B2 · Upper Intermediate

Discourse Markers

Learn English discourse markers that organise writing and speaking, connect larger ideas, and help manage conversation turns and topics, at B2 level.

By the flumi team About 8 min read 44 vocabulary words

What Are Discourse Markers?

Discourse markers are words and phrases that organise communication and connect larger ideas. They are common in both writing (to connect paragraphs/arguments) and speaking (to manage turns and change topic).
They help speakers:

  • structure arguments
  • manage conversations
  • improve fluency
  • express relationships between ideas more clearly and appropriately

Adding Information

Use these markers to add another point or to strengthen an argument.

Marker Use Example
furthermore formal addition The hotel was affordable. Furthermore, it was close to the city centre.
moreover adds an extra supporting point (often emphatic/formal) She is highly experienced. Moreover, she speaks three languages.
in addition extra information In addition, the company offers free training.
besides a clinching extra reason We should leave now. Besides, it is getting late.

Besides is informal and often gives a final, convincing extra reason. Use neutral in addition or formal furthermore in an essay.

Do not begin every paragraph with furthermore or moreover. Use an addition marker only when the new point really adds to the previous one; otherwise, let the sentence or paragraph link speak for itself.

Contrast and Concession

Used to introduce opposing or unexpected ideas.

Marker Use Example
however contrast The task was difficult. However, we completed it on time.
nevertheless surprising contrast He had very little experience. Nevertheless, he got the job.
on the other hand alternative viewpoint (compare two sides/choices) On the one hand, city life is exciting. On the other hand, it can be stressful.
in contrast direct opposition between two stated things The first hotel is expensive. In contrast, the second costs almost nothing.

Use on the one hand … on the other hand to compare two sides or choices. If you only want simple contrast, use however or but.

Use in contrast to compare two things that have both been stated. Use on the contrary to reject or correct what someone has just said: “Is the film boring?” “On the contrary, it is very exciting.”

Result and Consequence

Used to show logical outcomes.

Marker Use Example
therefore formal result The company lost money; therefore, several employees were fired.
consequently formal consequence, often after a clear cause He trained every day. Consequently, his performance improved.
as a result outcome The weather was terrible. As a result, the event was cancelled.
thus concise formal written result; rare in speech The evidence was incomplete; thus, we could not draw a conclusion.

Use therefore for a general logical conclusion and consequently when you want to stress the result of a clear cause. As a result is a neutral choice. Thus is concise and mainly used in formal writing, not conversation.

Organising Ideas

Used to structure presentations, essays, and discussions.

Marker Use Example
firstly first point in a list Firstly, we need to identify the problem.
secondly second point Secondly, we should discuss possible solutions.
lastly final point in a list Lastly, we need to decide who will lead the project.
finally final step or last event Finally, we need to decide who will lead the project.
to begin with introducing To begin with, let us look at the main problem.
first of all introducing the first point First of all, let us look at the main problem.
at first at the beginning, before a change At first, I found the job difficult, but I soon enjoyed it.
in conclusion ending In conclusion, public transport should be improved.

Use firstly or first of all to introduce the first point in an argument. Use at first only when you describe an earlier situation that later changed.

Giving examples and clarifying

Use these markers to make your meaning more precise in writing and speaking.

Marker Use Example
for example introduces one example Many cities have improved public transport. For example, Copenhagen has extensive cycle lanes.
for instance introduces one example; slightly more formal Some jobs need excellent communication skills; nursing, for instance, is one.
such as gives examples after a noun Outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling are popular here.
in other words says the same idea more clearly The deadline is flexible. In other words, we can finish next week.
that is gives a precise explanation The meeting is on the final working day, that is, Friday.
to put it another way reformulates an idea The plan is too expensive. To put it another way, we cannot afford it.

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Spoken Discourse Markers

Common in natural conversation.

Marker Function
actually correction/surprise
anyway returning/changing topic
by the way introducing a new/side topic (topic shift)
after all (1) giving a reason/reminder or (2) showing that the final result was different from what was expected

Examples

  • Actually, I disagree with that idea.
  • Anyway, let’s continue.
  • By the way, have you spoken to Anna?
  • Let’s invite her—after all, she helped us a lot.
  • She came after all.

More conversational markers

Marker Function Example
well hesitating or giving a careful answer Well, I am not sure that will work.
you know softening or checking shared knowledge It is, you know, quite complicated.
I mean reformulating or correcting It was a success—I mean, mostly.
right checking agreement We meet at six, right?
so opening a turn or moving to the next point So, what should we do next?
mind you adding a qualification It is cheap. Mind you, it is very small.

Formal vs Informal Style

These pairs are approximate; choose a marker based on meaning (contrast, result, addition), not only on formality. Thus and nonetheless are markedly formal and mainly written. Anyway is common in speech when resuming a topic; in formal writing, use in any case when you mean “despite that” or “regardless”.

Informal More Formal
but however
so therefore
also furthermore
anyway in any case / nevertheless / nonetheless (choose based on meaning)

Examples

  • Informal: It was expensive, but I bought it.
  • Formal: It was expensive; however, I bought it.

Punctuation with Discourse Markers

Most of these markers are adverbials, not conjunctions. Unlike but and although, they cannot join two complete clauses by themselves, so use a full stop or a semicolon when needed.

Introductory markers

Sentence-initial markers (e.g. However, Therefore, In addition) are usually followed by a comma.

Examples

  • However, I disagree.
  • Therefore, we changed the plan.

Mid-sentence markers

If the marker appears inside a sentence, punctuation depends on where it fits:

  • We, however, decided to leave.
  • The results, therefore, were inconclusive.

Formal sentence linking

Often use a semicolon when linking two independent clauses in formal writing.

Examples

  • The plan failed; therefore, we started again.
  • He was exhausted; nevertheless, he continued working.

A semicolon is common in formal writing, but you can also use a full stop: “The company lost money. Therefore, several employees were fired.”

Do not join two complete sentences with commas around however:

  • ✗ “The task was difficult, however, we completed it on time.”
  • ✓ “The task was difficult. However, we completed it on time.”
  • ✓ “The task was difficult; however, we completed it on time.”

Summary

  • Choose markers by meaning (addition/contrast/result), then by formality.
  • Use “on the other hand” for an alternative viewpoint (often two-sided comparisons).
  • For formal clause linking, prefer “; however/therefore,” or a full stop + connector.

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Discourse madrkers

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Last updated October 14, 2026