Reading and Writing · 28 · Transitions and Style · Free
Transitions: Phrases and Clauses
Notes
Key points
- Some transitions take a clause (subject + verb); some take only a noun phrase.
- + clause: although, because, while, whereas, since, even though.
- + noun phrase: despite, in spite of, because of, due to, instead of.
- however / therefore start a new sentence or follow a semicolon.
- Mid-clause transition: two commas — “The plan, however, failed.”
- No semicolon before although or because — they attach a dependent clause.
Rules
despite + noun phrase; although + clause.
Despite the rain, the race went on.
Despite it rained, the race went on.
because + clause; because of + noun phrase.
Because of the delay, we missed the train.
Because the delay, we missed the train.
Mid-sentence “however”: commas on both sides.
The theory, however, was never tested.
The theory however, was never tested.
No semicolon before a subordinating conjunction.
She stayed inside because it was cold.
She stayed inside; because it was cold.
Common traps
- Following “despite” or “due to” with a full clause.
- Joining two sentences with “, however,” — a comma splice in disguise.
SAT tip
Check what follows the transition — a full clause or just a noun phrase? That often removes two choices at once.
Test yourself
10 official SAT questions on Transitions: Phrases and Clauses, easiest first.