DISCOURSE MARKERS

Activity 1. Get Ready!

The following three texts (a) – (c) contain discourse markers (in bold). Choose one of the
functions listed below, and decide which applies to them.
1. Helps readers to take steps in the right direction, usually in a sequence
2. Marks a boundary between topics
3. Indicates an alternative point of view
4. Expresses an attitude to what is being said
Activity 2. What to know
❖ Discourse markers are words or expressions that link, manage and help to organise
sentences. They connect what is written or said with something else. They make no
change to the meaning.
❖ Discourse markers can be placed in any part of a sentence, including the beginning. We
use different types of discourse markers for different types of links; informal markers for
speech and formal type markers for formal writing, such as essays and reports.
❖ Discourse markers do not always have meanings that you will find in your dictionary.
Instead, they provide certain functions such as delaying, filling or hinting at emotions.
❖ Here are the most frequent discourse markers in spoken English (informal language):
Examples within the conversation

Here are discourse markers in written English

Example in written English (advertisement)

Activity 3. Try this!

Task 1. Direction: Choose the correct word for each sentence - each is only used once.

1. I had a terrible day at work and lost my umbrella too. _______ I spoke to that nice guy
who works in the coffee shop at last!
2. Television turns people into lazy couch potatoes. _______ , there are some educational
programmes on.
3. __________, I would like to welcome you all to the conference today.
4. _________ the film was a little boring, we still had a nice evening out.
 5. I've always known Caroline as a mean person. ________, she lent me $10 yesterday
without me having to ask twice!
6. I got up at 9 o'clock yesterday and had a cold shower. __________, I had breakfast and left
for work.
7. My brother works in a large office ______ I work on my own at home.
8. Why do you think I don't want to go out tonight. _______, I would be delighted to get out
of the house.
9. You should go to university as it gives you a chance to meet so many new people. ______ ,
it gives you the chance to get important qualifications and get a better job.
10. I don't want to go to the football game. Football bores me and I don't want to pay $40
for a ticket. ________ , look at the weather! All that rain!

Task 2. Direction: Fill in the gaps with an appropriate discourse marker from the list.

Task 3. Directions: The following discourse markers (in bold) are markers which are more
usually used in a more formal written style. Change the markers to more informal spoken
discourse markers which have a similar meaning. Choose from the following: but, so (2x),
what’s more, you know what I mean.