Thanks to

[99bottles]

Thanks to those karate classes, I have finally learnt how to defend myself. Furthermore/by the way/also/(other choice?), my sensei introduced me to the fascinating Eastern cultures.

Generally, I know the difference between those options (I think). However, the sentence above has been killing me all day today. Does anybody want to be my savior, chiefs?

 

[Tarheel]

Perhaps:

I'm grateful to my sensei, who introduced me to those fascinating Eastern cultures.

 

[Tarheel]

It's a really abrupt transition, which is why it's so hard.

 

[99bottles]

It's a really abrupt transition, which is why it's so hard.

So, by the way it is?

 

[Tarheel]

Perhaps:

The karate was my sensei's idea, so I have him to thank for that.

 

[Tarheel]

Thanks to those karate classes, I have finally learnt how to defend myself. Furthermore/by the way/also/(other choice?), my sensei introduced me to the fascinating Eastern cultures.

Generally, I know the difference between those options (I think). However, the sentence above has been killing me all day today. Does anybody want to be my savior, chiefs?

 

[Tarheel]

Try:

Thanks to those karate classes, I have finally learned how to defend myself. (The karate was my sensei's idea, so I have him to thank for that.)

Now it's perfect.

 

[Tdol]

So, by the way it is?

That's not what I would use. How about in addition?

 

[99bottles]

That's not what I would use. How about in addition?

What do you mean by how about? You're not sure either?

 

[emsr2d2]

I don't know why you think you need any version of "Furthermore/In addition etc".

Thanks to those classes, I can now defend myself. Thanks to my sensei, I've been introduced to fascinating Eastern cultures.

I actually like the repetition of "Thanks to" there.

 

[99bottles]

I think I have realized that confuses me. Is furthermore used only when stating arguments?

 

[emsr2d2]

I think I have realized that confuses me. Is furthermore used only when stating arguments?

No, not at all. However, it's useful when continuing with a list of things. You're just stating two facts and I don't think the extra words add anything useful.

 

[Tarheel]

Perhaps:

Thanks to those karate classes I can now defend myself. Thanks also to my sensei, who introduced me to karate (and other things about Eastern cultures).

 

[Tdol]

What do you mean by how about? You're not sure either?

You did include Other Choice as an option.

 

[99bottles]

You did include Other Choice as an option.

With all due respect, are you or are you not sure that in addition works here?

 

[5jj]

What do you mean by how about? You're not sure either?

'How about ...?' is often used to make a suggestion.

 

[5jj]

With all due respect, are you or are you not sure that in addition works here?

You are sounding abrasive again. 'With all due respect' very often suggests a lack of respect for the idea suggested. The fact that Tdol suggested 'in addition' should tell us that he thinks it would work - he would not have suggested it otherwise.