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Linking Words and Discourse Markers

Linking Words and Discourse Markers

Reference

Rule Example
Additionin addition · furthermore · moreoverfurthermore (formal writing)
Contrastalthough + clause · despite + noun/-ingalthough it rained / despite the rain
Cause/resultdue to + noun · therefore (new sentence)due to rain; therefore, cancelled
Not only ... but alsopaired addition emphasisnot only kind but also smart

Common mistakes

  1. Despite it was raining, we went out. → Despite the rain / Although it was raining, we went out.
    despite + noun · although + clause
  2. Although raining, we went out. → Although it was raining, we went out.
    although needs a full clause
  3. Because of it rained, we stayed in. → Because it rained / Because of the rain, we stayed in.
    because + clause · because of + noun

Linking Words and Discourse Markers — Exercises

Choose the linker

Circle the correct answer.

  1. _____ the rain, we went for a walk. (Despite / Although / However)
  2. _____ it was raining, we went for a walk. (Although / Despite / In spite of)
  3. The match was cancelled _____ the storm. (due to / because / so)
  4. I was tired. _____, I finished the race. (Nevertheless / Therefore / Moreover)
  5. The hotel was cheap. _____, it was close to the beach. (What's more / However / As a result)
  6. It snowed all night; _____, the schools were closed. (as a result / although / whereas)
  7. My brother loves sport, _____ I prefer reading. (whereas / despite / therefore)
  8. She is _____ talented but also very hard-working. (not only / both / either)

Complete with one linker

Write one word or phrase.

  1. In   of feeling ill, she went to school.
  2. We stayed inside   it was too cold.
  3. The flight was delayed   to fog.
  4. The film was long.  , it was never boring.
  5. She studied hard;  , she passed easily.
  6. Despite   fact that it was late, we kept talking.

Linking Words and Discourse Markers — Answer Key

Choose the linker

  1. Despite — despite + noun → Despite the rain.
  2. Although — although + clause (subject + verb) → Although.
  3. due to — due to + noun → due to.
  4. Nevertheless — Contrast, at the start of a sentence → Nevertheless.
  5. What's more — Adding another positive point → What's more.
  6. as a result — A consequence → as a result.
  7. whereas — Comparing two different things → whereas.
  8. not only — not only … but also.

Complete with one linker

  1. spite
  2. because
  3. owing
  4. However
  5. therefore
  6. the