Discourse Markers: Linking Words
Discourse markers (linking words) connect ideas across sentences and signal how a text is organised. Using them well is one of the clearest signs of B2 writing and a major…
Discourse markers (linking words) connect ideas across sentences and signal how a text is organised. Using them well is one of the clearest signs of B2 writing and a major factor in exam marks.
By function
| Function | Markers |
|---|---|
| Adding | moreover, furthermore, in addition, what’s more, besides |
| Contrasting | however, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, whereas |
| Result | therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, hence |
| Examples | for instance, for example, such as, namely |
| Sequencing | firstly, then, subsequently, finally |
| Summarising | in conclusion, to sum up, overall, in short |
Punctuation & positionMost discourse markers begin a sentence and are followed by a comma: “However, the results were mixed.” They differ from conjunctions: you can’t write “*Although, …” as a sentence-starter the same way. However joins two separate sentences; although joins two clauses in one sentence.
Tricky pairs
| Pair | Difference |
|---|---|
| however / although | however = new sentence; although = one sentence, two clauses |
| therefore / because | therefore = result; because = reason |
| moreover / besides | moreover is more formal; besides is more conversational |
Examples from EduCareer
- The course is intensive. However, students enjoy the pace.
- Aisha practised daily; as a result, she improved quickly.
- We offer flexible hours. Moreover, all classes are recorded.
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersTreat sentence-starting markers as signposts followed by a comma: However, / Therefore, / In addition,. Don’t confuse however (links sentences) with although (links clauses): “Although it was hard, I passed” ✓, but “It was hard. However, I passed” ✓ — not “Although it was hard. I passed.”
Common mistakes
- However it was hard, I passed. → Although it was hard, I passed.
- I was tired, therefore I kept going. → I was tired; nevertheless, I kept going.
- In other hand, prices rose. → On the other hand, prices rose.
Practise with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."It was expensive. ___, we bought it." (contrast)
contrast → However.
2."She trained hard; ___, she won." (result)
result → as a result.
3."The flat is central. ___, it's cheap." (adding)
adding → Moreover.
4.Most sentence-initial markers are followed by:
a comma.
5.Which links two clauses in ONE sentence?
although = conjunction.
6."Many fruits, ___ apples and pears, grow here."
examples → such as.
7."___, I'd like to thank everyone." (closing)
summarising → In conclusion.
8.Which is correct?
although joins clauses.
9."Sales fell. ___, profits rose." (contrast between sentences)
In contrast links sentences.
10.'therefore' signals:
result.
11."___, complete the form. Then, sign it." (sequence)
sequencing → Firstly.
12.Which is correct?
On the other hand.
13."The plan is risky. ___, we'll proceed." (concession)
contrast/concession → Nevertheless.
14."He's qualified. ___, he has experience." (adding)
adding → Furthermore.
15.'whereas' is used to:
contrast within a sentence.
16."Costs rose; ___, we raised prices." (result)
result → consequently.
17."The city has problems, ___ traffic and noise."
specifying examples → namely.
18."To ___ up, the project was a success."
to sum up = summarise.
19."Some prefer mornings, ___ others prefer evenings."
contrast → whereas.
20."It rained all week. ___, the trip was great."
concession → Nonetheless.
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