Discourse markers are words or phrases like anyway, right, okay, as I say, to begin with. We use them to connect, organise and manage what we say or write or to express attitude:
[friends are talking]
A:
So, I’ve decided I’m going to go to the bank and ask for a car loan.
B:
That sounds like a good idea.
C:
Well, you need a car.
B:
Right.
A:
Anyway, I was wondering if either of you would teach me how to drive.
The discourse markers in this extract have a number of uses:so marks the beginning of a new part of the conversation.
well marks a change in the focus (from getting a car loan to needing a car).
right marks a response (B is agreeing with C).
anyway marks a shift in topic (from buying a new car to having driving lessons).
We use different discourse markers in speaking and writing. In speaking, the following discourse markers are very common:
anyway
like
right
you know
fine
now
so
I mean
good
oh
well
as I say
great
okay
mind you
for a start
In writing, the following discourse markers are common:
firstly
in addition
moreover
on the other hand
secondly
in conclusion
on the one hand
to begin with
thirdly
in sum
Discourse markers do not always have meanings that you will find in your dictionary. However, they do have certain functions, and some discourse markers, such as well, can have a number of functions.
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