Linking words are also called discourse markers.
In this article we will discuss how can you use linking words in daily life. Consider a sample conversation given below
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 and 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?
Explanation
You know: we use this marker to say: ‘I’m going to tell you some information that you already know.’
Actually: we use this marker when we’re about to give some surprising or correct some information.
Mind you: we use this marker when we’re about to give an afterthought that contrasts the information that came before.
Anyway, as I was saying: this marker is very useful because it means: “I’m going to return to what I was talking about before”.
come to think of it: we use this marker when you’ve just remembered or thought of something as you’re speaking.
basically: we use this marker to summarize what you’re going to say.
Anyway: this marker is really useful and very common. We use it to say “I’m going to change topic now” or “I’m going back to original topic” or “I’m going to finish what I was talking about”.
By the way: this marker is used to say “I’m going to change direction and talk about something that’s not connected to the main topic”.
