This article is part of our English Grammar Hub — explore sentence structure, tenses, modal verbs, conditionals, and more.
One of the clearest signs of advanced English is the ability to connect ideas smoothly and logically. Weak writers and speakers produce a series of disconnected sentences; strong communicators guide the reader or listener through their reasoning using discourse markers. These small but powerful words and phrases — however, as a result, in addition, on the other hand — are the glue that holds complex English together. This guide covers every major category of discourse marker with examples, usage notes, and register guidance.
What Are Discourse Markers?
A discourse marker is a word or phrase that signals the logical relationship between one sentence or clause and another. They tell the reader: "What follows contrasts with what came before", or "What follows is an additional supporting point", or "What follows is the result of what came before".
Discourse markers are also called linking words, connectors, transitional expressions, or cohesive devices. In IELTS and Cambridge exams, they form a key part of the Coherence and Cohesion assessment criterion, which is worth 25% of the Writing band score.
Note the difference between a discourse marker and a conjunction:
- Conjunction (joins clauses in one sentence): "Although the sample was small, the results were significant."
- Discourse marker (connects sentences): "The sample was small. Nevertheless, the results were significant."
Some words function as both: however, while, as. Context determines which function they serve.
Contrast and Concession Markers
Contrast markers signal that what follows contradicts, qualifies, or moves against the expectation set by the previous statement. They are among the most important discourse markers for academic writing and argument construction.
- However — formal, versatile, most common contrast marker "The study was well-designed. However, the sample size was very small."
- Nevertheless / Nonetheless — formal; concedes a point but presses forward "The evidence is limited. Nevertheless, the findings are highly significant."
- On the other hand — introduces the opposing viewpoint in a balanced argument "Urban living offers convenience. On the other hand, it can increase stress levels."
- In contrast / By contrast — highlights a strong difference between two things "Northern regions experienced severe flooding. In contrast, the south remained dry."
- Whereas / While — used within a sentence to contrast two clauses directly "Whereas traditional methods rely on intuition, data-driven approaches use statistical analysis."
- That said / Having said that — informal to semi-formal; acknowledges a previous point then qualifies it "The app has some flaws. That said, it is the best option currently available."
- Even so / All the same — semi-formal; expresses concession "The deadline was tight. Even so, the team delivered excellent work."
Use the Complete the Sentence exercise to practise selecting the right contrast marker for a given context. Distinguishing between however, nevertheless, and on the other hand is a C1-level skill that IELTS examiners reward.
Addition and Reinforcement Markers
Addition markers tell the reader that what follows adds further supporting evidence or argument. They are essential for developing multi-paragraph IELTS essays and structured presentations.
- Furthermore — formal; adds a more important point "The policy reduces costs. Furthermore, it improves employee satisfaction."
- Moreover — formal; similar to furthermore, often introduces the strongest supporting point "The drug is highly effective. Moreover, it has minimal side effects."
- In addition / Additionally — versatile across registers; adds a supplementary point "The scheme provides funding for training. In addition, it covers equipment costs."
- What is more — semi-formal; emphasises that the added information is surprisingly positive or significant "The solution is cheap. What is more, it is completely environmentally friendly."
- Not only... but also — formal correlative structure for emphasis "Not only did the results confirm the hypothesis, but they also revealed unexpected patterns."
- Besides — semi-formal; adds an afterthought or reinforcing point "The journey takes too long. Besides, it is far too expensive."
Cause and Result Markers
Cause markers explain why something happened or exists. Result markers explain what happened as a consequence. Understanding the difference — and choosing the right register — is essential for clear academic and professional writing.
| Function | Marker | Register | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | because of / due to / owing to | Formal | Followed by a noun phrase: due to the shortage of funding |
| Cause | as a result of / in light of | Formal | More emphasis on the causal link: as a result of the new regulations |
| Result | therefore | Formal | Introduces a logical conclusion: Therefore, further research is needed. |
| Result | consequently | Formal | Strong causal chain: Consequently, hundreds of jobs were lost. |
| Result | as a result | Semi-formal | Versatile: As a result, productivity increased by 20%. |
| Result | hence | Very formal | Often used in scientific writing: Hence the conclusion that... |
| Result | thus | Very formal | Academic; often within a clause: thus reducing costs significantly |
| Result | so | Informal | Conjunction in speech: It rained, so we stayed inside. |
Practise cause and result markers with the Cloze Dropdown exercise. Many learners confuse due to (followed by a noun) with because (followed by a clause): "Due to the rain" vs. "Because it rained."
Sequence and Process Markers
Sequence markers organise information in chronological or logical order. They are essential for IELTS Writing Task 1 (describing processes), instructions, and any structured argument where the order of points matters.
- First / Firstly — introduces the first point; firstly is more formal
- Second / Secondly — introduces the second point; prefer secondly in formal writing
- Then / Next / After that — continues the sequence; subsequently is more formal
- Subsequently — formal; means "happening after, as a consequence"
- Finally / Lastly — introduces the final point; lastly is slightly more informal
- To begin with / To start with — semi-formal introduction to the first point
- In the first instance — formal, often legal or administrative contexts
Exemplification, Clarification, and Summary
These markers introduce examples, restate ideas in clearer terms, or summarise what has been said.
- For example / For instance — introduce an illustrative example
- Such as / Including — list examples within a sentence
- Namely — specifies exactly what was referred to: "Three factors, namely cost, time, and quality..."
- In other words / That is to say / I.e. — restate in simpler or more precise language
- In brief / In short / In summary — introduce a concise restatement of the preceding argument
- To conclude / In conclusion — signal the final paragraph of an essay or presentation
- Overall / All in all / On balance — signal a balanced overall judgement
The Matching Pairs exercise lets you practise pairing discourse markers with their functions. The Group Sort exercise challenges you to categorise markers by type: contrast, addition, cause, result, sequence.
Discourse Markers in Spoken English
Spoken English uses a different set of discourse markers from written academic English. IELTS Speaking rewards the natural use of spoken discourse markers, not formal written connectors delivered mechanically. Key spoken markers include:
- Well — introduces a hesitation, a contrasting point, or a new topic: "Well, it depends on the situation."
- Right / OK — checks understanding or signals a topic shift: "Right, so what happens next is..."
- Actually / In fact — introduces a surprising or correcting point: "Actually, the results were the opposite of what we expected."
- I mean — clarifies or rephrases: "It was a long process. I mean, it took over three years."
- You know — assumes shared knowledge or seeks agreement (informal)
- Mind you / Having said that — concedes a point in conversation: "It was expensive. Mind you, the quality was outstanding."
- Anyway / Anyhow — returns to the main point or closes a digression
- To be honest / Frankly speaking — signals a candid opinion
How to Avoid Overusing Discourse Markers
A common mistake — especially in IELTS preparation — is using too many discourse markers, or using the same one repeatedly. Starting every sentence with Furthermore or In addition makes writing feel mechanical and reduces cohesion scores. Here are the principles for correct use:
- Use a marker only when the logical connection genuinely needs to be made explicit. If two sentences obviously follow from each other, no marker is needed.
- Vary your repertoire. Use in addition, what is more, and besides across an essay rather than repeating furthermore every time.
- Match register to context. Thus and hence belong in formal academic writing; so and also belong in emails and conversations.
- Check punctuation. Sentence-initial discourse markers are always followed by a comma: "However, the results were surprising." Do not use however as a conjunction without punctuation — "The results were surprising however" is incorrect.
- Discourse markers signal logical relationships between ideas: contrast, addition, cause, result, sequence, exemplification.
- Contrast markers (however, nevertheless, on the other hand) are among the most important for academic and IELTS writing.
- Cause markers (due to, because of) are followed by noun phrases; cause conjunctions (because) are followed by clauses.
- Result markers range from informal (so) to very formal (thus, hence) — match register to context.
- Spoken discourse markers (well, actually, I mean) differ significantly from written academic connectors.
- Overusing the same discourse marker reduces cohesion scores — vary your repertoire and use markers only when needed.
Practise discourse markers now
Cloze dropdown, complete the sentence, group sort, and matching pairs — all free on LexFizz.
Start Practising NowFrequently Asked Questions
Discourse markers are words and phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, signalling the logical relationship between them. They include linking words (however, therefore, furthermore), transition phrases (in addition, on the other hand, as a result), and conversational signals (well, actually, by the way). They are sometimes called linking words, connectors, or transitional expressions.
A conjunction joins two clauses within a single sentence: although, because, while, and, but. A discourse marker typically connects sentences or larger units of text and often comes at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma: "However, the results were inconclusive. Furthermore, the sample size was too small." Some words function as both, for example however, while, and as.
Yes. IELTS Writing and Speaking mark Coherence and Cohesion as 25% of the total score. Examiners reward the accurate use of a range of cohesive devices, which includes discourse markers. However, overusing the same markers is penalised. The key is using a variety of markers accurately and appropriately to the register of each task.
Key contrast markers include: however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast, whereas, although, even though, despite the fact that, and that said. However and nevertheless are the most formal and widely used in academic writing. Whereas and while contrast within a single sentence.
Both introduce a contrast or concession, but they differ in emphasis. However simply introduces a contrasting point: "The study was well-designed. However, the sample was small." Nevertheless suggests the previous point is acknowledged but does not change the conclusion: "The evidence is limited. Nevertheless, the findings are significant." Nevertheless carries a stronger sense of pressing forward despite an obstacle.
Addition markers add information that supports or extends the previous point: furthermore, moreover, in addition, additionally, besides, what is more, not only... but also. Furthermore and moreover are more formal and common in academic writing. Additionally is versatile across registers. These markers tell the reader that the new information strengthens the overall argument.
Cause markers explain why something happened: because of, due to, owing to, as a result of. Result markers explain what followed: therefore, consequently, hence, thus, as a result, accordingly. Therefore and thus are more formal; so is informal. Because introduces a clause; because of and due to introduce a noun phrase.
Yes, though spoken and written discourse markers often differ. Written academic English uses furthermore, nevertheless, consequently. Spoken English uses well, actually, right, I mean, you know, anyway, so, mind you, and to be honest. IELTS Speaking rewards candidates who use discourse markers naturally in speech, not formal written connectors delivered mechanically.
Sequence markers organise events or points in order: first, firstly, second, secondly, then, next, after that, subsequently, finally, lastly. In academic writing, the more formal firstly...secondly...finally is preferred. Subsequently indicates a later step in a formal sequence. Use these in writing tasks that describe processes or list arguments in a structured order.
Overusing discourse markers — starting every sentence with Furthermore or However — makes writing feel mechanical and reduces the IELTS Coherence score. Use them only when the logical connection genuinely needs to be made explicit. Not every sentence needs a marker. Vary your repertoire: use in addition, what is more, and besides rather than repeating furthermore every time.