Discourse markers (2): Adverbs and adverbial phrases

DISCOURSE MARKERS

A I really like your shirt. Hasn't Harry got one just like it?

B Yes he has. Talking of / Speaking of Harry, did he get the job?

Use
To change the direction of a conversation, but making a link with what has just been said.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

So let's meet at five o'clock then. By the way / Incidentally, could you possibly lend me some money?

Use
To introduce something you have just thought of or to change the subject.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

A Did you see the match last night?

B No. Actually / In fact / As a matter of fact, I don't really like football.

Use
To introduce additional, surprising or unexpected information.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

We didn't go away at the weekend because I had too much work.

In any case / Anyway the weather was awful, so we didn't miss much.

Use
To introduce the idea that what you said before is less important than what you are saying now, or to return to the main topic after a digression.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

Yes, it was a bad accident. At least nobody was killed, though.

Tom's coming to the meeting, or at least, he said he was.

Use
To introduce a positive point after some negative information, or to qualify what you have just said or to make it less definite.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

As I was saying, if Mark gets the job, we'll have to reorganize the department.

Use
To return to a previous subject, often after you have been interrupted.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

He's still a great director but, on the whole, I prefer his earlier films.

Use
To generalize.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

I like both flats, but all in all, I think I prefer the one next to the cathedral.

Use
To say that you are taking everything into consideration.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

I think we should buy them. After all, we'll never find them anywhere cheaper than this.

Use
To introduce an argument that the other person may not have considered.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

I don't think I'll come to Nick's party.

It will finish very late. Besides, won't know many people there.

Use
To introduce an additional point.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

Basically, my job involves computer skills and people skills.

Use
To introduce the most important or fundamental point.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

Obviously, you can't get a real idea of life in Japan unless you can speak the language.

Use
To introduce a fact that is very clear to see or understand.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

She's very selfish. I mean, she never thinks about other people at all.

Use
To make things clearer, or give more details.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

A lot of people booed and some people even left early. In other words, it was a complete disaster.

Use
To say something again in another way.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

Try not to make a mess when you make the cake. Otherwise I'm going to have to clean the kitchen again.

Use
To say what the result would be if something did not happen or were different.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

...and that's all you need to know about the travel arrangements.

As far as accommodation is concerned, ...

As regards / Regarding the accommodation, ...

Use
To introduce a new topic or to announce a change of subject.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

There are plans to help first-time buyers. That is to say, mortgages will be more easily available.

Use
To introduce an explanation or clarification of a point you have just made.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

On the one hand, more young people today carry knives. On the other hand, the total number of violent crimes has dropped.

Use
To balance contrasting facts or points.

• On the other hand is also used alone to introduce a contrasting fact or point.

DISCOURSE MARKERS (wb: page 23)

1 It's important to learn about the past. After all, ...

2 It's hard to say what my favourite period in history is, but all in all, ...

3 There are many areas of conflict in the world. At least, ...

4 What's my favourite historical film? As a matter of fact, ...

5 I don't remember much about history lessons at school. Basically, ...

6 I was once asked which character from history I'd like to meet. Actually, ...

7 As far as my country's armed forces are concerned, ...

8 On the one hand, it's great seeing a film on the big screen in a cinema, but on the other hand, ...
9 A Did you see Oriana Sabatini's wedding? B Yes! Speaking of her family ...