Hedging
Linking and Contrast
About Discourse Markers exercises
Discourse markers are words and phrases that show how one idea connects to another, or how sure the writer is about a claim. This section covers two groups: hedging (it could be argued that, tend to, may) and linking words for contrast, addition and result (however, despite, whereas). Questions are set at C1 and C2, in multiple choice and gap fill.
Hedging makes a statement less absolute. Compare Prices rise in summer with Prices tend to rise in summer. The second sentence is safer because it allows exceptions. Linking words need the right grammar as well as the right meaning. Although and despite both show contrast, but although is followed by a clause (Although it rained, we went out) and despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form (Despite the rain, we went out). Use the exercises to check the grammar after each marker, then try to write one sentence of your own with each new marker.
- Hedging with it could be argued that
- Softening general claims with tend to
- Hedging with the modals may, might and could
- Contrast with however, nevertheless and conversely
- Although, despite and in spite of, and the grammar that follows each one
- Addition and result connectors, and contrast with whereas and while