Discourse markers
Admittedly, That said, Mind you, Incidentally
The rules
- "That said" adds a contrast to what came before.
- "Admittedly" accepts a weakness in your own position.
- "In other words" restates the idea more simply.
- "Incidentally" (or "By the way") moves to a side topic.
- "Mind you" is conversational. The others are formal.
- "That said" starts the sentence and is followed by a comma.
Examples
- The price is high. That said, you get excellent quality.
- Admittedly, I have never used it myself, but reviews are good.
- We need to cut costs by a third. In other words, we must save one euro in three.
- Incidentally
- Mind you
- That said, it is worth trying.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.The price is high. _____, you get excellent quality.
2._____, I have never used it myself, but reviews are good.
3.We need to cut costs by a third. _____, we must save one euro in three.
4.Which marker introduces a side topic?
5.Which is the most informal?