BBC English Masterclass: Learn these useful phrases for English conversation 🗣️

Summary

In this BBC Learning English Masterclass, Sian explains how discourse markers can help improve fluency and comprehension in conversations. Using a conversation with Dan as an example, she highlights seven key discourse markers: 'to tell you the truth,' 'I mean,' 'you see,' 'in other words,' 'at the end of the day,' 'I know,' and 'so to speak.' Each marker serves a distinct function, from introducing opinions and explanations to providing emphasis and summarizing points. Sian emphasizes that with practice, mastering these discourse markers will enhance communication skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discourse markers help you sound more fluent and improve comprehension of native speaker conversations.
• 😀 There are seven different discourse markers covered in the lesson, which help connect ideas during conversations.
• 😀 'To tell you the truth' is used to express an opinion, often when you're about to say what you really think or feel.
• 😀 'I mean' is used to explain or correct a statement, or as a filler to give you time to think.
• 😀 'You see' introduces an explanation or new information to the listener.
• 😀 'In other words' helps explain something differently, either what you've said or what the other person said.
• 😀 'At the end of the day' is a summary expression used to emphasize the most important point after considering everything.
• 😀 'I know' is used when you have a sudden idea or realization during a conversation.
• 😀 'So to speak' is used when a metaphor is being applied, indicating that something is not meant literally.
• 😀 Practice is key to mastering discourse markers and improving your conversational skills in English.
• 😀 The lesson encourages viewers to visit the BBC Learning English website for further practice and resources.

Q & A

What are discourse markers and why are they important in conversations?

Discourse markers are words or phrases that help connect ideas in conversations. They make speech sound more fluent and help speakers better understand native speaker conversations.

How many discourse markers are discussed in the video?

Seven different discourse markers are discussed in the video.

What is the purpose of the discourse marker 'to tell you the truth'?

'To tell you the truth' is used when you are about to give your opinion, especially when sharing something personal or direct.

What function does the discourse marker 'I mean' serve in a conversation?

'I mean' is used to explain or correct a statement, or to buy time in conversation. It often acts as a filler phrase.

What does the discourse marker 'you see' indicate?

'You see' is used when introducing an explanation or providing new information to the listener.

When do we use 'in other words' in a conversation?

'In other words' is used to rephrase or explain something differently, either what you have said or what someone else has said.

What does 'at the end of the day' mean in the context of a conversation?

'At the end of the day' is used to emphasize the most important point after considering everything else, acting like a summary.

What is the function of the discourse marker 'I know' in speech?

'I know' is used when you have a sudden idea or realization while speaking, or to show that you are aware of something.

What does 'so to speak' mean and how is it used?

'So to speak' is used when an expression is not meant literally but metaphorically. It emphasizes that the phrase used is figurative.

Why are discourse markers considered tricky for learners of English?

Discourse markers can be tricky because they often don't have a direct translation and require an understanding of context and nuances in speech.