Using discourse markers, or connecting words, that link sentences and show the logical flow greatly improves the quality of an essay.
Basic Rules
① Addition and Parallel Ideas:
- in addition / additionally / moreover / furthermore
- besides / also
- first / second / third / finally
② Contrast and Opposition:
- however / on the other hand / in contrast
- nevertheless / nonetheless
- although / even though / despite the fact that
③ Cause and Effect:
- therefore / thus / hence / as a result / consequently
- because / since / as / due to / owing to
④ Giving Examples:
- for example / for instance / such as / take ~ as an example
- to illustrate / a case in point
⑤ Restating and Summarizing:
- in other words / that is
- in short / to sum up / in conclusion
- to put it another way
⑥ Emphasis:
- indeed / in fact / actually
- importantly / notably / above all
⑦ Concession:
- of course / admittedly / granted that
- it is true that ~, but ~
Online learning has many benefits. However, it also has drawbacks.
She studied hard. As a result, she passed the exam.
Exercise improves health. Moreover, it boosts mental well-being.
Some people prefer cities. Others, in contrast, prefer the countryside.
Points to Note
① Comma usage: A discourse marker at the beginning of a sentence must be separated by a comma. “However, ...” “Moreover, ...” “In addition, ...”
② They can also be used within a sentence: “This, however, is not always true.” “The result, in contrast, was surprising.”
③ Difference between but and however: but is a coordinating conjunction that directly connects the clauses before and after it, while however is an adverb that shows contrast with the previous sentence. A comma or semicolon is required.
④ Avoid repetition: Using the same discourse marker repeatedly sounds monotonous. Use “However, ... On the other hand, ...” instead of “However, ... However, ...”
⑤ Register: Use formal moreover/furthermore in essays and also/besides in conversation. Choose according to the situation.
- Addition: in addition / moreover / furthermore
- Contrast: however / on the other hand / in contrast
- Cause and effect: therefore / thus / as a result
- Examples: for example / for instance / such as
- Summary: in short / to sum up
- Always use a comma after a marker at the beginning of a sentence
Practice
- Insert the most appropriate discourse marker in “Smartphones are useful. ___, they can be distracting.”
- Insert a marker meaning “as a result” in “She studied for hours. ___, she fell asleep before the exam.”
- Give three expressions that have the same meaning as “For example.”