
Mini-Dictionary of Discourse Markers
Type in to look up the meanings of various discourse markers.
Currently it only contains discourse markers of advantages and disadvantages.
When typing a discourse marker, make sure to use a comma after it. For example: However, On the downside, etc.
On the plus side
Meaning: Used to introduce a positive aspect or advantage of a situation.
Example Sentence: “On the plus side, the new policy will create more job opportunities.”
Alternative:
- On the plus side,
- On the bright side,
- A positive aspect is that…
- Looking at the benefits,
- From a favorable perspective,
- A noteworthy upside is that…
- One key advantage is that…
Position in a sentence:Beginning
Example: On the plus side, using renewable energy reduces pollution.
One key advantage is that…
Meaning: Used to highlight an important benefit of something.
Example Sentence: “One key advantage is that online learning offers greater flexibility.”
Alternative:
- One significant benefit is that…
- A primary advantage is that…
- One important upside is that…
- A strong point of this is that…
- One of the biggest perks is that…
- A major benefit is that…
One key advantage is that…
Position in a sentence: Beginning
Example: One key advantage is that online learning allows flexibility.
A major benefit is that…
Meaning: Used to introduce a significant positive aspect of something.
Example Sentence: “A major benefit is that electric cars reduce carbon emissions.”
Alternative:
- One clear benefit is that…
- One of the biggest advantages is that…
- A strong advantage is that…
- A clear upside is that…
- A major plus is that…
- Another positive aspect is that…
A major benefit is that…
Position in a sentence: Beginning
Example: A major benefit is that remote work saves commuting time.
Another positive aspect is that…
Meaning: Used to introduce an additional advantage or beneficial feature.
Example Sentence: “Another positive aspect is that remote work saves commuting time.”
Alternative:
- Another advantage worth noting is that…
- Another key benefit is that…
- Another strong point is that…
- Another plus is that…
- Yet another benefit is that…
- Additionally,
Another positive aspect is that…
Position in a sentence: Middle
Example: This policy has many benefits; another positive aspect is that it encourages sustainability.
Additionally,
Meaning: Used to add more information or another positive point.
Example Sentence: “Additionally, the new software is user-friendly and secure.”
Alternative:
- Moreover,
- In addition,
- What’s more,
- Not to mention,
- On top of that,
- Furthermore,
Additionally,
Position in a sentence: Middle
Example: Solar panels reduce energy costs. Additionally, they lower carbon emissions.
Furthermore,
Meaning: Used to introduce an additional supporting point.
Example Sentence: “Furthermore, exercise helps improve mental health.”
Alternative:
- Besides that,
- To add to this,
- Beyond that,
- Likewise,
- Notably,
- Not only that, but also…
Furthermore,
Position in a sentence: Middle
Example: The school provides online resources. Furthermore, students can access them at any time.
Not only that, but also…
Meaning: Used to introduce another positive aspect, emphasizing a second point.
Example Sentence: “Not only that, but also the new policy promotes environmental sustainability.”
Alternative:
- Apart from that, it also…
- In addition to that, it also…
- Not just that, but it also…
- That’s not all—it also…
- More than that, it also…
- What is more,
Not only that, but also…
Position in a sentence: Middle
Example: The new app is easy to use. Not only that, but it also improves productivity.
What is more,
Meaning: Used to introduce additional information that strengthens an argument.
Example Sentence: “What is more, the initiative encourages community participation.”
Alternative:
- Even better,
- To go further,
- Another thing to consider is that…
- And what’s even better is that…
- More importantly,
- An important merit is that…
What is more,
Position in a sentence: Middle
Example: She is a talented musician. What is more, she writes her own songs.
An important merit is that…
Meaning: Used to highlight a significant advantage.
Example Sentence: “An important merit is that bilingualism enhances cognitive abilities.”
Alternative:
- A valuable advantage is that…
- A key strength is that…
- A commendable feature is that…
- A significant upside is that…
- A defining benefit is that…
- It is worth mentioning that…
It is worth mentioning that…
Meaning: Used to introduce an important fact or detail.
Example Sentence: “It is worth mentioning that technology has revolutionized education.”
Alternative:
- It should be noted that…
- It’s important to highlight that…
- One must consider that…
- A crucial point to remember is that…
- It’s essential to recognize that…
An important merit is that…
Position in a sentence: Middle
Example: This strategy improves efficiency. An important merit is that it requires minimal effort.
On the downside,
Meaning: Used to introduce a negative aspect or drawback of a situation.
Example Sentence: “On the downside, this method requires a significant amount of time and resources.”
Alternative:
- On the downside,
- On the flip side,
- The drawback is that…
- On the negative side,
- A potential issue is that…
- A point of concern is that…
- One major drawback is that…
On the downside,
Position in a sentence: Beginning
Example: On the downside, online learning can be isolating.
One major drawback is that…
Meaning: Used to highlight a significant disadvantage of something.
Example Sentence: “One major drawback is that online learning can lead to feelings of isolation.”
Alternative:
- One key disadvantage is that…
- A significant shortcoming is that…
- One important downside is that…
- A considerable disadvantage is that…
- One of the biggest flaws is that…
- A significant disadvantage is that…
One major drawback is that…
Position in a sentence: Beginning
Example: One major drawback is that this method is time-consuming.
A significant disadvantage is that…
Meaning: Used to introduce an important negative aspect of something.
Example Sentence: “A significant disadvantage is that renewable energy sources depend on weather conditions.”
Alternative:
- A notable drawback is that…
- A major issue is that…
- A critical downside is that…
- A key problem is that…
- A relevant concern is that…
- However,
A significant disadvantage is that…
Position in a sentence: Beginning
Example: A significant disadvantage is that this policy may increase costs.
However,
Meaning: Used to introduce a contrast or opposing idea.
Example Sentence: “The product is effective; however, it is also quite expensive.”
Alternative:
- That being said,
- Nonetheless,
- Even so,
- On the other hand,
- But at the same time,
- Despite this,
However,
Position in a sentence: Middle or Beginning
Example: Many people enjoy fast food. However, it can be unhealthy.
Despite this,
Meaning: Used to acknowledge a drawback while emphasizing another point.
Example Sentence: “The job offers good benefits; despite this, the workload is very high.”
Alternative:
- Regardless of this,
- In spite of that,
- Even with this,
- Though this is true,
- Still,
- Nevertheless,
Despite this,
Position in a sentence: Beginning
Example: The new rule aims to reduce traffic. Despite this, congestion remains an issue.
Nevertheless,
Meaning: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what was said before.
Example Sentence: “The conditions were difficult; nevertheless, they completed the project successfully.”
Alternative:
- All the same,
- Yet,
- That notwithstanding,
- Be that as it may,
- Even though,
- In contrast,
Nevertheless,
Position in a sentence: Middle or Beginning
Example: This plan has some flaws. Nevertheless, it offers a solid foundation.
In contrast,
Meaning: Used to introduce an opposite or differing point.
Example Sentence: “In contrast to traditional methods, this approach is more cost-effective.”
Alternative:
- Conversely,
- On the contrary,
- Alternatively,
- Differently put,
- Looking at it from another angle,
- A common issue with this is that…
In contrast,
Position in a sentence: Middle or Beginning
Example: Online learning is convenient. In contrast, traditional classrooms provide better social interaction.
A common issue with this is that…
Meaning: Used to point out a frequently encountered problem.
Example Sentence: “A common issue with this is that it requires continuous monitoring.”
Alternative:
- A frequent problem with this is that…
- One recurring challenge is that…
- A usual concern is that…
- A well-known drawback is that…
- A predictable downside is that…
- A limitation of this approach is that…
A common issue with this is that…
Position in a sentence: Beginning or Middle
Example: A common issue with this is that it may not be suitable for all age groups.
A limitation of this approach is that…
Meaning: Used to highlight a restriction or weakness in a method.
Example Sentence: “A limitation of this approach is that it does not account for long-term effects.”
Alternative:
- A shortcoming of this method is that…
- A weak point of this strategy is that…
- One downside to this technique is that…
- A constraint of this solution is that…
- A flaw in this approach is that…
- This may also lead to…
A limitation of this approach is that…
Position in a sentence: Beginning
Example: A limitation of this approach is that it requires extensive resources.
This may also lead to…
Meaning: Used to suggest a potential consequence or negative outcome.
Example Sentence: “This may also lead to increased maintenance costs over time.”
Alternative:
- This could result in…
- This might cause…
- This can contribute to…
- As a consequence, this may…
- This has the potential to…
This may also lead to…
Position in a sentence: Middle or End
Example: Cutting costs is necessary. This may also lead to job losses.