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Best Connectors for TCF Writing: Tips for Success
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Most candidates agree that the most challenging part of the TCF exam is the writing section. In this section, you have to produce coherent texts such as emails, articles, or argumentative essays, typically at levels from A1 to C2.
But, how can you write in this section to get a good score? Obviously, connectors are your secret weapon. They act as bridges between ideas and make your writing flow logically and persuasively.
If you want to know how to use the best connectors for TCF writing, stay with us throughout the blog!
Why Connectors Matter in TCF Writing (block)
First, let’s see why connectors are so important for TCF writing. Connectors, also called transition words or linking phrases, serve several key functions in TCF writing:
- Structuring Ideas: They organize your text into clear paragraphs, such as introducing points, contrasting opinions, or concluding arguments.
- Showing Logical Flow: In tasks like writing an opinion piece, connectors help link causes to effects or examples to explanations.
- Enhancing Coherence: TCF evaluators look for how well you connect sentences and ideas. Using varied connectors avoids over-reliance on basics like et (and) or mais (but).
- Showing Proficiency: At higher levels (B2-C2), advanced connectors like bien que (although) or par conséquent (consequently) show sophistication, which can get you a higher score.
Using words like cependant (however) or d’abord (first) helps you connect your ideas clearly in the TEF and TCF writing and speaking sections.
It’s enough to learn a few from each category at the intermediate level, and add more as you progress. Below is a straightforward list of useful connectors, grouped by type.
Categories of Connectors In TCF Writing with Examples
Connectors are usually grouped by their logical function. Below, you can see the most useful ones for TCF writing, with English translations and sample sentences.
These connectors are useful for essay-style tasks where you need to argue for or against a topic. They help you change up your wording so you don’t repeat the same phrases.
1. Addition (To Add Ideas or Examples)
These connectors help you add more detail to your ideas, which is useful when developing arguments in TCF essays.
French Connector | English Translation | Example in Context |
Et | And | Le changement climatique est un problème grave et il affecte tout le monde. (Climate change is a serious issue and it affects everyone.) |
De plus / En plus | Moreover / In addition | Les énergies renouvelables sont écologiques. De plus, elles créent des emplois. (Renewable energies are eco‑friendly. Moreover, they create jobs.) |
En outre | Furthermore | En outre, le gouvernement devrait investir dans l'éducation. (Furthermore, the government should invest in education.) |
D'ailleurs | Besides / Moreover | Je n'aime pas voyager seul. D'ailleurs, c'est plus amusant avec des amis. (I don't like traveling alone. Besides, it's more fun with friends.) |
Non seulement... mais aussi | Not only... but also | Non seulement la pollution augmente, mais aussi la santé publique en souffre. (Not only is pollution increasing, but also public health is suffering.) |
2. Contrast / Opposition (To Show Differences or Counterpoints)
These connectors are essential for balanced arguments in TCF, where you usually need to present pros and cons:
French Connector | English Translation | Example in Context |
Mais | But | J'aime le français, mais c'est difficile. (I like French, but it's difficult.) |
Cependant | However | Le film était long. Cependant, il était captivant. (The movie was long. However, it was captivating.) |
Pourtant | Yet / However | Il pleut dehors. Pourtant, nous sortons. (It's raining outside. Yet, we're going out.) |
En revanche / Par contre | On the other hand | Paris est chère. En revanche, elle offre beaucoup de culture. (Paris is expensive. On the other hand, it offers a lot of culture.) |
Bien que | Although | Bien que je sois fatigué, je continue. (Although I'm tired, I continue.) |
Malgré | Despite | Malgré la pluie, le match a eu lieu. (Despite the rain, the match took place.) |
3. Cause and Effect (To Explain Reasons or Results)
These connectors are perfect for justifying opinions in TCF writing.
French Connector | English Translation | Example in Context |
Parce que / Car | Because | Je reste à la maison parce que je suis malade. (I'm staying home because I'm sick.) |
À cause de | Because of | Le vol est annulé à cause de la grève. (The flight is canceled because of the strike.) |
Donc | So / Therefore | Il fait froid, donc porte un manteau. (It's cold, so wear a coat.) |
Par conséquent | Consequently | L'économie ralentit. Par conséquent, les emplois diminuent. (The economy is slowing. Consequently, jobs are decreasing.) |
Ainsi | Thus | Nous avons étudié dur. Ainsi, nous réussissons. (We studied hard. Thus, we succeed.) |
Grâce à | Thanks to | Grâce à ton aide, j'ai compris. (Thanks to your help, I understood.) |
4. Sequence / Order (To Structure Steps or Arguments)
You can use these for chronological or logical ordering, like in process descriptions.
French Connector | English Translation | Example in Context |
D'abord | First | D'abord, lavez les légumes. (First, wash the vegetables.) |
Ensuite / Puis | Then / Next | Ensuite, coupez-les en morceaux. (Then, cut them into pieces.) |
Enfin / Finalement | Finally | Enfin, servez le plat. (Finally, serve the dish.) |
Premièrement / Deuxièmement | Firstly / Secondly | Premièrement, considérons les avantages. Deuxièmement, les inconvénients. (Firstly, let's consider the advantages. Secondly, the disadvantages.) |
Dès que | As soon as | Dès que tu arrives, appelle-moi. (As soon as you arrive, call me.) |
5. Illustration / Example (To Provide Evidence)
These connectors are great for supporting claims with specifics.
French Connector | English Translation | Example in Context |
Par exemple | For example | De nombreux pays utilisent le solaire, par exemple l'Allemagne. (Many countries use solar, for example, Germany.) |
Notamment | Notably / Especially | Les fruits sont sains, notamment les pommes. (Fruits are healthy, notably apples.) |
C'est-à-dire | That is to say | Il est polyglotte, c'est-à-dire il parle plusieurs langues. (He's a polyglot, that is to say he speaks several languages.) |
6. Conclusion / Summary (To Wrap Up)
Lastly, you can end your TCF essay strongly with these.
French Connector | English Translation | Example in Context |
En conclusion | In conclusion | En conclusion, l'éducation est clé. (In conclusion, education is key.) |
Pour conclure / Pour finir | To conclude | Pour conclure, agissons maintenant. (To conclude, let's act now.) |
En somme / Bref | In short / All in all | En somme, c'est une bonne idée. (In short, it's a good idea.) |
Tout compte fait | All things considered | Tout compte fait, je suis d'accord. (All things considered, I agree.) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using TCF Writing Connectors
While connectors can make your writing clearer and more professional, using them incorrectly can have the opposite effect. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using connectors in TCF writing:
Overuse
Repeating “donc” in every sentence makes writing monotonous.
Incorrect Usage
E.g., using “parce que” for effects instead of causes.
Ignoring Subjunctive
Forget it after “afin que” (so that), and your grammar score drops.
Translation Errors
Faux amis like “actuellement” (currently, not actually) can confuse.
Lack of Variety
Sticking to English-style thinking; practice in French contexts.
- Use a Mix of Connectors: Try not to rely too much on basics like et or mais. Add a few stronger ones like néanmoins (nevertheless) to improve your writing.
- Choose Based on Your Level: For B1–B2, learning 2–3 connectors per category is enough. At C1–C2, include more precise ones like quoique (even though).
- Pay Attention to Grammar: Make sure each connector fits the sentence structure. For example, bien que is followed by the subjunctive. Practice with real prompts, such as writing about the advantages of social media.
- Keep It Balanced: In a 250‑word TCF essay, using around 5–10 connectors is usually enough to create flow without overloading the text.
- Practice Using them: Write short practice essays and highlight the connectors you use. Many learners also create Anki cards with examples to help them remember.
- Focus on Exam‑Friendly Connectors: For TEF/TCF, pay special attention to connectors for giving opinions and showing sequence, since these appear often in exam prep materials.
Final Thoughts
Using TCF writing connectors can transform your writing from basic to brilliant. If you know how to use them, your arguments sound stronger, and your overall structure becomes easier for examiners to follow.
To learn them effectively, start by reviewing a few from each category, practice them in short paragraphs, and use them regularly in your writing and speaking. When you practice these connectors steadily, they will become a regular part of your writing.
