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
furthermore	formal addition
moreover	adds an extra supporting point (often emphatic/formal)
in addition	extra information
besides	additional point

Examples

• The hotel was affordable. Furthermore, it was close to the city centre.
• She is highly experienced. Moreover, she speaks three languages.
• In addition, the company offers free training.

3. Contrast and Concession

Used to introduce opposing or unexpected ideas.

Marker	Use
however	contrast
nevertheless	surprising contrast
on the other hand	alternative viewpoint (compare two sides/choices)
in contrast	comparison

A note on usage: Use “on the other hand” when you are comparing two sides/choices (A vs B). If you only want simple contrast, use “however”/“but”.

Examples

• The task was difficult. However, we completed it on time.
• He had very little experience. Nevertheless, he got the job.
• City life is exciting. On the other hand, it can be stressful.
• Some people prefer to drive. On the other hand, others choose public transport.

4. Result and Consequence

Used to show logical outcomes.

Marker	Use
therefore	formal result
consequently	formal consequence
as a result	outcome
thus	formal written result

Examples

• The company lost money; therefore, several employees were fired.
• He trained every day. Consequently, his performance improved.
• The weather was terrible. As a result, the event was cancelled.

5. Organising Ideas

Used to structure presentations, essays, and discussions.

Marker	Use
firstly	first point
secondly	second point
finally	final point
to begin with	introducing
in conclusion	ending

Examples

• Firstly, we need to identify the problem.
• Secondly, we should discuss possible solutions.
• In conclusion, public transport should be improved.

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) meaning “contrary to expectations” in negatives

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.
• It didn’t happen after all.

7. Formal vs Informal Style

These pairs are approximate; choose a marker based on meaning (contrast, result, addition), not only on formality.

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

In writing, “anyway” is often replaced by “in any case” when you mean “despite that” or “regardless”.

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:

• Often, you can use commas to show it is extra information: We, however, decided to leave.

Example:

• We, however, decided to leave.

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.”

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.