Discourse Markers and Linking Words: B2 Complete Guide
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Discourse markers are the signposts that guide your reader or listener through your ideas, showing how sentences relate to one another.
- Use 'However' or 'Nevertheless' to show contrast between two ideas: 'I love coffee; however, I drink tea at night.'
- Use 'Furthermore' or 'Moreover' to add information: 'The project is late; furthermore, it is over budget.'
- Use 'Consequently' or 'Therefore' to show results: 'It rained; consequently, the picnic was cancelled.'
Discourse markers are the glue of language — they connect ideas, signal relationships, and guide the reader or listener through your argument. A strong B2 repertoire transforms your writing.
Adding Information
✅ The plan is costly. Furthermore, it risks failure.
Contrasting
✅ She was tired. Nevertheless, she continued.
✅ Despite the cost, it was worth it.
Result / Consequence
✅ Costs rose; therefore, prices increased.
Examples & Explanation
✅ Two people, namely the CEO and CFO, were absent.
Common Discourse Markers by Function
| Function | Informal | Neutral | Formal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Addition
|
Also
|
In addition
|
Furthermore
|
|
Contrast
|
But
|
However
|
Nevertheless
|
|
Result
|
So
|
Therefore
|
Consequently
|
|
Sequence
|
Then
|
Next
|
Subsequently
|
|
Example
|
Like
|
For instance
|
For example
|
Meanings
Discourse markers are words or phrases used to connect ideas, structure discourse, and signal the speaker's attitude.
Contrast
Introducing an opposing idea.
“He is very talented. However, he lacks discipline.”
“I wanted to go out. On the other hand, I had too much work.”
Addition
Adding more information to the previous point.
“The hotel was expensive. Furthermore, it was far from the beach.”
“She is a great teacher; moreover, she is a published author.”
Result/Consequence
Showing the outcome of an action.
“The company failed to innovate; consequently, it lost market share.”
“He didn't study; therefore, he failed the exam.”
Sequencing
Ordering events or arguments.
“Firstly, we need a plan. Secondly, we need funding.”
“To begin with, let's look at the data.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Sentence-initial
|
Marker + , + Clause
|
However, I disagree.
|
|
Mid-sentence
|
Clause + ; + Marker + , + Clause
|
I like tea; however, I prefer coffee.
|
|
Conjunction
|
Conjunction + Clause
|
Although it rained, we went out.
|
|
Phrase
|
Prepositional phrase + , + Clause
|
In conclusion, we are done.
|
|
Adverbial
|
Subject + Marker + Verb
|
I, therefore, decided to leave.
|
|
Informal
|
Marker + Clause
|
So, what's next?
|
Formality Spectrum
Furthermore, the results are conclusive. (Reporting data)
Also, the results are conclusive. (Reporting data)
Plus, the results are good. (Reporting data)
And, like, the results are solid. (Reporting data)
Discourse Marker Categories
Contrast
- However Contrast
Addition
- Furthermore Addition
Result
- Therefore Result
Formal vs Informal Markers
Choosing a Marker
Are you adding info?
Marker Types
Logical
- • Therefore
- • Thus
- • Hence
Examples by Level
I like apples and bananas.
It is cold, but I am happy.
I am tired, so I will sleep.
First, I eat breakfast.
Then, we went to the park.
Because it was late, we left.
Also, I want to buy a book.
After that, we watched a movie.
However, the price was too high.
Although it was raining, we played.
In addition, we need more time.
On the other hand, it is very fun.
Consequently, the project was delayed.
Furthermore, the data is incomplete.
Nevertheless, we must continue.
Thus, we concluded the meeting.
Admittedly, the results were unexpected.
By the same token, we should be careful.
Subsequently, the law was changed.
All things considered, it was a success.
As a matter of fact, I was there.
In light of this, we must act.
Be that as it may, I disagree.
Notwithstanding the risks, we proceeded.
Easily Confused
Both show contrast, but they have different grammatical roles.
Both show results, but 'so' is informal and 'therefore' is formal.
Both add information, but 'furthermore' is much more formal.
Common Mistakes
I like pizza and I like pasta but.
I like pizza, and I also like pasta.
So I go to school.
I go to school.
But I am happy.
I am happy, however.
And I eat.
I eat.
However I am tired.
However, I am tired.
I like tea, however I like coffee.
I like tea; however, I like coffee.
Although it was raining, but we went.
Although it was raining, we went.
Therefore, the result is good, so we are happy.
Therefore, the result is good, and we are happy.
Moreover, I think that.
Moreover, I believe that.
Despite of the rain.
Despite the rain.
Admittedly, I don't know.
Admittedly, I am unsure.
By the same token, it is bad.
By the same token, it is problematic.
Notwithstanding, we did it.
Notwithstanding the difficulties, we did it.
Be that as it may, I don't care.
Be that as it may, I remain unconvinced.
Sentence Patterns
___, I believe that this is the best option.
The project is difficult; ___, it is rewarding.
___, we need to consider the budget.
___, I went to the store.
Real World Usage
Furthermore, I have five years of experience.
Consequently, the hypothesis was rejected.
So, are we still meeting?
Actually, I disagree with this post.
On the other hand, the train is cheaper.
However, the delivery was late.
Don't Overuse
Punctuation Matters
Vary Your Vocabulary
Know Your Audience
Smart Tips
Use a variety of markers to show your logical flow.
Use 'Therefore' to summarize your points.
Use 'On the other hand' to show balance.
Use 'Subsequently' for a professional tone.
Pronunciation
Stress
Discourse markers are usually unstressed in natural speech unless they are at the start of a sentence for emphasis.
Falling intonation
Therefore, ↘ we must act.
Signals a final conclusion.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'F.A.C.T.' for your markers: Furthermore (Addition), Although (Contrast), Consequently (Result), Therefore (Conclusion).
Visual Association
Imagine a road with signs. 'However' is a sharp turn sign, 'Furthermore' is a 'plus' sign, and 'Therefore' is a 'finish line' sign.
Rhyme
When you want to add, use 'Furthermore' with glad. When you want to contrast, 'However' is built to last.
Story
I wanted to go to the beach. However, it started to rain. Furthermore, the car wouldn't start. Therefore, I stayed home and read a book.
Word Web
Challenge
Write a 5-sentence paragraph about your day using at least three different discourse markers.
Cultural Notes
British speakers often use 'actually' as a discourse marker to correct or clarify information.
Americans frequently use 'like' as a filler marker in casual speech.
In formal academic writing, 'moreover' and 'furthermore' are preferred over 'also'.
Most discourse markers come from Old English or Latin roots that evolved to function as logical connectors.
Conversation Starters
What do you think about the new policy? Use 'however'.
How was your weekend? Use 'firstly' and 'finally'.
Is remote work better? Use 'on the other hand'.
Why did you choose this career? Use 'therefore'.
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
The project was late; ___, we finished it.
Find and fix the mistake:
However I was tired, I went out.
___, the data is incomplete.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Sin embargo, es caro.
Answer starts with: How...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Select the formal marker.
___, we need to start now.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesThe project was late; ___, we finished it.
Find and fix the mistake:
However I was tired, I went out.
___, the data is incomplete.
I / however / tired / was / ,
Sin embargo, es caro.
Therefore -> ?
Select the formal marker.
___, we need to start now.
Score: /8
FAQ (8)
In formal writing, it's better to avoid it. Use 'Furthermore' or 'Moreover' instead.
'Nevertheless' is slightly more formal and emphasizes that the contrast is surprising.
Yes, when it starts a sentence, a comma is almost always required.
Look at the relationship between the ideas: are you adding, contrasting, or concluding?
Yes, it's a very common informal marker for results.
You can, but it will sound very formal or even sarcastic.
'Despite' is a preposition that doesn't take 'of'. Use 'in spite of' instead.
Mostly yes, though some markers are more common in British or American English.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
sin embargo
Spanish markers often require different punctuation rules.
cependant
French markers can sometimes be placed mid-sentence more flexibly.
jedoch
German word order is strictly affected by the marker.
shikashi
Japanese markers are often particles or sentence-initial words with different grammar.
wa
Arabic relies more on 'and' to connect sentences than English.
danshi
Chinese does not use semicolons for markers in the same way English does.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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