Discourse Markers

Tweet

Discourse Markers Discourse means 'pieces of language longer than a sentence'. Some words and expressions 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. There are a very large number of these 'discourse markers', and it is impossible to give a complete list in a few pages. Here are a few of the most common examples. Some of these words and expressions have more than one use; for more information, look in a good dictionary. Some discourse markers are used mostly in informal speech or writing; others are more common in a formal style. Note that a discourse marker usually comes at the beginning of a clause. 1. focusing and linking ? with reference to; talking/speaking of/about; regarding; as regards; as far as. . . is concerned; as for 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 is a very formal expression and used mainly at the beginning of business letters. With reference to your letter of 17 March, I am pleased to inform you that. .. Speaking/talking of/about. . . is used to make a link with what has just been said. It can help a speaker to change the subject. 'I saw Max and Lucy today. You know, she -' 'Talking of Max, did you know he's going to Australia?' Regarding can come at the beginning of a piece of discourse. Hello, John. Now look, regarding those sales figures - I really don't think. . . As regards and as far as . . . is concerned usually announce a change of subject by the speaker/writer. . ... there are no problems about production. Now as regards marketing. . . ... about production. As far as marketing is concerned, I think the best “_ .thing is... People sometimes leave out is concerned after as far as. . . This is usually considered incorrect. AS far as the new development plan, I think we ought to be very careful. As for often suggests lack of interest or dislike. I've invited Andy, Bob and Mark. As for Stephen, I don't care if I never see him again in my life. 2. balancing contrasting points ? on the other hand; while; whereas These expressions are used-to balance two facts or ideas that contrast, but do not contradict each other. Arranged marriages are common in many Middle Eastern countries. In the West, on the other hand, they are unusual. . I like spending my holidays in the mountains, while/whereas my wife prefers the seaside. While and whereas can be put before the first of the contrasting points. While/whereas some languages have 30 or more different others have five or less. 3. emphasising a contrast ? however; nevertheless; mind you; still; yet; in spite of this However and nevertheless emphasise the fact that the second with the first. Nevertheless is very formal. Britain came last in the World Children's Games again. However, we did have one success, with Annie Smith's world record in spoon race. Mind you (less formal) and still introduce the contrasting pain afterthought. I don't like the job much. Mind you / Still, the money's OK. Yet, still and in spite of this can be used to suggest that something is surprising. In view of what was said before. He says he's a socialist, and yet he owns three houses and drives a Rolls. The train was an hour late. In spite o/this, I managed to get in time. (OR... I still managed to get...) 4. similarity ? similarly; in the same way These are most common in a formal style. The roads are usually very crowded at the beginning of the beginning of the holiday season. Similarly, there are often serious traffic jams at the end of the holidays. James Carter did everything he could to educate his children. In the same way, they in turn put a high value on their own children's education. 5. concession and counter-argument ? concession: it is true; of course; certainly; if; may; stressed do ? counter-argument: however; even so; but; nevertheless; nonetheless; all the same; still These expressions are used in a three-part structure: (1) the speaker/writer mentions facts that point in a certain direction; (2) it is agreed (the concession) that a particular contradictory fact points the other way; (3) but the speaker/writer dismisses this and returns to the original direction of argument. . . . cannot agree with colonialism. It is true that the British may have done some good in India. Even so, colonialism is basically evil. . . . incapable of lasting relationships with women. Certainly, several women loved him, and he was married twice. All the same, the women closest to him were invariably deeply unhappy. Very few people understood Einstein's theory. Of course, everybody had heard of him, and a fair number of people knew the word 'relativity'. But hardly anybody could tell you what he had actually said. It was a successful party. The Scottish cousins, if a little surprised by the family's behaviour, were nonetheless impressed by the friendly welcome they received. I'm glad to have a place of my own. It's true it's a bit small and it's a long way from the centre and it does need a lot of repairs done. Still, it's home. 6. contradicting ? on the contrary On the contrary can be used to contradict a suggestion made by another speaker. 'Interesting lecture?' 'On the contrary, it was a complete waste of time.' The expression can also be used when a speaker/writer strengthens a negative statement which he /she has just made. She did not allow the accident to discourage her. On the contrary, she began to work twice as hard. 7. dismissal of previous discourse ? anyway; anyhow; at any rate; at least These expressions can be used to mean 'What was said before doesn't matter, - the main point is as follows', I'm not sure what time I'll arrive, maybe half past seven or a quarter to eight, Anyway/Anyhow/At any rate, I'll certainly be there before eight o'clock. What a terrible experience! Anyway/Anyhow/At any rate, you're safe, that's the main thing. At least can suggest that one thing is certain or all right, even if everything else is unsatisfactory. The' car's completely smashed up - I don't know what we're going to do. At least nobody was hurt. Note that anyway is not the same as in any way. Can I help you in any way? 8. change of subject ? by the way; incidentally; right; all right; now; OK By the way and incidentally are used to introduce something one has just thought of that is not directly connected with the conversation. I was talking to Phil yesterday. Oh, by the way, he sends you his regards. Well, he thinks . . . Janet wants to talk to you about advertising. Incidentally, she's lost a lot of weight. Anyway, it seems the budget . . . These two expressions can also be used to change the subject completely. 'Freddy's had another crash.' 'Oh, yes? Poor old chap. By the way, have you heard from Joan recently?' 'Lovely sunset.' 'Yes, isn't it? Oh, incidentally, what happened to that bike I lent you?' (All) right, now and OK are often used by teachers, lecturers and people giving instructions; to indicate that a new section of the discourse is starting. Any questions? Right, let's have a word about tomorrow's arrangements. Now, I'd like to say something about the exam... Is, that all clear? OK, now has anybody ever wondered why it's impossible to tickle yourself? . . . 9. return to previous subject ? as I was saying This is used to return to an earlier subject after an interruption or a brief change of subject. . . . on the roof - Jeremy; put the cat down, please. As I was saying, if Jack gets up on the roof and looks at the tiles. . . 10. structuring ? first(ly), first of all, second(ly), third(ly) etc; lastly; finally; to begin with; start with; in the first/second/third place; for one thing; for another thing We use these to show the structure of what we are saying. First(ly), we need somewhere to live. Second(ly), we need to find work. And third(ly), ... There are three reasons why I don't want to dance with you. To start with... my feet hurt. For another thing, you can't dance. And thirdly, . . . Note that firstly, secondly etc are more formal than first, second etc, and are more common in British than American English. 11. adding ? 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 These expressions can be used to add information or arguments to what has already been said. The Prime Minister is unwilling to admit that he can ever be mistaken. Moreover, he is totally incapable. . . The peasants are desperately short of food. In addition, they urgently need doctors and medical supplies. She borrowed my bike and never gave it back. And as well as that / on top of that, she broke the lawnmower and then pretended she hadn't. Besides and in any case can add an extra, more conclusive fact or argument. What are you trying to get a job as a secretary for? You'd never manage work eight hours a day. Besides / In any case, you can't type. 12. generalising ? 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. . . These expressions say how far the speaker/writer thinks a generalisation is true. On the whole, I had a happy childhood. In general, we are satisfied with the work. Broadly speaking, teachers are overworked and underpaid. To a great extent, a person's character is formed by the age of eight. In most cases, people will be nice to you if