Discourse markers are small words and phrases used to organise, comment on or frame what we are saying or writing. Some of the discourse markers used in speech and writing are given below:
Well
This is a very common discourse marker used in speech.
Well, I think it’s a good idea.
Well, I’ve had enough and I’m going home.
A: Mary doesn’t want to come with us.
B: Well then, let’s go on our own.
Well, what’s it you wanted to ask me?
Well then, let’s see what’s in the box.
A: I hear you’ve failed in the exam.
B: Well, I did my best. I don’t wish to sit the exam again.
Well, you could have at least phoned to say you weren’t coming.
Teacher: Well, that’s all for today. Come for the revision class tomorrow.
Shop assistant: Well, that’s the last copy we have.
A: Will you be in office tomorrow?
B: Well, it depends.
Very well, I accept your offer.
Well, what have you got to say now?
Right
Teacher: Right, let’s have a look at the map.
Teacher: Right, open your books on page 10.
Teacher: Right, is everyone listening?
OK
OK, if that’s what you want.
I’ll see you at home, OK.
OK, let’s discuss the next point.
Okay, do you have any questions?
Now
Now, what shall we do next?
Now, let’s move to the next question.
Now, what did you say your name was?
Now, hurry up!
So
So, would you like to work here?
Good
Good, I’ll meet you tomorrow.
Good, I’m glad that’s over.
Fine
Fine, let’s have the meeting here.
Mind you
Mind you, it’s still November. There’s one month for Christmas.
A: You look very young in this photo.
B: Mind you, it was taken years ago.
Listen
Listen, why don’t you let me sort it out?
Look
Look, I’ve had enough of this.
You see
You see, I’m only a clerk here.
You know
You know, she’s just come to see my boss.
Let me see
Today’s date is – let me see, March 13th.
Hang on
Hang on! Let me tell you what she said.
Hold on
Hold on! I’ll be back in a minute.
First, firstly and first of all
First of all, we’d better make sure we’ve got everything we need for the trip.
Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone for coming here,
First, what is the writer’s attitude to the war?
Next
Next, it is important to remember the dates.
Finally
Finally, I’d like to thank all of you.
In summary
In summary, I should like to say that the book deserves a prize.
In conclusion
In conclusion, I’d like to thank the organising committee.
In other words
In other words, you have to learn at least one new word every day to improve your vocabulary.
For example, for instance
For example, some words like ‘gobbledygook’ are difficult to remember.