Discourse markers (advanced)
C1 AdvancedAdvanced discourse markers facilitate nuanced transitions, manage information flow, and signal specific logical relationships in formal and academic contexts.
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.
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.
Examples
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'.
Practice
The film was quite long; ______, the cinematography was breathtaking and kept the audience engaged.
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that said
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.
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By and large
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.
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insofar as
Answer:insofar as
Why:'Insofar as' is used to limit the scope of the policy's effectiveness to a specific area (carbon emissions).