discourse markers

Discourse markers

Discourse markers are very important to structure text or speech to connect sentences in a meaningful and logical way. They express contrast, reason, purpose, result, etc.

Nombre autor/a

Examples:

• Well, it has been a very productive meeting, don’t you think? By the way/Incidentally, what time is it?

• I’ll try to fix my car this afternoon. By the way/Incidentally, do you still have that screwdriver that I lent you?

By the way / incidentally

Used to change the subject, to say something you have just thought about that doesn’t have to be connected to what was being said before.

Actually / in fact / as a matter of fact

Examples:

• I don’t like chicken. Actually/In fact/As a matter of fact, I have only ever eaten chicken once.

• Everybody thinks he has a terrible temper, but actually/in fact/as a matter of fact, he is very kind.

Used to introduce information that might be in some way surprising or unexpected.

Anyway / in any case

Examples:

• It’s not so strange to lose documents. It happens to lots of people all the time. Anyway/In any case, we finally found the passports in the drawer

• I’m too tired to go, and it’s too late, and anyway/in any case, it’s too expensive.

• Used to return to an earlier subject after a digression or to get to the most interesting point.

• Used to give a more important reason for something you are saying.

As I was saying

Examples:

• As I was saying, we could get up early and spend the whole day there.

• As I was saying, I think we should hire a new assistant.

• Used to return to an earlier subject in the conversation after an interruption or digression.

After all

Examples:

• I might understand her better than you; after all, she is my wife.

• Don’t be too hard on him. After all, he is just a kid.

• He is not such a bad professional, after all.

• Used to introduce an additional point that supports or explains what you have just said.

• Used to say that something is true despite what is believed or said.

At least

Examples:

• Lots of people got injured in the accident, but at least nobody died.

• I finished last in the race, but at least I finished.

• He knows the president, or at least that’s what he says.

• Used to introduce positive information when talking about something negative.

• Used to reduce the effect of something we have said or to make something less certain or definite.

All in all

Examples:

• There were some mistakes, but all in all, you did a pretty good job.

• Both TVs are great, but all in all, I think this one is better for you.

• Taking into consideration all the parts of a situation.

On the whole

Examples:

• On the whole, men tend to avoid talking about feelings.

• There has been some criticism, but on the whole, customers like what we offer.

• Means considering everything or generally speaking. It's often used to give a summary or overall opinion.

Besides

Examples:

• I think it’s a beautiful place; besides, it’s very cheap.

• Used to add additional information (informal)

Furthermore

Examples:

• Electric cars are becoming more powerful and energy-efficient. Furthermore, they are much cheaper than a few years ago.

• Used to add additional (and often more important) information (formal)

What’s more

Examples:

• Scientists have found a big body of water under the planet’s surface. What’s more, they think it’s not the only body of water they will find.

• He said that the new season will premiere this September and what’s more, he confirmed that it will not be the last.

• We use what’s more to add something interesting to what we have just said. It’s similar to furthermore but more informal.

Obviously

Examples:

• Obviously, without qualifications, it’s harder to get a good job.

• Used to introduce a fact that is easy to see or understand.

Basically

Examples:

• Basically, what we do here is produce the plastic parts of the phone.

• Used to introduce the most important point or characteristic of something.

Basically

Examples:

• Basically, what we do here is produce the plastic parts of the phone.

• Used to introduce the most important point or characteristic of something.

In other words

Examples:

• She said we should take a break and have time to ourselves; in other words, she dumped me.

• Used to say what has been said in simpler words.

That is to say

Examples:

• The best thing about music is its repeatability; that is to say, you can listen to the same songs again and again and never get bored.

• Used to say what has been said in simpler words.

Otherwise

Examples:

• Be here at 8 o’clock; otherwise, you will miss your turn.

• Used after an order or suggestion to say what will happen if that order or suggestion is not followed.

Regarding … / as regards … / as far as … is concerned

Examples:

• Regarding/As regards the new player, we’ll have to decide if or when to sell him.

• As far as the new player is concerned, …

• Used to introduce a topic of conversation

Examples:

• Cycling is good for your health, and it’s a sport that is gentle with your muscles and joints. On the other hand, there are many fatal accidents among cyclists.
• On the one hand, cycling is good for your health, and it’s a sport that is gentle with your muscles and joints. On the other hand, there are many fatal accidents among cyclists.

On the other hand

• Used to introduce a contrasting fact. -It can be preceded by on the one hand:

Whereas

Examples:

• The north is cold, whereas the south is very hot.
• Whereas people used to aspire to have a big house, kids, pets, etc., nowadays, preferences tend more towards apartments.

• We use whereas to compare and contrast two things or ideas. It means ‘while’ when it is used to express contrast.

ACTIVITY

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b2/discourse-markers/