Purpose
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to correctly use five common discourse markers to connect ideas fluently in longer speech and writing.
Lesson Explanation
Discourse markers connect ideas across sentences, making longer speech and writing sound genuinely fluent rather than choppy:
however — contrast, at the start of a sentence: However, I disagree. therefore — result: It was raining; therefore, we stayed home. moreover — adding a further point: Moreover, the price increased. for example — introducing an example: Many fruits, for example apples, are healthy. in conclusion — signaling a final summary: In conclusion, the plan worked.
These are genuinely more formal than the basic conjunctions from Part 4, Lesson 6 (but, because) — however and but both show contrast, but however fits more formal writing and typically starts a new sentence, while but joins within one sentence.
Practice Questions
1. Which discourse marker signals contrast, typically at the start of a sentence?
View Answer
However
2. Which discourse marker signals a result?
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Therefore
3. Which discourse marker adds a further point?
View Answer
Moreover
4. Which discourse marker introduces an example?
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For example
5. Which discourse marker signals a final summary?
View Answer
In conclusion
6. Is “however” more formal or less formal than “but”?
View Answer
More formal.
7. Does “however” typically join within one sentence, or start a new sentence?
View Answer
Start a new sentence.
8. Complete: “___, I disagree with the plan.” (contrast)
View Answer
However
9. Complete: “___, the report is finished.” (final summary)
View Answer
In conclusion
10. Complete: “It rained all day; ___, the event was cancelled.” (result)
View Answer
therefore
11. Complete: “Many cities, ___ London, have high populations.” (example)
View Answer
for example
12. Complete: “The product is expensive. ___, it is high quality.” (adding a further point)
View Answer
Moreover