What are discourse markers? They are words or phrases that connect sentences and help us express relationships between ideas. These relationships can include contrast, reason, purpose, and result.
Change the subject
- By the way, what time is it?
- Incidentally, do you still have that screwdriver that I lent you?
Introduce unexpected information
- Actually, I have only eaten chicken once in my life.
- Everybody thinks he has a very bad temper, but in fact he is very kind.
- As a matter of fact, I was talking to him this afternoon
Return to an earlier subject
- Anyway, we finally found the passports.
- In any case, I will be there to support you.
Add additional point to support
- 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.
- I think it’s a wonderful place; besides, it’s very cheap.
- Furthermore, they are much cheaper than a few years ago.
- What’s more, they think it’s not the only body of water they are going to find.
Introduce positive information when talking about bad things
- Lots of people got injured in the accident, but at least nobody died.
- I finished last in the race, but at least I finished.
Considerate all parts of a situation
- 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.
Generally
- On the whole, men tend to avoid talking about feelings.
- There has been some criticism, but on the whole, customers like what we offer.
Introduce a fact
- Obviously, without qualifications it’s harder to get a good job.
Introduce the most important point or characteristic of something
- Basically, what we do here is produce the plastic parts of the phone.
Paraphrase in simpler words
- In other words, she dumped me.
- That is to say, you can listen to the same songs again and again and never get bored.
Indicate the consequence of not following a suggestion.
- Be here at 8 o’clock; otherwise, you will miss your turn.
Introduce a topic of conversation
- Regarding the new player, we’ll have to decide if or when to sell him.
- As regards content, the program will cover important current issues.
- The measures are irrelevant as far as inflation is concerned.
Introduce a contrasting fact.
- On the one hand, cycling is good for your health. But on the other hand, there are many fatal accidents among cyclists.
Compare and contrast two things or ideas
- The north is cold whereas the south is very hot.
- Whereas people used to aspire to have a big house, kids, dog etc., nowadays preferences are tending more towards apartments.
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