15 Nov Connecting parts of the sentence
Lexical discourse cues
Lexical discourse cues are essential elements of the language which connect different parts of the discourse. Producing complex and coherent structures indicates proficiency and fluency in the language, this is why lexical discourse cues are so necessary.
a) Lexical discourse cues are discourse markers, coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. Each will be used in different ways and for different purposes. The following is a list with the most common ones:
CONTRAST
But, whereas, on the other hand, unlike, although, however, in spite of, despite (the fact that), nevertheless, instead, while, though.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Because (of), due to, for that reason, since, as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, so that, in order to.
EMPHASIS
In fact, as a matter of fact, that means, indeed, in other words, actually.
EXAMPLE
For example, for instance, to illustrate.
ADDITION
In addition, additionally, and, moreover, furthermore, not only… but also, besides, as well as.
TIME
First(ly), second(ly), then, when, while, meanwhile, as soon as, next, eventually, before long.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, to sum up, in summary, in short, in conclusion, to summarize, as we have seen.
CONDITION
If, as long as, provided, even if, only if, otherwise.
b) The differences between subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions and discourse markers are the following:
- Coordinating conjunctions join two independent sentences
Lisa is 4 years-old and John is four.
This is a typical acronym used to remember them:
F = for
A = and
N = nor
B = but
O = or
Y = yet
S = so
- Subordinating conjunctions join a subordinate clause to a main clause.
He asked if the train was delayed.
Here´s a list:
after | how | till ( or ’til) |
although | if | unless |
as | inasmuch | until |
as if | in order to | when |
as long as | lest | whenever |
as much as | now that | where |
as soon as | provided (that) | wherever |
as though | since | while |
because | so that | |
before | than | |
even if | that | |
even though | though |
Some subordinated conjunctions are usually followed by noun phrases:
After the Second World War, Hungary’s international role changed.
Here’s a list of them:
In contrast to – Because of – In addition to – different from – due to – unlike – as a result of – Similar to – Despite – Before / after – Like – in spite of – until – since- during
- Linking words/phrases, sentence connectors or discourse markers join two independent clauses but with a semicolon (;) or period (.). They can occur in the initial, middle and final position.
The company’s profits weren’t very high last month. Therefore, I decided to call a meeting.
Here’s a list:
Therefore – however- in addition- in fact- thus- in contrast- furthermore- as a matter of fact- consequently- on the other hand- moreover- indeed- as a result- instead- besides- hence- rather- additionally- for this reason- however First- similarly- otherwise- nevertheless- second- likewise- Afterward- still- After that- Later- Then / Next- on the contrary- On the whole- For example- in other words- In conclusion- In general- For instance- that means (that)- To conclude- Generally- To illustrate- In summary- Generally speaking- To summarize- As we have seen- In short
c) It’s important to know how to use these lexical cues in context. Some of them are more formal than others and are, therefore, only used in writing. Here are some examples of formal and informal lexical discourse cues:
+ INFORMAL + FORMAL
BECAUSE (OF)
AND, BESIDES, AS WELL AS BUT, WHEREAS, ALTHOUGH AS WE HAVE SEEN, IN SHORT |
CONSEQUENTLY, THEREFORE, THUS
IN ADDITION, ADDITIONALLY, MOREOVER NEVERTHELESS, ON THE OTHER HAND TO CONCLUDE, IN CONCLUSION |
Doing this practice exercise will help you to learn them.
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