Discourse markers

Textual Discourse Markers

Numbering and ordering points

General use: First, firstly, second (third, fourth, etc.), secondly (thirdly, fourthly, etc),
(and) finally, last, lastly, then, next

Mainly used in speaking: first of all, in the first place, last of all, afterwards

Adding something

General use: additionally, also, alternatively, further, furthermore, in addition, instead,

moreover

Mainly used in speaking: besides, on top of this/that, too, what is more

Linking similar things together

General use: similarly, equally, likewise

Introducing something that contrasts with expectations

General use: however, in contrast, in fact, on the contrary, on the other hand, rather, still

Mainly used in formal contexts: nevertheless, nonetheless, yet

Mainly used in speaking: though, actually, all the same, anyway, as a matter of fact, at the same time

Causes and results

General use: so, then

Mainly used in formal contexts: consequently, hence, therefore, thus

Mainly used in speaking: as a result, in that case

Generalizing

General use: generally, in general, on the whole, overall

Mainly used in formal contexts: by and large

Exemplifying and narrowing down

General use: notably, e.g., for example, for instance

Mainly used in speaking: say

Re-stating

General use: i.e., in other words, that is

Mainly used in speaking: I mean, in a sense

Rounding off

In conclusion, to conclude, in summary, to summarise, to sum up

Conversation Management Discourse Markers

Actually, anyway, by the way, I mean, OK, now, right, so, well, yes, you know, you see

Preparatory Discourse Markers

Preparing for something unwelcome: I’m afraid, (I am) sorry

Introducing strong points of view: frankly, honestly

Attitude Discourse Markers

As luck would have it, clearly, miraculously, naturally, obviously, of course, preferably, predictably,
regrettably, (not) surprisingly, thank God, undoubtedly, (un)fortunately