Which category includes words like 'so', 'and', 'but', and 'or' that connect parts of discourse?

• A. Discourse connectives
• B. Discourse markers
• C. Conjunctions
• D. Prepositions

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how words tie ideas together across the flow of speech or writing. Words like so, and, but, and or function as discourse connectives because they signal relationships between larger units—whether showing consequence, addition, contrast, or choice—across sentences or clauses. Discourse markers, by contrast, are more about signaling stance or managing the conversation (like well, you know, anyway) rather than linking ideas in a logical way. Conjunctions do connect clauses within a sentence, but the question is about connecting parts of discourse overall, not just within one clause. Prepositions link nouns to other nouns or phrases, not the flow of ideas between discourse units. So the category that best fits these connecting words across the discourse is discourse connectives.