How to use linking words in English - BBC English Masterclass

Improve your English grammar with the BBC. Do you know how to use linking words in English? Actually, you should watch this video even if you do! Watch this free online English lesson to find out how.

More in this series:
Future in the past:

Present to talk about the past:

How to mix conditionals:

5 ways to talk about the future:

Using 'which' to add information:

#learnenglish #bbcmasterclass #linkingwords

Transcript:
Hi Sian here for BBC Learning English. There are signposts everywhere - today in this Masterclass we're going to look at ways you can use signposting when you're speaking.

So, there are signposts everywhere and they tell us where to go, but did you know that when we're speaking we use signpost words and phrases to help direct the listener? These are called discourse markers. They help connect what we're saying and tell the listener what information is coming up.

They'll help you sound more fluent and help you understand native speaker conversations.

Listen to my telephone call this morning. I use eight different discourse markers – can you hear all eight...?

...You know I was hosting an amazing dinner party last night? Actually, it was a complete disaster - I burnt the meat… people arrived when I was still cooking. Mind you, I did say 'turn up when you want'… and I did start cooking pretty late!

Anyway, as I was saying, I burnt the meat, the dishes were all ready at different times... the dessert was… oh come to think of it, I completely forgot to serve dessert!

So basically, everyone went home hungry. Anyway, how was your evening? By the way, before I forget, it's my birthday next week and I'm having a dinner party do you want to come?

So the first discourse marker I used was you know, we use this to say: 'I'm going to tell you some information that you already know.' ''You know I was hosting an amazing dinner party last night?''

The second one I used was actually - we use this when we're about to give some surprising information or correct some information. "Actually, it was a complete disaster".

Then I used mind you - we use this when we're about to give an afterthought that contrasts the information that came before, so, "people arrived when I was still cooking. Mind you, I did say 'turn up when you want'..."

The next discourse marker I used was anyway, as I was saying. As I was saying is very useful because it means: 'I'm going to return to what I was talking about before'. So, "as I was saying, I burnt the meat" This is a previous topic.

Then I used the discourse marker come to think of it, we use this when you've just remembered or thought of something as you're speaking "oh come to think of it, I completely forgot to serve dessert!" I'm remembering this as I'm speaking.

Then I used basically - basically is used to summarise what you're going to say. "So basically, everyone went home hungry".

The next one I used was anyway - anyway is really useful and very common. We use it to say 'I'm going to change topic now' or 'I'm going to go back to the original topic' or 'I'm going to finish what I was talking about'. "Anyway, how was your evening?"

And the final one I used was by the way - we use this to say 'I'm going to change direction and talk about something that's not connected to the main topic. "By the way, before I forget, it's my birthday next week."

So basically that's your introduction to discourse markers. We use them all the time, when we're speaking... and come to think of it, when we're writing too. By the way, we have a website BBC Learning English dot com where you can practise these and find out more information. Anyway, see you soon. Goodbye.

#learnenglish #grammar #bbclearningenglish #linkingwords #grammartips #englishtips

[kwonmj]

You know I always listen to your lessons.
Actually you are my favourite host in BBC LEARNING ENGLISH...

[nsneidjcbsk]

What a fabulous video! Mind you, this is just so useful. This channel is helping loads of foreigners who are struggling with speaking English. Basically i love this channel, thanks bbc

[tammytsang]

Actually, BBC learning English is my most favorite channel and I watch it every day. By the way, I need to say thank you for all your great videos.

[Hanaomaxo]

To start with I watched this video 7years after you posted it’s very useful to watch, actually you guys are more than amazing & I love watching your videos since they're easy to understand & basically, I've learned more from this channel…come to think of it I also enjoy listening to your podcast which I think you should upload more of it, anyways love you guys, x thanks!

[saibaba]

Actually, your teaching method is great... As I was saying, your teaching method is not only great but also found very useful. By the way, BBC is a very good platform to improve English language 😀😀....

[buharinasir]

You know BBC learning English is the best free platform to learn English. By the way I like their teaching methods.

[sechkurt]

Hello Sian, Thanks a lot for this wonderful lesson. I love the way you pronounce the words by emphasising each of them. I am in love with your pronunciation. I show your videos to my students in order for them to understand the correct way of pronunciation and intonation. Loves from Turkey. Cheers :)

[helenbghebremehari]

I could hear Sian speak forever. Beautiful accent!

[jefferdiaz]

Hello BBC! I'm grateful to you because since I started watching your videos my learning and teaching English have greatly increased! So... I want to keep improving my English, please don't stop teaching us! Greetings from Valledupar Colombia!

[Draw]

I really need this video for my listening and speaking in my school (UK) Thank you very much ❤

[mohammedalharbi]

basically, I watched your video to learn the proper usage of linking words. Not only did I learn some of them in context, but also got very funny story.

[tammytsang]

Your channel is simply the best for students and English learners everywhere.By the way, binge watching your videos is fun and educational. Thank you!

[sasynadar]

I like the way you always use to deliver the tips thank you so much .

[naseerahmad-iz]

actually your teaching method is so great. by the way before I forget it your so beautiful stay safe and smile

[nicolasdepradoblanco]

Very good content, our university teacher uses this videos to teach us certain things : )

[benson]

Very good introduction for how to use discoure markers. Thanks BBC learning English.

[bozhenwang]

What an amazing video, and so is the teacher!

[LeoNardo-cmch]

I don't have the word to say. Such an amazing lesson! I will track BBC Learning English.long time.

[zemzem]

Thank you Sian, your method of explaining is amazing

[IvanMontesino-qczz]

Comienso con el ingles y e visto este canal y lo veo muy bueno, lo único este es igual al inglés Americano soy Cubano