آکادمی تخصصی آموزش زبان اسمارت

استارتر های جمله یا Discourse Markers

The phrases we're referring to are commonly known as "discourse markers," "conversation fillers," or "sentence starters." These are words or phrases used to structure speech, organize thoughts, or buy time while speaking. They help make conversations flow more naturally and are especially useful in spoken English. While "starters" isn't entirely incorrect, "discourse markers" or "sentence starters" are more precise terms.

Although these words and phrases were previously covered extensively in the IELTS test materials section, the following is a categorized list of highly practical and common starters in sentences that has been compiled and provided for you. You can use them in daily conversations, language learning classes, or any class held in English, or to better understand English podcasts and videos. These phrases are versatile and can be adapted to different situations.

توضیح به زبان فارسی

عباراتی که میخواهیم به آنها بپردازیم عمدتاً به‌عنوان فیلرهای مکالمه (پرکننده‌ها) یا استارتر های جمله (شروع‌کننده‌ها)  شناخته می‌شوند. این‌ها کلمات یا عباراتی هستند که برای ساختاردهی گفتار، سازماندهی افکار، یا به اصطلاح عامیانه برای خرید زمان هنگام صحبت استفاده می‌شوند. این کلمات و عبارات به طبیعی‌تر شدن جریان مکالمات کمک می‌کنند و به‌ویژه در انگلیسی گفتاری بسیار مفید و کاربردی هستند.

با وجود اینکه پیشتر در بخش مطالب مربوط به آزمون آیلتس به صورت بسیار گسترده به این کلمات و عبارت پرداخته شده بود، در ادامه، فهرستی دسته‌بندی‌شده از استارترهای بسیار کاربری و رایج در جمله جمع‌آوری و در اختیار شما قرار داده شده است که می‌توانید از آنها در مکالمه روزمره، کلاس های آموزشی زبان  یا هر کلاسی که به زبان انگلیسی برگزار می شود، یا برای درک بهتر پادکست و ویدیوهای انگلیسی استفاده کنید. این عبارات همه‌کاره هستند و می‌توان آنها را برای موقعیت‌های مختلف تطبیق داد.

Using these phrases will help you sound more natural and fluent in English!

استفاده از این عبارات به شما کمک می‌کند تا در زبان انگلیسی طبیعی‌تر و روان‌تر صحبت کنید!

---

- "As far as I know..."

- "In my opinion..."

- "I believe that..."

- "From my perspective..."

- "To the best of my knowledge..."

- "If you ask me..."

- "It seems to me that..."

- "Personally, I think..."

- "The way I see it is..."

---

- "Moreover..."

- "In addition to that..."

- "On top of that..."

- "What’s more..."

- "Another thing to consider is..."

- "Not only that, but..."

- "And another point is..."

---

- "On the other hand..."

- "However..."

- "That being said..."

- "Although..."

- "Even though..."

- "At the same time..."

- "Nevertheless..."

- "In contrast..."

- "Whereas..."

---

- "For example..."

- "For instance..."

- "Such as..."

- "Take [something] as an example..."

- "To illustrate this..."

- "Let me give you an example..."

- "A good example of this is..."

---

- "In conclusion..."

- "To sum up..."

- "All in all..."

- "In summary..."

- "To wrap things up..."

- "Overall..."

- "The bottom line is..."

- "So, in short..."

---

- "The most important thing is..."

- "What really matters is..."

- "I’d like to stress that..."

- "It’s worth noting that..."

- "Let me highlight..."

- "Above all..."

- "Keep in mind that..."

---

- "I’m not sure, but..."

- "It could be that..."

- "I might be wrong, but..."

- "As far as I know..."

- "To the best of my understanding..."

- "If I’m not mistaken..."

- "I guess..."

- "Perhaps..."

---

- "Let’s move on to..."

- "Going back to what I was saying..."

- "As I was saying..."

- "Now, where was I?"

- "Let’s focus on..."

- "Getting back to the point..."

- "What I mean is..."

- "Let me clarify that..."

---

- "I completely agree with you."

- "You’re absolutely right."

- "That’s a good point."

- "Exactly!"

- "I couldn’t agree more."

- "That’s so true."

- "You’ve hit the nail on the head."

---

- "I see your point, but..."

- "I’m not so sure about that."

- "I don’t agree with that."

- "That’s not how I see it."

- "I beg to differ."

- "I think we have different opinions on this."

- "Actually, I think..."

---

- "What do you mean by that?"

- "Could you explain that a bit more?"

- "Can you elaborate on that?"

- "I’m not sure I understand. Could you clarify?"

- "Could you repeat that, please?"

- "Do you mean that...?"

---

- "Let me think about that for a moment..."

- "That’s a good question..."

- "Hmm, let me see..."

- "Well, that’s an interesting point..."

- "How can I put this..."

- "Let me rephrase that..."

- "Where do I start?"

---

- "Speaking of..."

- "That reminds me..."

- "By the way..."

- "On that note..."

- "Moving on to..."

- "Let’s shift gears..."

- "As I mentioned earlier..."

- "This brings me to my next point..."

---

- "I’m absolutely sure that..."

- "There’s no doubt that..."

- "I’m convinced that..."

- "Without a doubt..."

- "It’s clear to me that..."

- "I strongly believe that..."

---

- "Sorry to interrupt, but..."

- "If I could just add something..."

- "Can I jump in here?"

- "Excuse me, but..."

- "I’d like to say something about that..."

- "Before we move on, can I just say..."

---

- "I’m sorry, but..."

- "Excuse me, could you..."

- "I didn’t mean to interrupt, but..."

- "Please forgive me if I’m wrong, but..."

- "I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but..."

- "Really? Tell me more."

- "That’s interesting."

- "What happened next?"

- "And then?"

- "I’d love to hear more about that."

- "Go on..."

- "How fascinating!"

---

- "Wow, I didn’t expect that!"

- "Really? That’s amazing!"

- "You’re kidding!"

- "No way!"

- "That’s unbelievable!"

- "Seriously?"

---

You might have wondered that do native English speakers commonly use these phrases in everyday conversation and writing?

شاید این سوال براتون پیش اومده باشه که آیا انگلیسی زبانان این عبارات را در مکالمات و نوشتار روزمره به طور معمول استفاده می‌کنند؟

The answer is yes!

native English speakers commonly use many of these phrases, especially in spoken conversations, but also in writing depending on the context. However, the frequency and choice of these phrases depend on factors like the formality of the setting, the speaker's personal style, and whether the communication is spoken or written.

Here’s a breakdown of how and when these phrases are used in everyday conversation and writing:

1. Everyday Conversations

Native speakers frequently use these phrases to:

Organize their thoughts: e.g., "Let me think about that for a moment..." or "What I mean is..."

Buy time: e.g., "Hmm, let me see..." or "That’s a good question..."

Add emphasis: e.g., "The most important thing is..." or "Above all..."

Show agreement or disagreement: e.g., "You’re absolutely right" or "I see your point, but..."

Transition between ideas: e.g., "Speaking of..." or "By the way..."

Express uncertainty: e.g., "I guess..." or "As far as I know..."

These phrases are especially common in informal conversations, where people want to sound natural and keep the conversation flowing. For example:

In casual chats: "So, in short, it was a great trip!" or "Let me give you an example of what I mean."

In professional settings (like meetings): "To sum up, we need to focus on the budget."

Native speakers often use discourse markers unconsciously, as they are ingrained in the way they speak.

2. Writing

In writing, the use of these phrases depends on the style and formality of the text:

Formal Writing

In academic or professional writing, some of these phrases are used, but they are often more structured and formal:

Examples in essays or reports:

"In conclusion..." (to summarize)

"For instance..." (to give examples)

"Moreover..." or "In addition to that..." (to add information)

"On the other hand..." (to contrast ideas)

Discourse markers in formal writing are carefully chosen to maintain clarity and professionalism. However, fillers like "Hmm, let me think..." or "Well..." are avoided in formal writing.

Informal Writing

In informal writing, such as emails, social media posts, or personal blogs, these phrases are used more freely to mimic conversational tone:

Examples:

"By the way, did you hear about that new movie?"

"What’s more, it’s super affordable!"

"So, in short, it was a fantastic experience."

Using these phrases in informal writing helps the writer sound approachable and relatable.

3. Do Native Speakers Use All of These Phrases?

While native speakers use many of these phrases, some are more common than others. For example:

Very common phrases: "I guess," "Let me think," "For example," "On the other hand," "In my opinion," "By the way."

Less common in casual speech: Formal phrases like "To sum up," "In conclusion," or "To illustrate this" are more typical in formal settings or writing.

Additionally, native speakers often simplify or shorten phrases in casual speech. For example:

Instead of "To the best of my knowledge," they might say, "As far as I know."

Instead of "Let me clarify that," they might say, "What I mean is..."

4. Regional and Cultural Variations

The use of some phrases can vary depending on the region or cultural background of the speaker. For example:

In British English, phrases like "I suppose" or "I reckon" are more common.

In American English, phrases like "I guess" or "You know what I mean?" are frequently used.

Some phrases, like "Let me think for a moment," are universal and understood in all varieties of English.

5. Overuse of These Phrases

While these phrases are useful, overusing them can make speech or writing sound repetitive or unnatural. For example:

Saying "In my opinion" before every statement might sound redundant.

Using too many fillers like "Hmm" or "Well" can make someone seem unsure or hesitant.

Native speakers tend to use these phrases sparingly and naturally, often mixing them with other conversational tools like tone, gestures, or pauses.

6. How to Teach or Use These Phrases Effectively

To help learners sound natural, emphasize that:

Context matters: Some phrases are more suited for formal settings (e.g., "In conclusion..."), while others are better for casual speech (e.g., "So, anyway...").

Variety is key: Encourage learners to use a range of phrases to avoid sounding repetitive.

Practice makes perfect: Role-playing, listening to native speakers, and practicing in real-life situations can help learners internalize these phrases.

Conclusion

Yes, native English speakers commonly use these phrases in both conversation and writing, but they adapt their use depending on the context (formal or informal) and the situation.

Understand the concepts in the text.

The following text is written using the above-mentioned discourse markers, which have been listed for various situations. The text could be about the recession and the horrible economy in a country, mentioning that people's financial ability is considerably declining. Additionally, they expect the government to resolve the situation in the coming years because they love their country and obviously don't want it to deteriorate. Discourse markers are highlighted to be easily found. Efforts have been made to use news vocabulary along with common expressions and words that are useful and could be applicable for empowering you to understand similar texts and encourage you to speak more confidently and fluently. Moreover, easy-to-hard vocabulary used in the text will be listed with their synonyms or definitions at the end of the text.

متن زیر با استفاده از استارترهایی لیست شده در بالا که برای موقعیت‌های مختلف فهرست شده‌اند، نوشته شده است. متن ممکن است درباره رکود و اقتصاد وحشتناک یک کشور باشد، با اشاره به اینکه توانایی مالی مردم به طور قابل‌توجهی در حال کاهش است. علاوه بر این، آنها انتظار دارند که دولت این وضعیت را در سال‌های آینده حل کند زیرا کشورشان را دوست دارند و بدیهی است که نمی‌خواهند وضعیت بدتر شود. عبارت های استارتر در متن بولد شده اند تا به راحتی قابل شناسایی باشند. ضمنا سعی شده تا از واژگان خبری همراه با عبارت‌ها و کلمات رایج و مفید استفاده شود که می‌توانند برای توانمندسازی شما در درک متون مشابه و ترغیب شما به صحبت کردن با اعتماد به نفس و روانی بیشتر مفید باشند. علاوه بر این، واژگان آسان تا سخت استفاده شده در متن، در انتهای متن با مترادف‌ها یا تعاریف آنها فهرست خواهد شد.

Text: The Recession and Economic Challenges in a country

As far as I know, the current economic situation in the world is one of the most challenging periods in recent history. To the best of my knowledge, the recession has deeply affected every aspect of people's lives, and what’s more, the financial ability of many families has considerably declined. For instance, individuals who could once afford basic necessities are now struggling to make ends meet. In addition to that, the rising inflation and unemployment rates have made it even harder for people to maintain a decent standard of living.

On the other hand, despite these difficulties, many people remain hopeful. The way I see it is that they expect the government to take serious action to resolve this crisis in the coming years. If you ask me, this optimism stems from their love for their country. Above all, they don’t want to see their country deteriorate further. Let me give you an example: even though businesses are closing and investments are shrinking, people continue to work hard and support one another, showing their resilience and determination.

That being said, the government’s role in addressing this issue cannot be overstated. The most important thing is to implement policies that stabilize the economy and reduce the financial burden on ordinary citizens. For example, lowering inflation and creating job opportunities would be a significant step forward. At the same time, transparency in decision-making and combating corruption would help rebuild public trust. To sum up, while the current situation is dire, there is still hope for improvement if the right measures are taken.

Personally, I think people's sense of unity and perseverance will play a key role in overcoming these challenges. In conclusion, the road ahead may be difficult, but with collective effort and effective leadership, a brighter future is still within reach.

Vocabulary List (Easy to Hard)

Recession (noun) – a period of economic decline where trade and industrial activity are reduced.
رکود اقتصادی
Synonym: economic downturn
In the text: Recession

Financial ability (noun) – the capacity to manage money and meet expenses.
توانایی مالی
Synonym: monetary capacity
In the text: Financial ability

Decline (verb) – to decrease or worsen over time.
کاهش یافتن
Synonym: deteriorate, reduce
In the text: Declined

Necessities (noun) – basic things that are essential for living.
ضروریات
Synonym: essentials, basics
In the text: Necessities

Inflation (noun) – the rate at which prices for goods and services increase over time.
تورم
Synonym: price rise
In the text: Inflation

Unemployment (noun) – the state of being without a job despite being willing to work.
بیکاری
Synonym: joblessness
In the text: Unemployment

Standard of living (noun) – the level of wealth, comfort, and material goods available to a person or group.
استاندارد زندگی
Synonym: quality of life
In the text: Standard of living

Resilience (noun) – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
تاب‌آوری
Synonym: toughness, endurance
In the text: Resilience

Deteriorate (verb) – to become worse over time.
بدتر شدن
Synonym: decline, worsen
In the text: Deteriorate

Stabilize (verb) – to make something steady or consistent.
تثبیت کردن
Synonym: secure, balance
In the text: Stabilize

Transparency (noun) – openness and honesty in communication or processes.
شفافیت
Synonym: clarity, openness
In the text: Transparency

Corruption (noun) – dishonest or fraudulent behavior, especially by those in power.
فساد
Synonym: dishonesty, fraud
In the text: Corruption

Perseverance (noun) – persistence in doing something despite difficulty.
پشتکار
Synonym: determination, persistence
In the text: Perseverance

Burden (noun) – a heavy load or responsibility.
بار سنگین
Synonym: strain, weight
In the text: Burden

Collective effort (noun) – actions taken together by a group to achieve a goal.
تلاش جمعی
Synonym: teamwork, collaboration
In the text: Collective effort

Solutions to Overcome the Economic Challenges

Encourage Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship

Governments can provide low-interest loans and training programs to help small businesses thrive.

This creates jobs and boosts local economies.

Control Inflation

Implement monetary policies to control inflation and stabilize prices of essential goods.

Increase Transparency and Fight Corruption

Build public trust by ensuring transparency in government decisions and cracking down on corruption.

Invest in Education and Skill Development

Provide affordable education and vocational training to equip people with skills for high-demand industries.

Promote Exports and Attract Foreign Investment

Strengthen trade relations and create a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investors.

Support Vulnerable Groups

Offer subsidies or financial aid to low-income families to help them meet their basic needs.

Encourage Community Support

Foster community initiatives where people help each other through food banks, shared resources, or local support systems.

By focusing on these solutions, any country can navigate through this challenging period and build a stronger, more resilient economy.

Role-Play Conversation: Discussing the Economic Challenges in Iran

Below is a question-and-answer role-play conversation that simulates a discussion between a teacher and a student about the economic challenges in Iran. The teacher asks thought-provoking questions, and the student responds using the discourse markers and vocabulary from the original text. This format encourages students to think critically, practice their speaking skills, and engage with the topic.

Teacher-Student Role-Play

Teacher:

Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to talk about the economic challenges in Iran. Let’s start with a general question.
What do you know about the current economic situation in Iran?

Student:

As far as I know, the economy in Iran is facing a serious recession. To the best of my knowledge, inflation and unemployment are rising, and people are struggling financially. For example, many families can no longer afford basic necessities.

Teacher:

That’s a good point. Now, let’s dig deeper.
Why do you think people’s financial ability is declining so much?

Student:

Well, I think there are several reasons. First of all, inflation has made the prices of goods and services much higher. In addition to that, unemployment has left many people without stable incomes. What’s more, the lack of proper government policies has made the situation worse.

Teacher:

Interesting. On the other hand, some people believe that Iranians are very resilient.
Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

Student:

Personally, I think that’s true. The way I see it is that Iranians are strong and determined. For instance, even though many businesses are closing, people still find ways to support one another. Above all, they love their country and want to see it improve.

Teacher:

That’s a great observation. That being said, what do you think the government should do to help solve these problems?

Student:

The most important thing is for the government to control inflation and create more job opportunities. For example, they could support small businesses and encourage entrepreneurship. At the same time, they need to fight corruption and increase transparency to rebuild public trust.

Teacher:

Good suggestions! Let me give you an example: some countries have successfully reduced inflation by stabilizing their economies.
Do you believe Iran can achieve something similar in the coming years?

Student:

In my opinion, it’s possible, but it won’t be easy. To sum up, the government needs to act quickly and implement effective policies. If you ask me, with the right leadership and the collective effort of the people, Iran can recover.

Teacher:

Excellent! Now let’s think about individuals.
What can ordinary people do to overcome these challenges and navigate through this difficult period?

Student:

Well, people can focus on supporting each other and building strong communities. For instance, they can start local initiatives like food banks or shared resources. In addition to that, they can develop new skills or start small businesses to generate income. All in all, teamwork and perseverance are key during tough times.

Teacher:

Great answers! In conclusion, what gives you hope for the future of Iran’s economy?

Student:

I believe that the love and unity of the Iranian people give me hope. What really matters is that they don’t give up, even in hard times. To wrap things up, if the government and the people work together, I’m optimistic that things will improve.

Follow-Up Activity

After the role-play, ask students to switch roles and create their own questions based on the topic. Encourage them to use the discourse markers and vocabulary in their responses.

Vocabulary List for Role-Play (Easy to Hard)

Recession (رکود اقتصادی) – a period of economic decline; Synonym: economic downturn

Inflation (تورم) – the increase in prices over time; Synonym: price rise

Unemployment (بیکاری) – the state of being jobless; Synonym: joblessness

Financial ability (توانایی مالی) – the capacity to manage money; Synonym: monetary capacity

Necessities (ضروریات) – basic needs; Synonym: essentials

Resilience (تاب‌آوری) – the ability to recover from difficulties; Synonym: toughness

Deteriorate (بدتر شدن) – to become worse; Synonym: decline

Stabilize (تثبیت کردن) – to make steady; Synonym: balance

Transparency (شفافیت) – openness in communication; Synonym: clarity

Corruption (فساد) – dishonest behavior; Synonym: fraud

Perseverance (پشتکار) – persistence despite difficulty; Synonym: determination

Collective effort (تلاش جمعی) – teamwork; Synonym: collaboration

Solutions to Discuss in Class

• Encourage Entrepreneurship – Discuss how starting small businesses can create jobs.
• Control Inflation – Explore how governments can stabilize prices.
• Community Support – Talk about how people can help each other through initiatives like food banks.
• Skill Development – Highlight the importance of learning new skills to adapt to the job market.
• Transparency in Leadership – Explain how reducing corruption can rebuild trust.

تاریخ انتشار: 1403/11/23