一步一个脚印

I wrote this blog entry mainly for my Chinese students who have trouble with some basic cohesive devices in English – e.g. firstly/at first, lastly/at last, finally/ultimately, etc. However the word and sentence translations here I’m sure will also be helpful for Chinese learners.

This is not supposed to be a comprehensive list of formal cohesive devices, but rather a starting point for students, with a special focus on time/logic-related adverbs.

Do leave your comments re accuracy and additions as always.

12 Basic Cohesive Devices in Formal English Writing (with Chinese translation)

1. Firstly – 首先
English synonyms: First, in the first place, to begin with, to start with/off, first of all, first and foremost.
Chinese synonyms: 第一.
English example sentence: Firstly it is important to note that this issue has not received the attention it deserves.
Chinese translation: 首先，值得注意的是这个问题没有得到足够的重视。

2. At first – 起初
English synonyms: Originally, initially, to begin with, to start with/off.
Chinese synonyms: 起头、最初、一开始.
English Example sentence: At first many were reluctant to admit there was a problem.
Chinese translation: 起初，很多人都不愿承认问题的存在。

3. Often – 经常
English synonyms: Frequently.
Chinese synonyms: 频繁、常常、时常、往往.
English example sentence: Often those in power try to sweep the problem under the carpet.
Chinese translation: 通常，执政的人会图掩盖问题。

4. Rarely – 难得
English synonyms: Sporadically, seldom, once in a while, barely, hardly, scarcely, infrequently.
Chinese synonyms: 很少.
English example sentence: Rarely has this issue been the focus in mainstream media.
Chinese translation: 这个问题很少成为主流媒体关注的焦点。

5. Normally – 通常
English synonyms: Usually.
Chinese synonyms: 平素、照理.
English example sentence: Normally the press directs its focus to other types of issues.
Chinese translation: 通常情况下，媒体会把焦点转移到别的问题上去。

6. Eventually – 最终
English synonyms: In the end, in time, in due course.
Chinese synonyms: 最后.
English example sentence: Eventually it is hoped that governments around the world can reach a consensus to deal with this problem.
Chinese translation: 希望各国政府能够针对这个问题最终达成一致。

7. After all – 毕竟
English synonyms: Ultimately, when all is said and done, at the end of the day, in the end, in the long run, in the final analysis.
Chinese synonyms: 终究、终归、归根结底、说到底.
English example sentence: After all mutual trust is the basis for international cooperation.
Chinese translation: 毕竟相互之间的信任是国际合作的基础。

8. At last – 终于
English synonyms: At long last, in the end, finally.
Chinese synonyms: 总算.
English example sentence: At last governments and organisations around the world have taken the first steps in tackling this issue.
Chinese translation: 终于，全世界的政府和组织迈出了解决这个问题的第一步。

9. As it turns out – 原来
English synonyms: …all along, …originally….
Chinese synonyms: 本来、始终、一直.
English example sentence: As it turns out however, the legislation has been the subject of much criticism.
Chinese translation: 原来该法规一直是公众批评的对象。

10. Basically – 根本上
English synonyms: Fundamentally, to put it simply.
Chinese synonyms: 大体上、总的来说.
English example sentence: Basically the general public have found it difficult to understand the complexities of the new law.
Chinese translation: 根本上，公众表示新的法律有些复杂，很难让人理解。

11. Lastly – 最后
English synonyms: Finally, last but not least.
Chinese synonyms: 最终.
English example sentence: Lastly there is another issue which needs to be addressed that has long been neglected by the general public.
Chinese translation: 最后，还有一个问题需要提出。这个问题被公众忽视了很久。

12. In conclusion – 结论
English synonyms: In conclusion, to sum up, in summary.
Chinese synonyms: 总结、总之.
English example sentence: In conclusion much more could be done to raise awareness in the community about this problem.
Chinese translation: 结论：为了唤起社区对这个问题的注意，还有很多事情需要去做。