Discourse Markers

Learning Objectives

Identify and use discourse markers in order to improve speech fluency

Discourse markers– words or phrases used to connect and organize information while having a conversation or discussion

Purpose Words
Starting a conversation For starters…          Here’s a thought…          Let’s say….          You know….          How about…
Ending a conversation Well…          Anyway…          In the end…          So…          That’s all….
Sequencing First of all…          Secondly…          Next…          And then…          Finally…          In the end…
Adding Information And…          In addition…          Also…          Plus…
Changing the topic of a conversation Anyway…            What about…        Although…
Clarifying information In other words…         Actually…          For example
Responding Really…                Certainly…      Absolutely…     Definitely…            Sure…        Exactly…    I see…
Sounding less direct Perhaps…                  Possibly…             Maybe…          Probably

 

tips for teaching

Informal discourse markers are commonly used in conversation (OK, yeah, um, whatever, etc.)

 

Distinguish between spoken discourse markers (in the list above) and transitions used in writing (However, Consequently, Nevertheless, Moreover, etc.)