Discourse Markers — English Grammar Practice

Q: What are discourse markers in English?

Discourse markers (linkers, connectors, cohesive devices) signal logical relationships between ideas: addition (moreover), contrast (however), cause (because), result (therefore), sequence (firstly) and exemplification (for example). They make text coherent and are key at B2-C1 level.

Q: What is the difference between 'however' and 'although'?

However is an adverb starting a new sentence: 'The plan failed. However, we learned from it.' Although is a conjunction linking two clauses in one sentence: 'Although the plan failed, we learned.' Never use however with just a comma between two independent clauses (comma splice).

Q: How do I use 'moreover' and 'furthermore' correctly?

Both introduce a stronger additional point, beginning a new sentence with a comma: 'The project was late. Moreover, it was over budget.' More formal than 'also'. Avoid using them more than once or twice per paragraph.

Q: What is the difference between 'despite' and 'although'?

Despite/in spite of are prepositions: followed by a noun or gerund ('despite the rain'). Although is a conjunction: followed by a clause ('although it rained'). Never write 'despite the weather was bad' — use 'despite the bad weather' or 'although the weather was bad'.

Q: What is the difference between 'therefore' and 'because'?

Because introduces the cause (looks back): 'cancelled because it rained'. Therefore introduces the result (looks forward): 'It rained. Therefore, it was cancelled.' Other cause markers: since, due to, owing to. Other result markers: consequently, as a result, hence, thus.

Q: Can I start a sentence with 'however' or 'therefore'?

Yes — sentence-initial however and therefore are standard in academic and formal English, including Cambridge C1 and IELTS model answers. Always follow with a comma. Avoid joining them with a comma to the previous sentence (comma splice).

Q: What is the difference between 'in contrast' and 'on the other hand'?

In contrast compares two genuinely different things. On the other hand introduces an alternative perspective, often paired with 'on the one hand'. Both signal contrast but in contrast is more factual while on the other hand is more argumentative.

Q: How should I punctuate discourse markers?

Sentence adverbs (however, therefore, moreover) start a new sentence after a full stop or semicolon, followed by a comma. Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, whereas) join clauses within one sentence; a comma is usual when the subordinate clause comes first.

Q: Which discourse markers are best for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Vary across categories: addition (furthermore, moreover), contrast (however, whereas), cause/result (due to, consequently), example (for instance, in particular), conclusion (in conclusion, on balance). Avoid repeating the same linker and never use a connector incorrectly — examiners notice misuse.

Q: What is a 'sentence connector' and how is it different from a subordinating conjunction?

Sentence connectors (however, therefore, moreover) link two independent clauses and require a full stop or semicolon before them. Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, whereas) link a main clause to a dependent clause within one sentence. The difference determines punctuation.

Discourse markers (also called linking words, connectors or cohesive devices) are words and phrases that signal the logical relationship between ideas in a text or conversation. They tell the reader or listener how each sentence or clause connects to what came before: is it adding information, contrasting it, explaining a cause, sequencing events, or giving an example? Using discourse markers correctly is one of the most powerful ways to improve the coherence and sophistication of your English at B2 and C1 level.

Addition: Adding Information

Use addition markers when you want to add a further point that supports or extends what you have already said.

Furthermore / Moreover / In addition / Besides / What is more: used to add a stronger or more important point. The hotel was expensive. Moreover, the service was poor.
Also / As well as / Additionally: more neutral additions. She speaks French and also some Italian.
Not only…but also: emphatic addition, triggers inversion in formal writing. Not only did the plan fail, but it also damaged morale.

Contrast: Showing Differences or Opposition

Contrast markers signal that the following idea is surprising, different from, or opposed to what came before.

However / Nevertheless / Nonetheless / Yet / Still: sentence-initial contrasters. The evidence was weak. Nevertheless, the jury convicted him.
Although / Even though / Whereas / While / Despite / In spite of: subordinating contrasters linking two clauses. Although the price was high, we bought it.
On the other hand / In contrast / By contrast / Conversely: used to introduce an opposing viewpoint or situation. City life can be stressful. In contrast, rural areas offer peace and quiet.

Cause and Result

These markers show why something happened (cause) or what resulted from it (effect).

Because / Since / As / Due to / Owing to / On account of: introduce a cause. The match was cancelled owing to heavy rain.
Therefore / Consequently / As a result / Hence / Thus / For this reason: introduce a result. The deadline was missed; consequently, the contract was lost.
So…that / Such…that: express degree leading to a result. The exam was so difficult that few students passed.

Sequencing and Time

Use sequencing markers to organise events or steps in a clear order.

Firstly / Secondly / Thirdly / Finally / Lastly: enumerate points. Firstly, consider the cost. Secondly, assess the risk.
Then / Next / Subsequently / Afterwards / Meanwhile / In the meantime: mark temporal sequence. She submitted the report. Subsequently, she was promoted.
To begin with / To start with / In the end / Eventually / At last: mark the beginning or end of a process. Eventually, a solution was found.

Exemplification and Clarification

These markers introduce examples or explain a point more clearly.

For example / For instance / Such as / Including / Namely: introduce examples. Several countries, for instance Germany and Sweden, have strong recycling programmes.
In other words / That is (to say) / I.e. / To put it another way: rephrase or clarify. The project is on hold — in other words, it has been cancelled.
In particular / Especially / Specifically / Above all: single out the most important point. Above all, we need to ensure safety.

Summarising and Concluding

Use these markers to wrap up an argument or draw a conclusion.

In conclusion / To conclude / In summary / To sum up / Overall / On the whole: signal the closing of a piece of writing. To sum up, the evidence strongly supports the hypothesis.
All in all / Taking everything into account / On balance: weigh up arguments. On balance, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Discourse Markers at a Glance

Function	Key Markers	Example
Addition	furthermore, moreover, in addition, besides	Moreover, costs have risen.
Contrast	however, nevertheless, although, whereas	However, the plan failed.
Cause	because, since, due to, owing to	Due to delays, we missed it.
Result	therefore, consequently, as a result, hence	As a result, sales fell.
Sequence	firstly, then, subsequently, finally	Firstly, analyse the data.
Example	for example, for instance, such as, namely	For instance, Spain and Italy.
Conclusion	in conclusion, to sum up, overall, on balance	Overall, the project succeeded.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing 'however' with 'although'

✗ However the traffic was heavy, we arrived on time.

✓ Although the traffic was heavy, we arrived on time.

However is an adverb — it begins a new independent sentence or clause. Although is a subordinating conjunction linking two clauses directly.

2. Using 'despite' with a clause (not a noun/gerund)

✗ Despite the weather was bad, the event continued.

✓ Despite the bad weather, the event continued. / Although the weather was bad, the event continued.

Despite and in spite of are prepositions — they must be followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form), not a subject + verb clause.

3. Overusing 'also' and 'and'

✗ The product is cheap and also it is good quality and also it has a long warranty.

✓ The product is affordable. Moreover, it offers excellent quality and an extended warranty.

Vary your linking devices. Overusing and also reduces the sophistication of your writing. Use furthermore, moreover, in addition, what is more for B2-C1 effect.

4. Punctuating sentence adverbs incorrectly

✗ The results were surprising however they confirmed the theory.

✓ The results were surprising. However, they confirmed the theory.

Sentence adverbs like however, therefore, consequently, moreover must begin a new sentence (preceded by a full stop) or be set off with a semicolon. Never join two independent clauses with a comma alone (comma splice).

Practice Exercises

Complete the Sentence

Choose the correct discourse marker to complete each sentence.

Grammar Quiz

Multiple-choice: select the linker that best fits the logic.

Cloze Dropdown

Fill gaps in a passage with the correct cohesive device.

True or False

Identify whether discourse markers are used correctly or not.

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Explore other grammar topics: All Grammar Topics Complex Sentences Ellipsis & Substitution Cleft Sentences Nominalisation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are discourse markers in English?

Discourse markers (also called linkers, connectors or cohesive devices) are words and phrases that signal the logical relationship between ideas: addition (moreover, furthermore), contrast (however, nevertheless), cause (because, due to), result (therefore, consequently), sequence (firstly, then) and exemplification (for example, such as). They guide the reader or listener through the structure of a text, making it coherent and easy to follow. Using a varied range of discourse markers is a key feature of B2 and C1 proficiency in writing and speaking.

What is the difference between 'however' and 'although'?

However is an adverb — it introduces a new sentence or clause and must be followed by a comma: "The plan seemed good. However, it failed." Although is a subordinating conjunction — it links two clauses within a single sentence: "Although the plan seemed good, it failed." You cannot begin a new sentence with "Although" and leave the main clause in a separate sentence (that would be a sentence fragment). Similarly, you cannot use "However" directly before a subject without a full stop or semicolon before it — that creates a comma splice.

How do I use 'moreover' and 'furthermore' correctly?

Both moreover and furthermore introduce an additional point that is stronger or more important than the previous one. They typically begin a new sentence and are followed by a comma: "The project was over budget. Moreover, it was delivered late." Furthermore follows the same pattern: "Furthermore, the quality was unacceptable." They are more formal than "also" or "and" and are especially valued in academic writing, essays and formal reports. Avoid using them more than once or twice in a paragraph to prevent over-formality.

What is the difference between 'despite' and 'although'?

Despite (and in spite of) is a preposition followed by a noun phrase or gerund (-ing form): "Despite the rain, the match continued." / "In spite of feeling tired, she finished the report." Although is a conjunction followed by a full subject + verb clause: "Although it rained, the match continued." A common mistake is writing "Despite the weather was bad" — this is wrong because despite must be followed by a noun/gerund, not a clause. Use "despite the bad weather" or "although the weather was bad".

What is the difference between 'therefore' and 'because'?

Because introduces the cause of an event and subordinates the reason clause to the main clause: "The match was cancelled because it rained." Therefore introduces the result and is a sentence adverb: "It rained. Therefore, the match was cancelled." The key difference is direction: because looks back at the cause, therefore looks forward to the result. Other cause markers include since, as, due to, owing to and on account of. Other result markers include consequently, as a result, hence, thus and for this reason.

Can I start a sentence with 'however' or 'therefore'?

Yes — and in good academic and formal writing, sentence-initial however and therefore are perfectly standard and widely used. The old "rule" against starting sentences with however was never a rule of grammar — it was a stylistic preference in some style guides. In contemporary English (including Cambridge C1 and IELTS model answers), "However, the results suggest..." and "Therefore, we recommend..." are both correct and natural. Always follow them with a comma. The only error to avoid is joining them with a comma to the previous sentence (comma splice).

What is the difference between 'in contrast' and 'on the other hand'?

Both introduce a contrasting idea, but there is a subtle difference. In contrast (and by contrast) compares two specific things that are genuinely different: "Urban areas are densely populated. In contrast, rural areas are sparsely settled." On the other hand introduces an alternative perspective or the opposing side of an argument: "Living in the city has advantages. On the other hand, the cost of living is very high." On the other hand is often paired with on the one hand at the start of the first point: "On the one hand, cities offer opportunities. On the other hand, they are stressful."

How should I punctuate discourse markers?

Sentence adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless, furthermore) begin a new sentence preceded by a full stop, or follow a semicolon. They are followed by a comma: "Sales fell. Consequently, we cut costs." / "Sales fell; consequently, we cut costs." Mid-sentence adverbs can be set off with commas: "The costs, however, were very high." Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, whereas, since) link clauses within a sentence and do not require a comma when the subordinate clause follows the main clause: "We continued although it rained." A comma is usual when the subordinate clause comes first: "Although it rained, we continued."

Which discourse markers are best for IELTS Writing Task 2?

For IELTS Task 2, aim for a variety of cohesive devices across all categories. For addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition, what is more. For contrast: however, nevertheless, although, whereas, on the other hand. For cause/result: because, due to, consequently, as a result, therefore. For exemplification: for example, for instance, such as, in particular. For conclusion: in conclusion, to sum up, overall. Avoid overusing "firstly, secondly, thirdly" as the sole organising device — vary your structure. Examiners penalise monotonous repetition of the same linker (e.g., also...also...also) and misused connectors.

What is a 'sentence connector' and how is it different from a subordinating conjunction?

A sentence connector (or adverbial connector) connects two independent sentences or main clauses: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, furthermore, nevertheless, in addition. Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A subordinating conjunction connects a main clause to a dependent (subordinate) clause within the same sentence: although, because, since, whereas, while, unless, provided that. The dependent clause cannot stand alone. This distinction is crucial for punctuation: sentence connectors must be preceded by a full stop or semicolon, while subordinating conjunctions join within one sentence.