Connectives and Discourse Markers
Connectives are linking words that show relationships between ideas, such as contrast, addition and cause.
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Connectives are linking words that show relationships between ideas, such as contrast, addition and cause.
- However shows contrast
- Furthermore adds information
- Therefore shows result
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Connectives and Discourse Markers?
Within English, which covers grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, poetry, drama and the skills for clear communication, this topic explains Connectives and Discourse Markers. English topics help you read closely and write with purpose, so each one here explains a skill and shows how it works in a model text.
Check that you can explain Connectives and Discourse Markers in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Connectives and Discourse Markers helps you read texts more closely and write with more control, which earns marks in both reading and writing papers.
Connectives and Discourse Markers in detail
Connectives are words and phrases that link ideas, sentences and paragraphs, showing relationships such as addition (also, furthermore), contrast (however, although, on the other hand), cause and effect (because, therefore, as a result), sequence (firstly, then, finally) and example (for instance).
Discourse markers also guide spoken conversation, such as "well", "anyway" and "by the way". Using varied connectives makes writing cohesive and logical, but avoid overusing the same ones, such as "and then". They should match the meaning, so "however" signals a contrast, and punctuation needs care, such as a semicolon or full stop before "however".
How the interactive helps you understand Connectives and Discourse Markers
Click a card to flip it and reveal the answer, then move on to the next one.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Connectives and Discourse Markers.
Real-life uses and examples
- Plan an essay paragraph by linking the technique to the reader’s response.
- Spot Connectives and Discourse Markers when you read a poem, story or speech, then explain the effect it creates.
- Use Connectives and Discourse Markers to make your own writing more precise and vivid.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Quoting a long passage instead of picking a short, precise phrase.
- Naming a technique without explaining its effect on the reader.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Connectives and Discourse Markers
What is Connectives and Discourse Markers?
Connectives are linking words that show relationships between ideas, such as contrast, addition and cause.
What are the most important points about Connectives and Discourse Markers?
The main points are: However shows contrast; Furthermore adds information; Therefore shows result.
Why is Connectives and Discourse Markers useful?
Understanding Connectives and Discourse Markers helps you read texts more closely and write with more control, which earns marks in both reading and writing papers.
How can I practise Connectives and Discourse Markers?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Connectives and Discourse Markers?
Related topics in English include Formal and Informal Register, Word Origins, Debating.