Discourse markers (also called linking words or pragmatic markers) are words and phrases that organise our speech and writing, show our attitude, and help listeners follow our ideas. They are essential for natural fluency at B2-C1 levels.
💡 Without discourse markers: "I think we should leave. The traffic is heavy."
🎯 With discourse markers: "To be honest, I think we should leave. The traffic is heavy, you know."
Common examples: actually, basically, frankly, to be honest, well, you know, anyway, so, like, I mean.
💡 Using discourse markers makes you sound more natural and fluent, but don't overuse them – they should help, not distract.
📋 2. Organising Discourse (First of all, Then, Finally)
Sequencing: First of all / Firstly / To begin with, Secondly / Next / Then, Finally / Lastly / In the end.
"First of all, I'd like to thank everyone. Secondly, let me explain the plan. Finally, we'll take questions."
Transitioning: Anyway / Anyhow (to change topic or return after digression).
"Anyway, let's get back to the main point."
Returning to a point: As I was saying / To get back to what I was saying.
💭 3. Stating Opinion (To be honest, Frankly, In my view)
Honesty markers: To be honest / To tell the truth / Honestly / Frankly.
"To be honest, I didn't enjoy the film."
Opinion markers: In my opinion / In my view / From my perspective / I think / I believe.
"In my view, the government should do more."
Generalising: Basically / Generally speaking / On the whole.
"Basically, the project was a success."
⚖️ 4. Contrasting (On the other hand, However, Having said that)
Contrast markers: However / Nevertheless / On the other hand / In contrast / Having said that / That said.
"The hotel was expensive. However, the service was excellent."
"He is very talented. Having said that, he still needs to practise more."
➕ 5. Adding Information (Besides, What's more, In addition)
Addition: Besides / What's more / Moreover / Furthermore / In addition / Also / As well as that.
"She speaks three languages. Besides, she plays the piano."
Emphasising: Actually / As a matter of fact / In fact / Indeed.
"He said he was tired. Actually, he was just bored."
📌 6. Giving Examples (For instance, For example, Such as)
"Many countries, for example France and Italy, produce excellent wine."
"He loves outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking."
"There are many benefits to exercise. For instance, it improves heart health."
🔍 7. Clarifying and Reformulating (Actually, I mean, In other words)
Clarifying: I mean / In other words / That is to say / To put it another way.
"He's a bit disorganised. I mean, he's always late."
Correcting: Actually / In fact / As a matter of fact.
"Actually, it's not that bad."
📝 8. Summarising and Concluding (In short, To sum up, Anyway)
Summarising: In short / In a nutshell / To sum up / In conclusion / All in all.
"In short, we need to work harder."
Returning to main point after digression: Anyway / At any rate / So anyway.
"Anyway, let's get back to the topic."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What is the difference between discourse markers and conjunctions?▼
Conjunctions (and, but, because) join clauses within a sentence. Discourse markers (however, actually, frankly) connect ideas across sentences or are used as fillers in speech. Discourse markers are often optional and add a conversational tone.
Q2.Can I use discourse markers in formal writing?▼
Yes, but choose carefully. Academic writing accepts 'however', 'furthermore', 'nevertheless', 'in contrast', but avoids too many conversational markers like 'basically', 'you know', 'well'. Know your audience.
Q3.Is it bad to use 'like' as a discourse marker?▼
In casual speech, 'like' is very common as a filler or approximator (e.g., 'It was, like, really big'). In formal writing or professional speech, avoid overusing 'like' as it sounds unprofessional.