Discourse markers
Guide your listener or reader with discourse markers: firstly, in addition, in other words, as a matter of fact, anyway, to sum up.
In this lesson you will
- Organise ideas with sequencing and adding markers
- Clarify, exemplify and summarise
- Use spoken markers naturally
Learn
Sequencing: First(ly), Secondly, Then, Finally, To begin with, Lastly. Adding: In addition, Furthermore, Moreover, What’s more, Besides.
Clarifying and exemplifying: In other words, That is to say, To put it simply; For example, For instance, such as, To illustrate.
Attitude and emphasis: In fact, As a matter of fact, Actually, Clearly, Obviously, Surprisingly, Unfortunately.
Spoken: Anyway (changing topic / returning), By the way, Mind you (adding a contrasting thought), I mean (clarifying), You know. Summarising: To sum up, In short, Overall, All in all.
Examples
- Moreover, the scheme would create hundreds of jobs.
- In other words, we need to spend less.
- It’s expensive. Mind you, the quality is excellent.
- Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the budget.
Vocabulary
discourse marker
a word that organises speech or writing
moreover
in addition (formal)
mind you
however, it should be remembered
in short
to summarise briefly
clarify
make clearer
Practice
The flat is small. ___, it’s very close to work. (adding a positive)
Speaking
Give a 90-second mini-talk on “The best way to learn a language”, clearly signposted with sequencing, adding, example and summarising markers.
Writing
Write a well-signposted paragraph (120–150 words) on the benefits of learning a musical instrument.
Lesson quiz
To give an example:
Review
Key points
- Sequence: firstly, finally. Add: moreover, furthermore.
- Clarify/exemplify: in other words, for instance.
- Attitude: in fact, surprisingly.
- Spoken: anyway, by the way, mind you. Summarise: to sum up.
What you learned
- ✓ I can signpost speech and writing.
- ✓ I use formal and spoken markers appropriately.
- ✓ My ideas are easier to follow.
Grammar reference: Conjunctions and linking words