Discourse markers

Discourse markers

What are discourse markers?

Words or phrases that lead us to join two ideas in a paragraph or provide a sequence between paragraphs in a larger text

We have 6 main different categories for discourse markers based on their use

Most of the words are adverbs and preposition phrases

1. Chronological order or order of importance

​Some examples are:

• ​To begin with

• Secondly

• To conclude

• Thirdly

• Finally

• Lastly

Multiple Select

Check all the words that fit within category 1

• Firstly

• Secondly

• Thirdly

• Lastly

• In addition

2. Add information or reinforce previous statements

​Some examples are:

• ​In addition

• ​Furthermore

• ​What is more

Multiple Select

Check all the words that fit within category 2

• What is more

• To conclude

• Furthermore

• Moreover

• In addition

3. To indicate equal status

​Some examples are:

• Similarly

• ​Likewise

• ​In a similar way

Multiple Select

Check all the words that fit within category 3

• Similarly

• Conversely

• Likewise

• All the same

• In the same way

4. To indicate a contradiction or contrast

​Some examples are:

• Different from

• ​Conversely

• ​On the other hand

• ​On the contrary

• ​By way of contrast

Multiple Choice

Choose the option that includes words that all fit category 4.

• Simlarly, differently, different from, conversely

• On the other hand, differently, different from, on the contrary, however, nevertheless

• what is more, on the other hand, differently, different from, on the contrary, however, nevertheless

5. Show relationships of cause and effect

​Some examples are:

• ​As a result (effect)

• ​Subsequently (effect)

• ​Consequently (effect)

• ​So (effect)

• ​For this reason (cause)

• ​Due to (cause)

Multiple Choice

Choose the option that includes words that all show cause and effect relationships.

• As a result, consequently, so, therefore, furthermore, a cause for, nonetheless

• However, nevertheless, in addition subsequently, due to, because, a cause for

• As a result, consequently, so, therefore, subsequently, due to, because, a cause for

6. To indicate concession

concession (noun): a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a compromise

​Some examples are:

• ​In any case

• ​For all that

• ​All the same

• ​Nevertheless

Multiple Select

Check all the words that fit within category 6.

• All the same

• In any case

• Furthermore

• For all that