English Discourse Markers and Linking Words That Work

If your spoken or written English ever feels like a list of facts rather than an actual argument, discourse markers are probably what’s missing. They’re the connective tissue of communication. Without them, your ideas sit next to each other like strangers on a bus. With them, those ideas move together, build on each other, and actually go somewhere.

This matters whether you’re writing an IELTS Task 2 essay, chairing a meeting, or sending a report to a client. The logic of your message is only as clear as the words you use to signal it.

What Are Discourse Markers and Linking Words?

Let’s separate two things that often get lumped together.

Linking words are connectors that join clauses or sentences. They show a logical relationship: contrast, addition, cause, result. Words and phrases like however, because of this, in addition, and as a result all fall here.

Discourse markers are slightly broader. They manage the flow of communication. They tell your reader or listener what’s coming next, signal a shift in direction, or mark where you are in an argument. In speech especially, phrases like right, now, as I was saying, to get back to the point, and having said that do this job.

In practice, many words do both jobs depending on context. The important thing is understanding what function you need, then choosing the right tool.

The Four Functions You Actually Need

Rather than memorising a long list, learn to think in categories.

1. Adding information: furthermore, in addition, what’s more, on top of that
2. Showing contrast: however, nevertheless, even so, that said, while
3. Showing cause and result: as a result, consequently, this means that, owing to
4. Signalling structure: to begin with, moving on, to summarise, in other words

Here’s how these look in real contexts.

Business email: “The project is on schedule. That said, we’ll need sign-off on the revised budget before we can proceed.”

IELTS writing: “Remote working increases flexibility for employees. Furthermore, companies can reduce overhead costs significantly.”

Spoken meeting: “Right, so we’ve covered the Q3 figures. Moving on, I’d like to look at projections for Q4.”

Notice how each example does something specific. It doesn’t just add a word for decoration. It tells the reader or listener how to process what comes next.

This kind of purposeful signalling is exactly what we practise in daily coaching sessions, because it’s the difference between sounding competent and sounding fluent. If you want that kind of structured practice with a real teacher, you can find out more here.

The Mistake Almost Everyone Makes

The most common error is using moreover, furthermore, and in addition interchangeably with however and nevertheless. This happens because learners learn linking words as a vocabulary list rather than as a set of tools with different jobs.

Here’s a real example of the error:

“The new policy will save money. Moreover, some employees are unhappy about it.”

Moreover signals addition. But “some employees are unhappy” is a contrasting point, not an additional one. The correct word here is however or that said.

“The new policy will save money. However, some employees are unhappy about it.”

That’s a small change, but it’s the difference between logical writing and writing that confuses the reader. In IELTS, this kind of error directly affects your Coherence and Cohesion score. In a business context, it makes you sound less precise than you actually are.

The fix: before you use a linking word, ask yourself one question. What is the relationship between these two ideas? Are they going in the same direction, or opposite directions? That question alone will eliminate most errors.

Practice Tips You Can Use Today

• Audit one piece of your own writing. Take an email or essay you wrote recently. Underline every linking word or discourse marker. For each one, check: does it accurately signal the relationship between those two ideas? If you’re not sure, look it up. This takes ten minutes and teaches you more than a grammar worksheet.
• Practise spoken signalling out loud. Pick a topic you know well. Set a two-minute timer and talk about it, using at least one discourse marker per sentence. Focus on structure markers: to start with, moving on, to wrap up. It feels unnatural at first. That’s the point. You’re building a habit.
• Learn in contrast pairs. Instead of learning however alone, learn it alongside furthermore. Write one sentence using each, on the same topic, and notice how the meaning changes. Pairing opposites makes the function of each word much clearer, much faster.

Vocabulary to Know

• discourse marker /ˈdɪskɔːs ˌmɑːkə/ – Level: B2 – a word or phrase used to manage the flow and structure of communication, either in speech or writing – Example: Phrases like “right” and “moving on” are common spoken discourse markers in meetings.
• furthermore /ˈfɜːðəmɔː/ – Level: B2 – used to add a point that supports or strengthens what was just said – Example: The candidate has excellent qualifications. Furthermore, she has ten years of relevant experience.
• nevertheless /ˌnevəðəˈles/ – Level: C1 – despite what has just been said; used to introduce a contrasting point with emphasis – Example: The results were disappointing. Nevertheless, the team learned a great deal from the process.
• coherence /kəʊˈhɪərəns/ – Level: C1 – the quality of being logical and consistent; in writing, it means ideas connect clearly – Example: The essay lacked coherence because the paragraphs didn’t follow a logical order.
• cohesion /kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – Level: C1 – the way a text is held together through grammatical and lexical connections, including linking words – Example: Good cohesion means the reader can follow your argument without getting lost.
• that said /ðæt sɛd/ – Level: B2 – an informal discourse marker used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying point – Example: The report is mostly positive. That said, there are a few areas that need attention.
• consequently /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/ – Level: B2 – as a result of something previously stated – Example: The project ran over budget. Consequently, the launch date had to be pushed back.
• in other words /ɪn ˈʌðə wɜːdz/ – Level: B1 – used to restate something more simply or clearly – Example: The contract has been terminated. In other words, the partnership is over.
• connective tissue /kəˈnektɪv ˈtɪʃuː/ – Level: C1 – used metaphorically to describe elements that hold a piece of communication together – Example: Linking words are the connective tissue of a well-structured argument.
• hedge /hɛdʒ/ – Level: C2 – to soften or qualify a statement, often using discourse markers to avoid sounding too absolute – Example: Phrases like “to some extent” and “it could be argued” are ways to hedge a claim in academic writing.

FAQ

How many linking words should I use in an IELTS essay?

There’s no target number. IELTS examiners are looking for appropriate and accurate use, not frequency. One well-chosen however is worth more than five incorrectly used moreovers. Aim for accuracy first, then range.

Are discourse markers in speech the same as in writing?

Not exactly. Spoken discourse markers tend to be shorter and less formal: right, so, anyway, as I said. Written ones are generally more precise and formal. Using overly written markers in speech can sound stiff, and using spoken markers in a formal essay will cost you marks. Context matters.

Can I use these in business emails, or do they sound too academic?

Many of them work perfectly in professional writing. That said, however, as a result, in addition all fit naturally in emails and reports. The ones to avoid in emails are the very formal academic ones like notwithstanding or henceforth, unless you work somewhere very formal indeed. When in doubt, the simpler option is usually the better one.

Accurate use of discourse markers is one of those things that makes a noticeable difference quickly, because it affects every sentence you write or speak. It’s also the kind of skill that benefits enormously from real-time feedback on your actual language, rather than just reading about it. That’s what daily coaching is for. Find out more about the programme here.