Discourse Connectors

Discourse connectors are linking words and phrases that connect ideas across sentences and paragraphs, making your writing more coherent and persuasive.

What You'll Learn

In P5, you learnt basic discourse connectors like however, therefore, meanwhile, instead, and otherwise. Now, at the P6 level, you will:

Use formal addition connectors (furthermore, moreover, in addition) to build stronger arguments
Use result connectors (as a result, consequently) to show cause-and-effect relationships
Use contrast connectors (on the other hand, nevertheless) to present opposing viewpoints
Combine multiple connectors in longer compositions to create well-structured, persuasive writing

When to Use

Adding a stronger point to support your argument: "The new library has a wider selection of books. Furthermore, it offers free access to online databases for research."
Reinforcing an idea with extra evidence: "Exercise improves physical health. Moreover, studies have shown that it boosts mental well-being."
Listing additional information: "Students are expected to complete their homework daily. In addition, they must submit a reflection journal every Friday."
Showing a consequence or outcome: "The heavy rainfall caused severe flooding across the island. As a result, several MRT stations had to be temporarily closed."
Presenting an opposing or different perspective: "Some people believe that homework helps students revise effectively. On the other hand, others argue that excessive homework causes unnecessary stress."

How to Form

Placement and Punctuation

Discourse connectors at the P6 level are typically placed at the beginning of a new sentence. They are followed by a comma.

Pattern	Example
[Sentence 1]. Furthermore, [Sentence 2].	The park has a playground. Furthermore, it has a jogging track.
[Sentence 1]. Moreover, [Sentence 2].	The food was delicious. Moreover, the portions were generous.
[Sentence 1]. In addition, [Sentence 2].	She speaks English fluently. In addition, she is learning Mandarin.
[Sentence 1]. As a result, [Sentence 2].	He did not study for the test. As a result, he scored poorly.
[Sentence 1]. On the other hand, [Sentence 2].	City life is convenient. On the other hand, it can be very stressful.

Connector Functions

Function	Connectors	Purpose
Addition	furthermore, moreover, in addition	Add more information or a stronger supporting point
Result	as a result	Show that the second sentence is a consequence of the first
Contrast	on the other hand	Present an alternative or opposing viewpoint

Choosing Between Addition Connectors

Connector	Tone	Best used when...
furthermore	Formal, academic	Building a logical argument step by step
moreover	Formal, emphatic	Adding a point that is even more important than the previous one
in addition	Neutral to formal	Simply listing extra information or facts

Key Rules

Always use a comma after the connector: Write "Furthermore**,** the event was well-organised." Never omit the comma.
The connector must link two related ideas: The sentences before and after the connector should be logically connected. Do not use furthermore to link unrelated sentences.
Match the connector to its function: Use addition connectors (furthermore, moreover, in addition) only when adding information. Use as a result only when showing a consequence. Use on the other hand only when presenting a contrast.
Do not confuse moreover with on the other hand: Moreover adds a supporting point in the same direction. On the other hand introduces an opposing or different perspective.
Do not start every sentence with a connector: Overusing connectors makes your writing feel mechanical. Use them at key transition points, not in every sentence.
As a result requires a clear cause in the previous sentence: The first sentence must describe a cause or event, and the second sentence must describe its outcome. "She loves reading. As a result, she went to the hawker centre." does not make logical sense.

Common Mistakes

Wrong	Right	Why
The food was delicious, furthermore the service was excellent.	The food was delicious. Furthermore, the service was excellent.	Use a full stop before the connector and a comma after it
He was tired. On the other hand, he went to bed early.	He was tired. As a result, he went to bed early.	Going to bed early is a consequence, not a contrast
Moreover she enjoys painting.	Moreover, she enjoys painting.	A comma must follow the connector
The MRT was crowded. Furthermore, the weather was sunny.	The MRT was crowded. Furthermore, the train was delayed by ten minutes.	The two ideas must be logically related
She studied hard. On the other hand, she also revised her notes.	She studied hard. In addition, she also revised her notes.	Revising notes supports studying; it is not a contrast
Furthermore, moreover, and in addition, the park has a pond.	Furthermore, the park has a pond.	Do not stack multiple connectors together

Clue Words

Addition (same direction)

furthermore, moreover, in addition, also, besides

Result (cause leads to effect)

as a result, consequently, therefore, hence

Contrast (opposite direction)

on the other hand, however, nevertheless, in contrast

Tip: Ask yourself: "Am I adding more support, showing a result, or switching sides?" If you are adding support, choose furthermore, moreover, or in addition. If you are showing what happened because of something, choose as a result. If you are presenting the opposite view, choose on the other hand.

Practice Tips

The direction test: Before choosing a connector, decide whether your second sentence goes in the same direction (addition), shows a consequence (result), or goes in the opposite direction (contrast). This tells you which category of connector to use.
The substitution test: Replace the connector with a simpler word. If furthermore can be replaced with also and the sentence still makes sense, you have used it correctly. If on the other hand can be replaced with but, you are on the right track.
Read aloud for flow: After inserting a connector, read both sentences aloud. If the transition sounds natural and logical, the connector is appropriate. If it feels jarring, you may have chosen the wrong one.
Highlight connectors in model compositions: When reading sample essays or newspaper articles, underline the discourse connectors. Notice how skilled writers use them sparingly at key turning points rather than in every sentence.

Quick Reference

Connector	Function	Example
furthermore	Addition (formal, building argument)	The project was completed on time. Furthermore, it was within budget.
moreover	Addition (emphatic, even more important)	The book was informative. Moreover, it was engaging and easy to read.
in addition	Addition (neutral, listing extra facts)	Volunteers helped clean the beach. In addition, they planted new trees along the coast.
as a result	Result (consequence of a cause)	The factory released chemicals into the river. As a result, many fish were found dead.
on the other hand	Contrast (opposing perspective)	Some residents support the new HDB development. On the other hand, others are concerned about the loss of green spaces.

Discourse Connectors / Cohesive Devices (P6) (Primary 6)