How do you guide a reader or listener through your complex ideas, making your arguments flow with power and precision? Discourse markers are the “signposts” of advanced language, connecting your sentences and paragraphs into a seamless, logical structure. Mastering them is the final step from being simply understood to being truly persuasive and articulate. 🗺️
Function & Usage
Discourse markers are words or phrases that manage the flow of conversation or writing. They signal the relationship between different parts of your text, telling the audience how to interpret what’s coming next (e.g., as a contrast, a result, or an additional point).
- Contrast and Concession: To introduce an opposing idea or concede a point.
Examples: however, nevertheless, on the contrary, notwithstanding, be that as it may. - Result and Consequence: To show that the next idea is a result of the previous one.
Examples: consequently, therefore, as a result, thus. - Addition and Reinforcement: To add a similar idea or strengthen a point.
Examples: furthermore, moreover, in addition, what is more.
The Structure (Form)
Most of these formal discourse markers appear at the beginning of a sentence and are followed by a comma. They connect the sentence they begin with to the idea in the sentence that came before it.
[Previous sentence.] + [Discourse Marker], + [New, related sentence].
Example: The company had a difficult year. Nevertheless, all employees received a bonus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong marker: The meaning is very precise. Using `consequently` (a result) when you mean `however` (a contrast) will completely confuse your reader.
- Overuse: These are powerful, formal words. Using them in every sentence will make your writing sound unnatural and repetitive. Save them for when you need to clearly signal a shift in your argument.
- Forgetting the comma: When these markers start a sentence, they are almost always followed by a comma.
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Argument 1: Some argue that technology isolates us. On the contrary, it has created new communities and ways for people to connect across the globe.
Report: The marketing campaign failed to reach its target audience. Consequently, the company’s sales figures for the quarter were significantly lower than projected.
Concession: The journey was long and uncomfortable. Be that as it may, the destination was so beautiful that it was worth the effort.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. He studied hard for the exam. , he received the highest score in the class. (result)
2. The evidence seems to point to one conclusion. , we must not ignore other possibilities. (contrast)
3. The proposal is innovative. , it is financially viable. (addition)
4. Many believe he is a genius. , his ideas are often impractical. (strong contrast)
5. The project has many risks. , we believe the potential rewards are worth it. (in spite of that)
6. The team lost the match. ___, they played with great spirit.
7. Interest rates have risen. ___, the housing market has slowed down.
8. The plan is well-researched. ___, it has the full support of the board.
9. His argument makes some valid points. ___, I remain unconvinced.
10. He didn’t just ignore the problem. ___, he actively made it worse.
