Page 205 - English Vocabulary In Use upper intermediet and advance

Discourse markers

Discourse markers are small words and phrases whose job it is to organise, comment on or
in some way frame what we are saying or writing. A common everyday example is the use
of well in speech:
A: So you live in Boston? B: Well, near Boston.
Well here shows that the speaker is aware helshe is changing the direction of the
conversation in some way (not giving the expected 'yes' answer). In other words, well is a
comment on what is being said. Another example is how teachers use words like right and
okay to organise what is happening in a classroom:
Teacher: Right/okay, let's have a look at exercise 3.

Common markers to organise different stages of talk (as in the teacher example).
Now, what shall we do next? So, would you like to come to the table now, please?
Good, I'll ring you on Thursday, then. Well then, what was it you wanted to talk about?
Now then, I want you to look at this picture. [said by someone in control of the
conversation, e.g. a teacher]
Fine/Great, let's leave it at that, then, shall we?

In these mini-dialogues, the markers in bold modify or comment on what is being said.
A: It's cold, isn't it? A: What's her number?
B: Yeah. B: Let me see, I have it here
A: Mind you, it is November, so it's not surprising. somewhere.. .
[an afterthought - however] [a hesitation - gaining time]
A: It's quite a problem ... A: And he said he was go -
B: ListedLook, why don't B: Well, that's typical!
you let me sort it out? A: Hang on / Hold on! Let me
A: Would you? Thanks a lot. tell you what he said!
[introducing a suggestionlpoint] [preventing an interruption]
Here are some other similar markers.
I can't do that. You see, I'm only the secretary. [explaining]
He was, you know, sort of ... just standing there. [hesitation]

Common markers in written English for organising a formal text.
First / Firstly / First of all, we must consider.. .
Next, it is important to remember that ... ] for lists
Finally/Lastly, we should look at. .. [NB not 'at last']
In summary, we can say that ... [summing up the main points]
In conclusion, I should like to say that ... [finishing the text]

Markers for explaining, rephrasing, etc., in speech and writing.
Memorising words requires reinforcement; in other words / that is to say, you have to
study the same words over and over again.
Some words are hard to say, for example / for instance, 'crisps'.
She is, as it were / so to speak, living in a world of her own.
[make what you are saying sound less definitelprecise]

200 English Vocabulary in Use