Logical Relationships: Cause, Contrast, Comparison, and Sequence
What this domain tests
Sentences carry logic through connectors - small words that tell you how two ideas relate. Learn four families:
- Cause and effect: because, since, therefore, as a result, so, consequently, due to.
- Contrast: but, although, however, whereas, despite, on the other hand, yet.
- Comparison and similarity: like, similarly, as well as, both, just as.
- Sequence and condition: first, then, after, before, finally, unless, if.
The question usually asks you to choose the connector that fits, or to decide what a sentence implies about the relationship between two facts.
Traps to watch for
- Direction errors. Because and so point opposite ways: "Because it rained, the game was canceled" equals "It rained, so the game was canceled." Reversing them changes the logic.
- Contrast vs. addition. However signals a turn; moreover adds. A sentence that agrees with itself cannot take a contrast word.
- Despite vs. because of. Both precede a noun, but one signals opposition and the other a reason.
- False sequence. Not every pair of events is causal; after does not mean because.
Rule of thumb
Name the relationship in plain words first - same direction, opposite direction, reason, or time order - then choose the connector from that family. If the two halves of the sentence support each other, you need addition or cause; if they pull apart, you need contrast.
Worked example
"______ the heavy traffic, we arrived at the airport on time." The two facts pull in opposite directions: traffic should cause delay, yet we were early. That is contrast before a noun, so Despite fits. Because of would claim the traffic helped us arrive early - illogical.