To effectively convey meaning, texts often need to highlight the relationships between different blocks of content—sentences, paragraphs, or sections. This is where connectors, or discourse markers, come into play. These are the words and expressions that help organize content, guide the reader, and convey the text’s intended meaning.
In this article, we’ll explore what connectors are, the types available, and how each one works. Additionally, we’ll provide some examples of connectors. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Discourse Marker?
A connector or discourse marker is a word or group of words that links two or more statements and indicates the relationship between them. Their function is to strengthen the text’s cohesion, ensuring the relationship between the statements is understood. Consider the following examples:
John got the schedule wrong, because no one was there when he arrived.
John got the schedule wrong, so no one was there when he arrived.
John got the schedule wrong; therefore, no one was there when he arrived.
John got the schedule wrong; in other words, no one was there when he arrived.
As we can see from the examples, connectors can significantly alter the meaning of a statement. This can also happen between paragraphs or even between different sections of a text since discourse markers indicate how the elements are related. They guide the readers’ attention, providing clear indications of connection, opposition, or contrast between statements.
Connectors don’t have a syntactic role in the sentence: i.e., they aren’t subjects, verbs, objects, or complements. Their only purpose is to link different clauses. However, connectors carry semantic content, and each has its own meaning: what’s more, for example, indicates addition, no matter what elements are being connected.
Discourse connectors are formed from different types of words, and they have characteristics of their own:
- They reveal logical relationships between statements within a text.
- They can be adverbs (thus, additionally), prepositions (because of, owing to), interjections (sure), conjunctions (but, and, or), or phrases (on the contrary, on the one hand).
- Intonation usually changes, and a pause separates them from the rest of the statement.
- They can appear at different points in the text: at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end.
What Types of Connectors Are There?
There are different ways to classify discourse markers. One common classification divides connectors into three main groups, each with several subgroups:
- Argumentative Connectors. They establish semantic differences or relationships between parts of speech:
- Additive connectors
- Adversative connectors
- Concessive connectors
- Consecutive connectors
- Reformulation Connectors. They establish a relationship of expansion, reformulation, or emphasis between parts of discourse.
- Explanatory connectors
- Rectifying connectors
- Recapitulative connectors
- Structuring Connectors. They establish relationships of order or hierarchy between elements of discourse.
- Sequence connectors
- Exemplification connectors
- Digressive connectors
Let’s explore each group of connectors and provide examples.
Additive Connectors
These connectors link one part of a statement to the next, reinforcing its argumentative orientation. They can connect two fragments within the same argumentative level (moreover, even) or across different levels (in addition, even more so).
Examples of additive connectors:
plus | even more so | likewise | is more | what’s more | analogously | in fact | added to this | in this sense | equally | in the same way
Adversative Connectors
These connectors establish opposition or contrast relationships between one fragment and the next, differentiating ideas, concepts, facts, or events. This relationship supposes an adverse condition between both fragments, where the existence of one fragment prevents the other from being realized.
Examples of adversative connectors:
but | instead | however | on the contrary | nevertheless | even so | rather | whereas | having said that
Concessive Connectors
Concessive connectors indicate that what was said doesn’t prevent what follows. They can introduce an objection or some degree of disagreement or caution.
Examples of concessive connectors:
yet | still | in any way | although | in any case | despite | in spite of | even though | though
Consecutive Connectors (Cause and Consequence)
They establish a direct connection between two fragments, showing a relationship of cause and consequence between two ideas.
Examples of consecutive connectors:
consequently | so | therefore | for that reason | as a result | as a consequence | hence | accordingly | thus | because of | that being so | since | on that account | considering | in light of
Explanatory Connectors
Explanatory connectors are used to extend, expand, or add new information to what was previously said.
Examples of explanatory connectors:
that is | I mean | or rather | in other words | namely | to clarify | to put it another way
Rectifying Connectors
These connectors are used to correct what was previously said and present a more precise definition, clarify ambiguity, or introduce a new perspective.
Examples of rectifying connectors:
rather | ultimately | better still | or rather | actually | or to put it another way
Recapitulative Connectors
Recapitulative connectors are used to summarize or synthesize previous information. They usually appear at the end of the text, introducing a conclusion.
Examples of recapitulative connectors:
in sum | in short | basically | in conclusion | in the end | in essence | summarizing | to conclude | to come to the point
Sequence Connectors
These connectors indicate how statements are organized in the text. They can indicate start, continuity, or closure. They are often paired with other correlative connectors, for example, if we use on the one hand, the reader expects on the other hand to eventually appear.
Examples of sequence connectors:
firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc. | on the one hand, on the other hand | first | to begin with, to finish | next | in the meantime | at the same time | now | in conclusion | finally
Exemplification Connectors
Exemplification connectors introduce examples related to what was previously said.
Examples of exemplification connectors:
for example | that is | so | specifically | particularly | to illustrate | such as | like
Digressive Connectors
They are used to mark a discursive break in the subject that is being discussed to introduce an idea or concept that is not directly related to what was presented.
Examples of digressive connectors:
by the way | incidentally | what’s more | while on the subject | additionally | on the other hand | in relation to | with respect to
Conclusion
As discourse markers, connectors allow us to develop ideas and are crucial for guiding the reader. They establish cohesive relationships between the different parts of the text, whether by addition, opposition, contrast, digression, or other forms.
Some texts require a more deliberate treatment of connectors to ensure the quality and rigor. At Palabra, we offer editing, proofreading, and translation services. Get in touch with us and find out how we can help you!
Translated by @florabosch
Palabra 