Discourse Markers: The Glue of Argument

Master the connectors — moreover, granted, hence — that turn scattered ideas into persuasive, flowing arguments.

Explanation

Discourse markers are words or short phrases that guide a reader or listener through the logic of a text or conversation. They do not add new information; instead, they signal how each idea relates to the one before it: whether it adds, contrasts, concludes, or concedes a point.

At C1 level, you are expected to move beyond basic linking words such as and, but, or so. Sophisticated arguments rely on conjunctive adverbs and concessive markers that show the writer's stance. Three families are especially useful:

• Additive: Moreover, furthermore, in addition, what is more — they pile up evidence in the same direction.
• Concessive: Granted, admittedly, of course, certainly — they acknowledge a counter-argument before steering back to the writer's view.
• Consecutive / causal: Hence, therefore, consequently, as a result — they show that one idea follows logically from another.

These markers usually sit at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, but they can also appear mid-sentence after the subject. Choosing the right marker is a question of meaning: ask yourself, am I adding, opposing, or concluding?

Examples

Read the sentences below and notice how the highlighted marker shapes the relationship between the two clauses.

1. The proposal cuts travel costs. Moreover, it reduces the company's carbon footprint. (adds a second, reinforcing point)
2. Granted, the new software is expensive, yet its long-term savings are substantial. (concedes a point before countering)
3. Productivity has fallen for three consecutive quarters; hence, management has called a review meeting. (draws a conclusion)
4. The data set is small. Nevertheless, the trend is consistent across all five years studied.
5. She had the strongest academic record. Furthermore, her interview was the most convincing of the candidates.

Notice that each marker could be replaced by a synonym, but the flavour would change: moreover feels formal and academic, while what is more sounds more conversational.

Common mistakes

1. Using the wrong marker for the relationship. Learners sometimes write However, the results were positive when they actually want to add another positive point. However signals contrast, so moreover or in addition would be correct.
2. Overloading a text. A paragraph that begins every sentence with a discourse marker feels mechanical. Vary their position: place them after the subject, or use a shorter connector such as also occasionally.
3. Forgetting the comma. When a conjunctive adverb opens a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma: Therefore, we acted. Without the comma, the rhythm is wrong.
4. Mixing registers. Plus and so are too informal for an academic essay. Choose moreover, furthermore, or in addition instead.
5. Double-linking. Avoid stacking markers: However, moreover, the data is also useful. Pick one and let the sentence breathe.

In real life

A short dialogue between two colleagues, Anna and Ben, preparing a report for the board.

Anna: The sales figures for Q2 are below target.

Ben: True. Granted, the market was tougher than expected, but our marketing spend was also lower than last year's.

Anna: Moreover, we launched the campaign two weeks late because of supplier issues.

Ben: Exactly. Hence, I'd recommend revising the Q3 forecast rather than cutting the team.

Anna: Nevertheless, the board will want to see a plan. What is more, they'll ask for cost cuts regardless of the cause.

Ben: Fair point. So we'll present the data, consequently propose a revised budget, and keep the team intact.