Logical connectors are words or short phrases that show how ideas relate, so your reader can follow your reasoning. They can add information, show contrast, give a reason, show a result, present alternatives, or organize a sequence. In English, many connectors can appear at the start of a sentence, between clauses, or inside a sentence, and punctuation often changes depending on position. Learning them means matching the connector to the relationship you want and using the right sentence pattern.

Use additive connectors to include extra information that supports or expands the same point. They often join two similar ideas and keep the tone neutral and informative. Some are more formal and common in writing, while others are everyday and common in speech. Choose the connector based on whether you are adding a similar point, an extra detail, or a stronger final point.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
and	➕ 和	joins two similar ideas	➕ 将两个相似的观点连接起来	She cooks and he cleans.	➕ 她做饭，他打扫。
also	➕ 也	adds another point	➕ 增加了另一点	I also want to go.	➕ 我也想去。
as well	➕ 也 同样	adds information, often at the end	➕ 常在结尾添加信息	I want to go as well.	➕ 我也想去。
furthermore	➕ 此外	adds support in formal writing	➕ 在正式写作中提供支持	Furthermore, the data confirms it.	➕ 此外，数据证实了这一点。
in addition	➕ 另外	adds an extra point in writing	➕ 在写作中增加一个额外的点	In addition, we need time.	➕ 此外，我们需要时间。

Use contrast connectors to show that two ideas differ or to limit a statement. Some express a simple difference, while others signal surprise because the second idea goes against what you expect. The strength of contrast matters: choose a mild connector for small differences and a stronger connector when the second clause clearly contradicts the first. Contrast connectors often appear after a comma when they join two independent clauses.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
but	🔀 但	basic contrast	🔀 基本对比	I called, but no one answered.	🔀 我打电话了，但没有人接听。
however	🔀 然而	contrast, more formal	🔀 对照，更正式	However, the plan failed.	🔀 然而，计划失败了。
though	🔀 虽然	contrast, often informal or mid sentence	🔀 对比，通常非正式或句中使用	It was hard, though.	🔀 尽管如此，情况很艰难。
although	🔀 虽然	introduces a contrasting clause	🔀 引入对比从句	Although it rained, we went out.	🔀 虽然下雨，我们出去了。
whereas	🔀 而	contrasts two facts or groups	🔀 对比两个事实或群体	She works fast, whereas he works carefully.	🔀 她工作得很快，而他工作得很仔细。

Use cause connectors to explain why something happens or to justify an opinion. Some introduce a full clause, and others introduce a noun phrase, so the grammar after the connector must match. In formal writing, reason connectors often sound more neutral and less personal. Pick the connector based on whether you want to give a direct cause, a background explanation, or a brief justification.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
because	🧠 因为	gives a direct reason with a clause	🧠 直接原因与从句	We left because it was late.	🧠 我们离开了，因为太晚。
since	🧠 由于	reason or background cause	🧠 原因或背景原因	Since you are here, start now.	🧠 由于你在这里，请现在开始。
as	🧠 作为	brief reason, often written	🧠 简短原因，常用于书写	As it was late, we left.	🧠 由于时间已晚，我们离开了。
due to	🧠 由于	cause with a noun phrase	🧠 与名词短语相关的原因	The delay was due to traffic.	🧠 延误是由于交通造成的。
because of	🧠 因为	cause with a noun phrase	🧠 与名词短语相关的原因	We stayed home because of the storm.	🧠 我们呆在家里，因为暴风雨。

Use result connectors to show what happens because of a previous idea. Some link two clauses inside one sentence, while others connect two sentences by referencing the earlier statement. Result connectors help your writing sound logical and avoid repeating the same wording. Choose a connector that matches how direct the consequence is and how formal your tone should be.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
so	➡️ 所以	simple result, common speech	➡️ 简单结果，常见口语	It was late, so we left.	➡️ 天晚了，所以我们离开了。
therefore	➡️ 因此	logical conclusion, formal	➡️ 逻辑结论，正式	Therefore, we postponed the meeting.	➡️ 因此，我们推迟了会议。
thus	➡️ 因而	formal result, concise	➡️ 正式结果，简明	The test failed; thus, we redesigned it.	➡️ 测试失败，因此我们重新设计了它。
as a result	➡️ 结果是	result across sentences	➡️ 跨句子的结果	The roads froze. As a result, schools closed.	➡️ 路面结冰。因此，学校停课。
consequently	➡️ 因而	formal consequence	➡️ 正式结果	Consequently, costs increased.	➡️ 因此，成本增加了。

Use conditional connectors to show that one idea depends on another. They set the requirement for something to be true or to happen, and they are common in instructions, agreements, and planning. Some conditions are open and realistic, while others are stronger and emphasize strict requirements. Keep the condition clause clear so the reader knows what must happen first.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
if	✅ 如果	basic condition	✅ 基本条件	If it rains, we will stay in.	✅ 如果下雨，我们就呆在家里。
unless	✅ 除非	negative condition meaning except if	✅ 否定条件，表示除非	We will go unless it rains.	✅ 除非下雨，我们就走。
provided that	✅ 只要	strict condition, formal	✅ 严格条件，正式	You can leave provided that you finish.	✅ 只要你完成，就可以离开。
as long as	✅ 只要	condition with emphasis on requirement	✅ 条件中的强调要求	As long as you try, it is fine.	✅ 只要你努力，就没问题。
in case	✅ 以防	preparation for a possible situation	✅ 为可能情况做准备	Take cash in case the card fails.	✅ 万一卡片失效，带上现金。

Use choice connectors to present alternatives or to show that one option excludes another. They help you structure decisions, comparisons, and instructions. Some connectors present equal alternatives, while others highlight a preference or rephrase an option. Make sure the grammar on both sides is parallel so the options feel balanced and clear.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
or	🔁 或	basic alternative	🔁 基本替代	Call me or send an email.	🔁 给我打电话或发邮件。
either or	🔁 要么……要么……	two exclusive options	🔁 两个互斥选项	Either we leave now or we miss it.	🔁 我们现在离开要么就错过它。
neither nor	🔁 既不……也不……	two negative options	🔁 两个否定选项	Neither the keys nor the wallet is here.	🔁 钥匙和钱包都不在这里。
otherwise	🔁 否则	alternative result if not	🔁 如果不这样则的结果	Hurry, otherwise we will be late.	🔁 赶紧，否则我们就迟到了。
instead	🔁 取而代之	replacement option	🔁 替代选项	Take the bus instead.	🔁 选择坐公交车代替。

Use sequence connectors to show order and guide the reader through steps, events, or arguments. They are essential in explanations, instructions, and storytelling because they signal what comes next. Some are neutral and common, while others are more formal and typical in writing. Use them to create a clear timeline or a clear structure in your reasoning.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
first	⏳ 第一	starts an ordered list	⏳ 开始有序列表	First, open the file.	⏳ 首先，打开文件。
then	⏳ 然后	next step	⏳ 下一步	Then, click save.	⏳ 然后，点击保存。
next	⏳ 下一个	following point or step	⏳ 下一点或步骤	Next, check the results.	⏳ 接下来，检查结果。
after that	⏳ 之后	later step	⏳ 后续步骤	After that, restart the app.	⏳ 之后，重新启动应用程序。
finally	⏳ 最后	last step or conclusion	⏳ 最后一步或结论	Finally, submit the form.	⏳ 最后，提交表单。

Use emphasis connectors to highlight what is most important or to make your point stronger. They signal that the information is key evidence, a main takeaway, or a clarification. Emphasis connectors are common in persuasive writing, presentations, and explanations. Use them sparingly so they keep their impact and do not make the text sound repetitive.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
in fact	⭐ 实际上	strengthens or corrects a point	⭐ 加强或纠正要点	In fact, it is cheaper.	⭐ 实际上，它更便宜。
indeed	⭐ 确实	confirms and adds emphasis	⭐ 证实并增强强调	It is, indeed, a problem.	⭐ 这确实是一个问题。
above all	⭐ 最重要的是	highlights the top priority	⭐ 突出最优先事项	Above all, be honest.	⭐ 首先，要诚实。
especially	⭐ 尤其是	highlights a specific part	⭐ 突出特定部分	It helps, especially in winter.	⭐ 尤其在冬天有帮助。
notably	⭐ 值得注意的是	points to an important example	⭐ 指出一个重要的例子	Notably, sales rose in June.	⭐ 值得注意的是，六月销售额上升。

Use concluding connectors to restate the main idea, wrap up an argument, or show a final decision. They help the reader understand what you want them to remember and how the discussion ends. Some are used to summarize information, while others signal a logical conclusion from evidence. Choose a connector that matches whether you are summarizing or making an inference.

Word/Phrase	🇨🇳 中文 词/短语	Definition	🇨🇳 中文 定义	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
in summary	🏁 总结而言	short recap of points	🏁 要点简短回顾	In summary, we need more time.	🏁 总之，我们需要更多的时间。
overall	🏁 整体而言	general view of the situation	🏁 情况的一般看法	Overall, the project went well.	🏁 整体来说，项目进展顺利。
to conclude	🏁 结论是	formal closing signal	🏁 正式结束信号	To conclude, I recommend option A.	🏁 结论是，我建议选项 A。
in conclusion	🏁 总之	formal final wrap up	🏁 正式的最终总结	In conclusion, the results are clear.	🏁 总之，结果很清楚。
in short	🏁 简而言之	very brief summary	🏁 非常简短的摘要	In short, it is not worth it.	🏁 简而言之，这不值得。

Logical connectors often require specific punctuation depending on whether they join two independent clauses, introduce a dependent clause, or act as a sentence adverb. Correct punctuation makes your logic easier to read and prevents run-on sentences. Many connectors can be moved, but moving them can change emphasis and can require commas. Use these patterns to decide when to use a comma, semicolon, or no punctuation.

Rule	🇨🇳 中文 规则	Example	🇨🇳 中文 示例
Use a comma before but, so, or when they join two independent clauses	✍️ 在连接两个独立从句时，在 but、so、or 之前使用逗号	I wanted to go, but I was tired.	✍️ 我想去，但我很累。
Use a semicolon before however, therefore, thus when they connect two independent clauses	✍️ 在连接两个独立从句时，在 however、therefore、thus 之前使用分号	It was late; therefore, we left.	✍️ 天晚了；因此，我们离开了。
Put a comma after sentence starters like However, In addition, As a result	✍️ 在句首的词，如 However、In addition、As a result 之后加逗号	However, we decided to wait.	✍️ 然而，我们决定等待。
Do not use a comma before because when the reason is essential	✍️ 当原因是必要信息时，不要在 because 之前加逗号	We left because it was late.	✍️ 我们离开了，因为很晚。
Use a comma after an opening dependent clause like Although, If, Since	✍️ 在以 Although、If、Since 开头的从句后使用逗号	Although it rained, we went out.	✍️ 虽然下雨，我们出去了。