What Are Discourse Markers?
Discourse markers are small words and phrases that do not change the meaning of a sentence but play a vital role in organizing speech and guiding the listener through a conversation. They act as signposts, helping speakers start a topic, change direction, express an attitude, buy time while thinking, or clarify what they really mean. Without these markers, spoken English would sound flat, robotic, and difficult to follow.
Words like well, actually, by the way, anyway, so, you know, I mean, basically, honestly, and right are all examples of discourse markers. They are extremely common in everyday conversation and are one of the key features that separate natural-sounding English from textbook English.
Discourse markers are not grammatically necessary — a sentence is still correct without them — but they are socially and communicatively essential. They show that you are thinking, that you care about your listener, and that you are a natural, confident speaker.
When Do We Use Them?
Discourse markers serve many different functions in conversation. Here is an overview of the most important situations where English speakers use them:
| Function | Purpose | Common Markers | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting a conversation | Open a new topic or begin speaking | So, Well, Right, OK | So, what do you think about the plan? |
| Changing topic | Move to a different subject | By the way, Anyway, Speaking of | By the way, have you seen the new film? |
| Giving opinions | Introduce a personal view or attitude | Honestly, Frankly, Obviously | Honestly, I think we should wait. |
| Buying time | Pause to think without awkward silence | Well, You know, Let me see | Well, let me think about that for a moment. |
| Emphasizing | Stress a point or add force | Actually, In fact, Literally | Actually, that is exactly what happened. |
| Correcting or clarifying | Fix or explain what you said | I mean, Basically, That is to say | I mean, it was not that bad after all. |
| Showing attitude | Express feelings about what you are saying | Unfortunately, Luckily, Surprisingly | Unfortunately, we missed the last train. |
Discourse Markers for Starting & Responding
Many discourse markers are used at the beginning of a turn in conversation. They signal that the speaker is about to start talking, respond to something, or move the conversation forward. These markers make speech feel natural and well-organized rather than abrupt.
Common starters: Well So Right OK Now then Anyway
| Marker | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Well | Thinking before answering; softening a response | Well, I am not really sure about that. |
| So | Starting a new topic; summarizing | So, are we ready to begin? |
| Right | Confirming understanding; moving on | Right, let us move to the next item. |
| OK | Accepting; transitioning to a new point | OK, so here is what we need to do. |
| Now then | Getting attention; starting something new | Now then, who would like to go first? |
| Anyway | Returning to a main topic; wrapping up | Anyway, as I was saying, we need more time. |
Well is one of the most versatile discourse markers in English. It can signal hesitation (Well, I am not sure), introduce a different opinion (Well, actually, I disagree), or soften bad news (Well, the thing is, we have a problem). Pay attention to the tone — it changes the meaning entirely.
Discourse Markers for Opinions & Attitudes
Some discourse markers allow the speaker to express a personal opinion, show an emotional reaction, or signal how they feel about what they are about to say. These markers typically appear at the beginning of a sentence and are followed by a comma.
Opinion markers: Honestly Frankly Obviously Clearly
Attitude markers: Unfortunately Luckily Surprisingly
| Marker | Shows | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Honestly | Sincere personal opinion | Honestly, I did not enjoy the film at all. |
| Frankly | Direct, possibly blunt opinion | Frankly, this report needs a lot more work. |
| Obviously | Something the speaker considers clear | Obviously, we cannot ignore this problem. |
| Clearly | Strong certainty about a point | Clearly, the old system was not working. |
| Unfortunately | Regret about a situation | Unfortunately, the event has been cancelled. |
| Luckily | Relief or gratitude | Luckily, nobody was hurt in the accident. |
| Surprisingly | Something unexpected | Surprisingly, the restaurant was completely empty. |
Using too many opinion markers can make you sound uncertain or even annoying. Saying Honestly before every sentence may suggest that you are not usually honest. Use these markers sparingly for maximum effect — one or two per conversation is natural, not one per sentence.
Discourse Markers for Organizing Ideas
These discourse markers help speakers manage the flow of a conversation. They allow you to change direction, return to an earlier point, add new information, or highlight the most important thing you want to say.
Common organizers: By the way Speaking of As I was saying Going back to On top of that The thing is
| Marker | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| By the way | Introducing a new, often unrelated topic | By the way, did you remember to call the dentist? |
| Speaking of | Connecting to a related topic that was just mentioned | Speaking of holidays, have you booked your flight yet? |
| As I was saying | Returning to a point after an interruption | As I was saying, the deadline is next Friday. |
| Going back to | Revisiting an earlier topic | Going back to the budget issue, I have a suggestion. |
| On top of that | Adding another point to what was just said | On top of that, we also need to hire two more people. |
| The thing is | Highlighting the main or most important point | The thing is, we simply do not have enough time. |
Think of these markers as the steering wheel of a conversation. By the way takes a detour, as I was saying brings you back on the main road, speaking of takes a related exit, and the thing is highlights the most important destination.
Discourse Markers for Emphasis & Clarification
Some discourse markers are used to add emphasis to a point, correct a previous statement, or make something clearer. These are especially common when the speaker wants to make sure the listener understands the real meaning behind what is being said.
| Marker | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Actually | Correcting, surprising, or contradicting | Actually, I have already finished the project. |
| In fact | Adding stronger emphasis or new information | In fact, it was the best meal I have ever had. |
| I mean | Correcting or rephrasing what you just said | She is nice — I mean, she is incredibly kind. |
| Basically | Simplifying or summarizing a complex idea | Basically, we need to start from scratch. |
| Literally | Emphasizing that something is exact, not exaggerated | I literally waited for three hours at the airport. |
| To be honest | Introducing a frank or sincere statement | To be honest, I was not expecting such good results. |
Many learners confuse actually with currently. They are not the same.
Actually = in truth, in reality (a discourse marker for emphasis or correction).
Currently = at this moment, now (a time expression).
Actually, I live in London. (= This may surprise you, but it is true.)
I currently live in London. (= I live in London right now.)
In modern English, literally is often used for exaggeration (I literally died laughing), but this is informal and considered incorrect in academic or formal contexts. In careful English, literally should mean that something is exactly true, not an exaggeration. Be aware of your audience when using it.
Discourse markers are the invisible glue of natural conversation — they may carry no meaning on their own, but without them, everything falls apart.
— The Grammar GazetteExample Sentences
Formal vs Informal Discourse Markers
Many discourse markers are more suited to casual conversation, while others belong in formal writing and professional speech. Choosing the right register is important — using well or you know in an academic essay would be inappropriate, just as using furthermore in a chat with friends would sound unnatural.
| Function | Formal / Written | Informal / Spoken |
|---|---|---|
| Adding information | Furthermore, Moreover, In addition | On top of that, Also, Plus |
| Contrasting | However, Nevertheless, On the other hand | But, Still, Mind you |
| Giving examples | For instance, For example, Namely | Like, Say, Such as |
| Summarizing | In conclusion, To sum up, In summary | So basically, Anyway, All in all |
| Changing topic | With regard to, Turning to, As for | By the way, Anyway, Speaking of |
| Emphasizing | Indeed, In fact, It should be noted | Actually, Seriously, Literally |
A good rule of thumb: if you are writing an essay, a report, or giving a formal presentation, use the markers from the formal column. If you are speaking to friends, family, or colleagues in a relaxed setting, the informal column will sound much more natural. Mixing registers can make your English sound awkward.
Common Mistakes
Discourse markers seem simple, but learners often misuse them. Here are the most common errors to watch out for:
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ✘ Actually, I am living in Paris. (meaning "now") | ✔ Currently, I am living in Paris. | Actually = in truth, not "at this time" |
| ✘ Well, well, well, I think we should go. | ✔ Well, I think we should go. | Do not repeat discourse markers unnecessarily |
| ✘ By the way, the earth orbits the sun. | ✔ As you probably know, the earth orbits the sun. | "By the way" is for new, usually unrelated info |
| ✘ I literally died when I heard the news. | ✔ I was absolutely shocked when I heard the news. | "Literally" should mean something is exactly true |
| ✘ Basically basically the problem is clear. | ✔ Basically, the problem is clear. | Say the marker once and follow it with a comma |
One of the biggest mistakes learners (and native speakers) make is overusing discourse markers. Saying you know, like, or basically in every sentence makes speech sound unfocused and repetitive. These markers should add value to the conversation, not fill every gap. If you catch yourself repeating the same marker, try pausing silently instead — it sounds much more confident.
Discourse Markers vs Linking Words
Students often confuse discourse markers with linking words (also called conjunctions or connectors). While they may look similar, they serve different purposes. Understanding this difference is essential for using both correctly.
| Feature | Discourse Markers | Linking Words |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Organize the flow of speech and conversation | Connect logical ideas within or between sentences |
| Grammatical role | Not part of the sentence structure; can be removed | Part of the sentence structure; removing changes meaning |
| Typical context | Spoken English, informal communication | Written English, formal communication |
| Examples | Well, So, Anyway, I mean, You know | However, Because, Although, Therefore |
| Can stand alone? | Yes — often at the start of a turn | No — they need clauses on both sides |
| Effect if removed | Meaning stays the same; tone changes | Meaning or logic of the sentence changes |
Try removing the word from the sentence. If the sentence still makes perfect grammatical sense and the core meaning does not change, it is a discourse marker. If the sentence breaks or loses its logic, it is a linking word.
Well, I think so. → I think so. (Still correct = discourse marker.)
I stayed home because it was raining. → I stayed home it was raining. (Broken = linking word.)
Some words can function as both discourse markers and linking words depending on context. For example, so can be a discourse marker (So, what shall we do?) or a linking word showing result (It was raining, so we stayed inside). Always consider the role the word is playing in the sentence before deciding which category it belongs to.