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To change the direction of a conversation, but making a link with what has just being said.
(Only spoken)
- A: Nice shirt! Hasn't Harry got one just like it?
- B: Talking of Harry, have you seen him recently?
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To introduce something you have just thought of, or to change the subject completely.
(One of them only spoken)
So let's meet at five o'clock then. By the way/Incidentally, could you possibly lend me some money until the weekend?
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To introduce additional surprising or unexpected information.
- A. Did you see the match last night?
- B. No I didn't. Actually/In fact/As a matter of fact I don't really like football.
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To introduce the idea that what you said before was less important than what you're going to say. // To return to the main topic after a digression.
We didn't go away at the weekend because I had too much work. In any case/Anyway the wheather was awful, so we didn't miss anything.
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To introduce a positive point after some negative information. // To make what you have just said less definite.
- Yet, it was a bad accident. At least nobody was killed, though.
- Tommy's coming to the meeting, or at least he said he was.
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To return to a previous subject, often after you have been interrupted.
As I was saying, if Mark gets the job we'll have to recognize the department.
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To generalise.
On the whole, I think that women make better journalists than men.
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To say that you are taking everything into consideration.
I like both flats, but all in all, I think that I prefer the one next to the cathedral.
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To introduce a strong argument that the other person maynot have taken into consideration.
I think we should by them. After all, we'll never find them anywhere cheaper than this.
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To add additional information or arguments.
I don't think I'll come to Nick's party. It'll finish very late. Besides, I won't know many people there.
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To introduce the most important or fundamental point.
Basically, my job involves computer skills and people skills.
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To introduce a fact that is very clear to see or understand.
Obviously you can't get a real idea of life in Japan unless you can speak the language.
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To make things clearer or give more details. // To justify your opinion.
(Code gloss)
(Only spoken)
She's very selfish. I mean, she never thinks of other people at all.
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To say something again in another way.
(Code gloss)
A lot of people booed, and some people even left early. In other words, it was a complete disaster.
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To say what the result would be if something did not happen or if the situation were different.
Please try not to make a mess when you make the cake. Otherwise I'm going to have to clean the kitchen again.
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To introduce a new topic or to announce a change of subject.
That's all you need to know about the travel arrangements.As far as accomodation is concerned / As regards / Regarding accomodation, the options are living with a family or living in a hall of residence.
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To introduce an explanantion or clarification of a point you have just made.
(Code gloss)
The governments are going to help first-time buyers. That is to say, they're going to make mortgages more easily available.
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To balance contrasting facts or points. (The second one is also used alone to introduce a contrasting fact or a point)
On (the) one hand, more young people today carry knives. On (the) other hand, the total number of violent crimes has dropped.
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This is my own opinion
Personally
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I believe this is a sad thing
Unfortunately
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It is easy to understand (2)
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It is well deserved
Justifiably
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I believe this is a good thing (2)
Fortunately // Thankfully
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