

The fabric fades quickly in sunlight. For this reason, the museum keeps it away from windows.

Watch for: You should be able to name the reason supplied before the blank.

Introduces a result or conclusion that follows from what was just said.

The painting lacks the artist's usual signature. Hence, experts are investigating who made it.

Watch for: In an expression such as 'two years hence,' it means two years from now; that is a different use.

Links the action just described to something accomplished through that action or happening as part of it.

The students compared several accounts of the event. In doing so, they noticed details that only one witness mentioned.

Watch for: Identify the action that 'doing so' refers to; the next sentence must connect to performing that action.

Introduces an action or change prompted by the situation just described.

Visitors said the map was hard to read. In response, the museum printed a larger version.

Watch for: Look for a situation followed by a reaction to it; a later event alone is not enough.

Means 'by doing that': the action before the blank also produces the effect after it.

The club planted trees beside the playground. In so doing, it created shade for the swings.

Watch for: The second effect must come through the action already described, not merely happen afterward.

Often introduces the next effect in a chain: one change leads to another, which leads to the next.

The new bus route brought more visitors to the market. This, in turn, increased sales at nearby shops.

Watch for: It can also mean 'one after another,' as when speakers take turns; use the surrounding ideas to decide.

Introduces a result or conclusion that follows from the reason or evidence before the blank.

Every available room is already booked. Therefore, the meeting must take place elsewhere.

Watch for: Check the direction: the first part supplies the reason, and the second gives what follows from it.

Often means 'therefore,' introducing an effect, conclusion, or prediction supported by what came before.

The container is too wide for the opening. Thus, we cannot move it through that doorway.

Watch for: It can also mean 'in this way'; decide whether the passage points to a conclusion or to a method.

Means 'to achieve that goal' and connects a stated aim with an action taken to pursue it.

The school wanted more students to join the reading club. To that end, it scheduled meetings during lunch.

Watch for: Identify the goal before the blank; an action serving a goal does not prove that the goal was achieved.

Places an event later than a named time or another event.

The students spent the morning drawing. After lunch, they painted their sketches.

Watch for: Usually name what comes before, as in 'after lunch' or 'after the rain stopped'; 'afterward' can mean later on its own.

Introduces something that happens later than the event just described.

The audience watched the short film. Afterward, the director answered questions.

Watch for: Later does not automatically mean caused by the earlier event.

Locates a situation in the present, or at the time being discussed.

The theater once served as a warehouse. Currently, it hosts plays and concerts.

Watch for: It tells when something is true; it does not by itself explain a cause or a comparison.

Moves to a time before the event or period just mentioned.

By noon, the road was clear. Earlier, fallen branches had blocked both lanes.

Watch for: Track the timeline: the sentence after 'earlier' goes backward in time.

Introduces what happens after some time, effort, or intervening events.

The volunteers searched the park for several hours. Eventually, they found the missing dog.

Watch for: It means in the end after a stretch of time, not merely possibly.

Points to how a process or situation finally turns out, often after changes or uncertainty.

We considered taking the train and then looked at bus routes. In the end, we decided to walk.

Watch for: This usually marks a final outcome, not simply the last point a writer happens to mention.

Shows that something is becoming greater, stronger, or more common as time passes.

Few students used the study room when it opened. Increasingly, they are choosing it for group work.

Watch for: It describes growth over time, not just something happening often or an additional fact.

Places an event after the time or event already mentioned.

The group toured the garden in the morning. Later, it visited the greenhouse.

Watch for: It shows time order without explaining a cause or naming a location.

Usually shifts to something happening during the same period; it can also turn to a separate situation being compared.

The bread baked in the oven. Meanwhile, Sam prepared the soup.

Watch for: It need not mean the exact same instant, and in some passages the main point is a contrast between parallel situations.

Refers to the present period, often to show how a current practice differs from an earlier one.

The club once mailed paper newsletters. Nowadays, it sends updates by email.

Watch for: It means 'these days,' not 'at the next moment' in a story about the past.

Looks back to a time before the situation or event under discussion.

The library began opening on Sundays last year. Previously, it was closed that day.

Watch for: The earlier time is measured from the event being discussed, which may itself be in the past.

Places an event a short time after the present moment or another time already mentioned.

The rain stopped just after lunch. Soon, children returned to the playground.

Watch for: The passage must support a short time gap; a detailed explanation of an earlier event is not necessarily a later event.

Means afterward: an event takes place later than the event just described.

The town approved the design in March. Subsequently, workers began building the bridge.

Watch for: Time order alone does not prove cause and effect, and this word does not say the gap was short.

Often moves to a later event or next step; it can also mean 'in that case' and introduce a conclusion.

For years, the building stood empty. Then, a community group converted it into a theater.

Watch for: In “If the door is locked, then we need another entrance,” it draws a conclusion; in “back then,” it points to a past time.

Refers to the current day or, in a broader account, to the present period.

The building once housed a factory. Today, it serves as a public library.

Watch for: Historical comparisons often use it to mean 'in the present day,' not one particular calendar date.

Points to a final outcome, or to the deepest goal or consideration behind an action.

The team first tried to repair the old machine. Ultimately, it decided to replace it.

Watch for: It can point to a larger purpose, such as winning political support, without describing an event that happens later.

Usually means taking turns or switching back and forth; it can also introduce another option.

The warning light switches between two colors. It glows alternately red and green.

Watch for: Distinguish repeated switching from offering a choice; 'alternatively' clearly means another option.

Marks the last step or point, or something that happens after a wait.

We measured the wood and cut the pieces. Finally, we assembled the shelf.

Watch for: It may end a list or describe an event at last; it does not always summarize an argument.

Marks the beginning of a series of steps, events, or points.

The recipe has three main steps. First, mix the flour and water.

Watch for: It may organize an explanation or identify what happened earliest; use the surrounding passage to tell which.

Introduces the first point to consider or the first action to take, sometimes giving it special priority.

Several changes could improve the playground. First of all, the broken gate needs repair.

Introduces the first item in an organized list of points or reasons.

The larger room suits our club for two reasons. Firstly, it has enough chairs for everyone.

Watch for: A first listed reason need not be an event that happened first in time.

Introduces a first reason or point; it can also refer back to an original situation or reason.

There are two reasons to keep the old bridge. In the first place, it is still safe to use.

Watch for: In 'Why was it built in the first place?' the phrase means 'originally,' not 'first on a list.'

Adds the second point in an ordered set of reasons or arguments.

In the first place, the evening class fits my schedule. In the second place, it covers the topic I need.

Watch for: Look for a first point already established; an example explaining that first point is not necessarily a second point.

Introduces the final item, point, or step in a series.

First, rinse the jar, and next, dry it. Lastly, put the lid back on.

Watch for: A final listed step differs from an event that merely occurs later in history.

Moves to the following step, event, or point in an ordered series.

First, fold the paper in half. Next, draw a line along the fold.

Watch for: A detail explaining the current step does not necessarily move to a new step.

Introduces point or step number two in an ordered series.

First, check that the box contains all the pieces. Second, arrange them by size.

Watch for: As a transition, it orders ideas or actions; it does not explain why the second one happens.

Adds the second reason or point after a first one has been established.

First of all, the proposed meeting time conflicts with class. Second of all, the room is already booked.

Watch for: The next statement needs to function as another listed point, not a correction to the first.

Marks the second item in an ordered explanation, argument, or set of instructions.

Firstly, the route is shorter. Secondly, it avoids the busiest roads.

Watch for: The first point need not literally begin 'firstly,' but there should be an ordered set of points.

Says that an event or pattern happens repeatedly.

The team tested the same design on several days. Again and again, the bridge model held the full weight.

Says that something is true in numerous situations, without claiming it is true in all of them.

The volunteers tried several ways to repair the torn pages. In many cases, a small strip of paper was enough.

Watch for: Many does not necessarily mean most or all; this phrase limits how broadly the statement applies.

Means that something happens on and off, with breaks between occurrences.

The porch light did not shine steadily. Intermittently, it flickered on before going dark again.

Watch for: It does not mean continuously, and it does not promise evenly spaced intervals.

Shows that one event or pattern happens more frequently than another, or more frequently than before.

Customers occasionally order a whole cake. More often, they buy a single slice.

Watch for: Identify what frequency is being compared; unlike 'increasingly,' it does not always describe a trend over time.

Means on some occasions or in some cases, without saying that it happens every time.

The library usually hosts talks in its main hall. Sometimes, it uses the courtyard instead.

Watch for: It does not specify an exact frequency or necessarily mean that something is rare.

Signals a closing statement that sums up the discussion or gives its final judgment.

The trial showed that the new bag was lighter, stronger, and easier to carry. In conclusion, it met all three design goals.

Watch for: A new example or a conflicting discovery is not automatically a conclusion just because it comes last.

Pulls the preceding points together into a brief overall statement.

The tent is light, simple to assemble, and easy to carry. In sum, it is well suited to short hiking trips.

Watch for: A final sentence may add a new detail instead of summarizing, so position alone does not make this fit.

Signals a short recap of the main information already given.

The workshop covers planning, drafting, and revising. In summary, it teaches the main stages of writing.

Watch for: Check that the second part gathers earlier information rather than introducing a new step or example.

Signals that the writer is closing the discussion with a final overall point or judgment.

The route is short, well marked, and close to town. To conclude, it is a practical choice for our afternoon walk.

Watch for: It need not repeat every detail, but merely appearing in the last sentence does not make it appropriate.

Moves to a different place or a different part of a text.

The eastern valley received heavy rain. Elsewhere, the ground remained dry.

Watch for: A location must change; a new point about the same place is not enough.

Points back to a place already mentioned and locates the next action in that place.

The team carried the samples to the laboratory. There, researchers examined them under a microscope.

Watch for: Find the place it refers to; 'there' in 'there are three samples' serves a different purpose.

Shows that the next detail is appropriate or makes sense given what came before.

The scientist spent her career studying stars. Fittingly, the observatory named its new telescope after her.

Watch for: The emphasis is on how well the detail suits the situation, not just on one event causing another.

Introduces a point that holds regardless of the possibilities or uncertainty just discussed, or returns to the main point.

The train may arrive at six or at seven. In any case, someone will be there to meet it.

Watch for: The next point should hold either way; it need not be a result of the first possibility.

Describes something as having only a small effect in the long run; it makes a claim about the subject that follows.

A local exhibition briefly attracted attention but inspired few later artists. Ultimately limited in its lasting influence, the exhibition remained a footnote in the town's history.

Watch for: This is a description fitted to a particular passage, not a fixed transition. It does not fit if the passage emphasizes lasting contributions.

Shows that the next action or judgment takes the previously stated fact, concern, or goal into account.

Many visitors arrive with young children. With this in mind, the museum placed its activity tables near the entrance.

Watch for: It can connect an action to a goal, but the earlier idea may also be a fact or constraint rather than a stated aim.