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Language, when you need it
Search concise C2 rules, vocabulary and speaking phrases without leaving the course to hunt through past lessons.
What it is
C2 signposting is using brief, natural markers to guide a listener through a complex argument without stating every step in obvious, mechanical language.
Form
| Form | Pattern | Model sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | There are two things worth noting here. | There are two things worth noting here before we get into detail. |
| Moving on | That brings me to ... | That brings me to the second, and more pressing, issue. |
| Contrast marker | On the flip side, ... | On the flip side, this approach costs us almost nothing. |
| Closing | Which leaves us with ... | Which leaves us with one real option. |
Use it when
- You're giving a long presentation with several distinct sections
- You want the listener to follow complex reasoning without a script feel
- You're writing an essay and need transitions that don't sound like a checklist
- You're chairing a meeting and moving between agenda points smoothly
Examples
- Setting that aside for a moment, let's look at the numbers.
- Which brings us neatly to the next problem.
- None of that, however, explains the drop in sales.
- So where does that leave us?
- With that in mind, here's what I'd suggest.
Watch out
✗ Firstly, secondly, thirdly, in conclusion — used in every talk.
✓ Vary your signposts naturally: 'That brings me to...', 'Which leaves us with...'.
Mechanical numbering sounds like a school essay rather than fluent speech.
✗ Leaving out signposts entirely in a long, complex argument.
✓ Add light markers at key transitions so the listener doesn't get lost.
Without any guidance, dense arguments become hard to follow.
✗ As I have already stated in my previous point, I will now proceed to discuss...
✓ That said, there's a second issue worth raising.
Overly formal signposting sounds stiff rather than naturally fluent.
Remember
Guide the listener with a light touch, not a map and a whistle.
Quick check
- 1. Give a natural way to move to a second point besides 'secondly'.
Reveal
That brings me to...
- 2. Why avoid 'firstly, secondly, thirdly' at C2 level?
Reveal
It sounds mechanical rather than natural, fluent speech.
- 3. Give a signpost for closing an argument.
Reveal
Which leaves us with...