Chenhao Dai

This study investigates the multifaceted metadiscursive functions of the discourse marker “however” in academic writing, utilizing data from the COCA and BNC corpora. Traditionally viewed as a tool for signaling contrast or logical shifts, “however” is revealed to perform more complex roles in academic texts. Through metadiscourse analysis, this research highlights how “however” not only organizes textual structure but also moderates tone and strengthens arguments, thus enhancing the clarity and persuasiveness of academic writing. The findings offer valuable insights into the strategic use of discourse markers and contribute to the broader understanding of academic discourse practices.

Discourse markers; metadiscourse analysis; corpus analysis;

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