Discourse markers and cohesion in English B2
Organise addition, contrast, sequence, reformulation and conclusion with markers whose position and punctuation fit the discourse.
Recognise the main discourse markers and cohesion patterns in authentic contexts.
Choose a form that accurately expresses show the reader how one sentence relates to the developing argument or explanation.
Avoid errors that change time, agency, emphasis or speaker commitment.
Use the structure appropriately in essays, presentations, reports and extended conversation.
What discourse markers and cohesion communicates
Organise addition, contrast, sequence, reformulation and conclusion with markers whose position and punctuation fit the discourse.
The central purpose is to show the reader how one sentence relates to the developing argument or explanation. A successful choice therefore preserves the proposition while making the intended relationship, viewpoint or degree of commitment visible to the reader.
How the pattern is built
Use this working formula: sentence connector + punctuation | coordinating/subordinating linker inside clause structure. The formula is a decision path: it identifies the trigger, the clause architecture and the element that carries tense or modality.
The model “The method is efficient; however, it requires careful supervision.” shows the complete pattern in context. Rebuild the sentence from meaning to form instead of translating each word independently.
| Choice | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence contrast | sentence; however, sentence | The method is efficient; however, it requires careful supervision. |
| Addition and reinforcement | moreover/furthermore + clause | The change reduces cost; moreover, it improves response time. |
| Reformulation | in other words/that is + clarification | The deadline is fixed; in other words, no extension is possible. |
Choose by meaning, not by surface similarity
Neighbouring structures may contain similar words but perform different jobs. Compare the three reference patterns and name the intended effect before completing the sentence.
A reliable answer explains both why the chosen form works and why a plausible alternative would change the meaning, time relation, information focus or level of certainty.
| Meaning | Best route |
|---|---|
| a contrast between two independent propositions | Sentence contrast |
| an additional point that strengthens the argument | Addition and reinforcement |
| a restatement that makes the implication explicit | Reformulation |
Register, discourse and editorial control
This grammar is especially useful in essays, presentations, reports and extended conversation. Its value comes from helping the reader process a relationship efficiently, not from making the sentence sound artificially complex.
After editing, check recoverability, natural word order and consistency with the surrounding paragraph. If the marked structure creates ambiguity, return to a fuller or more neutral clause.