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Discourse Vocabulary

Text-level connectors · meta-commentary · academic stance language

Words 1–4

Say each word after your teacher

Be that as it may
although that may be true /bi ðæt əz ɪt meɪ/
The plan is expensive. Be that as it may, it is our best option.
Hitherto
until now or until a particular point in time until now / previously / up to this point
This relationship has been hitherto unexplored in the literature.
Insofar as
to the extent that; to the degree that to the extent that / in so far as
The policy succeeded insofar as it reduced costs, but failed on quality.
By the same token
for the same reason; in the same way; similarly similarly / by the same logic / equally
She values honesty; by the same token, she expects it from others.

Words 5–8

Say each word after your teacher

It follows that
as a logical consequence or conclusion consequently / therefore / as a result
If demand falls, it follows that prices will also decrease.
In light of
taking something into account; considering something as relevant given / considering / in view of
In light of new evidence, the original conclusion must be revised.
To this end
in order to achieve this purpose for this purpose / with this aim
The government launched a new programme. To this end, £500m was allocated.
Inasmuch as
to the extent that; because; for the reason that insofar as / in that / because
The study is relevant inasmuch as it provides baseline data.

Words 9–12

Say each word after your teacher

Caveat
a warning or qualification added to a statement to limit its scope qualification / reservation / proviso
The results are positive, with one important caveat: the sample was small.
Prima facie
at first sight; based on initial evidence, before deeper examination on the face of it / apparently / seemingly
Prima facie, the data supports the hypothesis; further analysis is needed.
By contrast
used to highlight a difference between two things on the other hand / conversely / in contrast
The north saw growth. By contrast, the south experienced decline.
In tandem
alongside and at the same time; together and simultaneously simultaneously / together / in conjunction
Economic and social reforms must proceed in tandem.

Your turn

Answer out loud — full sentences

1
Tell a short story using at least four discourse markers.
2
Argue for and against school uniforms, signposting each point.
3
Summarise your week in three sentences with "to sum up".
4
Change the topic smoothly from sport to food.