汉语和英语两种语言之间最基本的区别在于句法方面。英语重形合 (hypo taxis)，句中各意群、成分都用适当的连接词 (connective)、介词 (preposition)、非限定性动词短语 (phrase)或从句 (clause)等来表达其相互关系，因而结构严谨但缺乏弹性；而汉语句法则重意合(parataxis)，句中各意群、成分通过内在的联系贯穿在一起，不一定或很少用连接词、介词，也没有非限定性动词短语或从句，因此结构松散，但富于弹性，从句子整体来看，意义清楚，不会产生误解。

今天，我们就来分门别类地介绍一些英语词类中最容易掌握，而且必须掌握的连接词。

Chronological (temporal) sequence 顺序

At first, first, firstly, second, secondly, then, next, eventually, in the end, lastly, later, subsequently, at the same time, simultaneously, afterwards, finally, last but not least

Additive 补充

And, in addition, moreover, besides, above all, further, furthermore, not only … but also, what is more, in the same way

Comparison 比较

Likewise, equally, similarly, in comparison, correspondingly, in the same way

Comparison / Contrastive 比较 / 对比

But, however, whereas, conversely, in contrast, unlike, on the contrary, on the other hand, yet

Concessive 让步

However, nevertheless, even though, still, yet

Expressing an alternative 提出可选项

Alternatively, on the other hand, rather

Causal (result/consequence) 因果

Consequently, so, accordingly, as a result, for this reason, hence, thus, owing to this/that, due to this/that, because of this/that, therefore, with this in mind, under these circumstances

Example / illustration 举例

For example, that is, such as, for instance, thus, as follows, the following, in this case

Explanation / rephrasing 解释

That is to say, in other words, namely, this means, to put it in another way, to put it simply

Thematising/starting a new point 提出新观点

With regard to, in regard to, with reference to, turning to, as for…, as far as… is concerned

Generalization / hedging 模糊限制语

Generally, in general, on the whole, in most cases, normally, as a rule, in most cases, usually, for the most part

Interpersonal (情感)交际

Fortunately, unfortunately, certainly, luckily, needless to say, strangely enough

Emphasis/highlighting 强调

Mainly, especially, notably, in particular, particularly, clearly then

Conclusion 总结

In conclusion, to conclude, finally, to sum up, in brief, therefore

Condition/deduction 条件

Otherwise, under the circumstances, if so, if not, in that case, otherwise