A Deep Dive into Textual Cohesion and Discourse Markers

Textual Cohesion Mechanisms

Anaphora

Anaphora is a relationship where an element (the anaphor), typically a pronoun, determinant, or adverb, refers back to a previously mentioned element (the antecedent).

Cataphora

Cataphora is a relationship where an element refers forward to another element that appears later in the text. It often introduces what follows, for example, after a colon or comma: This is what he said: "I'm leaving."

Ellipsis

Ellipsis is the suppression of a known element that can be retrieved from the context. It can be:

• Nominal Ellipsis: Omitting a noun. Example: The second-year (students) are ready.
• Verbal Ellipsis: Omitting a verb. Example: I haven't read the novel. Me neither (have I read it).

Impersonal Constructions

The speaker intentionally uses impersonal constructions to distance themselves from a statement, make a generalization, or convince the recipient of their credibility. Types include:

• Unipersonal verbs: Verbs related to weather, used only in the third person.
• Grammaticalized verbs: Verbs like to be, to do, or to have used impersonally in the third person.
• Reflexive constructions: Using a reflexive pronoun with a third-person active verb (e.g., se dice in Spanish).

Discourse Connectors

Enumeration

First, second, then, next, besides, finally, on the one hand, on the other hand.

Reformulation

In other words, that is to say, in short, in brief, in conclusion, finally.

Rectification

On the contrary, I mean, rather.

Opposition

However, but, nevertheless, in contrast, on the other hand, although, yet.

Cause or Consequence

Because, since, so, therefore, consequently, as a result, for this reason.

Opinion and Assessment

From my point of view, in my opinion, of course, undoubtedly, possibly, luckily, unfortunately, thank goodness.

Addition

Then, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, by the way, incidentally.

Exemplification

For example, for instance, in particular, specifically, precisely.

Understanding Adjective Types

Specifying Adjectives

Also known as restrictive adjectives, they express a quality of the noun that differentiates it from other objects with the same name. They are typically placed after the noun.

Explanatory Adjectives

Also known as non-restrictive adjectives, they highlight a known or inherent quality of the noun. A special case is the epithet, an explanatory adjective used with literary intent, which can be placed before or after the noun.