Discourse Connectors

Discourse connectors are words or phrases that link sentences and ideas together, helping your writing flow smoothly and making your meaning clearer to the reader.

What You'll Learn

How to use five key discourse connectors: however, therefore, meanwhile, instead, and otherwise
When to choose the right connector based on the relationship between your ideas
How to punctuate sentences correctly when using discourse connectors
The difference between discourse connectors and conjunctions like "but" and "so"

When to Use

To show contrast: "The test was difficult. However, most students passed."
To show a result or conclusion: "She had studied hard. Therefore, she was confident about the exam."
To show something happening at the same time: "The students were taking their English paper. Meanwhile, the teachers were preparing the next activity."
To show a replacement or alternative action: "We could not go to the park because of the rain. Instead, we played board games at home."
To show a consequence of not doing something: "You must revise your spelling every day. Otherwise, you will forget the words before the test."

How to Form

Position in a Sentence

Discourse connectors usually appear at the beginning of a new sentence. They are followed by a comma.

Connector	Position	Example
However	Start of sentence	The hawker centre was crowded. However, we managed to find a seat.
Therefore	Start of sentence	The MRT line was disrupted. Therefore, many commuters were late.
Meanwhile	Start of sentence	Dad was cooking dinner. Meanwhile, Mum was helping us with homework.
Instead	Start of sentence	He did not argue with his friend. Instead, he walked away calmly.
Otherwise	Start of sentence	Bring your umbrella. Otherwise, you will get caught in the rain.

Connecting Two Sentences

Unlike conjunctions (and, but, so), discourse connectors do not join two clauses within the same sentence. They start a new sentence that connects to the previous one.

Method	Example
Conjunction (one sentence)	The food was expensive, but it was delicious.
Discourse connector (two sentences)	The food was expensive. However, it was delicious.

Key Rules

Always use a comma after the connector: Write "However**,** the shop was closed." Do not write "However the shop was closed."
Start a new sentence: Discourse connectors link separate sentences, not clauses within one sentence. Write "It was raining. Therefore, we stayed indoors." Do not write "It was raining therefore we stayed indoors."
However means "but" in a more formal way: Use however to show that the second idea contrasts with or is surprising after the first. "The question looked simple. However, many students got it wrong."
Therefore means "so" in a more formal way: Use therefore when the second sentence is a logical result of the first. "All the library books were borrowed. Therefore, she could not find the one she wanted."
Meanwhile shows two events at the same time: Use meanwhile when two actions or situations happen at the same time or during the same period. "The children were rehearsing for the concert. Meanwhile, the stage crew was setting up the lights."
Instead shows a replacement: Use instead when someone does one thing in place of another. "She did not take the bus. Instead, she cycled to school."

Common Mistakes

Wrong	Right	Why
The weather was hot however we still played outside.	The weather was hot. However, we still played outside.	"However" starts a new sentence, not a continuation
He was tired, therefore he went to bed.	He was tired. Therefore, he went to bed.	"Therefore" needs a full stop before it, not a comma
Meanwhile he was reading a book.	Meanwhile, he was reading a book.	A comma must follow the connector
She wanted to swim. Instead, she went to swim at the pool.	She did not want to jog. Instead, she went to swim at the pool.	"Instead" shows a replacement -- the first sentence should state what was NOT done
You should eat your vegetables. Otherwise you will not grow tall.	You should eat your vegetables. Otherwise, you will not grow tall.	"Otherwise" must be followed by a comma
The bus was late. However, the bus did not come on time.	The bus was late. Therefore, we decided to walk.	Do not repeat the same idea -- the second sentence should add new information

Clue Words

Contrast (use however)

but, on the other hand, yet, still, in contrast

Result (use therefore)

so, as a result, because of this, for this reason

Same time (use meanwhile)

at the same time, during this time, while this was happening

Replacement (use instead)

rather than, in place of, as an alternative

Warning / Consequence (use otherwise)

or else, if not, failing that

Tip: Think of discourse connectors as signposts for the reader. Each one signals the relationship between two ideas -- contrast, result, same time, replacement, or warning.

Practice Tips

Identify the relationship first: Before choosing a connector, ask yourself: "Is the second sentence a contrast, a result, something happening at the same time, a replacement, or a warning?" This tells you which connector to use.
Full stop and comma check: Every discourse connector in this lesson follows the same punctuation pattern: full stop before, comma after. Write the first sentence, add a full stop, write the connector with a capital letter, add a comma, then continue.
Swap test: Try replacing the connector with a simpler word to check if your choice is correct. Replace "however" with "but", "therefore" with "so", and "otherwise" with "or else". If the simpler word works, your connector is correct.
Read it aloud: Read both sentences together. If the connection between them sounds logical and smooth, you have chosen the right connector.

Quick Reference

Connector	Meaning	Signals	Example
However	But (formal)	Contrast / Surprise	The route was longer. However, the scenery was beautiful.
Therefore	So (formal)	Result / Conclusion	The experiment failed. Therefore, the team tried a different method.
Meanwhile	At the same time	Simultaneous events	The guests were arriving. Meanwhile, the host was still decorating the hall.
Instead	In place of	Replacement / Alternative	He did not complain. Instead, he offered to help.
Otherwise	Or else	Warning / Consequence	Finish your homework now. Otherwise, you will not have time to play.

Discourse Connectors / Cohesive Devices (P5) (Primary 5)