Discourse Markers
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 | He trained every day. Consequently, his performance improved. |
| as a result | outcome | The weather was terrible. As a result, the event was cancelled. |
| thus | formal written result | The evidence was incomplete; thus, we could not draw a conclusion. |
5. Organising Ideas
Used to structure presentations, essays, and discussions.
| Marker | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| firstly | first point | Firstly, we need to identify the problem. |
| secondly | second point | Secondly, we should discuss possible solutions. |
| finally | final point | Finally, we need to decide who will lead the project. |
| to begin with | introducing | To begin with, let us look at the main problem. |
| in conclusion | ending | In conclusion, public transport should be improved. |
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6. 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. |
7. 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.
8. Punctuation with Discourse Markers
8.1 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.
8.2 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.
8.3 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.”
9. 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 organisation
B2Discourse madrkers
25 wordsLast updated August 23, 2026