Discourse markers (linking words)

B2 Upper Intermediate

Discourse markers are words and phrases used to connect ideas, manage the flow of conversation, and indicate the logical relationship between sentences.

Overview

Discourse markers, also known as linking words or sentence connectors, signal how the next piece of information relates to what was said before. They can indicate contrast, cause and effect, addition, or sequence. In formal writing, these markers often appear at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma to provide structural clarity.

Sentence Placement

[Sentence 1]. [Marker], [Sentence 2].

Most B2-level discourse markers function as sentence-level adverbs. When they start a sentence, they are followed by a comma. When used to join two independent clauses within a single sentence, they are often preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.

Common Logical Relations

Choosing the correct marker depends on the register of the situation. However and therefore are standard in academic or professional contexts, whereas anyway or so are preferred in spoken English.

Function	Formal Markers	Informal Markers
Contrast	However, Nevertheless	But, Anyway
Result	Therefore, Consequently	So
Addition	Furthermore, Moreover	Plus, Also
Comparison	Similarly, Likewise	In the same way

Examples

Common mistakes

I was tired, however I finished the report.
I was tired. However, I finished the report.
However cannot be used like 'but' to join two clauses with only a comma. This is a comma splice error.
Furthermore to the weather, the traffic was bad.
In addition to the weather, the traffic was bad.
Furthermore is a sentence connector, not a preposition. It cannot be followed directly by a noun phrase.

Practice

The company lost money last year. ________, they decided to close three branches. (Therefore / Nevertheless)
Show answer
Therefore
Answer:Therefore
Why:Therefore is used to show a result or consequence of the previous statement.
The hotel was quite expensive. ________, the service was excellent. (Moreover / On the other hand)
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On the other hand
Answer:On the other hand
Why:On the other hand introduces a contrasting point to the previous statement about the price.
The new software is faster than the old version. ________, it includes several new security features. (Furthermore / However)
Show answer
Furthermore
Answer:Furthermore
Why:Furthermore is used to add more information that supports the previous point.