🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What are Discourse Markers?

Discourse markers are words or phrases that connect sentences and signal relationships between ideas. They guide readers through text by showing addition, contrast, cause-effect, time, or emphasis.

Short answer

Discourse markers are linguistic connectors that link sentences and signal relationships, such as 'however,' 'moreover,' 'consequently,' and 'meanwhile.'

Functions of Discourse Markers

1
Addition
moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides
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2
Contrast
however, nevertheless, on the other hand, yet
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3
Cause-Effect
consequently, therefore, as a result, hence
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4
Time
meanwhile, subsequently, eventually, at first
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5
Emphasis
indeed, certainly, in fact, obviously
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6
Clarification
that is, in other words, namely, for instance

Step-by-step worked examples

Add discourse marker to: 'The study showed positive results. ___, the findings were statistically significant.'

Context: continuing to strengthen point
Best choice: 'Moreover' or 'Furthermore'
Complete: 'The study showed positive results. Moreover, the findings were statistically significant.'

Choose marker for contrast: 'He studied hard. ___, he did not pass the exam.'

Context: unexpected outcome, contrast
Best choice: 'However' or 'Nevertheless'
Complete: 'He studied hard. However, he did not pass the exam.'

Use a time marker: '___ after the announcement, the office closed.'

Context: sequence of events
Best choice: 'Subsequently' or 'Shortly' or 'Immediately'
Complete: 'Subsequently after the announcement, the office closed.'

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.'The experiment failed. ___, the team learned valuable insights.'

Correct answer: B. However signals unexpected contrast — failure but lessons learned.

Q2.Which is a cause-effect discourse marker?

Correct answer: C. Therefore shows result or consequence.

Q3.'She worked late. ___, she completed the project on time.'

Correct answer: C. Consequently links cause (working late) to effect (finished on time).

Q4.Which is a clarification discourse marker?

Correct answer: C. 'In other words' restates or clarifies an idea.

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Common mistakes

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Using 'however' and 'but' together. — Correct: Choose one — 'However, …' or '…, but …'

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Placing marker mid-sentence without punctuation. — Correct: Use commas or semicolons: '…; however, …' or '…. However, …'

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Confusing 'moreover' (addition) with 'however' (contrast). — Correct: Moreover adds; however contrasts.

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Overusing the same marker repeatedly. — Correct: Vary markers to maintain reader interest and clarity.

FAQ

What are discourse markers?

Words or phrases linking sentences and signaling relationships: addition, contrast, cause-effect, time, or emphasis.

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

'Moreover' adds related information; 'however' shows contrast or opposition.

How do discourse markers improve writing?

They improve flow, coherence, and guide readers through the logic of ideas.

Where should a discourse marker be placed?

Usually at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma; sometimes after a semicolon within complex clauses.