Sentence Logic
What to know
Sentence logic tests relationships between ideas: addition, contrast, cause and effect, example, sequence, and emphasis. Choose transitions by naming the relationship first, then selecting the word (however, therefore, for example, moreover, meanwhile). Also check that comparisons are complete and parallel ("rates in Ohio than in Michigan," not "rates in Ohio than Michigan"), that modifiers sit next to what they describe, and that pronouns refer clearly. Logical order matters: causes before effects, general statements before examples.
Traps
A transition can sound sophisticated yet signal the wrong relationship-"however" where the second sentence actually continues the same idea. Misplaced modifiers create absurd meanings ("Covered in mud, I washed the dog"). Faulty comparisons omit the comparison group. Watch for doubled logic such as "because... therefore" in one sentence.
Rule of thumb
Write the relationship in plain words in the margin: "contrast," "result," "example." Then choose the transition that matches. If no single word captures it, the sentence may need restructuring rather than a fancier connector.
Worked example: "The prototype was inexpensive. ___, it failed every durability test." The second sentence opposes the first, so the relationship is contrast: "However." "Therefore" would wrongly suggest the low cost caused the failures.