Common Sentence Relationships

Below is a list of some of the ways one sentence may be related to another.

Analyze; Analysis – to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors and possible results. One sentence provides an analysis of (or analyzes) what is stated in the other sentence.
Cause and Effect - an action or event (cause) produces a certain response (effect). Key words: so, so that, as a result of, in order to, therefore, consequently, thus, hence. (E.g., “Global warming is a worsening problem. Consequently, it may change local weather patterns.” Global warming is the cause, change in local weather is the effect.) One sentence states a cause that produces a certain effect. Or, one sentence states an effect of another sentence.
Compare; Comparison – to examine to show how two things are alike. Key words: similarly, similar, to, both, like, as, likewise, as well, compared to, in the same way, also, either... or, neither... nor. One sentence compares (or makes a comparison of) something to something described in another sentence.
Condition – provides a specific circumstance under which the idea is true. Key words: If, when, providing, unless, whenever, only if, after, assuming that. One sentence states a condition which must occur in order for the other sentence to be true.
Continuation of Idea – to add another idea or more information about the same thought. Key words: and, nor, also, besides, further, furthermore, in addition, too, moreover, again, and then, eventually, another. One sentence continues an idea stated in another sentence.
Contradict – to state the opposite of. Key words: although, but, in contrast, conversely, however, yet. One sentence states an idea that is contrary to (or contradicts) the idea stated in another sentence.
Contrast – to point out how two things are opposite or not alike. Key words: but, yet, or, in spite of, still, however, although, regardless, even though, nevertheless, conversely, on the other hand, even so, on the contrary, in contrast, notwithstanding, despite, in spite of, though, instead of, rather than, opposed to. One sentence contrasts a statement made in another sentence.
Define; Definition - to note a specific meaning given for a term. Key words: meaning is, is defined as. One statement defines (or provides a definition of) an idea presented in another sentence.

Example; Exemplify - used to identify an idea that is being illustrated or emphasized. Key words: for example, for instance, specifically, to demonstrate, such as, as in the case of, like, as, in particular, in other words, that is, to repeat, primarily, especially, again. One sentence gives an example of (or exemplifies) what is stated in another sentence.
Expand; Expansion – to add more detail. One sentence makes a statement, and the other sentence expands the idea given in that statement.
Explain; Explanation – to make clear the reason of, to make more clear or understandable, to clarify. One sentence explains (or provides an explanation of) something stated in another sentence.
Illustrate; Illustration – to clarify by using examples or comparisons. One sentence illustrates (or provides an illustration of) what is stated in the other sentence.
Problem and Solution – One sentence states a possible solution to a problem stated in the first.
Repeat, repetition – to restate the same idea using different words. One sentence repeats an idea stated in another sentence.
Sequence; Trace - used to organize ideas in a particular order. Keywords: first, second, next, last, in the first place, finally, then, later, before, subsequently, presently, once...then, eventually, following this.
Support – to uphold, corroborate, or reinforce. (E.g., Leading doctors supported his testimony). One sentence supports or provides proof of the ideas presented in the other sentence.