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Discourse Connectors

Discourse Connectors

Reference

Rule Example
Additionfurthermore, moreover, in additionacademic register
Contrasthowever, nevertheless, conversely, on the contrarychoose by precise meaning
Cause/resulttherefore, consequently, thus, henceformal scholarly tone
Sequencefirstly, subsequently, ultimately, in turnstructuring arguments

Common mistakes

  1. Conversely, the plan failed. (no opposite mentioned) → However, the plan failed.
    "conversely" needs explicit opposite case
  2. She isn't lazy. On the contrary, she's lazy. → She isn't lazy. On the contrary, she's extremely hard-working.
    on the contrary rejects the first idea and states the opposite
  3. Sales fell. Therefore, the trend is positive. → Sales fell. However, the long-term trend is positive.
    a contrast needs a contrast connector, not a result one

Discourse Connectors — Exercises

Choose the connector

Circle the correct answer.

  1. The plan was risky. _____, they went ahead. (Nevertheless / Consequently / Conversely)
  2. He isn't shy. _____, he loves performing. (On the contrary / Conversely / Therefore)
  3. Big cities are expensive. _____, small towns are cheap. (Conversely / On the contrary / Furthermore)
  4. It snowed heavily. _____, the flights were cancelled. (Consequently / Nevertheless / Moreover)
  5. The hotel was cheap. _____, it was close to the beach. (Moreover / However / Thus)
  6. First, mix the flour. _____, add the eggs. (Subsequently / Conversely / Nonetheless)
  7. After years of trying, she _____ succeeded. (ultimately / conversely / moreover)
  8. The evidence is unclear; _____, more research is needed. (hence / whereas / albeit)

Complete with a connector

Write one word or phrase.

  1. The test was hard.  , most students passed.
  2. Prices rose;  , fewer people travelled.
  3. She is talented.  , she works extremely hard.
  4.  , I would like to thank everyone.
  5. To sum  , the project was a success.
  6. On  , the benefits outweigh the costs.

Discourse Connectors — Answer Key

Choose the connector

  1. Nevertheless — Despite that → Nevertheless.
  2. On the contrary — Rejecting the idea and stating the opposite → On the contrary.
  3. Conversely — The opposite case → Conversely.
  4. Consequently — A direct result → Consequently.
  5. Moreover — Adding a point (formal) → Moreover.
  6. Subsequently — After that → Subsequently.
  7. ultimately — In the end → ultimately.
  8. hence — = for this reason (formal) → hence.

Complete with a connector

  1. Nevertheless
  2. consequently
  3. Furthermore
  4. Finally
  5. up
  6. balance