The second sentence has more momentum because 'Although' immediately tells the reader that the main point of this sentence will follow and contrast with the opening phrase. Thus the reader is encouraged to read 'The Glasgow ECC can serve as a model of city marketing techniques' quickly in order to get to the main verb phrase. Moreover, because the reader knows that a contrasting point will be made, the reading of the opening is modified and directed. In contrast, the first sentence gives no hint of where it is going. 'But' is a sudden change of direction.

Words such as 'although', 'however', and 'moreover' are known as semantic markers. Like verbs, semantic markers are extremely important in creating and maintaining momentum. They are also vital for clarity.

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Semantic Markers

Semantic markers indicate the relationship between statements.

This table identifies nine possible relationships between statements, with simple examples.

 addition

She is extremely intelligent. She studied very hard.

intensification/ exemplification

She studied very hard. She read until 2am every night.

intensification by negative

She is not preoccupied. She is highly motivated.

logical consequence

She studied hard. She graduated with first class honours.

illogical consequence / paradox

She studied hard. She failed the examination.

simple contrast

Yolanda studied hard. Matilda did not.

evaluative contrast

Matilda is intelligent. She is lazy.

empirical contrast

Matilda said she was studying. She was playing golf.

similarity

Matilda is highly motivated. Yolanda is determined to succeed.

 

30 common semantic markers are listed below. Rearrange the semantic makers into the nine concept categories. Naturally the distinction between these categories is sometimes blurred, and there are nuances of meaning within each. Nevertheless, a semantic marker can only express one semantic concept: it cannot therefore appear in more than one category. As you categorise the semantic markers, insert them into the example sentences, making any necessary grammatical changes.  

in contrast

in addition

though

therefore

in reality

consequently

unlike

although

for example

since

similarly

as a result

still

on the other hand

indeed

in fact

despite

moreover

nevertheless

whereas

like

thus

while

yet

on the contrary

hence

furthermore

however

so

because

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© 2002 Martin Paterson