Discourse Markers: A Simple Guide

Understanding Discourse Markers in English

Discourse markers are essential tools in both speaking and writing. These are words or phrases like "anyway," "right," "okay," and "as I say," that help us manage and organize what we communicate. While they don’t carry direct meaning themselves, they serve a vital function in guiding how listeners or readers should interpret the information we present. Discourse markers are not referential—they don't point to specific things—but procedural, meaning they provide instructions on how to understand the flow of conversation or text. For instance, they can help indicate a shift in the topic, emphasize a point, or express an attitude.

The Role of Discourse Markers in Organizing Speech

Discourse markers often help us structure our speech in a logical and clear way. For example, when giving a list of points, we might say:

• Firstly, we need to understand the problem.
• Secondly, we should find a solution.
• Lastly, we should discuss the next steps.

In this case, the words "firstly," "secondly," and "lastly" guide the listener through the sequence of ideas. Similarly, we can use other phrases like "in the end," "what’s more," or "to sum up" to structure or emphasize parts of our conversation.

Let’s look at an example from everyday conversation:

1A: I think Sheila might be having some financial problems at the moment.

1B: I don’t think so, Caroline. For a start, she has all the money that her aunt gave her. What’s more, she has a good job and she seems to have a good lifestyle.

Here, "for a start" and "what’s more" help organize the response, presenting reasons why Sheila is not likely facing financial problems.

Rephrasing and Clarifying with Discourse Markers

Sometimes, we use discourse markers to clarify or rephrase what we have said. This makes it easier for the listener to follow our thoughts. For example:

• I just had to leave early. What I mean is, I hated the show. It just wasn’t funny.
• You exercise regularly, you have a good diet, and you don’t have too much stress. In other words, I think you have nothing to worry about.

In both examples, the phrases "what I mean is" and "in other words" help to restate or explain the speaker’s thoughts more clearly.

Shared Knowledge and Communication

In conversation, we often share common knowledge with the people we are talking to. We use certain phrases to signal whether the information we are discussing is shared or new to the listener. For example:

1. You know, hiring a car was a great idea. (The speaker and listener both know about the car hire.) 2A: Why don’t you come and stay with me when you’re in Lisbon?
   2B: It’d be difficult. I have to be back in Dublin by Friday. You see, my sister is getting married on Saturday, so I won’t have time to visit.

In this case, "you know" signals shared knowledge, while "you see" introduces new information (the speaker’s sister’s wedding). This helps the listener understand the speaker’s perspective.

Discourse Markers to Express Attitude

Discourse markers also help us express our opinions, emotions, or attitudes toward a subject. These expressions often give more insight into how we feel about what we are saying. For instance:

• If you ask me, Neil is making a big mistake leaving his job to go traveling with his friends.
• We will obviously have to pay for the damage done to the window.

In these examples, words like "if you ask me" and "obviously" show the speaker’s viewpoint or expectation.

Some common discourse markers that express attitude include: actually, frankly, to be honest, hopefully, unfortunately, seriously, and ideally. Each of these words or phrases introduces a tone or feeling to the message being conveyed.

Common Discourse Markers

There are many commonly used discourse markers in English, each serving a unique purpose. Here are some examples:

1. Anyway: Used to shift away from a topic.

   • It’s sold out, anyway. I didn’t want to go.

2. Actually: Used to express surprise or give the opposite of what was expected.

   • I thought I didn’t like dance shows, but actually, I quite enjoyed it.

3. As I was saying: Used to continue a topic after a brief interruption.

   • As I was saying, before I was interrupted, I’d like to go to the cinema.

4. I mean: Used to explain or justify something.

   • It was a tough driving test. I mean, I took my test in the rush hour in the rain.

5. For a start: Used to introduce the first point or most important reason.

   • The driving test in Spain is difficult. For a start, it’s all in Spanish.

6. What’s more: Used to add a more important point.

   • The stock market fell in 2008, and what’s more, our pension fund was tied up in stocks.

7. On top of that: Used to indicate an additional unpleasant point.

   • I lost my job, and on top of that, I was fined for speeding.

8. To tell you the truth: Used to indicate honesty or openness.

   • To tell you the truth, I was more than a little worried.

Conclusion

Discourse markers are key tools in effective communication. They help us organize our speech, clarify our meaning, express our opinions, and signal shared or new knowledge. By using discourse markers correctly, we can improve the clarity and flow of our conversations, making our interactions smoother and more natural. Understanding how to use these markers is crucial for becoming proficient in English, both in speaking and writing.

References

Cambridge University Press. (n.d.). Discourse markers. Cambridge English. Retrieved from https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/activities-for-learners/b2g062-discourse-markers

English Practice. (n.d.). Discourse markers exercise. Retrieved from https://www.englishpractice.com/quiz/discourse-markers-exercise/

We Love Teaching English. (n.d.). Discourse markers exercises. Retrieved from https://www.weloveteachingenglish.com/es/lecciones-gratis-para-aprender-ingles/nivel-avanzado/oraciones/discourse-markers/203-discourse-markers-exercise-1.html