Discourse markers are expressions that are used to show how
discourse is constructed. They can show the connection between
what a speaker is saying and what has already been said or
what is going to be said; they can help to make clear the structure
of what is being said; they can indicate what speakers think about
what they are saying or what others have said. Some of these words
and expressions have more than one use; for more information.
Some discourse markers are used mostly in informal speech or
writing; others are more common in a formal style. A discourse marker is a word or phrase that organizes or manages
the discourse in some way. In this case the type of discourse is conversation. These expressions help organize the conversation as a whole,
and some organize the speaker’s own speech. Examples include anyway, which speakers use
(often with words like so or well) to come back to the main point
after a digression or interruption, as in Example
Example Speaker A gets back to the main point of her story, using anyway. A: [. . .] I won first prize. B: Oh you always win. A: I don’t win. B: Yes you do. A: And so anyway the prize was ten dollars . . . Anyway is also used to show that a conversation is coming to an end: Example Well, anyway. Gotta run. Speakers organize their own speech; an example is
the expression I mean, which signals the speaker is going to
restate, repeat, clarify, or add to what was just said. Example Here the speaker uses I mean to explain what she means by “pretty much grown”: [. . .] this is home for my kids now. Um they’re pretty much grown. I mean they’re nineteen and seventeen. Speakers also have ways of highlighting and emphasizing
the main points of what they want to say with expressions such as
the point is or the thing is and variations like the only thing is or
the funny/weird thing is to show their attitude toward what they will say.
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These expressions focus attention on what is going to be said, by announcing the subject in advance. Some of them also make a link with previous discourse, by referring back to what was said before. with reference to
talking/speaking of/about
regarding
as regards
as far as … is concerned
as for |
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These expressions are used to balance two facts or ideas that contrast, but do not contradict each other. on the other hand
while
whereas |
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however
nevertheless
mind you
still
yet
in spite of this |
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similarly
in the same way |
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These expressions are used in a three-part structure: - the speaker/writer mentions facts that point in a certain direction.
- it is agreed (the concession) that a particular contradictory fact points the
other way. - but the speaker/writer dismisses this and returns to the original direction
of argument. concession:
it is true
of course
certainly
if
may counter-argument:
however
even so
but
nevertheless
nonetheless
all the same
stil |
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anyway
anyhow
at any rate
at least |
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by the way
incidentally
right
all right
now
OK |
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first(ly)
first of all
second(ly)
third(ly)
lastly
finally
to begin with
to start with
in the first/second/third place
for one thing
for another thing |
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moreover (very formal)
furthermore (formal)
in addition
as well as that
on top of that (informal)
another thing is
what is more
besides
in any case |
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on the whole
in general
in all/most/many/some cases
broadly speaking
by and large
to a great extent
to some extent
apart from …
except for … |
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for instance
for example
in particular |
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These expressions show that what is said follows logically from what was said before. therefore (formal)
as a result (formal)
consequently (formal)
so
then |
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I mean
actually
that is to say
in other words |
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I think
I feel
I reckon (informal)
I guess (American)
in my view/opinion (formal)
apparently
so to speak
more or less
sort of (informal)
kind of (informal)
well
really
that is to say
at least
I’m afraid
I suppose
or rather
actually
I mean |
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let me see
let’s see
well
you know
I don’t know
I mean
kind of
sort of |
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honestly
frankly
no doubt |
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after all
look
look here
no doubt |
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These expressions are used when we show whether somebody’s expectations have been fulfilled or not. actually
in fact
as a matter of fact
to tell the truth
well |
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in conclusion
to sum up
briefly
in short |
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