DISCOURSE MARKERS

DISCOURSE MARKERS

INDEX

DEFINITION

TYPES

PRACTICE

DEFINITION

'Discourse marker’ is a fairly formal term for a type of words and phrases that help us organize our ideas and clearly express our thoughts. Discourse markers can be informal words like ‘So…’ and ‘Well…’, used mainly when speaking. They can also be more formal phrases like ‘In my opinion…’ or ‘In contrast…’, often used in essays and more formal written communication

Discourse markers are words and phrases which we use in written and spoken English to organize and link what we are saying. You may also hear them called ‘transition words‘, ‘signal words’, ‘linking words’, or even ‘fillers’.

Discourse markers generally do not change the intrinsic meaning of a sentence, although sometimes they are important for clarity and logical linking of ideas. For example, you could say: “John has broken his leg. He attends his team’s football matches every week.” These sentences are grammatically and factually correct, but they don’t really convey the full message. Instead, you could say: “Despite the fact that John has broken his leg, he still attends his team’s football matches every week.”

By adding these discourse markers, you are emphasizing John’s dedication to supporting his team despite his misfortune – without having to directly state this. This is just one example of how discourse markers and linking phrases can add depth and clarity to your English.

Types of discourse markers

The types of discourse marker used in speaking are often quite different to those used in writing. Spoken discourse markers tend to be less formal and can include the following: Interjections: Oh! Wow! Ah; Ouch! Hesitators: Ummm; Erm; Er; Hmmm; Well Expletives: Damn! My God! Goodness me! Oh no! [and insert your own expletives here] Vocatives: Hey! Wait! Dude; Mate; Oi! These examples of discourse markers are usually only spoken or used in informal written messages. Of course, any linking phrases used in writing may also be spoken, but the more formal the expression, the less likely it is to be used in normal conversation.

Types of discourse marker Above we gave some examples of informal discourse markers used in speech, but now let’s consider the categories of discourse marker used in writing.

Types of discourse markers

Comparing and contrasting When you want to talk about how two things are different, or look at alternatives, you might use these words and phrases: However, Whereas On the contrary Nevertheless Even though Instead of On the one hand...On the other hand Despite Spite of Although

Similarities To talk about two things that are almost the same, and highlight similarities, transition words such as these will help: Similarly Likewise In a similar fashion Just as Equally In the same way Like / Unlike

Types of discourse markers

Cause and effect / reason When talking about one thing that caused or impacted another thing, you’ll need some of these: Because / As / Since As a result of Thanks to For this reason Consequently Since In that case Otherwise Due to / In order to / So

Indicating time order These words and phrases are helpful for giving time order or structure to a sequence of events or points: To begin with First of all Secondly Then After this Finally In the end Last of all

Types of discourse markers

Addition When talking about adding information , you’ll need some of these: Also In addition, Too Besides Furthermore Moreover What is more

For concluding These words and phrases are useful when finishing or summarising a text: To conclude To sum up All in all In conclusion In short

Types of discourse markers

Giving opinion When giving your opinion , you’ll need some of these: In my opinion Personally As I see it If you ask me I believe ( I strongly believe) What I mean As far as I am concerned

For emphasizing These words and phrases are vusefulr for emphasis : In fact Definetely As a matter of fact Obviously Above all Actually Indeed

Practice

1. Rewrite these sentences using the connectors given. 1. She has plenty of money ,but she is very mean. Although 2. I didn't buy the car, even though I had money. Despite 3. She never takes any kind of exercise, but she is quite fit and healthy. Even though 4. They have a car but they rarely use it. Although 5. He lifted me up because he wanted me to see what was happening. He lifted me up in order to 6. I opened the window due to the heat. I wanted the window because 7. They lost the match due to the bad weather. As 8. I have been working the whole day so I was really tired. I was really tired since

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