句群：首先…其次…况且…因此
linking several sentences into one argument
Structure
首先 理由一 。 其次 理由二 。 况且 补充 。 因此／可见 结论
What it means
Connectives that build several sentences into one argument, step by step: the shape of an essay paragraph or a debate speech.
How it is built
首先 + reason 1。其次 + reason 2。况且 + one more reason。因此／可见 + conclusion: 质量会受影响。况且，时间也来不及。因此，我建议再考虑考虑 (quality would suffer. Besides, there isn’t time. So I suggest we think again).
When to use it
首先、其次、再次、最后 set out the steps; 况且 or 何况 adds a reason on the same side; 固然…但是 (4-5) concedes and turns; 这就是说 restates; 因此、可见、总之 conclude. 首先、其次、况且 and 因此 each head their own sentence.
Watch out
况且 only ever adds. Do not use it for a contrast or to start the first point: ✗价格便宜，况且质量不好 ✓价格便宜，但是质量不好.
Examples
首先，人生来就有欲望。其次，欲望不加约束，就会伤害别人。况且，孩子懂得谦让，都是大人一点一点教出来的。可见，善是后天教化的结果。
First, people are born with desires. Second, desires left unchecked will harm others. Besides, children learn to give way only because adults teach them, bit by bit. So goodness is the result of upbringing.
这个方案我不赞同。省钱固然重要，但是质量会受影响。况且，时间也来不及。因此，我建议再考虑考虑。
I don’t support this plan. Saving money matters, of course, but quality would suffer. Besides, there isn’t enough time. So I suggest we think again.
Learn this in Lesson 227 · HSK 9+: 辩论的艺术 (The art of debate)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →