Grammar Worksheet — Intro
Advanced Discourse Markers
Explanation
Discourse markers show how ideas relate to one another across sentences and paragraphs.
Advanced markers can signal contrast, result, addition, specification, or concession.
They require careful punctuation and should support meaning rather than decorate the text.
Form
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Core form | Sentence. Marker, sentence. | The evidence is limited. Nevertheless, the claim is plausible. |
| Variation | Clause; marker, clause. | Demand fell; consequently, prices dropped. |
| Advanced form | Noun phrase + notwithstanding | The risks notwithstanding, the trial continued. |
Use nevertheless and nonetheless for contrast despite a previous point.
Use namely to introduce exact details or clarification, not a general example.
Examples
- The evidence is limited. Nevertheless, the claim is plausible.
- Demand fell; consequently, prices dropped.
- The risks notwithstanding, the trial continued.
- The proposal is costly. Moreover, it lacks public support.
- Older participants preferred print surveys; conversely, younger participants chose online forms.
- The policy has one clear weakness, namely its administrative cost.
- The first study was small. By contrast, the second included 3,000 participants.
- The system is efficient. However, it is difficult to maintain.
Common Mistakes
- Demand fell, consequently prices dropped. → Demand fell; consequently, prices dropped. Use stronger punctuation before a sentence adverbial marker.
- The evidence is limited, nevertheless the claim is plausible. → The evidence is limited. Nevertheless, the claim is plausible. Nevertheless normally links sentences or clauses with clear punctuation.
- The policy has one weakness, for example its cost. → The policy has one weakness, namely its cost. Use namely when specifying the exact weakness.
- Younger participants chose online forms; by contrast older participants preferred print surveys. → Younger participants chose online forms; by contrast, older participants preferred print surveys. Use a comma after by contrast.