Signpost words are also called

discourse words or discourse

markers.

These are the parts of speech

that tell the listener the
order of what is being said.
Signpost words can tell you when
the speaker is going to make a
list, change the topic, add an
example or simply explain their
point of view in another way.

Signpost words make it easier to

identify when the subject matter,
direction or perspective of the
conversation may change.
For example:
‘…and so all holiday leave is
cancelled. Now, I would like to
talk about….’
In this example, the speaker
says ‘now’ so we know that what
comes next is going to be a
different topic.
1. Continuation Signals (Warning—there are
more ideas to come.)

and also another

again and finally first of all
moreover in addition furthermore
last of all likewise similarly
next one reason too
other with
2. Change-of-Direction Signals (Watch
out—we’re doubling back.)

although but yet

despite different from even though
however in contrast instead of
in spite of nevertheless otherwise
though while still
rather on the contrary
on the other hand
3. Sequence Signals (There is an order to these
ideas.)

first, second, third A, B, C

in the first place for one thing
then next
before now
after while
until during
last since
always on time
later earlier
4. Time Signals (When is it happening?)

when immediately now

lately already once
final after awhile during
at the same time
5. Illustration Signals (Here’s what that
principle means in reality.)

for example specifically

for instance to illustrate
such as much like
in the same way as similar to
6. Cause, Condition, or Result Signals
(Condition or modification is coming up.)

because if for
from so until
then that unless
since in order that
so that therefore due to
yet thus consequently
resulting from
7. Comparison-Contrast Signals (We will
now compare idea A with idea B.)

and or also
most though like
either less same
better even then
but yet different from
still however although
opposite rather while
8. Conclusion Signals (This ends the
discussion and may have special
importance.)

as a result consequently finally

hence therefore
last of all in summary
in conclusion