Explanation
Exercises
Discourse markers — connectors & linking words
B1–B2 • quick reference register & punctuation included

What are discourse markers?

They are words/phrases that guide a reader or listener through your ideas (topic change, addition, contrast, results, summaries, etc.). Choose them for function and register (formal vs informal) and place them correctly in the sentence.

Topic management

by the wayincidentally informal
→ change to a related/new topic: By the way, do you have the photos?
as I was saying
→ return to a point after a digression: As I was saying, we could leave early.
regardingas regardsas far as … is concerned more formal
→ introduce topic: Regarding the new hire, we’ll decide next week.

Adding & emphasising

besidesinformal
It’s far; besides, taxis are expensive.
furthermoremoreoverformal
Sales rose; furthermore, costs fell.
what’s more
The flat is bright; what’s more, it’s quiet.
actuallyin factas a matter of fact
→ correction/contrast with expectations: People think he’s tough; actually, he’s kind. Not “at the moment”.

Contrast & concession

on the other hand
Remote work gives flexibility; on the other hand, it can be isolating. Optionally pair with on the one hand.
whereas
The north is wet, whereas the south is dry.
after all
a) reason/support: Let him rest; after all, he’s ill. b) concession: Maybe he wasn’t wrong after all.
anywayin any case
→ return to main point or give overriding reason: It’s late and, in any case, it’s too expensive.
yet
→ “however/but”: She was tired, yet she kept working.

Reformulating & clarifying

in other words
We need to pivot — in other words, change strategy.
that is to saymore formal
The device is modular, that is to say, parts are replaceable.
basicallyobviously
Basically, we build the app; obviously, testing takes time.

Result, minimising & condition

sothereforeconsequentlyformal (last two)
Flights were cancelled; therefore, we stayed home.
at least
a) positive twist: We lost, but at least we qualified. b) hedge: He knows the CEO — at least, that’s what he says.
otherwise
→ if not: Be here by eight; otherwise you’ll miss the start.

Summary & generalisation

all in all
There were delays, but all in all the trip was great.
on the whole
On the whole, customers like the redesign.

Position & punctuation

  • Sentence initial + comma: However, / Therefore, / On the whole,
  • Mid-position (before main verb, after be, or after first auxiliary) for formal adverbs: has therefore decided, is consequently difficult.
  • End position is possible for a few items in speech: We enjoyed it, though. / We had a great time, however. (more formal/rare)

Tip Don’t stack too many markers; one clear connector per relationship is usually enough.

Exercises:
1
2
3

Discourse markers: connectors & linking words

Choose the correct discourse markers to complete the sentences below.
1
Sales have risen; , profits have fallen slightly.
2
The report is concise; , it’s richly illustrated.
3
heavy fog, the flight was delayed.
4
We didn’t have a permit; , we had to cancel the event.
5
the battery was low, the phone kept working for hours.
6
, we’ll outline the goals; then we’ll discuss timelines.
7
The app is “freemium” — , basic features are free while extras cost money.
8
Many cities are investing in green transport; , Paris has expanded its bike lanes.
9
The forecast predicted storms; , the game went ahead.
10
, the pilot program met its targets.

Discourse markers: connectors & linking words

Choose the correct discourse markers for each gap below.
1
We expected prices to fall; ____ , they kept rising.
A.
B.
C.
2
The solution is expensive; ____ , it lacks scalability.
A.
B.
C.
3
The pilots were on strike; ____ , thousands of passengers were stranded.
A.
B.
C.
4
____ the roads were flooded, the game was postponed.
A.
B.
C.
5
____ , we gathered requirements; next, we built a prototype.
A.
B.
C.
6
The plan is risky. ____ , the potential benefits are huge.
A.
B.
C.
7
Many factors contributed; ____ , poor maintenance and outdated software.
A.
B.
C.
8
The interface is unintuitive—____ , users get lost after login.
A.
B.
C.
9
You must back up your files; ____ , you may lose everything.
A.
B.
C.
10
It was raining heavily; ____ , the match continued.
A.
B.
C.

Discourse markers: connectors & linking words

Fill in the gaps with the adverbial expressions provided in the box below
howeverneverthelessnonetheless on the other handin contrastby contrast moreoverin additionfurthermorebesides thereforeas a resultconsequentlythushence for examplefor instance in other wordsthat is meanwhilein the meantime in factactually to sum upin shortoverall ultimatelyin the endeventually
1
The plan looks expensive; , it could save us money long-term.
2
The trial was small; , the participants were not randomly selected.
3
The roads were icy; , the school closed for the day.
4
Several measures can cut emissions; , retrofitting buildings can make a big difference.
5
Our product is simple; , the competitor’s is feature-heavy.
6
The instructions were ambiguous — , no one knew which form to submit.
7
I will draft the email; , can you prepare the slides?
8
It looks like a minor bug; , it affects every login attempt.
9
, both sides agreed to postpone the vote.
10
We have discussed the risks and the budget; , outsourcing is the best option.