Function of a Word or Phrase - SAT Reading & Writing

'Similarly'. Shows likeness or parallel ideas, while 'despite' shows opposition.

'Because'. This subordinating conjunction introduces causal reasoning.

It qualifies the claim by indicating frequency, not certainty. The adverb 'often' tempers the statement, suggesting commonality without implying universality in occurrences.

Determine the role it plays in the author’s meaning and structure. Identifying function involves analyzing how a specific word or phrase contributes to the overall argument, logic, or organization within the text.

To show a result or conclusion. Draws logical conclusions from preceding evidence.

To introduce specific examples or details. This word introduces precise clarification or specification.

It concedes a point before advancing the author’s position. The phrase 'to be sure' briefly validates criticism, building ethos before pivoting to the main viewpoint.

To introduce a contrast or concession. Introduces dependent clauses that present opposing viewpoints.

To indicate simultaneous events or actions. This adverb shows events happening at the same time.

Acknowledge a counterpoint before returning to the main claim. Concession phrases recognize opposing views, enhancing credibility before reinforcing the primary argument.

Emphasize a point and guide the reader’s response. Rhetorical questions engage readers directly, highlighting key ideas and prompting agreement without needing answers.

It restates the idea to clarify the author’s point. The phrase 'in other words' rephrases for emphasis, distilling the policy's implications into clearer terms.

'Likewise'. This adverb signals similarity or parallel ideas.

To connect ideas and provide flow between sentences or clauses. Transition words create smooth logical connections between ideas.

Introduce supporting evidence or illustration. Phrases such as 'for instance' provide concrete examples to strengthen and illustrate the author's general point.

To indicate the cause or reason for an effect. Establishes causal connections between events or ideas.

Clarify or rephrase an idea for precision. Restatement phrases refine complex ideas, ensuring clarity and accessibility in the author's explanation.

'Yet'. Presents unexpected contrast, while 'thus' shows result.

Function asks what it does; meaning asks what it denotes. Function focuses on the purpose or effect of a word in context, while meaning refers to its literal definition or connotation.

To indicate simultaneous events or actions. Shows events happening at the same time period.

'Because'. Establishes causal relationships, while 'meanwhile' shows timing.

'Nevertheless'. Shows contrast despite expectations, unlike 'likewise' which shows similarity.

To add information or ideas. Builds upon existing points with supplementary details.

To restate something in a clearer or simpler way. Clarifies meaning through alternative phrasing.

'Such as'. This phrase specifically introduces examples or illustrations.

It signals a cause-and-effect conclusion. The word 'therefore' links an observed problem to a resulting action, demonstrating causality in the argument.

Signal a conclusion drawn from prior information. Words like 'therefore' or 'thus' indicate logical progression, summarizing evidence to reach a reasoned outcome.

To indicate a consequence or outcome. Links causes to their effects or outcomes.

To concede a point while still maintaining a contrasting idea. Acknowledges validity while presenting opposing evidence.

Provide quantitative evidence to support a claim. Numerical data offers empirical support, making abstract claims more concrete and persuasive.

To add additional information or ideas. This transition extends or builds upon previous points.

To introduce an instance or illustration. Provides concrete cases to support general statements.

To indicate a logical conclusion or result. This transition shows cause-and-effect relationships.

It signals contrast between cost and effectiveness. The transition 'however' juxtaposes drawbacks with benefits, creating a nuanced evaluation in the sentence.

'For instance'. Introduces specific examples, while 'however' shows contrast.

To highlight differences between ideas or subjects. This phrase emphasizes opposing or different elements.

'Furthermore'. Adds supporting information, while 'despite' shows opposition.

Signal contrast or a shift to an opposing idea. Transitions like 'however' introduce opposition, helping to build a balanced argument by contrasting ideas.

To conclude or summarize the preceding points. Signals the final overview of main points discussed.

Limit a claim and reduce overstatement. Qualifiers moderate assertions, adding nuance to prevent absolute claims and reflect realistic probabilities.

To introduce a statement that contrasts with the previous one. Presents a direct opposition to the previous statement.

To indicate a consequence or logical conclusion. Signals results that follow from previous reasoning.

To indicate contrast or opposition. This transition signals a shift to an opposing viewpoint or idea.

To connect ideas and show relationships between them. Transitions create logical flow between sentences and paragraphs.

Determine the role it plays in the author’s meaning and structure. Identifying function involves analyzing how a specific word or phrase contributes to the overall argument, logic, or organization within the text.

It qualifies the claim by indicating frequency, not certainty. The adverb 'often' tempers the statement, suggesting commonality without implying universality in occurrences.

It restates the idea to clarify the author’s point. The phrase 'in other words' rephrases for emphasis, distilling the policy's implications into clearer terms.

It concedes a point before advancing the author’s position. The phrase 'to be sure' briefly validates criticism, building ethos before pivoting to the main viewpoint.

It signals a cause-and-effect conclusion. The word 'therefore' links an observed problem to a resulting action, demonstrating causality in the argument.

It signals contrast between cost and effectiveness. The transition 'however' juxtaposes drawbacks with benefits, creating a nuanced evaluation in the sentence.

Provide quantitative evidence to support a claim. Numerical data offers empirical support, making abstract claims more concrete and persuasive.

Clarify or rephrase an idea for precision. Restatement phrases refine complex ideas, ensuring clarity and accessibility in the author's explanation.

Emphasize a point and guide the reader’s response. Rhetorical questions engage readers directly, highlighting key ideas and prompting agreement without needing answers.

Acknowledge a counterpoint before returning to the main claim. Concession phrases recognize opposing views, enhancing credibility before reinforcing the primary argument.

Limit a claim and reduce overstatement. Qualifiers moderate assertions, adding nuance to prevent absolute claims and reflect realistic probabilities.

Introduce supporting evidence or illustration. Phrases such as 'for instance' provide concrete examples to strengthen and illustrate the author's general point.

Signal a conclusion drawn from prior information. Words like 'therefore' or 'thus' indicate logical progression, summarizing evidence to reach a reasoned outcome.

Signal contrast or a shift to an opposing idea. Transitions like 'however' introduce opposition, helping to build a balanced argument by contrasting ideas.

Function asks what it does; meaning asks what it denotes. Function focuses on the purpose or effect of a word in context, while meaning refers to its literal definition or connotation.

'Likewise'. This adverb signals similarity or parallel ideas.

To indicate contrast or opposition. This transition signals a shift to an opposing viewpoint or idea.

'Because'. This subordinating conjunction introduces causal reasoning.

To add additional information or ideas. This transition extends or builds upon previous points.

To indicate simultaneous events or actions. This adverb shows events happening at the same time.

To highlight differences between ideas or subjects. This phrase emphasizes opposing or different elements.

'Such as'. This phrase specifically introduces examples or illustrations.

To introduce specific examples or details. This word introduces precise clarification or specification.

To indicate the cause or reason for an effect. Establishes causal connections between events or ideas.

To conclude or summarize the preceding points. Signals the final overview of main points discussed.

'For instance'. Introduces specific examples, while 'however' shows contrast.

To introduce a contrast or concession. Introduces dependent clauses that present opposing viewpoints.

To introduce a statement that contrasts with the previous one. Presents a direct opposition to the previous statement.

'Furthermore'. Adds supporting information, while 'despite' shows opposition.

To restate something in a clearer or simpler way. Clarifies meaning through alternative phrasing.

To connect ideas and show relationships between them. Transitions create logical flow between sentences and paragraphs.

'Yet'. Presents unexpected contrast, while 'thus' shows result.

To indicate simultaneous events or actions. Shows events happening at the same time period.

To indicate a consequence or logical conclusion. Signals results that follow from previous reasoning.

To concede a point while still maintaining a contrasting idea. Acknowledges validity while presenting opposing evidence.

To show a result or conclusion. Draws logical conclusions from preceding evidence.

To introduce an instance or illustration. Provides concrete cases to support general statements.

'Similarly'. Shows likeness or parallel ideas, while 'despite' shows opposition.

'Because'. Establishes causal relationships, while 'meanwhile' shows timing.

To highlight differences between ideas. Emphasizes distinctions and opposing characteristics.

To add information or ideas. Builds upon existing points with supplementary details.

To indicate a consequence or outcome. Links causes to their effects or outcomes.

'Nevertheless'. Shows contrast despite expectations, unlike 'likewise' which shows similarity.