Discourse Makers Flashcards
By the way / incidentally
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?
Actually / in fact / as a matter of fact
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.
Anyway / in any case
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.
As I was saying
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.
After all
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.
At least
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.
All in all
= 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.
On the whole
= 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.
Besides
Used to add additional information (informal)
I think it’s a wonderful place; besides, it’s very cheap.
Furthermore
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.
What’s more
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.
Obviously
Used to introduce a fact that is easy to see or understand.
Obviously, without qualifications it’s harder to get a good job.
Basically
Used to introduce the most important point or characteristic of something.
Basically, what we do here is produce the plastic parts of the phone.
In other words
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.
That is to say
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.
