What are Discourse and Coherence?
A text is not just a random collection of sentences. To be easy to read and understand, it needs "glue."
- Cohesion refers to the specific "grammatical glue" (words like it, however, so) that links sentences together.
- Coherence is the "logical glue." It is how the ideas make sense to the reader because they follow a clear path.
Without these, a text feels jumpy, repetitive, or confusing.
1. Reference: Pointing Back and Forward
Instead of repeating the same noun, we use pronouns or determiners to "point" to ideas mentioned elsewhere.
Anaphoric Reference (Pointing Back)
This is the most common type. We mention something, then refer back to it.
The company announced a new policy yesterday. It will take effect next month. (It = the policy)
Cataphoric Reference (Pointing Forward)
We use a pronoun first to create interest or focus, then reveal the noun.
When she finally arrived, Sarah looked exhausted. (she = Sarah)
Demonstratives (This, That, These, Those)
We use this or that to refer to an entire previous idea or sentence.
The price of petrol is rising. This means food will become more expensive. (This = the fact that prices are rising)
2. Substitution and Ellipsis
To make a text "flow" better, we often replace or remove words so we don't sound like a robot.
Substitution
Replacing a word with a "placeholder" like one, do, so, not.
I don't like the red shirt, but I love the blue one. (one = shirt)
"Will it rain?" "I think so." (so = that it will rain)
Ellipsis
Removing words that are already understood from the context.
She went to the shop and [she] bought some bread.
I’ve finished the report, have you [finished the report]?
3. Advanced Discourse Markers
Discourse markers act like "road signs" for the reader, telling them what kind of information is coming next.
| Function | Markers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adding Info | Furthermore, Moreover, In addition | The car is fast. Moreover, it is very safe. |
| Contrast | Conversely, Nevertheless, Nonetheless | Profits are up. Nevertheless, we must cut costs. |
| Logical Result | Consequently, Therefore, As a result | He missed the bus. Consequently, he was late. |
| Structuring | Regarding, As for, Turning to | As for the budget, we will discuss it tomorrow. |
4. Lexical Cohesion (Word Chains)
Advanced writers use a "chain" of related words (synonyms or related concepts) to keep a topic alive without repeating the same word.
The city is incredibly crowded. This metropolis struggles with traffic, making life in the urban center difficult for many residents.
(City → metropolis → urban center are all part of the same lexical chain).
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
| ✗ Incorrect / Clunky | ✓ Correct / Professional | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I like apples. I like oranges too. | I like apples, and oranges too. | Use ellipsis to avoid repeating "I like." |
| He failed. This caused him sad. | He failed. This made him sad. | Use "This" to refer to the whole situation. |
| Moreover... (at start of a story) | First of all... | Moreover adds to a previous point; it can't start a list. |
| The car is old. The car is slow. | The car is old; it is also slow. | Use pronouns for better cohesion. |
Summary
| Technique | Goal | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Link to people/ideas | I saw Sam. He was busy. |
| Substitution | Avoid word repetition | I'll take the small one. |
| Ellipsis | Remove obvious words | I've eaten, but he hasn't. |
| Markers | Guide the reader | Therefore, we must act. |
💡 The key takeaway: Good discourse is about making the reader's job easy. Use "road signs" (markers) and "logical glue" (reference) so the reader never has to ask "What is the writer talking about?"