Discourse Markers, Conversation Managers

Discourse markers are words or short phrases we use to organize speech or writing and show how ideas connect. They don’t usually add new information themselves; instead, they help guide the listener or reader through what’s being said. Think of them as the road signs of conversation.

What do discourse markers do? They can signal transitions, show contrast, add emphasis, manage turn-taking in conversation and show the speaker’s attitude or reaction.

Spoken English uses lots of informal discourse markers (well, like, you know). Written English tends to use more formal ones (however, therefore, moreover).

Even though they’re sometimes seen as “filler,” discourse markers make speech sound natural, make writing clearer and easier to follow and help conversations flow smoothly.

Are discourse markers and linking words synonyms? 

Not exactly. They overlap, but they’re not true synonyms. Linking words are a subset of discourse markers. Their main job is to connect ideas logically. They are common in writing, especially academic or formal text. Examples: however, therefore, because, although, moreover, first, finally. 

Discourse markers are the broader category. They include linking words plus conversational and pragmatic markers. They are used in spoken language to manage flow, attitude, and interaction. Examples: well, you know, actually, I mean, like, anyway, okay.

• All linking words are discourse markers.
• Not all discourse markers are linking words.
• Linking words = logical connectors.
• Discourse markers = logical connectors + conversation managers.

Discourse Markers

by the way

Used to introduce a new or side topic, often casually.

• By the way, have you seen my keys?
• She’s very talented; by the way, she also speaks four languages.

incidentally

Used to add extra information that is not central to the main topic (more formal than by the way).

• Incidentally, the meeting has been postponed.
• He’s a doctor; incidentally, he studied in Germany.

actually

Used to correct, clarify, or politely contradict something; to introduce information that might be in some way surprising or unexpected.

• I actually meant Friday, not Thursday.
• She seems quiet, but she’s actually very outgoing.
• I don’t like chicken. Actually, I have only ever eaten chicken once.
• Everybody thinks he has a terrible temper, but actually, he is very kind.

in fact

Used to emphasize that something is true, often strengthening or correcting a statement.

• I thought the task was difficult; in fact, it was quite easy.
• He didn’t forget; he, in fact, arrived early.

as a matter of fact

Used to strongly confirm or add emphasis (often more assertive than in fact).

• I don’t dislike winter; as a matter of fact, I love it.
• She didn’t complain; as a matter of fact, she thanked us.

surprisingly

Used to show that something is unexpected.

• Surprisingly, the child remained calm.
• Surprisingly, the old phone still works perfectly.

anyway

Used to return to the main topic or move on, often ending a discussion.

• Anyway, let’s get back to work.
• It was a strange story; anyway, what were you saying?

in any case

Used to indicate that something is true or will happen regardless of other factors.

• In any case, we need to finish the report today.
• He may disagree; in any case, the decision is final.

Returning to the main topic

Used to explicitly refocus the discussion (formal/academic).

• Returning to the main topic, climate change affects agriculture.
• Returning to the main topic, let us examine the results.

As I was saying

Used to continue after an interruption.

• As I was saying, the deadline is next Monday.
• As I was saying before we were interrupted, this theory has limits.

To continue from where I left off

Used to resume a discussion after a pause (formal, spoken or written).

• To continue from where I left off, the next phase involves testing.
• To continue from where I left off, we must consider the data.

after all

Used to give a reason that explains or justifies something, often reminding the listener.

• Let’s invite her; after all, she helped us.
• He deserves a break; after all, he worked all night.

because

Used to introduce a direct reason or cause.

• She stayed home because she was sick.
• We canceled the trip because of the storm.

for this reason

Used to refer back to a previously stated cause (more formal than so).

• The road was flooded; for this reason, traffic was delayed.
• He lacks experience; for this reason, training is necessary.

Despite what I believed

Used to show contrast between expectation and reality.

• Despite what I believed, the exam was manageable.
• Despite what I believed, winter ended gently.

at least

Used to mention a minimum, consolation, or partial positive.

• At least we finished the project on time.
• It’s cold, but at least it’s sunny.

fortunately

Used to show that something good happened.

• Fortunately, no one was injured.
• Fortunately, we had enough time.

On a positive note

Used to shift attention to something good, often near the end.

• On a positive note, sales increased this year.
• The trip was tiring, but on a positive note, we learned a lot.

at the minimum

Used to stress the lowest acceptable level (formal).

• At the minimum, safety standards must be met.
• You should at the minimum inform your supervisor.

All in all

Used to give an overall conclusion.

• All in all, the event was successful.
• All in all, I’m satisfied with the results.

Considering everything

Used to: evaluate something after weighing all factors.

• Considering everything, the decision was fair.
• Considering everything, we did quite well.

All things considered

Used to summarize after acknowledging pros and cons (formal).

• All things considered, winter was mild.
• All things considered, the plan worked.

On the whole

Used to describe a general assessment.

• On the whole, students responded positively.
• On the whole, the system is reliable.

In general

Used to make a general statement, not an exception.

• In general, people prefer warm weather.
• In general, this method is effective.

besides

Used to add extra information or an additional reason.

• I don’t want to go; besides, it’s too late.
• She’s qualified, and besides, very experienced.

Additionally

Used to add information (formal).

• Additionally, costs will increase.
• Additionally, training is required.

Furthermore

Used to add a strong supporting point (formal).

• Furthermore, the data confirms our theory.
• Furthermore, the policy improves safety.

Moreover

Used to add emphasis to an important point (formal).

• Moreover, the solution is cost-effective.
• Moreover, it saves time.

what’s more

Used to add surprising or important extra information (informal).

• He apologized, and what’s more, he fixed the problem.
• It’s free; and what’s more, it’s fast.

obviously

Used to say something is clear or self-evident.

• Obviously, this won’t work.
• She was obviously upset.

clearly

Used to emphasize clarity or certainty.

• Clearly, more research is needed.
• He clearly misunderstood the instructions.

basically

Used to simplify or summarize the main idea (informal).

• Basically, we need more time.
• It’s basically the same idea.

essentially

Used to state the core meaning or nature of something (formal).

• Essentially, the problem is financial.
• The plan is essentially complete.

in other words

Used to restate something more clearly.

• He was late; in other words, he missed the meeting.
• The rule is strict; in other words, no exceptions.

To put it simply

Used to explain something in an easy way.

• To put it simply, we failed.
• To put it simply, this doesn’t work.

that is to say

Used to clarify or specify precisely (formal).

• The final stage, that is to say, testing, begins tomorrow.
• He’s the manager, that is to say, the decision-maker.

otherwise

Used to show a negative consequence or alternative.

• Wear a coat; otherwise, you’ll freeze.
• Follow the rules; otherwise, there will be penalties.

if not

Used to offer a stronger or alternative possibility.

• It’s difficult, if not impossible.
• She was angry, if not furious.

regarding

Used to introduce a topic (formal).

• Regarding your request, we will respond soon.
• Regarding safety, improvements are needed.

as regards

Used to specify a particular aspect (formal).

• As regards cost, the plan is affordable.
• As regards timing, we are flexible.

As far as … is concerned

Used to limit a statement to one topic.

• As far as quality is concerned, this product excels.
• As far as I’m concerned, it’s acceptable.

on the one hand … on the other hand

Used to present two contrasting points.

• On the one hand, it’s expensive; on the other hand, it’s durable.
• On the one hand, he’s skilled; on the other hand, he lacks experience.

conversely

Used to show an opposite relationship (formal).

• Some prosper; conversely, others struggle.
• Warm climates attract tourists; conversely, cold regions do not.

in contrast

Used to highlight a clear difference.

• In contrast, her brother is very outgoing.
• City life is busy; in contrast, rural life is calm.

whereas

Used to contrast two facts within one sentence (formal).

• She enjoys winter, whereas I prefer summer.
• The north is cold, whereas the south is warm.

while

Used to show contrast or simultaneity.

• He likes coffee, while she prefers tea.
• While the idea is good, the execution is poor.