🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What are Discourse Markers?

Discourse markers are words or phrases that connect sentences and ideas, showing relationships like cause, contrast, and sequence. In French, they are called 'connecteurs logiques' or 'marqueurs de discours' — essential tools for clear, coherent writing.

Short answer

Discourse markers are transitional words that link ideas and signal relationships between sentences — examples include 'cependant' (however), 'de plus' (furthermore), and 'par conséquent' (therefore).

Discourse Markers by Function

1
Sequence
D'abord, puis, ensuite, finalement — order ideas
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2
Contrast
Cependant, pourtant, toutefois — show opposition
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3
Addition
De plus, en outre, également — add information
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4
Cause & Effect
Par conséquent, donc, car — show relationships

Step-by-step worked examples

Complete: Il pleut beaucoup. ___, nous allons à la plage.

Look for contrast: rain typically stops beach plans.
Answer: Cependant or Pourtant (However)
Full: 'Il pleut beaucoup. Cependant, nous allons à la plage.'

Link these ideas: She studied hard. She passed the exam.

The second explains the result of the first.
Use: Par conséquent or Donc (Therefore)
Full: 'Elle a étudié dur. Par conséquent, elle a réussi l'examen.'

Complete: Elle parle français. ___, elle parle espagnol.

Adding another language — addition marker.
Answer: De plus or En outre (Furthermore)
Full: 'Elle parle français. De plus, elle parle espagnol.'

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Which marker shows cause and effect?

Correct answer: B. 'Par conséquent' means 'therefore' — it links cause to effect.

Q2.Complete: Il est malade. ___, il va au travail.

Correct answer: B. 'Cependant' (however) shows contrast — going to work despite illness.

Q3.What does 'en outre' do?

Correct answer: B. 'En outre' means 'moreover' — it adds to what was said.

Q4.Which is a sequence marker?

Correct answer: B. 'Finalement' means 'finally' — it orders ideas in time.

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Common mistakes

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Using 'donc' for contrast. — Correct: 'Donc' (therefore) shows cause/effect, not contrast. Use 'cependant' for contrast.

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Overusing the same marker throughout. — Correct: Vary markers to show different relationships — 'de plus', 'cependant', 'donc', etc.

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Placing markers at the end of a sentence. — Correct: Markers usually come at or near the start of the second clause.

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Ignoring punctuation after markers. — Correct: Most markers are followed by a comma: 'De plus, elle...'; 'Cependant, nous...'

FAQ

What is the difference between 'cependant' and 'pourtant'?

Both mean 'however' and show contrast. 'Pourtant' is slightly more colloquial; 'cependant' is more formal.

Can you start a sentence with a discourse marker?

Yes — in fact, that is the most common use. Example: 'De plus, elle parle trois langues.'

What is the purpose of discourse markers?

They guide readers through logical connections between ideas, improve coherence, and make writing clearer and more professional.

How many discourse markers should you use?

Use them naturally where transitions are needed. Overuse can make writing choppy; underuse leaves ideas disconnected.