Discourse Markers and Expressions
~12 min read
- What: Discourse markers are the small words and phrases that signal how one part of a text relates to the next — however, therefore, indeed, moreover, in contrast, for example. They are the connective tissue of paragraphs.
- Why it matters: Mastery of discourse markers powers Cloze, Sentence Completion, Sentence Ordering, and Reading Comprehension. The right marker in a blank tells you the writer's logic — and the wrong marker breaks the paragraph.
- Key habit: Markers signal relationship type. Learn them by category (contrast, addition, cause, etc.), not alphabetically — the category names the relationship and the relationship picks the answer.
Every paragraph is a small argument — it makes a claim, adds support, sometimes turns to consider an objection, then arrives somewhere. Discourse markers are the signposts along the way. However warns you of a turn. Therefore tells you a conclusion is coming. For example opens a window. Moreover stacks more on top.
NDA does not test discourse markers as a standalone block, but the skill is tested everywhere a blank or a sentence-junction appears: Cloze Test, Sentence Completion, Sentence Ordering, and Reading Comprehension. Each of these blocks rewards a reader who can read the logical relationship between sentences as fast as they read the words.
This page lays out the seven main categories with their highest-frequency markers and worked examples. Pair it with Cloze Test (where markers fill blanks) and Sentence Ordering (where markers signal sequence).
What This Topic Covers
Where Discourse Markers Show Up in NDA
- Cloze Test blanks: A blank that joins two clauses or two sentences is almost always a discourse marker test.
- Sentence Completion: Mark the blank's slot for a contrast / addition / cause marker first, then pick from options.
- Sentence Ordering: A sentence beginning with "However" or "Therefore" cannot be the first; one beginning with a noun introduction usually is.
- Reading Comprehension: Locating "however" or "in contrast" in a paragraph tells you where the writer changes view.
Seven Categories of Discourse Markers
Every discourse marker signals one of seven relationships. Learn the categories first, the words second.
- Contrast — signal that what follows opposes or qualifies what came before.
- Addition — signal that more support is being stacked on the same point.
- Cause and Effect — signal that one thing produces another.
- Sequence and Time — signal the order of events.
- Emphasis — signal that what follows is being underlined.
- Example and Illustration — signal a specific instance of a general point.
- Summary and Conclusion — signal that the argument is being wrapped up.
Contrast Markers
Strong contrast: however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, in contrast, conversely, by contrast.
Mild contrast: but, yet, still, though, although, even though, while, whereas.
Concession (admitting before contrasting): admittedly, granted, of course, naturally, certainly (paired with a "but"/"however" later).
Function: Tells the reader to expect the opposite of what the previous sentence set up.
Contrast marker placement rules
- However usually opens its sentence, set off by a comma: "However, the result was different."
- But and yet connect within a sentence or open a follow-on: "He tried hard, but failed."
- Although / though / even though open a subordinate clause: "Although tired, she worked." (Don't pair with "but" in the main clause — that's an Indianism. Use only one.)
Addition Markers
Simple addition: and, also, in addition, additionally, moreover, furthermore, besides, what is more.
Sequenced addition: firstly, secondly, lastly, finally, first of all.
Stronger addition: not only ... but also, as well as, both ... and.
Function: Signals that more support or another point is coming in the same direction.
Cause and Effect Markers
Cause introducers: because, since, as, for, owing to, due to, on account of, in view of, as a result of.
Example: "He resigned because he was tired." / "Due to the rain, the match was cancelled."
Common error: Due to follows a noun (after a "be" verb); because of can follow a verb. "He failed because of illness" (not "due to illness").
Effect markers: therefore, hence, thus, so, consequently, as a result, accordingly, for this reason.
Example: "She missed the train. Therefore, she was late."
Distinctions: Hence / thus are slightly more formal. So is the everyday word; therefore is formal. Consequently is stronger and more academic.
Sequence and Time Markers
Opening: first, firstly, to begin with, at first, initially.
Middle: next, then, afterwards, subsequently, later, meanwhile, in the meantime, during.
Closing: finally, lastly, in the end, eventually, at last.
Function: Maps time or order — essential for narrative paragraphs and process explanations.
Emphasis Markers
Emphasis markers: indeed, in fact, as a matter of fact, surely, certainly, undoubtedly, clearly, obviously, importantly, especially, particularly, above all.
Function: Tells the reader "the point I just made is especially important — pay attention".
Example: "Many students struggle with idioms. Indeed, idioms are the single most opaque feature of English for second-language learners."
Example and Illustration Markers
Example introducers: for example, for instance, e.g., to illustrate, as an illustration, namely, that is, i.e., in other words, such as.
Function: Moves from general to specific. The general claim has been made; the example anchors it in fact.
Example: "Many phrasal verbs use 'up'. For instance, 'give up', 'put up', and 'take up' all carry different meanings."
Summary and Conclusion Markers
Summary markers: in short, in brief, in sum, to summarise, to sum up, briefly, in essence, on the whole, overall.
Conclusion markers: in conclusion, to conclude, finally, all in all, ultimately, thus, therefore.
Function: Signals that the writer is closing the argument and restating its essence.
Worked Examples
Worked Example 1 — Contrast in cloze blank
Stem: "He worked hard for the exam. _____, he could not clear it."
Options: (a) Therefore (b) However (c) Indeed (d) For instance
Reasoning: Hard work usually leads to success; the second clause states failure. Relationship = contrast. (a) Therefore = cause-effect (wrong direction). (c) Indeed = emphasis. (d) For instance = example.
Answer: (b) However.
Worked Example 2 — Effect in cloze blank
Stem: "The roads were flooded after the rain. _____, the school had to be closed."
Options: (a) Nevertheless (b) On the contrary (c) Therefore (d) Moreover
Reasoning: Floods cause closure. Relationship = cause-effect.
Answer: (c) Therefore.
Worked Example 3 — Addition in cloze blank
Stem: "The new policy will reduce paperwork. _____, it will save officials hours each week."
Options: (a) However (b) Moreover (c) For instance (d) In contrast
Reasoning: Both clauses describe benefits in the same direction. Relationship = addition.
Answer: (b) Moreover.
Worked Example 4 — Example marker
Stem: "Many idioms in English use animals. _____, 'a dark horse' refers to an unexpected winner."
Options: (a) Therefore (b) However (c) For instance (d) Indeed
Reasoning: The second clause is a specific case of the first claim. Relationship = example/illustration.
Answer: (c) For instance.
Worked Example 5 — Concession + contrast pattern
Stem: "_____ the project was difficult, the team completed it on time."
Options: (a) Because (b) Although (c) Therefore (d) Moreover
Reasoning: Difficulty + completion is a concession-contrast pair. Although opens a concessive clause.
Answer: (b) Although.
Trap: Don't add "but" to the main clause. "Although the project was difficult, but the team completed it" — Indianism, wrong.
NDA Application — Where Markers Score
Application 1 — Cloze Test
The cloze passage has ~5 blanks; one or two are typically discourse markers. Locate them first — they are the easiest if you know the category. Read the sentence before and after the blank; ask "what relationship?"; pick the marker that signals that relationship.
Application 2 — Sentence Completion
If the blank is in the joining position between two clauses, it is almost certainly a discourse marker. The relationship between the clauses tells you which one.
Application 3 — Sentence Ordering
A sentence beginning with However, Therefore, For instance, or Moreover cannot be the opener of a paragraph — these markers point backwards. A sentence beginning with a noun-led introduction or a topic statement is usually the opener.
Application 4 — Reading Comprehension
Discourse markers are speed-reading anchors. When skimming a long passage, find however for turns, for instance for examples to skip, and therefore for conclusions to read carefully. This is how skilled readers cover passages in half the time.
The Mapping Habit
- Pick any newspaper editorial. Underline every discourse marker.
- Notice that they cluster — 4–5 per paragraph in serious writing.
- Notice the categories used. Contrast and addition are by far the most common.
- Five minutes per day. Builds an instinctive feel for the connectives.
Drill Discourse Markers Across Blocks
NDA-pattern Cloze and Sentence Completion items with discourse-marker blanks tagged by category.
Start Free Mock TestFrequently Asked Questions
Does NDA test Discourse Markers as a standalone block?
Not directly. NDA tests the skill inside Cloze, Sentence Completion, Sentence Ordering, and Reading Comprehension. Marker fluency is the most concentrated investment for the most spread-out return.
How many markers should I memorise?
Around 40 high-frequency markers covering all seven categories. The detailed lists on this page total roughly that count. You don't need to recall them on demand — you need to recognise them when they appear in a question.
What is the difference between "however" and "but"?
Both signal contrast. But is informal, used within a sentence as a coordinator ("He tried, but failed."). However is formal, usually opens a new sentence ("He tried hard. However, he failed."). NDA prefers however in formal English contexts.
"Therefore" vs "consequently" vs "as a result" — which when?
All three signal effect from a stated cause. Therefore is the most common — fits anywhere. Consequently is more academic. As a result is everyday and slightly less formal than therefore. NDA usually pairs the choice with register cues in the rest of the sentence.
Can a sentence have two discourse markers?
Yes, if they signal different relationships. "However, the report, for instance, omits two key facts." The first is contrast; the second is illustration. But the same category is never doubled — never "However, nonetheless..." That's an Indianism trap.
Which NDA English topics depend on Discourse Markers?
Cloze Test, Sentence Completion, Ordering of Sentences, Reading Passages, and (indirectly) Sentence Improvement.