CEFR B2 · 5 min
I failed my first formal English essay assignment in Australia. The ideas were there — solid, clear. But every paragraph started with ‘Also’ or ‘And’. My tutor wrote just two words in the margin: ‘Show logic.’ That was the day I understood what discourse markers actually do — they are not decoration. They are the architecture of an argument.
Today's focus: Discourse markers for contrast, addition, result, and exemplification
Contrast: however · nevertheless · on the other hand · in spite of (this) · despite (this) · yet
Addition: furthermore · in addition · moreover · what is more · not only… but also
Result/consequence: therefore · consequently · as a result · thus · hence
Exemplification: for instance · for example · such as · to illustrate
Key rule: each marker carries a specific logical relationship. Don’t scatter them — each one must be accurate. ‘However’ signals contrast. ‘Therefore’ signals result. Use the wrong one and your logic collapses.
Examples in context
Try it — click to reveal the answer
▶ Choose the correct marker: ‘She studied hard. _____, she passed with distinction.’ (However / Therefore)
‘However’ would signal something unexpected: ‘She studied hard. However, she failed.’ — unexpected contrast.
▶ Which marker shows CONTRAST? (a) Moreover (b) Nevertheless (c) Consequently
‘Moreover’ = addition. ‘Consequently’ = result. ‘Nevertheless’ = contrast/concession.
▶ Find the error: ‘I was nervous. Furthermore, I performed well.’ (is ‘furthermore’ right here?)
‘Furthermore’ means ‘and in addition to this.’ It cannot introduce a contrasting idea.
Discourse markers signal logic, not style. Match the marker to the relationship: however (contrast) · therefore (result) · furthermore (addition). One wrong marker misleads your reader completely.
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