Discourse Makers Flashcards

1
Q

By the way / incidentally

A

Used to change the subject, to say something that you have just thought about and that doesn’t have to be connected to what was being said before.

Well, it has been a very productive meeting, don’t you think? By the way/Incidentally, what time is it?
I’ll try to fix my car this afternoon. By the way/Incidentally, do you still have that screwdriver that I lent you?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Actually / in fact / as a matter of fact

A

Used to introduce information that might be in some way surprising or unexpected.

I don’t really like chicken. Actually/In fact/As a matter of fact I have only eaten chicken once in my life.
Everybody thinks he has a very bad temper, but actually/in fact/as a matter of fact he is very kind.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Anyway / in any case

A

Used to return to an earlier subject after a digression, or to get to the most interesting point.

It’s not so strange to lose documents. It happens to lots of people all the time. Anyway/In any case, we finally found the passports in …
Used to give a more important reason for something you are saying.

I’m too tired to go and it’s too late, and anyway/in any case it’s too expensive.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

As I was saying

A

Used to return to an earlier subject in the conversation after an interruption or digression.

As I was saying, we could get up early and spend the whole day there.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

After all

A

Used to introduce an additional point that supports or explains what you have just said.

I might understand her better than you; after all, she is my wife.
Don’t be too hard on him. After all, he is just a kid.
Used to say that something is true despite what is believed or said.

He is not such a bad professional after all.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

At least

A

Used to introduce positive information when talking about something negative.

Lots of people got injured in the accident, but at least nobody died.
I finished last in the race, but at least I finished.
Used to reduce the effect of something we have said, or to make something less certain or definite.

He knows the president, or at least that’s what he says.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

All in all

A

= Taking into consideration all the parts of a situation.

There were some mistakes, but all in all, you did a pretty good job.
Both TVs are great, but all in all, I think this one is better for you.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

On the whole

A

= Generally

On the whole, men tend to avoid talking about feelings.
There has been some criticism, but on the whole, customers like what we offer.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Besides

A

Used to add additional information (informal)

I think it’s a wonderful place; besides, it’s very cheap.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Furthermore

A

Used to add additional (an often more important) information (formal)

Electric cars are becoming more powerful and energy-efficient. Furthermore, they are much cheaper than a few years ago.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What’s more

A

We use what’s more to add something interesting to what we have just said. It’s similar to furthermore but more informal.

Scientists have found a big body of water under the surface of the planet. What’s more, they think it’s not the only body of water they are going to find.
He said that the new season is going to be premiered this September and, what’s more, he confirmed that it’s not going to be the last.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Obviously

A

Used to introduce a fact that is easy to see or understand.

Obviously, without qualifications it’s harder to get a good job.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Basically

A

Used to introduce the most important point or characteristic of something.

Basically, what we do here is produce the plastic parts of the phone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

In other words

A

Used to say what has been said in simpler words.

She said we should take a break and have time to ourselves; in other words, she dumped me.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

That is to say

A

Used to explain or be more precise about something we have said. Similar to in other words.

The best thing about music is its repeatability; that is to say, you can listen to the same songs again and again and never get bored.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Otherwise

A

Used after an order or suggestion to say what will happen if that order or suggestion is not followed.

Be here at 8 o’clock; otherwise, you will miss your turn.

17
Q

Regarding … / as regards … / as far as … is concerned

A

= About. Used to introduce a topic of conversation.

Regarding/As regards the new player, we’ll have to decide if or when to sell him.
As far as the new player is concerned, …

18
Q

On the other hand

A

Used to introduce a contrasting fact.

Cycling is good for your health, and it’s a sport that is gentle with your muscles and joints. But on the other hand, there are many fatal accidents among cyclists.
It can be preceded by on the one hand:

On the one hand, cycling is good for your health, and it’s a sport that is gentle with your muscles and joints. But on the other hand, there are many fatal accidents among cyclists.

19
Q

Whereas

A

We use whereas to compare and contrast two things or ideas. It means ‘while’ when it is used to express contrast.

The north is cold whereas the south is very hot.
Whereas people used to aspire to have a big house, kids, dog etc., nowadays preferences are tending more towards apartments.