Discourse markers – linking words

Discourse markers

Download full-size image from Pinterest

Discourse markers are very important to structure text or speech to connect sentences in a meaningful and logical way. They express contrast, reason, purpose, result, etc. Here, you can find some common discourse markers, their meanings, and some examples.

By the way / incidentally

Used to change the subject, to say something you have just thought about that doesn’t have to be connected to what was being said before.

• Well, it has been a very productive meeting, don’t you think? By the way/Incidentally, what time is it?
• I’ll try to fix my car this afternoon. By the way/Incidentally, do you still have that screwdriver that I lent you?

Actually / in fact / as a matter of fact

Used to introduce information that might be in some way surprising or unexpected.

• I don’t like chicken. Actually/In fact/As a matter of fact, I have only ever eaten chicken once. 
• Everybody thinks he has a terrible temper, but actually/in fact/as a matter of fact, he is very kind.

Anyway / in any case

Used to return to an earlier subject after a digression or to get to the most interesting point.

• It’s not so strange to lose documents. It happens to lots of people all the time. Anyway/In any case, we finally found the passports in …

Used to give a more important reason for something you are saying.

• I’m too tired to go, and it’s too late, and anyway/in any case, it’s too expensive.

As I was saying

Used to return to an earlier subject in the conversation after an interruption or digression.

• As I was saying, we could get up early and spend the whole day there. 

After all

Used to introduce an additional point that supports or explains what you have just said.

• 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. 

Used to say that something is true despite what is believed or said.

• He is not such a bad professional, after all.

At least

Used to introduce positive information when talking about something negative.

• Lots of people got injured in the accident, but at least nobody died. 
• I finished last in the race, but at least I finished. 

Used to reduce the effect of something we have said or to make something less certain or definite.

• He knows the president, or at least that’s what he says.  

All in all

= Taking into consideration all the 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. 

On the whole

= 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.

Besides

Used to add additional information (informal)

• I think it’s a beautiful place; besides, it’s very cheap.

Furthermore

Used to add additional (and often more important) information (formal)

• Electric cars are becoming more powerful and energy-efficient. Furthermore, they are much cheaper than a few years ago. 

What’s more

We use what’s more to add something interesting to what we have just said. It’s similar to furthermore but more informal.

• Scientists have found a big body of water under the planet’s surface. What’s more, they think it’s not the only body of water they will find. 
• He said that the new season will premiere this September and what’s more, he confirmed that it will not be the last. 

Obviously

Used to introduce a fact that is easy to see or understand.

• Obviously, without qualifications, it’s harder to get a good job. 

Basically

Used to introduce the most important point or characteristic of something.

• Basically, what we do here is produce the plastic parts of the phone. 

In other words

Used to say what has been said in simpler words.

• She said we should take a break and have time to ourselves; in other words, she dumped me.

That is to say

Used to explain or be more precise about something we have said. Similar to in other words.

• The best thing about music is its repeatability; that is to say, you can listen to the same songs again and again and never get bored.  

Otherwise

Used after an order or suggestion to say what will happen if that order or suggestion is not followed.

• Be here at 8 o’clock; otherwise, you will miss your turn. 

Regarding … / as regards … / as far as … is concerned

= About. Used to introduce a topic of conversation.

• Regarding/As regards the new player, we’ll have to decide if or when to sell him. 
• As far as the new player is concerned, …

On the other hand

Used to introduce a contrasting fact.

• Cycling is good for your health, and it’s a sport that is gentle with your muscles and joints. On the other hand, there are many fatal accidents among cyclists. 

It can be preceded by on the one hand: 

• On the one hand, cycling is good for your health, and it’s a sport that is gentle with your muscles and joints. On the other hand, there are many fatal accidents among cyclists. 

Whereas

We use whereas to compare and contrast two things or ideas. It means ‘while’ when it is used to express contrast.

• The north is cold, whereas the south is very hot. 
• Whereas people used to aspire to have a big house, kids, pets, etc., nowadays, preferences tend more towards apartments.