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Grammartier

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B2 — Upper Intermediate+50 XP available

Interactive Grammar: Discourse Markers

Organise ideas and improve text cohesion using discourse markers in formal writing.

Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Exercises

Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~45 min
Exercises
30
Level
Upper Intermediate

Overview

Organise ideas and improve text cohesion using discourse markers in formal writing.

Addition & Emphasis

  • Addingfurthermore, moreover, in addition — more formal than 'and'
  • Emphasisin fact, indeed, above all, especially
  • ExampleHe is talented. Moreover, he works extremely hard.

Contrast & Result

  • Contrasthowever, nevertheless, on the other hand, by contrast
  • Resulttherefore, consequently, as a result, hence
  • Concedeadmittedly, granted, while it is true that
  • ExampleThe plan was risky. Nevertheless, we proceeded.

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ However he was tired, he kept going → ✅ Although / However is not a conjunction
  • ❌ She failed. Despite, she tried again → ✅ Nevertheless
  • ❌ Overusing 'also' in formal writing → prefer furthermore/moreover

When to use

Academic Essays

The results were significant. Furthermore, they were reproducible.

Business Reports

Sales fell. Consequently, we revised our strategy.

Formal Speeches

The policy has benefits. However, there are risks.

Professional Emails

The deadline passed. Nevertheless, we completed the work.

Discourse Markers Quiz

Choose the correct discourse marker for each gap

Multiple Choice12 questions
1The project was expensive. , it took longer than planned.
2Sales fell last quarter. , we revised our strategy.
3The plan is risky. , we decided to proceed.
4He is talented. , he is extremely hardworking.
5The product is expensive. , it offers excellent value.
6She studied law. , she became a barrister.
7He was tired. , he kept working until midnight.
8The evidence is clear. , we should take action.
9She missed the meeting. , she sent her apologies.
10The report is detailed. , it includes new data.
11He had no experience. , he got the job.
12The company expanded rapidly. , profits increased.

Fill in the Blanks

Complete each sentence with an appropriate discourse marker

Fill in the Blanks10 questions
1The results were disappointing.(contrast)the team had worked very hard.
2She failed the test.(result)she had to resit it.
3The plan has merit.(addition)it has broad support.
4The cost is high.(contrast)the quality is outstanding.
5It was raining heavily.(concession)they continued the match.
6He lied to us.(result)we lost all trust in him.
7The report is thorough.(addition)it is well written.
8She's not perfect.(concede)she is the best candidate.
9The new system is faster.(addition)it is more secure.
10Costs rose significantly.(result)we had to reduce the budget.

Fix the Errors

Rewrite each sentence with the discourse marker mistake corrected

Error Fix8 questions

1However he was tired, he carried on.

2She failed the test. Despite, she tried again.

3It rained. Therefore, we went out.

4The report is long. Moreover, it's boring.

5He studied hard. Consequently, he passed the test.

6She left early, so despite she was tired.

7Despite of the problems, we succeeded.

8He works hard. Nevertheless, he is very successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on sentence structure cover?

Organise ideas and improve text cohesion using discourse markers in formal writing.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Upper Intermediate (B2) learners and forms part of the Sentence Structure section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.

Your Grammar Learning Path

Follow the CEFR progression for this topic cluster.

  1. B2
    Contrast and Concession
  2. B2
    Describing Data
  3. B2
    Discourse MarkersYou are here
  4. B2
    Formal Connectors
  5. B2
    Inversion After Negative Adverbials
  6. B2
    Paraphrasing
  7. C1
    Advanced Cohesion Devices

Before You Start

Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first.

Continue Your Grammar Journey

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