Analyze the words in bold in the sentences below:

1. However, we need to think about animals, too
2. ‘…but is now under threat from nature itself.’
3. ‘Due to exhaustion or stormy weather…’
4. ‘As a result of all these factors…’

We can infer that the words in bold:

1. They are called discourse markers or linking words, as they help the speaker to manage the conversation and mark when it changes.
2. Discourse markers are words and phrases used in reading to ‘signpost’ discourse.
3. Linking words show us turns, join ideas together, and generally control communication.
4. Discourse markers are referred to more commonly as ‘linking words’ and ‘linking phrases’, or ‘sentence connectors’.
5. They are used more frequently in speech, unless the speech is very formal.

Choose the alternative which contains all the correct affirmatives.