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Discourse Markers

This document discusses different types of discourse markers or linkers that are used to connect ideas and provide cohesion in text. It categorizes linkers according to their function into result markers, reason markers, purpose markers, and contrast markers. For each category, it provides examples of common linkers like so, because, to, and but and explains their typical usage. It also notes some differences between similar linkers and when to use certain forms over others.

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Jone Canigo
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63 views6 pages

Discourse Markers

This document discusses different types of discourse markers or linkers that are used to connect ideas and provide cohesion in text. It categorizes linkers according to their function into result markers, reason markers, purpose markers, and contrast markers. For each category, it provides examples of common linkers like so, because, to, and but and explains their typical usage. It also notes some differences between similar linkers and when to use certain forms over others.

Uploaded by

Jone Canigo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Discourse Markers: Linkers

Linkers play an important role in the cohesion of the text, for they are used to connect ideas.
They are classified according to the function they fulfil.
RESULT: so, as a result, therefore and
consequently
 So is the most common way to introduce a result: “I was
late, so I took a taxi.”
 As a result, therefore and consequently are more formal.
They are often used at the beginning of a clause. In that
case, the marker is preceded by a comma, or comma +
and: “The snow had blocked the road, and as a result the
school had to close for the day.”
 Therefore and consequently can also be used before a
main verb: “We were not able to get the train. We
consequently decided to stay the night at the station.”
REASON: because, as since, because of, due
to and owing to
 Because, as and since are all synonyms. As is often used
at the beginning of a sentence: “As the students were
being so noisy, the teacher left the class.”
 Because of, due to and owing to are usually followed by a
noun. Due to and owing to are more formal: “The outing
was cancelled due to bad weather conditions”
PURPOSE: to, in order (not) to, so as (not) to,
so (that) and in case
 To, in order to and so as to are followed by an infinitive. To is not so
formal.: “I went to USA last summer so as to improve my English.”
 For negative purpose, we do not use NOT TO: “We turned the music
down in order not to disturb the neighbours”
 Use So (that)+ can/could or will/ would. Use can leave that in informal
speech or writing: “I went to London so (that) I could train as a teacher.”
 Use in case + clause when we do something in order to be ready for future
situations or problems or to avoid them “I will take the coat in case it
rains” DO NOT USE future tenses! Use present tense to talk about
the future!
CONTRAST: but, yet, however, nevertheless,
although, even though, though, in spite of, despite and
despite the fact that
 But is the most common and informal way to introduce contrast. Yet is
more formal and literary.: “I went to USA last summer, but I did not
improve my English.”
 However and nevertheless are normally used at the beginning of a
sentence to connect with a previous one. Followed by a comma. “We went
to the beach at the weekend. However, the children did not have fun.”
 Even though is more empathic or stronger than although. Though is
more used in informal speech: “Even though the weather was horrible,
we went voting yesterday.”
 After in spite of and despite you must use a gerund, a noun or the fact
that+clause “I will take the coat despite the sunny weather/ the fact that
the sun is shinning”
COMPARE!!
 In case of is not the same as in case. In case of means if there is....
(especially on notices) etc.: “In case of fire....”
 Although and because: “We went out altough it was raining” “We
didn’t go out because it was raining”
 In spite of and because of: “ We did go out in spite of the rain”
“We didn’t go out because of the rain”
 Although and in spite of/despite: “ Although the traffic was bad/
In spite of the traffic, we arrived on time”
 In spoken English, we can use though at the end of a sentence:
“The house isn’t very nice. I like the garden though”

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