Sentence Groups with Connective Words
带关联词语的句群
Understand and construct multi-sentence groups connected by explicit connective words
Sentence groups (句群) are sequences of two or more sentences that form a cohesive unit of thought. When connective words (关联词语) are used, the logical relationships between sentences are made explicit — cause-effect, addition, contrast, condition, etc.
Sentence groups are larger than compound sentences (复句) — they consist of multiple independent sentences, not clauses within one sentence. The connective words serve as signposts that guide the reader through the logical flow.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Sentence Groups with Connective Words (带关联词语的句群)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 带关联词语的句群 pattern
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Understanding 带关联词语的句群
At the advanced level, you move beyond constructing individual sentences to organizing groups of sentences into coherent paragraphs. A sentence group (句群) with connective words is like a well-signposted highway — the connective words tell the reader exactly how each sentence relates to the next. Common connectives include 除了……之外 (besides), 不但……而且 (not only...but also), 虽然……但是 (although...but), 因此 (therefore), 另外 (additionally), 然后 (then), and 总之 (in summary). The key skill is selecting the right connective to express the precise logical relationship: addition, contrast, cause-effect, sequence, or summary. Unlike compound sentences where clauses share a single sentence boundary, sentence groups contain fully independent sentences linked by these connective bridges. Mastering this is essential for academic writing, formal speeches, and any context requiring sustained, organized argumentation in Chinese.
Key Points
- 句群 (jùqún) = sentence group — two or more sentences forming a unit of thought.
- 关联词语 (guānlián cíyǔ) = connective words — explicitly mark logical relationships.
- Additive: 除了……之外、还、另外、不但……而且 — adding information.
- Contrastive: 虽然……但是、不过、然而、可是 — introducing contrast.
- Causal: 因为……所以、因此、由于、于是 — showing cause and effect.
- Sequential: 首先……然后……最后、接着 — ordering events or steps.
- Summary: 总之、总的来说、由此可见 — wrapping up a point.
- Sentence groups are the building blocks of paragraphs in Chinese writing.
Chinese academic and formal writing places great emphasis on logical connectives. The gaokao essay (高考作文) is graded partly on the correct and varied use of connective words. Students who master sentence groups with proper connectives are seen as clear, logical thinkers.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
除了记忆力差之外，我还有其他的缺点。比如说，我做事比较粗心，而且容易半途而废。
Besides having a poor memory, I have other weaknesses. For example, I am careless, and I tend to give up halfway.
Additive relationship with examples
虽然这次考试很难，但是大部分同学都通过了。不过，还是有几个人需要补考。
Although this exam was difficult, most students passed. However, a few still need to retake it.
首先，我们要确定目标。然后，制定详细的计划。最后，按照计划一步步执行。
First, we need to set goals. Then, make a detailed plan. Finally, execute the plan step by step.
由于天气原因，航班延误了三个小时。因此，很多旅客错过了转机。
Due to weather, the flight was delayed three hours. As a result, many passengers missed their connections.
这家餐厅的菜品不错。另外，服务态度也很好。总之，值得推荐。
This restaurant's food is good. Additionally, the service is excellent. In short, it is worth recommending.
他不但学习成绩优秀，而且体育也很出色。此外，他还积极参加志愿者活动。
Not only are his grades excellent, but he is also outstanding in sports. Moreover, he actively participates in volunteer activities.
Common Mistakes
虽然……但是 connects clauses within one sentence (compound sentence), not separate sentences. The 所以 sentence is a separate sentence in the group.
When listing sequential points, use 首先……其次……最后, not 首先……而且. 而且 is additive, not sequential.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of connective words as GPS directions for your reader — they prevent getting lost in your argument.
Vary your connectives: do not use 而且 five times when you could use 此外、另外、再说、加上.
In writing, start each new sentence in the group on a logical connection — never let sentences float without relationship.
Practice by writing three-sentence groups: one additive, one contrastive, one causal.
Homework
Write three sentence groups (each 3-4 sentences): one using additive connectives (另外/此外/不但……而且), one using contrastive connectives (虽然……但是/然而), and one using sequential connectives (首先/然后/最后). Each group should develop one main idea.