Discourse markers are words or expressions that link, manage and help to organise sentences. They connect what is written or said with something else. They make no change to the meaning. They are also often called linking words, linking devices, or linkers.

They are important to make your speech or text flow and to avoid a series of short unconnected statements. Discourse markers can be placed in any part of a sentence, including the beginning. We use different types of discourse markers for different types of links: informal markers for speech and formal type markers for formal writing, such as essays and reports.

In this article, you will learn about discourse markers of result, reason, purpose, and contrast.

1. So is the most common way of introducing a clause of result.

2. As a result, therefore, and consequently (more formal than so) are often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
   • When the marker is at the beginning of a clause, it is usually preceded by a comma, or comma + and.
   • Therefore and consequently can also be used before a main verb, e.g. We have therefore / consequently decided not to offer you the job.

1. Because, as, and since (more formal) are used to introduce clauses giving reason and are synonyms. As is often used at the beginning of a sentence, e.g. As the weather is so awful, we’ve decided not to go out.

2. Because of, due to, and owing to also express the reason for something. They are usually followed by a noun.
   • Due to and owing to are more formal than because of.

1. To, in order to, and so as to introduce a clause of purpose and are all followed by an infinitive. So as to and in order to are more formal.

2. For negative purpose use in order not to or so as not to, NOT She closed the door quietly not to wake the baby.

3. You can also use so (that) + can / could + verb or will / would + verb to express purpose. You can leave out that in informal speech and writing.
   • You must use so (that) when there is a change of subject in the result clause, e.g. She put a rug over the baby so (that) he wouldn’t be cold.

4. Use in case + clause when we do something in order to be ready for future situations / problems or to avoid them.

1. But is the most common and informal way of introducing contrast, and is normally used to link two contrasting points within a sentence.
2. Yet is used in the same way, but is more formal / literary.
3. However and nevertheless are normally used at the beginning of a sentence, to connect it to the previous one. They are usually followed by a comma.
   • Nevertheless (or nonetheless) is more formal / literary than however.

2. Even though is more emphatic than although. Though is more common in normal speech.

• Grammar checkpoint

  ⚠ Though can also be used at the end of a phrase as a comment adverb, e.g. He’s very friendly – a bit mean, though.

3. After in spite of and despite you must use a gerund, a noun, or the fact that + clause.

Practice Test A

Practice Test A

Choose the right connector in each sentence.

1. 

__________ she's working really hard, I don't think she'll be able to catch up with the rest of the class.

Even though Despite None

2. 

We can't afford to have a holiday this year __________ we've got an overdraft at the bank.

as so None

3. 

Could we re-arrange my timetable __________ I don't have so many classes on a Friday afternoon?

so that in case None

4. 

At the meeting Carla stuck to her guns __________ the fact that everybody was against her.

due to in spite of None

5. 

The restaurant chain has had a very difficult year. __________, they haven't had to close any of their restaurants.

Nevertheless As a result None

6. 

He gets a good salary __________ the job itself is quite monotonous.

though since None

Time's up

Practice Test B

Practice Test B

Choose the correct option according to register.

1. 

Sales have decreased over the last three months. __________ we will not be taking on any new staff.

So Therefore None

2. 

I've been off work for the last three days __________ this nasty cough I've got.

because of owing to None

3. 

Jane texted me to say she's going to be a bit late __________ let's start without her.

so consequently None

4. 

The company has reported declining sales this year. __________ they have so far managed to avoid any staff cuts.

Nevertheless But None

5. 

I stopped at a service station __________ fill up with petrol.

to in order to None

6. 

I thought it was an amazing film. It was quite depressing, __________.

though however None

7. 

We sincerely apologize for the delay, which was __________ the late arrival of the incoming aircraft.

due to because of None

Time's up