Discourse Markers
Build your vocabulary with practical examples
Discourse markers are linking words that organise ideas and guide the reader. Contrast markers — however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary — signal that what follows opposes what came before.
In writing, they usually start a new sentence and are followed by a comma: 'The plan is bold; however, it carries risks.'
Examples
The plan is bold; however, it carries risks.
'however' introduces a contrasting point.
It rained all day; nevertheless, we enjoyed our trip.
'nevertheless' = in spite of that.
He isn't lazy; on the contrary, he works very hard.
'on the contrary' corrects an idea.
however
/haʊˈevər/
The plan is bold; however, it carries risks.
nevertheless
/ˌnevərðəˈles/
It rained all day; nevertheless, we enjoyed our trip.
on the contrary
/ɒn ðə ˈkɒntrəri/
He isn't lazy; on the contrary, he works very hard.
nonetheless
/ˌnʌnðəˈles/
The film was long; nonetheless, it was captivating.
Choose the contrast marker: The plan is bold; ___, it carries risks.
Correcting an idea: He isn't lazy; on the ___, he works very hard.
Addition markers — furthermore, moreover, in addition — add a further, supporting point to what you've already said.
They signal 'and there's more', strengthening an argument: 'The product is affordable; furthermore, it is durable.'
Examples
The product is affordable; furthermore, it is durable.
'furthermore' adds a supporting point.
She speaks five languages; moreover, she travels extensively.
'moreover' = in addition.
In addition to her degree, she has years of experience.
'In addition to' + noun phrase.
furthermore
/ˈfɜːrðərmɔːr/
The product is affordable; furthermore, it is durable.
moreover
/mɔːrˈoʊvər/
She speaks five languages; moreover, she travels extensively.
in addition
/ɪn əˈdɪʃən/
In addition to her degree, she has years of experience.
Choose the addition marker: The product is affordable; ___, it is durable.
Add a point: She speaks five languages; ___, she travels extensively. (m...)
Result markers — consequently, therefore, as a result — introduce the effect or conclusion that follows from a cause.
They signal logical consequence: 'The data is incomplete; therefore, conclusions are tentative.'
Examples
Sales fell sharply; consequently, jobs were lost.
'consequently' introduces the effect.
The data is incomplete; therefore, conclusions are tentative.
'therefore' = for that reason.
Costs rose. As a result, prices increased.
'As a result' starts the consequence.
consequently
/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/
Sales fell sharply; consequently, jobs were lost.
therefore
/ˈðeərfɔːr/
The data is incomplete; therefore, conclusions are tentative.
as a result
/əz ə rɪˈzʌlt/
Costs rose. As a result, prices increased.
Choose the result marker: The data is incomplete; ___, conclusions are tentative.
Introduce a consequence: Costs rose. As a ___, prices increased.
Speech has its own markers that manage conversation rather than formal logic: anyway (return to the main topic), by the way (introduce a side point), actually (correct or soften), I mean (clarify).
These keep talk flowing naturally and are far more common in speech than in formal writing.
Examples
Anyway, let's get back to the main point.
'Anyway' returns to the topic.
By the way, did you hear from Tom?
'By the way' adds a side point.
It's complicated. I mean, there are many factors.
'I mean' clarifies what was said.
anyway
/ˈeniweɪ/
Anyway, let's get back to the main point.
by the way
/baɪ ðə weɪ/
By the way, did you hear from Tom?
actually
/ˈæktʃuəli/
Actually, that's a good question.
I mean
/aɪ miːn/
It's complicated. I mean, there are many factors.
Which marker introduces a side point in conversation?
Return to the topic: ___, let's get back to the main point.
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Ellipsis & Substitution