At C1, you use sophisticated connectors to structure paragraphs and signal relationships across longer texts: addition, contrast, cause, result, sequence, summary.
Addition (formal)
furthermore · moreover · in addition · what is more
Contrast (formal)
however · nevertheless · nonetheless · on the contrary · conversely
Cause / result
consequently · therefore · thus · hence · as a result
Sequence
firstly · subsequently · ultimately · in turn
Summary
in conclusion · to sum up · on balance · all in all
Subtle contrast: however vs nevertheless vs nonetheless
however
most common, neutral contrast: The plan was bold. However, it failed.
nevertheless
"despite this": The plan was risky. Nevertheless, they proceeded.
nonetheless
same as nevertheless, slightly more formal: It rained. Nonetheless, the event went ahead.
on the contrary
"the opposite is true": He didn't fail. On the contrary, he excelled.
conversely
"in the opposite case": Big firms struggle in this market. Conversely, small firms thrive.
Cause and result: precise distinctions
therefore
"for this reason": Sales rose. Therefore, profits increased.
consequently
"as a direct consequence": Demand fell. Consequently, jobs were lost.
thus / hence
formal "therefore": The data is inconclusive. Thus, further research is needed.
accordingly
"following from this": New rules apply. Accordingly, all staff must comply.
Sequence and structure
first / firstly
Firstly, the data must be collected.
secondly / next
Secondly, it must be analysed.
subsequently
"after that": Subsequently, results are published.
in turn
"each one after the other": Each problem leads to another in turn.
ultimately / finally
Ultimately, the project succeeded.
Common mistakes
Conversely, the plan failed. (no opposite mentioned)
→
However, the plan failed.
"conversely" needs explicit opposite case
She isn't lazy. On the contrary, she's lazy.
→
She isn't lazy. On the contrary, she's extremely hard-working.
on the contrary rejects the first idea and states the opposite
Sales fell. Therefore, the trend is positive.
→
Sales fell. However, the long-term trend is positive.
a contrast needs a contrast connector, not a result one
Your turn
Answer out loud — full sentences
Give a short argument with formal connectors.
1
Should homework be banned? Give two points with furthermore / however / consequently.
2
Describe a change in your town: firstly… subsequently… ultimately…
3
Use conversely to compare city life and country life.
4
Correct a wrong idea with on the contrary.
Recap
Addition
furthermore, moreover, in addition
academic register
Contrast
however, nevertheless, conversely, on the contrary