00 / Other
Discourse markers (advanced)
Advanced discourse markers facilitate nuanced transitions, manage information flow, and signal specific logical relationships in formal and academic contexts.
C1Advanced
01 / Overview
Advanced discourse markers allow speakers and writers to refine the relationship between ideas. They signal concession, generalization, or the extent of a statement. These markers are typically found in formal registers and are essential for achieving C1-level cohesion.
- That said: Introduces a contrasting point after an initial statement has been acknowledged.
- By and large: Indicates that a statement is generally true, despite potential exceptions.
- Insofar as: Specifies the degree or extent to which something is true.
02 / Form and Placement
[Discourse Marker], [Main Clause]
Most advanced discourse markers function as sentence adverbials. They are frequently separated from the main clause by a comma when placed at the beginning of a sentence. Insofar as acts as a subordinating conjunction, linking a dependent clause to a main clause.
03 / Examples
04 / Common mistakes
The weather was poor. That says, we enjoyed the hike.
The weather was poor. That said, we enjoyed the hike.
The phrase is a fixed idiomatic expression using the past participle 'said'.
Insofar that I know, the meeting is still on.
Insofar as I know, the meeting is still on.
'Insofar' must be followed by 'as', not 'that'.
05 / Practice
The film was quite long; ______, the cinematography was breathtaking and kept the audience engaged.
Show answer
Answer: that said
Why: 'That said' is used here to introduce a positive contrast to the negative observation about the film's length.
______, the local population supports the construction of the new park.
Show answer
Answer: By and large
Why: 'By and large' is used to make a general statement about the majority of the population's opinion.
The policy is effective ______ it reduces carbon emissions, but it fails to address economic inequality.
Show answer
Answer: insofar as
Why: 'Insofar as' is used to limit the scope of the policy's effectiveness to a specific area (carbon emissions).