Discourse analysis

Interjections: Oh! Wow! Ah; Ouch!

Hesitators: Ummm; Erm; Er; Hmmm; Well

Expletives: Damn! My God! Goodness me! Oh no! [and insert your own expletives here]

Vocatives: Hey! Wait! Dude; Mate; Oi!

These examples of discourse markers are usually only spoken or used in informal written messages.
Of course, any linking phrases used in writing may also be spoken, but the more formal the expression, the less likely it is to be used in normal conversation.
When it comes to discourse markers in essays and formal publications, they must be carefully chosen and purposefully placed in order to guide the reader through the author’s thought process. Used well, they can also convey a more authoritative tone. However, see the warning below about overusing or misusing linking words.

Types of discourse marker

Above we gave some examples of informal discourse markers used in speech, but now let’s consider the categories of discourse marker used in writing.
Below you’ll find a short list of discourse markers for each purpose, but we have published more detailed articles on each of these topics too. If you would like to see more examples and learn how to use them properly, click through to the page indicated.

Comparing and contrasting

When you want to talk about how two things are similar or different, or look at alternatives, you might use these words and phrases:

• 
  Equally
  
• 
  In the same way
  
• 
  Whereas
  
• 
  On the contrary
  
• 
  Nevertheless
  
• 
  Even though
  
• 
  Instead of
  

Read our full article about discourse markers to compare and contrast for full example sentences and a lot more useful vocabulary.

Addition

These expressions are used when you need to add to what you have already said:

• 
  As well (as)
  
• 
  Additionally
  
• 
  Furthermore
  
• 
  What’s more
  
• 
  On top of this
  
• 
  Besides
  

Read all about discourse markers for addition.