"Actually, I have something important to tell you."

Examples:

  • Actually, Scotland is a great country for a holiday.
  • You know, there are many interesting castles here.
  • Basically, it is a great country to visit all year round.
  • By the way, I work for the Scottish tourist board.

Listen to Sian explain 8 common discourse markers.

Now test yourself with the quiz.

This discourse marker is used to change the topic or return to the original topic.

Anyway

This discourse marker is used to tell you information you already know.

You know

This discourse marker is used to return to the original topic.

As I was saying

This discourse marker is used to give surprising information or to correct information.

Actually

This discourse marker is used to give an afterthought that contrast the previous information.

Mind you

This discourse marker is used to change the topic to an unrelated topic.

By the way

This discourse marker is used to summarise.

Basically

This discourse marker is used to add some information you have just remembered.

Come to think of it