Mr.Maru: Christmas is almost here Sparky!

Sparky: I know I can't wait to open presents.

Mr.Maru: Speaking of presents, we need to go Christmas shopping.

Sparky: Yes, that's important, but I want food now.

Mr.Maru: Well, regarding shopping, I think we should go to the North Mall.

Sparky: I'm hungry. Let's eat.

Mr.Maru: I don't think you are listening to me. As for food, you can wait. You are getting fat.

Sparky: I want to be like Santa Claus.

Mr.Maru: Oh, Sparky, calm down.

How do we use discourse markers to focus or link sentences? Discourse markers or sometimes called sentence connectors or just connectors. They help link sentences together, so your writing is clearer. Today we will talk about discourse markers that focus the subject.

Discourse Markers – 'speaking of', 'talking of', 'about'

We use these discourse markers to change and focus the subject. For example,

A: Jack called me last night. He said he is coming to the party.

B: Oh, good! Speaking of Jack, do you know he is getting married!
A: Really!

A: I loved English class yesterday. Mr. Chambers is so funny!
B: He is so boring. I fell asleep... About English class, can I see your notes? (There is usually a pause between the first mention of the subject and the next mention.)

Discourse Markers – 'as regards' and 'as far as … is concerned'

These discourse markers are also used to change the subject, but the speaker changes the subject not the listener. For example,

'speaking of...'

A: I really like Thomas Drive. I just saw his new movie Mission Possible 10. Amazing!
B: Speaking of movies, do you want to go see 2038 with me?

vs.

'as regards'

A: What do you want to do this weekend? Oh, is that Thomas Drive? Oh, no. It isn't.
B: I really like Thomas Drive. I just saw his new movie Mission Possible 10. Amazing! As regards this weekend, let's see 2038!

'as far as … is concerned'

The living room needs new carpet. Now as far as the kitchen is concerned it needs new cabinets.

Do you understand? Let's check with a short quiz.

1) A: I want to go get something to eat. Do you want to go to Charley's for lunch?

B: Yeah. ___________ food, did you try those cookies Jane brought? They are delicious.

A) As regards …

B) Talking of …

C) As far as …

2) Production managers need to produce more. ________ sales, they need to sell more.

A) As regards …

B) Speaking of …

C) As far as …

3) A: Do you have plans tonight? (talking to C)

B: Oh, hey Bob, Did you go to that meeting in the morning? Can I have the notes? I heard it was boring.

A: It was okay. Here are the notes.

B: Great thanks.

C: ______ tonight, I'll probably work overtime.

A) As far as …

B) Speaking of …

C) About ...

Answers

1) B) – B: is changing the subject to food.

2) A) – The speaker wants to change and focus the subject on sales.

3) C) – The discourse marker 'about' is usually used to return to a subject after it has not been mention for awhile.

Can you write another example? Try it in the comments below.

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