Grammar / B2 Grammar lessons and exercises / Clauses of contrast, purpose, reason and result
Discourse Markers
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Discourse markers are very important to structure text or speech to connect sentences in a meaningful and logical way. They express contrast, reason, purpose, result, etc. Here, you can find some common discourse markers, their meanings, and examples—perfect for B2 (upper-intermediate) learners.
🟦 Changing the Subject or Adding Afterthoughts
➤ By the way / Incidentally
Used to change the subject or say something you’ve just thought of.
- Well, it has been a very productive meeting, don’t you think? By the way / Incidentally, what time is it?
- I’ll try to fix my car this afternoon. By the way / Incidentally, do you still have that screwdriver that I lent you?
🟩 Introducing Surprising or Corrective Information
➤ Actually / In fact / As a matter of fact
Used to introduce unexpected or clarifying information.
- I don’t like chicken. Actually / In fact / As a matter of fact, I have only ever eaten chicken once.
- Everybody thinks he has a terrible temper, but actually / in fact / as a matter of fact, he is very kind.
🟨 Returning to the Point or Reducing Impact
➤ Anyway / In any case
Used to return to a previous topic or emphasize a key point.
- It’s not so strange to lose documents. It happens to lots of people all the time. Anyway / In any case, we finally found the passports in …
- I’m too tired to go, and it’s too late, and anyway / in any case, it’s too expensive.
➤ As I was saying
Used to return to an earlier subject after an interruption.
- As I was saying, we could get up early and spend the whole day there.
🟪 Justifying or Adding Supporting Reasons
➤ After all
Used to give a reason that supports what you’ve said.
- I might understand her better than you; after all, she is my wife.
- Don’t be too hard on him. After all, he is just a kid.
- He is not such a bad professional, after all.
➤ At least
Used to introduce something positive in a negative situation—or to soften a statement.
- Lots of people got injured in the accident, but at least nobody died.
- I finished last in the race, but at least I finished.
- He knows the president, or at least that’s what he says.
🔵 Summarizing Overall Impressions
➤ All in all
= Taking everything into account.
- There were some mistakes, but all in all, you did a pretty good job.
- Both TVs are great, but all in all, I think this one is better for you.
➤ On the whole
= Generally speaking.
- On the whole, men tend to avoid talking about feelings.
- There has been some criticism, but on the whole, customers like what we offer.
🟥 Adding Extra Information
➤ Besides (informal)
- I think it’s a beautiful place; besides, it’s very cheap.
➤ Furthermore (formal)
- Electric cars are becoming more powerful and energy-efficient. Furthermore, they are much cheaper than a few years ago.
➤ What’s more (informal)
- Scientists have found a big body of water under the planet’s surface. What’s more, they think it’s not the only one.
- He said the new season will premiere this September and what’s more, he confirmed it won’t be the last.
🟦 Clarifying or Restating
➤ Obviously
Used for facts that are easy to see or understand.
- Obviously, without qualifications, it’s harder to get a good job.
➤ Basically
Used to state the main point.
- Basically, what we do here is produce the plastic parts of the phone.
➤ In other words
Used to rephrase something more simply.
- She said we should take a break and have time to ourselves; in other words, she dumped me.
➤ That is to say
Used to be more precise or explanatory.
- The best thing about music is its repeatability; that is to say, you can listen to the same songs again and again and never get bored.
🟧 Warning of Consequences & Introducing Topics
➤ Otherwise
Used to say what will happen if a suggestion is not followed.
- Be here at 8 o’clock; otherwise, you will miss your turn.
➤ Regarding / As regards / As far as … is concerned
= About. Used to introduce a topic.
- Regarding / As regards the new player, we’ll have to decide if or when to sell him.
- As far as the new player is concerned, …
⚪ Expressing Contrast
➤ On the other hand
Used to introduce a contrasting idea. Often paired with "on the one hand".
- Cycling is good for your health, and it’s gentle on your muscles and joints. On the other hand, there are many fatal accidents among cyclists.
- On the one hand, cycling is good for your health... on the other hand, there are many fatal accidents.
➤ Whereas
Used to contrast two ideas or facts (similar to "while" in contrastive use).
- The north is cold, whereas the south is very hot.
- Whereas people used to aspire to have a big house and kids, nowadays preferences tend toward apartments.
Mastering discourse markers will make your English sound more fluent, logical, and natural—whether you’re writing or speaking!