Words are always needed to tie thoughts and sentences together.  These words can communicate simply or be stiff, formal and complex like the following: "to be sure however."                                                                      

The rule is, if you use Word or phrase only in writing, but never in conversation, then that word or phrase needs to be simplified. To do this, use the simplest word possible.  Let's look at it at example: "Tom left the company; consequently, Joe was promoted to manager."  Consequently connects the two thoughts, all right, but you certainly wouldn't talk that way, so get rid of it.  That sentence should read: "Tom left the company, so Joe was promoted to manager.” 

Now let's look at some more stuffy connecting words

• Stuffy connecting words.

We recently opened a new Omaha plant, likewise, we now intend to open one in Spokane.

• Meaningful connecting words.

We recently opened a new Omaha plant and also intend to open a new one in Spokane.

• Stuffy connecting words

We grew a bumper crop this year, consequently the company expects to double its income.

• Meaningful connecting words.

Because we grew a bumper crop this year, the company expects to double its income

• Stuffy connecting words.

You don't have to turn in your report this week, to be sure, however, I'll expect it the next Monday.

• Meaningful connecting words.

You don't have to turn the report this week, however, I'll expect next Monday.

• Stuffy connecting words.

I know you're extremely busy at home, nevertheless, I still expect you to work overtime this weekend.

• Conversational connecting words.

I know you're busy at home, but I still expect you to work overtime this weekend.

• Stuffy connecting words

The worker did well on the company test.  Consequently he was made foreman.

• Conversational connecting words

The worker did well in company test, so he was made foreman.