继而: Subsequently Leading On in Chinese
继而
继而 is a formal sequence connector meaning ‘subsequently’ or ‘and then.’ It introduces a later development that grows directly out of the preceding event or thought. Compared with 然后, it is more written and often signals a continuing chain. It cannot precede the first event or appear after the second event.
Published July 23, 2026
Reviewed July 23, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
Event 1, 继而 + Event 2
Read the structure
继而 is a formal sequence connector meaning ‘subsequently’ or ‘and then.’ It introduces a later development that grows directly out of the preceding event or thought. Compared with 然后, it is more written and often signals a continuing chain. It cannot precede the first event or appear after the second event. Keep the model Event 1, 继而 + Event 2 visible while you compare each sentence.
他继而一想，又觉得这是个好机会。
He then reconsidered and felt it was a good opportunity.
Choose the right context
Advance a formal narrative to the next development. Show one effect leading onward to another. Introduce a second thought after reconsideration.
成本上升，继而影响了产品价格。
Costs rose and subsequently affected product prices.
Respect the boundary
Do not put 继而 before the initial event. Do not place it at the end of the second event. Do not use it for simultaneous actions.
成本上升，影响了产品价格继而。
(Costs rose, affected prices subsequently.)
Repair the pattern
继而 follows the later event: 继而 introduces the later development and cannot trail it. 了 is attached to the sequence connector: 继而 is an invariant connector; aspect 了 belongs to the following event, not the connector.
成本上升，继而影响了产品价格。
Use the repaired structure without changing the intended meaning.
02 / MAP
Read the Sentence
Read from left to right and notice the job performed by each part. The labels describe this example; they are not a rule that every Chinese sentence must copy.
他继而一想，又觉得这是个好机会。
He then reconsidered and felt it was a good opportunity.
他
Event 1, 继而
This part occupies the Event 1, 继而 position in the model pattern.
继而
Event 2
This part occupies the Event 2 position in the model pattern.
一想
Event 1, 继而
This part occupies the Event 1, 继而 position in the model pattern.
，
Event 2
This part occupies the Event 2 position in the model pattern.
又
Event 1, 继而
This part occupies the Event 1, 继而 position in the model pattern.
觉得
Event 2
This part occupies the Event 2 position in the model pattern.
这
Event 1, 继而
This part occupies the Event 1, 继而 position in the model pattern.
是
Event 2
This part occupies the Event 2 position in the model pattern.
个
Event 1, 继而
This part occupies the Event 1, 继而 position in the model pattern.
好
Event 2
This part occupies the Event 2 position in the model pattern.
机会
Event 1, 继而
This part occupies the Event 1, 继而 position in the model pattern.
03 / EXAMPLES
Examples You Can Reuse
Keep the structure stable while changing the people, objects, times, or conditions. Pinyin is shown as reading support; use the Chinese sentence and translation to confirm the grammar relationship.
他继而一想，又觉得这是个好机会。
He then reconsidered and felt it was a good opportunity.
成本上升，继而影响了产品价格。
Costs rose and subsequently affected product prices.
雨势增强，继而引发了洪水。
The rain intensified and subsequently caused flooding.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Advance a formal narrative to the next development.
- Show one effect leading onward to another.
- Introduce a second thought after reconsideration.
Do not use it when
- Do not put 继而 before the initial event.
- Do not place it at the end of the second event.
- Do not use it for simultaneous actions.
05 / REPAIR
Compare Right and Wrong
Compare the smallest meaningful change. Each explanation identifies a placement, scope, form, or clause relationship instead of treating the whole sentence as one undifferentiated mistake.
成本上升，影响了产品价格继而。
成本上升，继而影响了产品价格。
继而 follows the later event
继而 introduces the later development and cannot trail it.
成本上升，继而了影响产品价格。
成本上升，继而影响了产品价格。
了 is attached to the sequence connector
继而 is an invariant connector; aspect 了 belongs to the following event, not the connector.
成本上升，影响了产品价格继而。
继而 introduces the later development and cannot trail it.
成本上升，继而了影响产品价格。
继而 is an invariant connector; aspect 了 belongs to the following event, not the connector.
06 / PRACTICE
Practice the Grammar Point
Complete three short tasks in order: judge the pattern, repair a common error, and build the sentence. Feedback is fixed and reviewed, so these activities do not use a checker allowance.
1. Judge the sentence
2. Choose the correction
3. Build the sentence
Build a complete sentence with 继而.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with 继而. Your draft moves to the checker through this browser session, selects this grammar point as the first review focus, and waits for you to submit.
08 / QUESTIONS
继而: Subsequently Leading On Questions
How is 继而 different from 然后?
继而 is more formal and often highlights a linked development; 然后 is neutral sequence.
How is 继而 different from 进而?
继而 foregrounds a linked later step; 进而 more often marks a logical move to a deeper or broader consequence.
09 / SOURCES
Sources and Review Notes
These references support different parts of the lesson. GF0025-2021 supports level placement only; professional grammar works support the explanation, limits, examples, and cross-checks. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021)
Ministry of Education and State Language Commission · Ministry of Education of the PRC · 2021
Locator: GF0025-2021 Appendix A, combined Levels 7–9 item 【七—九055】, 连词：继而、要不是 (printed p. 242)
Supports placement in the official combined Levels 7-9 band; the exact site level remains an internal difficulty label; it does not independently establish the usage explanation.
Official sourceModern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide, 3rd ed.
Ross, Ma, Chen, He and Yeh · Routledge · 2024
Locator: Chapter 42, §§42.2–42.4, expressing sequence and sentence adverbs indicating afterward
Supports placing a sequence connector before the later event in a linked chain; this card isolates 继而 from the counterfactual 要不是 listed in the same GF item.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
Continue with a Connected Rule
Compare
先……再/然后……先...再/然后...: Sequencing Actions
Compare this lesson with 先……再 or 然后 ordering two events; both belong to event sequence, progression, and resulting development, but they organize a different sentence role or discourse job.
Compare
进而进而: Advancing to a Further Result
Compare this lesson with 进而 advancing from one result or argument to another; both belong to event sequence, progression, and resulting development, but they organize a different sentence role or discourse job.
Compare
时A时B时A时B: Alternating from Time to Time
Compare this lesson with 时A时B showing events or states alternating over time; both belong to event sequence, progression, and resulting development, but they organize a different sentence role or discourse job.
RECOMMENDED NEXT
Compare
Compare this lesson with 先……再 or 然后 ordering two events; both belong to event sequence, progression, and resulting development, but they organize a different sentence role or discourse job.