Discourse markers & connectors

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

The work was straightforward on paper. Yet the professional reality was less divine. Once a delivery was complete, lawyers rarely remembered her name. Worse still, they addressed her only as Tuesday Gopher. Her responsibilities never expanded.

Grammar Reference · Discourse markers & connectors

Contrast: however

Use however to introduce a contrasting idea. Place it after a semicolon or at the start of a new sentence with a comma: She worked hard; however, no one remembered her name.

Concession: admittedly

Admittedly concedes a point before countering it. Admittedly, the pay was low — but the experience was invaluable. It signals honesty and balance.

Addition: furthermore

Furthermore adds a stronger or more serious point to one already made. Furthermore, workers on temporary visas face challenges that permanent staff rarely notice.

Common error

Despite she was talented, ✗ → Despite being talented, ✓ — despite is followed by a noun or gerund, never a subject + verb clause.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Discourse markers & connectors

1.The job was advertised as simple; , the logistics were exhausting.

2., the pay was low, but the experience proved invaluable.

3.She delivered letters on her bicycle. , she navigated court filings, bank queues, and revenue office visits.

4.Lawyers forgot her name after each delivery; , they called her 'Tuesday Gopher'.

5., despite studying law for five years, she never practised.

6.Robots are replacing some courier roles. , physical delivery workers remain essential in most cities.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.She worked hard. No one noticed. (use: yet)

2.The pay was poor. The lessons were priceless. (use: admittedly)

3.The work was physical. It required real navigation skills too. (use: furthermore)

4.Lawyers forgot her name. They used a dismissive title instead. (use: worse still)

5.She studied law for years. She never worked in law long-term. (use: in the end)

6.Robots are replacing couriers in some cities. Human delivery workers still matter. (use: nevertheless)

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

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

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