Discourse markers & connectors

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

The western rollout was not without friction. However, what the coverage missed was visible in the footage running alongside it. Furthermore, the product's core mechanic required cooperation — community was not a marketing add-on.

Grammar Reference · Discourse markers & connectors

Contrast: however

Use however after a semicolon or at the start of a new sentence to signal unexpected contrast. Sales grew; however, schools banned the cards.

Concession: far from

Use far from + gerund to reframe a negative as a positive. Far from damaging the brand, the panic increased its visibility.

Addition: furthermore

Use furthermore or moreover to add supporting evidence, not contrast. Furthermore, the trading card segment experienced a major revival.

Common error

Never use despite before a full clause. ✗ Despite sales were strong → ✓ Despite strong sales — despite takes a noun phrase.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Discourse markers & connectors

1.Sales were modest at launch; , word spread through Japanese schoolyards within weeks.

2. damaging the brand, the hostile coverage introduced Pokémon to millions of new families.

3.The franchise retained its original audience; , it recruited younger consumers through mobile gaming.

4.The core mechanic required cooperation; , community became embedded in the product design.

5. the hostile media coverage, Australian children spent eleven million dollars on cards in two months.

6.Cumulative revenue has surpassed 150 billion dollars; , Pokémon leads every rival franchise.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.Although the media coverage was hostile, it increased the brand's visibility.

2.Because the mechanic required cooperation, community became part of the product design.

3.Even though the card game generated bans, Australian children spent eleven million dollars on it.

4.The brand retained loyal adult collectors and it also recruited younger players through mobile games.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

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