Discourse Markers

What are discourse markers?

A discourse marker is a word or phrase that shows how one idea connects to the next. It tells the reader or listener what is coming: an extra point, a contrast, a result, a clearer version of the same idea, or your attitude to it. Discourse markers usually sit outside the main grammar of the sentence, so you can often remove them and the sentence is still correct.

The hotel was expensive. That said, the location was perfect.

This page goes beyond the basic linkers. For however, nevertheless, although and despite, see Although, Despite, In Spite Of, However. For and, but, because and so, see Conjunctions.

How to punctuate discourse markers

Most discourse markers are adverbs or fixed phrases, not conjunctions. A conjunction (and, but, so) can join two clauses with just a comma. A discourse marker cannot. (A clause = a group of words with a subject and a verb.)

• Wrong: Sales fell, consequently the launch was delayed.
• Correct: Sales fell**; consequently,** the launch was delayed.

Short markers such as thus, hence and also often appear without commas inside a sentence: The data was incomplete and thus unreliable.

When to use discourse markers

1. Adding a point

Use these when the next idea supports or extends the last one.

Besides often adds a final, stronger reason in an argument: "I don't want to go. Besides, I can't afford it."

2. Conceding and contrasting

To concede = to accept that something is true before you add a different point.

• That said / Having said that: The course is hard. That said, most people find it worth it.
• Even so (= despite that): The tickets were cheap. Even so, half the seats were empty.
• Admittedly (= I accept this point): Admittedly, the office is small, but the rent is low.
• Be that as it may (formal, = even if that is true): "The deadline is unfair." "Be that as it may, we still have to meet it."
• Nonetheless (formal, = nevertheless): The evidence was weak. Nonetheless, the court accepted it.
• All the same (neutral to informal, = despite that): It's only a small risk. All the same, I'd rather not take it.

Admittedly introduces the point you accept, and the contrast then follows with but or however. That said, even so and all the same come after the first point and introduce the contrast.

3. Showing a cause or a result

Two patterns are special:

• Hence can come before a noun phrase with no verb: "The printer is broken, hence the handwritten notes."
• Thus can come before an -ing clause that describes a result: "The city added more buses, thus reducing traffic."

Accordingly means "as a result" at the start of a sentence. After a verb it means "in a suitable way": "The rules changed, and we acted accordingly."

4. Clarifying or saying it another way

• In other words: The flight is overbooked. In other words, some of us won't get a seat.
• That is (to say): The office is open on weekdays, that is to say Monday to Friday.
• To put it another way: We spent more than we earned. To put it another way, we made a loss.
• Namely (= and here are the exact ones): Two people were missing, namely Ana and Tom.

In writing, i.e. (= that is) and e.g. (= for example) are short forms. Do not confuse them: i.e. explains, e.g. gives examples.

5. Showing your attitude

These markers tell the listener how you feel about what you are saying.

• Frankly / To be honest: Frankly, I don't think the plan will work.
• Needless to say (= this is obvious): Needless to say, the boss was not happy.
• Surprisingly / Interestingly: Interestingly, the cheaper model sold better.
• Understandably: Understandably, many people were upset about the price rise.

6. Spoken markers

These are common in conversation and informal messages, but they usually sound out of place in formal writing.

• Mind you (adds a point that makes the last one less strong): The food was great. Mind you, it was expensive.
• Anyway (closes a topic or returns to the main point): Anyway, what time do you finish?
• I mean (explains or corrects what you just said): It's a nice flat. I mean, it's small, but it's nice.
• As I was saying (returns to a topic after an interruption): As I was saying, the meeting is at ten.
• Actually (corrects or adds something unexpected): "Is it Tuesday?" "Actually, it's Wednesday."

On the contrary vs on the other hand

These two look similar but do different jobs.

• Wrong: Toronto is expensive. On the contrary, there are lots of jobs.
• Correct: Toronto is expensive. On the other hand, there are lots of jobs.

On the other hand is often paired with on the one hand, but you can use it alone.

That said vs however vs even so

All three introduce a contrast, but the feeling is slightly different.

Common mistakes

1. Using a comma alone before a marker

• Wrong: The trains were late, therefore we missed the meeting.
• Correct: The trains were late**; therefore,** we missed the meeting.

Therefore, consequently and moreover are not conjunctions, so they need a full stop, a semicolon or and.

2. Using a marker with the wrong meaning

• Wrong: The flat is small. Moreover, it is very cheap.
• Correct: The flat is small. On the other hand, it is very cheap.

Moreover adds a point in the same direction; it does not show contrast.

3. Using hence like so

• Unnatural: The roads were icy, hence the bus was late.
• Correct: The roads were icy, hence the delay. / The roads were icy, so the bus was late.

In modern English, hence is mostly followed by a noun phrase, not a full clause. Hence + clause exists, but it sounds old-fashioned.

4. Mixing registers

• Wrong: Dear Ms. Lee, Mind you, the invoice is late. Furthermore, it's wrong, anyway.
• Correct: Dear Ms. Lee, The invoice is late. Furthermore, it contains an error.

Spoken markers (mind you, anyway, I mean) do not belong in a formal email.

5. Starting every sentence with a marker

• Weak: Firstly, prices rose. Moreover, wages fell. Furthermore, rents went up. In addition, jobs were lost.
• Better: Prices rose while wages fell. Rents went up too, and many jobs were lost.

Too many markers make writing heavy. Use one when the link is not already clear.

6. Saying "on the contrary" for a second side

• Wrong: I like living downtown. On the contrary, it's noisy.
• Correct: I like living downtown. Mind you, it's noisy. / On the other hand, it's noisy.

Quick reference

Common questions

What is the difference between hence and thus?

Both mean "for this reason" and are formal. Hence is often followed by a noun phrase (hence the delay), while thus is often followed by an -ing clause (thus reducing costs) or used inside a clause (and thus unreliable).

Can I start a sentence with 'and' or 'but'?

Yes. It is common in modern writing, including journalism and many work emails. In very formal academic writing, some teachers prefer moreover or however at the start of a sentence instead.

Is 'moreover' too formal for a work email?

It can sound stiff in a short, friendly email. Also, plus or on top of that may fit better. In a report, a formal complaint or an essay, moreover is fine.

Practise next

• Although, Despite, In Spite Of, However — the basic contrast linkers and their grammar
• Conjunctions — and, but, so, because and how they join clauses
• Hedging Language — soften claims when you link ideas in essays
• Register: Formal and Informal Grammar — choose the right level of formality
• C2 Grammar Mastery quiz — test advanced structures