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B2 – C1

Discourse Markers: The Complete Guide

Everything you need to structure clear, well-organised essays and formal speech in English using discourse markers, with punctuation rules and exam practice.

📖 Reading time: ~13 minutes ✅ Reviewed by a CELTA-qualified teacher 🎯 Covers A1 to B2

📋 What's in This Guide

  1. 1. Introduction — What Are Discourse Markers?
  2. 2. Quick Summary
  3. 3. Sequencing Ideas
  4. 4. Adding Information
  5. 5. Contrasting Ideas
  6. 6. Showing Result or Consequence
  7. 7. Concluding
  8. 8. Punctuation Rules
  9. 9. Common Mistakes
  10. 10. Exercises
  11. 11. Mini Quiz
  12. 12. Exam Focus — Cambridge, IELTS, SELT
  13. 13. Frequently Asked Questions
  14. 14. Related Grammar Guides
  15. 15. Book a Free Level Test

1. Introduction — What Are Discourse Markers?

Discourse markers (also called linking words or connectors) are words and phrases that organise a piece of writing or speech and show the listener or reader how ideas relate to each other, sequence, contrast, addition, result. "However," "furthermore," "in conclusion" are all discourse markers. They're one of the most heavily rewarded features in essay writing, since they make an argument's structure visible and easy to follow.

This guide focuses specifically on the formal, essay-style discourse markers used in writing and formal speech. For everyday coordinating and subordinating conjunctions like "and," "but" and "because," see our full guide to conjunctions.

2. Quick Summary

⚡ Discourse Markers at a Glance

DefinitionWords/phrases that show how ideas relate: however, moreover, therefore
Main FunctionsSequencing, adding, contrasting, showing result, concluding
Example"The plan is ambitious. However, it is achievable."
Common Mistake"However, but I disagree" — never combine two markers with the same function
PunctuationSemicolon or full stop before, comma after
🇪🇸
Resumen en español Palabras como "however", "furthermore" y "therefore" organizan un texto formal en inglés, de forma similar a "sin embargo", "además" y "por lo tanto" en español. La puntuación es distinta: en inglés suelen ir después de un punto o punto y coma, seguidos de coma, un patrón que conviene memorizar para la escritura académica.

3. Sequencing Ideas

MarkerExample
Firstly / First of allFirstly, we need to consider the cost.
Secondly / NextSecondly, the timeline is unrealistic.
Finally / LastlyFinally, we should assess the risks.
SubsequentlyThe proposal was approved. Subsequently, work began immediately.

4. Adding Information

MarkerExample
Furthermore / MoreoverThe plan is expensive. Furthermore, it is unnecessary.
In additionIn addition to the cost, there are timing concerns.
AdditionallyAdditionally, staff would need retraining.

5. Contrasting Ideas

MarkerExample
HoweverThe results were positive. However, more research is needed.
Nevertheless / NonethelessThe evidence is limited. Nevertheless, the trend is clear.
On the other handSome support the policy. On the other hand, others strongly oppose it.
Despite this / In spite of thisCosts rose sharply. Despite this, demand remained strong.

6. Showing Result or Consequence

MarkerExample
ThereforeDemand fell. Therefore, prices were reduced.
As a result / ConsequentlyThe factory closed. As a result, hundreds lost their jobs.
ThusThe data is incomplete; thus, conclusions must be tentative.

7. Concluding

MarkerExample
In conclusion / To concludeIn conclusion, the benefits outweigh the risks.
OverallOverall, the project has been a success.
To sum upTo sum up, three main factors were identified.

8. Punctuation Rules

Discourse markers of this type are not conjunctions, they connect separate sentences (or independent clauses joined by a semicolon), never joining two clauses with just a comma.

RuleExample
Full stop or semicolon before, comma afterIt was expensive. However, it was worth it.
Never a comma alone before the marker❌ It was expensive, however, it was worth it. (comma splice)

9. Common Mistakes

❌ Incorrect✅ CorrectWhy
It was expensive, however, it was worth it.It was expensive. However, it was worth it."However" needs a full stop or semicolon before it, not just a comma.
However, but I disagree.However, I disagree.Never combine two contrast markers with the same function.
Firstly, ..., Second, ..., Last, ...Firstly, ..., Secondly, ..., Finally, ...Keep the sequencing markers consistent in form throughout a list.
Therefore he was late, he missed the train.He missed the train. Therefore, he was late."Therefore" introduces the result, not the cause, keep the logical order clear.

10. Exercises

A. Gap Fill — Complete with the correct discourse marker (8 questions)

1. The plan is risky. ___, it could be very profitable. (contrast)
2. ___ , we need to agree on a budget. (sequencing, first point)
3. Sales fell sharply. ___, several stores closed. (result)
4. The proposal is popular. ___, it is affordable. (addition)
5. ___ , the project was a clear success. (concluding, overall)
6. The team worked hard. ___, they missed the deadline. (contrast)
7. Costs increased. ___, profits fell. (result)
8. ___ , let's review the main findings. (concluding, sum up)
Show Answers (A)
1. However   2. Firstly   3. As a result / Consequently   4. Furthermore / Moreover   5. Overall   6. However / Nevertheless   7. Therefore / Consequently   8. To sum up

B. Multiple Choice (4 questions)

1. The results were mixed. ___, we can draw some conclusions. (a) However (b) Firstly
2. The cost is high. ___, the benefits are significant. (a) Moreover (b) Therefore
3. It rained heavily. ___, the event was cancelled. (a) As a result (b) On the other hand
4. ___, we should consider the long-term impact. (a) Overall (b) In conclusion
Show Answers (B)
1.a 2.a 3.a 4.a

C. Error Correction (4 questions)

1. It was expensive, however, it was worth it.
2. However, but I disagree with that point.
3. Firstly, we need funding. Second, we need staff. Last, we need time.
4. Therefore he was late, he missed the train.
Show Answers (C)
1. It was expensive. However, it was worth it.
2. However, I disagree with that point.
3. Firstly, we need funding. Secondly, we need staff. Finally, we need time.
4. He missed the train. Therefore, he was late.

D. Freer Practice — Write Your Own Sentences (2 tasks)

1. Write two sentences connected with 'however,' with correct punctuation.
2. Write two sentences connected with 'therefore,' showing a cause and result.
Show Answers (D)
Model answers will vary. Examples:
1. "The plan is ambitious. However, it is achievable with the right resources."
2. "Demand increased sharply. Therefore, we raised production."

11. Mini Quiz

1. It was risky. ___, it paid off.

2. Sales dropped. ___, jobs were cut.

3. It was expensive___ it was worth it.

4. ___, the plan succeeded.

12. Exam Focus — Cambridge, IELTS, SELT

ExamHow Discourse Markers Are TestedSample Question
Cambridge B2 First / C1 AdvancedLinking word accuracy and punctuation directly assessed in Writing tasks.Choosing the correct connector to complete a formal essay paragraph.
IELTS Writing Task 2A wide, accurate range of discourse markers is directly rewarded under the Coherence and Cohesion band descriptor.Structuring an argument clearly using firstly, furthermore, however and in conclusion.
IELTS Speaking (Band 7+)Natural use of markers like "on the other hand" and "as a result" in extended answers.Structuring a well-organised opinion in Speaking Part 3.

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Words and phrases like however, furthermore and therefore that organise writing or speech and show how ideas relate to each other.
Discourse markers connect separate sentences or independent clauses and are usually followed by a comma; conjunctions like 'and' and 'but' join clauses within a single sentence.
A full stop or semicolon before, and a comma after: 'It was expensive. However, it was worth it.'
No — this creates a comma splice. Use a full stop or semicolon before it instead.
Because a wide, accurate range of them is directly assessed under the Coherence and Cohesion scoring criterion in both writing tasks.
Higher-level candidates benefit from using them naturally to structure clear, well-organised opinions in extended speaking responses.
ConjunctionsThe everyday linking words this guide complements Ellipsis & SubstitutionMore tools for natural, cohesive English Cleft SentencesAnother way to structure emphasis formally General English CoursesBuild every grammar point with expert guidance

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