Advanced discourse markers
Link and shape arguments precisely with formal markers of contrast, concession, addition and result.
20 minAdvanced
1The grammar
Discourse markers show how one idea relates to another. They can signal contrast (nevertheless, even so, by contrast), concession (admittedly, granted), addition (moreover, what is more), result (consequently, hence) and reformulation (in other words, that is to say).
Grammar matters here too. Adverbials such as however, nevertheless and therefore link ideas but do not join two clauses on their own, so use a full stop, a semicolon or a conjunction. Despite and in spite of take a noun phrase or -ing form. Although and even though take a clause. 'Albeit' is normally followed by an adjective or phrase rather than a full clause.
Some markers have narrow meanings. 'On the contrary' rejects what has just been said, whereas 'by contrast' or 'on the other hand' compares two things that may both be true. 'Hence' can be followed by a noun phrase with no verb: 'Hence the delay.'
2Structure and formation
Between sentences
Clause. / Clause; + marker, + clause
Costs rose; nevertheless, profits held steady.
Inside the clause
Subject, + marker, + verb
The second study, by contrast, found no effect.
Noun phrase after a marker
despite / in spite of / hence + noun phrase
Despite the cost, the scheme was extended.
Reduced concession
albeit + adjective or phrase
The change was welcome, albeit overdue.
3Examples
The evidence is limited. Nevertheless, it points in a clear direction.
'Nevertheless' introduces a contrast with the sentence before.
The first treatment was cheap but slow; the second, by contrast, was fast but costly.
'By contrast' compares two things and can appear after the subject.
The new law is, admittedly, imperfect, but it closes the worst loopholes.
'Admittedly' concedes a weakness before the main point.
The report was late. What is more, it was incomplete.
'What is more' adds a stronger point.
Turning to the question of funding, the panel identified three options.
'Turning to' signals a change of topic.
The firm lost its largest client, hence the redundancies.
'Hence' can be followed by a noun phrase with no verb.
The scheme was successful, albeit only in urban areas.
'Albeit' introduces a limitation without a full clause.
4Common mistakes
The sample was small, however, the results were clear.
The sample was small; however, the results were clear.
'However' does not join clauses, so a comma before it creates a run-on; use a semicolon or a full stop.
Despite of the delay, the launch succeeded.
Despite the delay, the launch succeeded.
'Despite' takes no 'of'; the alternative is 'in spite of'.
Although the high cost, the plan was approved.
Although the cost was high, the plan was approved.
'Although' takes a clause. Use 'despite' before a noun phrase.
Sales rose in Asia; on the contrary, they fell in Europe.
Sales rose in Asia; by contrast, they fell in Europe.
'On the contrary' rejects a statement; to compare two facts, use 'by contrast' or 'in contrast'.
5Practical usage
Academic and professional writing
Choose the marker for its exact logical meaning, and avoid opening every sentence with one. A well-ordered paragraph needs only a few.
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Many of these markers are formal. In conversation, 'but', 'also', 'so' and 'anyway' are often more natural than 'nevertheless', 'moreover', 'hence' and 'with regard to'.
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