Discourse markers overview

In our speech (and written texts) we don’t only use the words that mean some things, actions, or qualities. We also use words and phrases that help us tell the story, make it coherent, show our attitude to what we talk about or who we talk to. Those words are called discourse markers. Because they help us build the discourse and mark its parts, structure, our attitude/opinion, etc.

Discourse marlers may be divided into three main categories by what they refer to.