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

2. Add information or reinforce previous statements

​Some examples are:

• ​In addition

• ​Furthermore

• ​What is more

3. To indicate equal status

​Some examples are:

• Similarly

• ​Likewise

• ​In a similar 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

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)

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