Discourse Markers In Spoken English

And

Definition: A conjunction used to connect words or phrases.

• I like apples and oranges.
• She plays soccer and basketball.
• He wants to eat pizza and pasta.

And in a sentence

But

Definition: A conjunction used to show contrast between two ideas.

• I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.
• She is smart, but she needs to study more.
• I like pizza, but I don't like mushrooms.

But in a sentence

So

Definition: Used to indicate a degree or result; also, to connect thoughts.

• It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
• He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
• She was tired, so she went to bed early.

So in a sentence

Or

Definition: A word used to indicate a choice between options.

• Would you like tea or coffee?
• You can have an apple or a banana for a snack.
• Is that your book or mine?

Or in a sentence

Because

Definition: A conjunction used to introduce a reason or explanation.

• I stayed home because it was raining.
• She was happy because she passed the exam.
• He likes pizza because it tastes great.

Because in a sentence

Then

Definition: At that time; used to indicate a sequence in time.

• We went to the park, and then we had ice cream.
• He finished his homework, and then he played video games.
• I will study now, and then I’ll watch a movie.

Then in a sentence

Also

Definition: In addition; as well.

• I like pizza, and I also enjoy pasta.
• She is studying math and also taking science classes.
• He can play the guitar and also sings beautifully.

Also in a sentence

Well

Definition: In a good or satisfactory manner; in good health.

• She sings very well.
• I hope you feel well soon.
• He did well on his test.

Well in a sentence

Like

Definition: To have a preference for something; to enjoy.

• I like ice cream very much.
• She likes to read books.
• He would like to play soccer with his friends.

Like in a sentence

Okay

Definition: An expression of agreement or acceptance.

• Is it okay if I join you? she asked.
• He said it was okay to borrow his book.
• Understanding when to use "okay" can help in conversations.

Okay in a sentence

Actually

Definition: used to emphasize a statement or contrast with what was expected

• I actually prefer reading books to watching movies.
• She thought he was joking, but he was actually serious.
• Understanding actually helps clarify points.

Actually in a sentence

First

Definition: the number one; preceding all others

• She was the first to arrive at the party.
• He finished first in the race.
• Understanding the concept of first can help in ranking.

First in a sentence

Next

Definition: Coming immediately after the current one; following in order.

• What is next on the agenda for the meeting?
• She will present next in the class.
• Next, we will discuss the homework assignments.

Next in a sentence

Finally

Definition: At last; after a long time; used to indicate the end of a wait.

• Finally, the rain stopped after several days.
• He finally finished his homework.
• She was happy to finally see her friends again.

Finally in a sentence

You Know

Definition: A phrase used to indicate that the listener is familiar with the topic being discussed.

• It's important to study for exams, you know?
• She likes to talk about things that, you know, interest her friends.
• He often says "you know" when he is thinking.

Right

Definition: Morally good, justified, or acceptable.

• It is right to help others.
• She knows the right answer.
• Everyone has the right to be treated fairly.

Right in a sentence

I Mean

Definition: To clarify or explain something.

• I mean, it was a great experience for everyone.
• When I said we should leave, I mean right now.
• I mean to say that we should work together.

Maybe

Definition: A word used to express uncertainty or possibility.

• Maybe we can go to the movies later.
• It might rain today; maybe we should bring umbrellas.
• I'm not sure; maybe I'll try that idea.

Maybe in a sentence

Really

Definition: Used to emphasize a statement or question; truly or genuinely.

• I really enjoyed the movie we watched.
• He is really good at math.
• She was really excited about her birthday party.

Really in a sentence

Just

Definition: Exactly; only; fair and right.

• She arrived just in time for the meeting.
• It's just not fair that he gets to go first.
• He made a just decision based on the facts.

Just in a sentence

Anyway

Definition: Used to change the topic or to continue despite something.

• I didn't feel well, but I went to school anyway.
• Anyway, let's get back to the main topic.
• She didn't like the movie, but she watched it anyway.

Anyway in a sentence

Of Course

Definition: a phrase used to express agreement or affirmation

• Of course, I will help you with your homework.
• She said, "Of course," when asked to join.
• He smiled and replied, "Of course, I understand."

Of Course in a sentence

For Example

Definition: Used to give an illustration or instance.

• Many fruits are healthy, for example, apples and oranges.
• You can play different sports, for example, soccer or tennis.
• There are many ways to learn, for example, reading or listening.

In Fact

Definition: Used to emphasize the truth of a statement; truly.

• She is, in fact, the best student in class.
• In fact, he won the competition last year.
• The test was difficult; in fact, many failed.

In Fact in a sentence

To Be Honest

Definition: A phrase used to express frankness or truthfulness.

• To be honest, I didn't enjoy the movie.
• He said, "To be honest, I need more time."
• To be honest, she was worried about the exam.

By The Way

Definition: used to introduce a new topic or add information

• By the way, are you coming to the party?
• She mentioned, by the way, that she loves pizza.
• By the way, I finished the project early.

By The Way in a sentence

That Is

Definition: A phrase used to clarify or explain something further.

• The book was interesting; that is, it kept me reading all night.
• She said, "That is exactly what I meant."
• He explained, "The test is next week; that is important to remember."

That Is in a sentence

However

Definition: A word used to introduce a contrast or exception.

• The weather was nice; however, it might rain later.
• She loves pizza; however, she is trying to eat healthier.
• He studied hard; however, he didn't pass the test.

However in a sentence

In Addition

Definition: Also; as an extra.

• In addition to studying, she works part-time.
• He likes soccer; in addition, he enjoys basketball.
• In addition to the main course, they served dessert.

In Addition in a sentence

On The Other Hand

Definition: Used to present an opposing viewpoint or alternative.

• He is very organized; on the other hand, she is more flexible.
• On the one hand, studying is important; on the other hand, taking breaks is essential.
• On the other hand, the proposal has some flaws.

On The Other Hand in a sentence

Meanwhile

Definition: At the same time; during the same time period.

• She studied for her exam; meanwhile, he played video games.
• I cooked dinner; meanwhile, he set the table.
• Meanwhile, the children played outside.

Meanwhile in a sentence

Besides

Definition: In addition to; also.

• Besides studying, she enjoys painting.
• He has a meeting besides his regular classes.
• Besides being fun, the game teaches teamwork.

Besides in a sentence

Basically

Definition: In a simple or fundamental way; used to summarize.

• Basically, we need to work together to succeed.
• She explained the concept basically for better understanding.
• The project is basically finished; we just need to review it.

Basically in a sentence

So That

Definition: In order to achieve something; for the purpose of.

• He studied hard so that he could pass the test.
• They saved money so that they could travel.
• She practices every day so that she can improve.

So That in a sentence

As A Result

Definition: Because of something; consequently.

• She practiced every day, and as a result, she improved.
• The company expanded, and as a result, they hired more staff.
• He worked hard; as a result, he received a promotion.

As A Result in a sentence

Therefore

Definition: for that reason; as a result

• It was raining; therefore, the game was canceled.
• She studied every night; therefore, she passed the exam.
• He was late; therefore, he missed the bus.

Therefore in a sentence

Although

Definition: used to show contrast between two ideas

• Although it was raining, we went outside.
• She is very shy, although she sings well.
• Although he studied hard, he didn't pass the test.

Although in a sentence

Even Though

Definition: A phrase used to introduce a contrast or exception.

• Even though it was raining, they went for a walk.
• She loves ice cream even though it's cold outside.
• Even though he studied hard, he didn't pass the test.

Even Though in a sentence

Despite

Definition: In spite of; used to show contrast or contradiction.

• Despite the rain, they decided to go for a hike.
• She smiled despite feeling tired.
• Understanding "despite" helps clarify contrasting ideas.

Despite in a sentence

While

Definition: A period of time; also used to indicate simultaneous actions.

• He read a book while waiting for the bus.
• She played games for a while after homework.
• It took a while to finish the project.

While in a sentence

Moreover

Definition: In addition to; used to add information that strengthens an argument.

• She loves reading; moreover, she writes her own stories.
• The project is behind schedule; moreover, it is over budget.
• Moreover, the team achieved all their goals this quarter.

Moreover in a sentence

To Summarize

Definition: to give a brief statement of the main points

• Can you summarize the chapter for me?
• She will summarize the article in her presentation.
• He asked her to summarize the key ideas.

Firstly

Definition: Used to introduce the first point or reason in a list.

• Firstly, we need to gather all the materials for the project.
• Firstly, I want to thank everyone for coming.
• Firstly, let's discuss the main objectives of the meeting.

Firstly in a sentence

Secondly

Definition: In the second place; used to introduce a second point.

• Firstly, we need to discuss the budget; secondly, we will plan the event.
• She mentioned her goals; secondly, she outlined the steps.
• Secondly, it’s important to consider the timeline.

Secondly in a sentence

Specifically

Definition: In a detailed or exact manner; in particular.

• She mentioned specifically what she needed for the project.
• The book specifically covers environmental issues.
• He asked specifically about the due date.

Specifically in a sentence

Consequently

Definition: As a result; therefore; as a consequence of something.

• He didn't study, and consequently, he failed the test.
• The storm caused damage, and consequently, the event was canceled.
• They were late and, consequently, missed the beginning of the show.

Consequently in a sentence

Ultimately

Definition: In the end; finally; at last.

• Ultimately, they decided to go on the trip.
• She knew that ultimately, hard work pays off.
• Understanding ultimately helps in summarizing conclusions.

Ultimately in a sentence

Otherwise

Definition: In a different way; or else; used to indicate a condition.

• You should study hard; otherwise, you might fail.
• He was warned to behave, otherwise he would be grounded.
• She needs to finish her project; otherwise, it won't be submitted on time.

Otherwise in a sentence

Likewise

Definition: In the same way; similarly.

• He enjoys hiking; likewise, she loves the outdoors.
• She thanked him, and he replied likewise.
• They both found the movie enjoyable; likewise, the book was good.

Likewise in a sentence

Similarly

Definition: In a similar way; likewise.

• She studied hard; similarly, her brother did.
• The results were similarly impressive.
• They approached the problem similarly to last time.

Similarly in a sentence

Additionally

Definition: In addition; also.

• The team worked hard; additionally, they met all deadlines.
• She enjoys reading; additionally, she writes stories.
• Additionally, the course covers advanced topics.

Additionally in a sentence

Nonetheless

Definition: in spite of that; however

• It was raining; nonetheless, they went for a walk.
• She was tired; nonetheless, she finished her homework.
• He didn’t study; nonetheless, he passed the test.

Nonetheless in a sentence

Whereas

Definition: A word used to compare two different statements or situations.

• Some students prefer online classes, whereas others like in-person learning.
• She enjoys sports, whereas her brother prefers video games.
• Understanding whereas helps clarify comparisons in writing.

Whereas in a sentence

In Contrast

Definition: When comparing two things to show differences.

• In contrast, the weather is much warmer today.
• Her opinion is in contrast to the general consensus.
• In contrast to last year, this year's results are better.

In Contrast in a sentence

Particularly

Definition: To a higher degree than usual; especially.

• She is particularly fond of chocolate ice cream.
• He enjoyed the movie, particularly the special effects.
• Particularly challenging tasks can enhance learning.

Particularly in a sentence

Especially

Definition: particularly; more than usual

• She loves reading, especially mystery novels.
• He is good at math, especially geometry.
• Understanding how to use "especially" can improve writing.

Especially in a sentence

Nevertheless

Definition: A word used to contrast with a previous statement.

• It was raining; nevertheless, they decided to go for a walk.
• She was tired; nevertheless, she finished her homework.
• He was nervous; nevertheless, he spoke confidently.

Nevertheless in a sentence

For Instance

Definition: Used to introduce a specific example.

• There are many ways to be active, for instance, jogging or swimming.
• Some countries are very cold, for instance, Canada.
• Many pets need care, for instance, dogs and cats.

For Instance in a sentence

Thus

Definition: In this way; as a result; therefore.

• He studied hard; thus, he passed the exam.
• She was late; thus, she missed the beginning of the show.
• Thus, we can conclude that teamwork is essential.

Thus in a sentence

Furthermore

Definition: A word used to add information; also means additionally.

• Furthermore, we should consider all options.
• The project is behind schedule; furthermore, it is over budget.
• She is talented; furthermore, she is hardworking.

Furthermore in a sentence

Alternatively

Definition: As another option or choice.

• You can do your homework now; alternatively, you can do it later.
• The hike can be challenging; alternatively, you can stay back.
• We can watch a movie; alternatively, we can play a game.

Alternatively in a sentence

In Summary

Definition: To summarize; to give a brief overview.

• In summary, the project was a success.
• She presented her findings in summary form.
• In summary, we achieved our goals this year.

In Summary in a sentence

Subsequently

Definition: Afterward; at a later time.

• He graduated and subsequently started his career.
• They moved to a new city and subsequently found jobs.
• She studied hard and subsequently passed the exam.

Subsequently in a sentence

In Other Words

Definition: Used to clarify or restate something differently.

• He was late; in other words, we missed the start.
• The test was easy; in other words, many passed.
• She was tired; in other words, she needed rest.

In Other Words in a sentence

Accordingly

Definition: In a way that is appropriate.

• The team adjusted their plans accordingly.
• He was informed of the changes and acted accordingly.
• She studied hard and prepared accordingly.

Conversely

Definition: In an opposite manner; used to introduce a contrasting statement.

• He prefers basketball; conversely, she enjoys soccer.
• Conversely, studying hard can lead to better grades.
• Understanding conversely helps clarify arguments.

Conversely in a sentence

To Illustrate

Definition: To explain or make something clear by using examples or pictures.

• She used a diagram to illustrate her point.
• He wanted to illustrate the process step by step.
• To illustrate the concept, he showed a video.