Language of the Day: Discourse Markers
Discourse markers are words or phrases that we use to connect, organize and manage what we say or write or to express an attitude. Anyway, let’s get to it!
Let’s look at an example of a brief conversation between friends that uses multiple discourse markers. (originally published at https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/discourse-markers-so-right-okay)
A: “So, I’ve decided I’m going to go to the bank to 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).
