Fill in the Blanks Discourse MarkersOnline version Choose the correct use of each DM in context by Rocio Martinez 1 shared unexpected information the floor holding response A : " I can ? t function without my morning coffee . " B : " Y ? know , everyone loves a good cup of coffee in the morning . " In this context , the DM " Y'know " signals : 2 contrast repetition clarification A : " Should we leave at 8 AM ? " B : " I think we should leave early to avoid traffic . I mean , it ? s usually really bad around this time . " In this context , the DM " I mean " signals : 3 repetition suspension delay A : " We need to finish this report by Friday . " B : " By the way , did you see the email from the client ? " In this context , the DM " By the way " signals : of the main topic 4 main forward important aside round back A : " The weather has been crazy this week . " B : " Yeah , it's been unpredictable . Anyway , about that project we ? re working on , do you have the latest update ? " In this context , the DM " Anyway " signals : an comment and going to the main topic 5 similarity contrast clarification A : " We used to think the old system was efficient . " B : " Now , with the new software , our productivity has doubled . " In this context , the DM " Now " signals : 6 taking holding yielding A : " We ? ve been discussing the new plans for a while now . " B : " So , what do you think about the new marketing strategy ? " In this context , the DM " so " signals : anticipation of a question and the floor 7 attention distraction contradiction A : " I'm not sure how to proceed with this issue . " B : " Look , we need to address this issue before it becomes a bigger problem . " In this context , the DM " look " functions as : an getter 8 request warning inviation " Look , if you don ? t finish your work on time , there will be serious consequences . " " Listen , you need to stay away from that area . It's not safe . " In this context , the DM " Look " signals : a 9 expected unexpected A : " Can you help me with the project this afternoon ? " B : " Well , I thought I could help you with the project , but I ? ve just been assigned a new task . " In this context , the DM " Well " signals : an response