Formal Written Connectors: しかし / ところが / そのため

Read formal connectors accurately so you can follow contrast, surprise, and consequence across sentences.

Distinguish simple contrast, unexpected contrast, and result.Read しかし, ところが, and そのため with the right discourse function.Use connectors to predict the logic of the next sentence.

Guided study

Three common connectors

しかし signals a straightforward contrast. ところが introduces a result that goes against expectation. そのため marks a consequence or result. These words are common in essays, reports, and formal explanations.

準備は十分だった。しかし、結果はよくなかった。

The preparation was sufficient. However, the result was not good.

しかし marks plain contrast without strong surprise.

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早く家を出た。ところが、電車が止まっていた。

I left home early. However, the train had stopped.

Unexpected turn.

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台風が近づいていた。そのため、イベントは中止になった。

A typhoon was approaching. Therefore, the event was canceled.

そのため gives an objective, report-like consequence.

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