Connectors

Discourse markers and the subjunctive mood

はじめに

談話標識（ディスコースマーカー）は、話し言葉と書き言葉をより高いレベルで整理する道具です。話題の導入（regarding, as for）、順序（first, finally）、例示（namely, for instance）、要約（in short, to sum up）——使いこなすと論理的で説得力のある文章が書けます。

仮定法（subjunctive）も上級英語の特徴のひとつ。suggest、demand、insistの後に動詞の原形を使う用法です。「I suggest that he leave」は「I suggest that he leaves」よりフォーマルで洗練された印象を与えます。

日本語にも「すなわち」「つまり」「まず」などの接続表現がありますが、英語のディスコースマーカーは種類が豊富で、使い分けが上級者の腕の見せどころ。これらをマスターすれば、本当に英語が使いこなせている証になりますよ。

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この章の英文法一覧（30）

• Discourse Markers Words and phrases that organize and signal discourse structure
• Subjunctive Mood Special verb form for wishes, demands, suggestions, and hypotheticals
• Concession Clauses Advanced ways to express 'although' and contrast
• Participle Clauses Using -ing and -ed forms to connect clauses concisely
• Linking Adverbials Transitional words that connect ideas between sentences
• Fixed Grammatical Expressions Idiomatic phrases with set grammatical patterns
• Hedging and Vague Language Softening statements and being deliberately vague
• Emphatic Particles and Adverbs Words that add emphasis or attitude
• inasmuch as / insofar as Expressing extent or degree of truth
• be that as it may / that said Acknowledging a point while continuing
• Mandative Subjunctive Base verb after verbs of demand, suggestion, necessity
• Formulaic Subjunctive Fixed expressions using subjunctive
• Introducing Topics: As for, Regarding Discourse markers for introducing topics
• Summarizing: In short, To sum up Discourse markers for concluding and summarizing
• Exemplifying: Namely, For instance Discourse markers for giving examples
• Much as / However much Expressing concession about degree or extent
• albeit / notwithstanding Formal concessive expressions
• lest (+ subjunctive) Formal expression meaning 'in case' or 'so that...not'
• Be that as it may Conceding a point while dismissing its importance
• That said / Having said that Introducing a contrasting or qualifying point
• Granted (that) Accepting a point as true before countering
• Much as / Much though Strong concession despite personal feelings
• However + adjective/adverb Expressing 'no matter how'
• Hedging with tend to / appear to / seem to Softening statements to avoid absolute claims
• Vague language (sort of, kind of, stuff, thing) Deliberately imprecise expressions
• Evidential stance markers Showing the source or certainty of information
• seeing (that) / given (that) Formal expressions for reason/cause
• in order to / so as to Formal purpose expressions
• Textual organizers (firstly, moreover, finally) Words that structure discourse
• Cohesive reference (the former, the latter, such) Words that refer back to previous content