Discourse markers are words and phrases that organize what you say or write. They do not change the meaning of a sentence — they signal to the reader what kind of information is coming next: a list, an example, a summary, or a shift to a new point.
Most discourse markers sit at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma.
Some can also appear in the middle of a sentence, set off by commas on both sides.
Ordering points
When you present ideas as a list, sequence markers tell the reader where they are in that list.
Starting a list: first, firstly, first of all, to begin with
Continuing: second / secondly, third / thirdly, then, next, after that, afterwards
Ending a list: finally, lastly, last of all, in the end
First or firstly?
Both forms are correct. The shorter set — first, second, third — is more common and never criticized. The longer set — firstly, secondly, thirdly — is perfectly fine but sounds slightly more formal.
The one thing to avoid is mixing the two systems. First, secondly, thirdly feels inconsistent. Pick one set and stay with it.
| CONSISTENT | CONSISTENT | AWKWARD |
|---|---|---|
| first | firstly | first |
| second | secondly | secondly |
| third | thirdly | thirdly |
At first is not a sequence marker
At first means "in the beginning (before something changed)." It introduces a contrast, not a numbered point.
Using at first to start a list of steps is a common mistake.
Examples and clarification
These markers introduce illustrations or rephrase an idea in simpler terms.
Giving examples: for example, for instance
Listing examples inside a sentence: such as
Such as works inside a sentence. It does not start one.
Restating or clarifying: in other words, that is, that is to say, namely
Namely introduces a specific list. In other words rephrases the same idea in plainer language. They are not interchangeable.
Summarizing and concluding
These markers signal that the speaker is wrapping up.
Concluding: in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, in summary
These are typical of essays, presentations, and formal speeches. In everyday conversation, people rarely say in conclusion — they simply stop or say so or anyway.
Evaluating overall: overall, all in all, on the whole
Overall and on the whole are neutral. All in all has a slightly more personal, reflective tone — as if the speaker is weighing everything up.
Opinions and focus
Stating a personal view
In my opinion, in my view, personally
These markers make it clear that the statement is a personal position, not a general fact.
Shifting focus to a specific topic
As for, as regards, regarding, with regard to
These markers redirect the conversation to a particular subject. They are especially useful in emails and formal writing when you need to address several points one by one.
Emphasizing what is really true
In fact, actually, as a matter of fact
In fact and actually often introduce a correction or something surprising — the reality behind an assumption. They can go at the start of a sentence or in the middle.
Generalizing
These markers say that something is broadly true, without claiming it holds in every single case.
In general, generally, on the whole, broadly speaking
On the whole also appears here, overlapping with the summarizing group. Context makes the function clear: at the end of a discussion it summarizes; at the start of a statement it generalizes.
Position and punctuation
Most discourse markers follow the same punctuation pattern: they go at the start of a sentence and take a comma after them.
A few markers — in fact, actually, of course — can sit in the middle of a sentence. When they do, they are surrounded by commas.
When actually sits right before the verb and does not interrupt the sentence, the commas are optional. Compare:
One important rule: do not use a comma before a discourse marker that starts a new sentence. That creates a run-on.
This needs a full stop or a semicolon before in the end:
Common mistakes
Sequence markers
Examples and clarification
Summarizing
Opinion and focus markers
In fact / actually