Discourse markers: Organising and connecting ideas

Discourse markers connect ideas and guide the reader or listener through a message. They can add information, show contrast, give a result, sequence points, reformulate an idea or signal the speaker’s attitude.

Examples

The route is longer; however, it is much safer.

However introduces a contrast.
The shop was closed. Therefore, we went home.

Therefore signals a result.
First, check the address. Then, send the form.

First helps organise a sequence.

Conjunction vs. sentence connector

Conjunction

I stayed home because I felt ill.

Because joins the reason clause directly to the main clause.

Sentence connector

I felt ill. Therefore, I stayed home.

Therefore links two separate sentences and normally takes punctuation around it.

A conjunction is part of the grammatical structure joining clauses. Many discourse markers connect complete messages more loosely and require different punctuation.

Position affects punctuation and emphasis

Many discourse markers can appear at the beginning, middle or end of a clause, but punctuation changes with the position.

However, the final decision was reasonable.

At the beginning, the marker is followed by a comma.
The final decision, however, was reasonable.

In the middle, commas separate the marker from the clause.

Common mistakes

It was raining, however we continued.

It was raining; however, we continued.

However does not normally join two independent clauses with only a comma.

Because the delay. We missed the connection.

Because of the delay, we missed the connection.

Use because of + noun phrase or because + clause.

Quick check

Question 1 of 3

Which sentence correctly uses however between two independent clauses?

Work on discourse markers with Lingadoo

Join Lingadoo

It's free. No ads. No credit card.

Definition