What are "chance givens"?
In linguistics, "chance givens" are words or phrases that are used to introduce new information into a conversation or text. They are often used to signal that the speaker is about to change the topic or to provide additional information about a topic that has already been introduced.
Some common examples of chance givens include:
- by the way
- incidentally
- in passing
- as a matter of fact
Chance givens are important because they help to make conversations and texts more coherent and easier to follow. They also help to signal the speaker's intentions and to create a sense of flow in the conversation or text.
Here are some examples of how chance givens can be used in conversation:
- ", , ..." ("By the way, I forgot to tell you that...")
- ", , ..." ("Incidentally, I saw the film you were talking about...")
- ", ..." ("As a matter of fact, I wanted to ask you about...")
Chance givens are a valuable tool for speakers and writers who want to communicate effectively. They can help to make conversations and texts more coherent, easier to follow, and more engaging.
Chance Givens
In linguistics, chance givens are words or phrases that are used to introduce new information into a conversation or text. They signal that the speaker is about to change the topic or provide additional information about a topic that has already been introduced.
- Function: Introduce new information
- Type: Discourse markers
- Form: Often adverbs or adverbial phrases
- Examples: Incidentally, by the way, as a matter of fact
- Purpose: Make conversations and texts more coherent and easier to follow
- Effect: Create a sense of flow in the conversation or text
- Usage: Common in both spoken and written language
Chance givens are a valuable tool for speakers and writers who want to communicate effectively. They can help to make conversations and texts more coherent, easier to follow, and more engaging.
For example, in the following conversation, the chance given "by the way" is used to introduce a new topic:
Speaker A: I'm going to the store later. Do you need anything?Speaker B: No, I'm good. By the way, did you hear about the new restaurant that opened downtown?Speaker A: No, I didn't. Tell me more.
In this example, the chance given "by the way" signals to Speaker A that Speaker B is about to change the topic to the new restaurant. This helps to make the conversation more coherent and easier to follow.
1. Function
The primary function of chance givens is to introduce new information into a conversation or text. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as:
- Changing the topic: Chance givens can be used to signal that the speaker is about to change the topic of conversation.
- Providing additional information: Chance givens can be used to provide additional information about a topic that has already been introduced.
- Introducing a new perspective: Chance givens can be used to introduce a new perspective on a topic that has already been discussed.
Chance givens are an important tool for speakers and writers who want to communicate effectively. They can help to make conversations and texts more coherent and easier to follow. They can also help to create a sense of flow in the conversation or text.
Here are some examples of how chance givens can be used to introduce new information:
- "By the way, I forgot to tell you that..."
- "Incidentally, I saw the film you were talking about..."
- "As a matter of fact, I wanted to ask you about..."
Chance givens are a valuable tool for speakers and writers who want to communicate effectively. They can help to make conversations and texts more coherent, easier to follow, and more engaging.
2. Type
Discourse markers are words or phrases that are used to organize and structure discourse. They can be used to signal the beginning or end of a topic, to indicate a change in perspective, or to introduce new information. Chance givens are a type of discourse marker that is used to introduce new information into a conversation or text. They are often used to signal that the speaker is about to change the topic or to provide additional information about a topic that has already been introduced.
The use of discourse markers is essential for creating coherent and well-organized discourse. They help to make it clear to the listener or reader how the different parts of a conversation or text are related to each other. Chance givens are a particularly important type of discourse marker because they help to introduce new information in a way that is clear and easy to follow.
Here are some examples of how chance givens can be used in discourse:
- "By the way, I forgot to tell you that..."
- "Incidentally, I saw the film you were talking about..."
- "As a matter of fact, I wanted to ask you about..."
These examples show how chance givens can be used to introduce new information in a way that is clear and easy to follow. They help to make the discourse more coherent and well-organized.
3. Form
Chance givens are often expressed as adverbs or adverbial phrases. This is because adverbs and adverbial phrases are typically used to modify verbs or clauses, which allows them to introduce new information into a conversation or text in a clear and concise way.
- Adverbs: Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They can be used to express a variety of meanings, such as manner, time, place, and frequency. For example, the adverb "incidentally" is often used to introduce new information that is related to the topic at hand.
- Adverbial phrases: Adverbial phrases are groups of words that function as adverbs. They can be used to express a variety of meanings, such as manner, time, place, and frequency. For example, the adverbial phrase "by the way" is often used to introduce new information that is not directly related to the topic at hand.
The use of adverbs and adverbial phrases as chance givens is a common feature of both spoken and written language. This is because adverbs and adverbial phrases are a versatile and effective way to introduce new information into a conversation or text.
4. Examples
The examples "incidentally," "by the way," and "as a matter of fact" are all common chance givens. They are used to introduce new information into a conversation or text in a clear and concise way. These chance givens are often used to change the topic, provide additional information, or introduce a new perspective.
For example, the chance given "incidentally" can be used to introduce new information that is related to the topic at hand. In the following example, the speaker uses "incidentally" to introduce new information about a movie that the listener has mentioned:
"I really enjoyed the movie you recommended. Incidentally, I saw the sequel last week and it was even better!"
The chance given "by the way" can be used to introduce new information that is not directly related to the topic at hand. In the following example, the speaker uses "by the way" to introduce new information about a restaurant that they have heard about:
"I'm really excited to try the new restaurant downtown. By the way, have you heard about the new sushi place that opened up?"
The chance given "as a matter of fact" can be used to introduce new information that is factual or true. In the following example, the speaker uses "as a matter of fact" to introduce new information about a historical event:
"The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. As a matter of fact, I visited the Liberty Bell last summer."
These examples show how chance givens can be used to introduce new information into a conversation or text in a clear and concise way. They are an important tool for speakers and writers who want to communicate effectively.
5. Purpose
Chance givens are a type of discourse marker that is used to introduce new information into a conversation or text. They can be used to signal that the speaker is about to change the topic, to provide additional information about a topic that has already been introduced, or to introduce a new perspective. Chance givens are an important tool for speakers and writers who want to make their conversations and texts more coherent and easier to follow.
- Clarification and Coherence: Chance givens can help to clarify the relationship between different pieces of information in a conversation or text. They can be used to signal that a new piece of information is related to the previous information, or that it is a new topic altogether. This can help to make the conversation or text more coherent and easier to follow.
- Signaling Transitions: Chance givens can be used to signal transitions between different parts of a conversation or text. For example, they can be used to indicate that the speaker is about to change the topic, or to provide additional information about a topic that has already been introduced. This can help to make the conversation or text more organized and easier to follow.
- Introducing New Information: Chance givens can be used to introduce new information into a conversation or text in a clear and concise way. They can be used to introduce new facts, ideas, or perspectives. This can help to keep the conversation or text moving forward and to prevent it from becoming stale.
- Examples: Some common examples of chance givens include: "by the way," "incidentally," "as a matter of fact," and "in passing." These words and phrases can be used to introduce new information into a conversation or text in a clear and concise way.
Overall, chance givens are a valuable tool for speakers and writers who want to make their conversations and texts more coherent and easier to follow. They can be used to clarify relationships between different pieces of information, to signal transitions, and to introduce new information. By using chance givens effectively, speakers and writers can create more engaging and informative conversations and texts.
6. Effect
Chance givens help to create a sense of flow in conversation or text by providing smooth transitions between different pieces of information. They signal to the listener or reader that new information is being introduced, and they help to make the conversation or text more coherent and easier to follow. For example, the chance given "by the way" can be used to introduce a new topic that is related to the previous topic, or to provide additional information about a topic that has already been introduced. This helps to keep the conversation or text moving forward and to prevent it from becoming disjointed or confusing.
Creating a sense of flow in conversation or text is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps to make the conversation or text more engaging and interesting. When the conversation or text flows smoothly, the listener or reader is more likely to stay engaged and to follow the conversation or text all the way through. Second, creating a sense of flow helps to make the conversation or text more effective. When the listener or reader can easily follow the conversation or text, they are more likely to understand and remember the information that is being communicated.
Chance givens are a valuable tool for speakers and writers who want to create a sense of flow in their conversations and texts. By using chance givens effectively, speakers and writers can make their conversations and texts more engaging, interesting, and effective.
7. Usage
Chance givens are common in both spoken and written language because they are a versatile and effective way to introduce new information. They can be used to signal that the speaker or writer is about to change the topic, to provide additional information about a topic that has already been introduced, or to introduce a new perspective. Chance givens can also be used to create a sense of flow in conversation or text, and to make it more coherent and easier to follow.
In spoken language, chance givens are often used to introduce new information that is related to the topic at hand. For example, a speaker might use the chance given "by the way" to introduce new information about a movie that the listener has mentioned. In written language, chance givens are often used to introduce new information that is not directly related to the topic at hand. For example, a writer might use the chance given "as a matter of fact" to introduce new information about a historical event.
The ability to use chance givens effectively is an important skill for both speakers and writers. By using chance givens effectively, speakers and writers can make their conversations and texts more coherent, easier to follow, and more engaging.
Here are some tips for using chance givens effectively:
- Use chance givens sparingly. Too many chance givens can make your conversation or text sound disjointed and confusing.
- Choose the right chance given for the situation. There are many different chance givens to choose from, so it is important to choose the one that best fits the situation.
- Use chance givens to introduce new information. Chance givens should not be used to repeat information that has already been introduced.
FAQs on "Chance Givens"
This section addresses frequently asked questions about "chance givens" to clarify any misconceptions and provide a comprehensive understanding of their usage and importance in communication.
Question 1: What exactly are "chance givens"?Chance givens are discourse markers commonly used in conversations and texts to introduce new information. They signal a shift in topic, provide additional details on an existing topic, or present a fresh perspective on the ongoing discussion.
Question 2: What role do chance givens play in communication?Chance givens are crucial for enhancing the coherence and flow of communication. They guide listeners or readers through the conversation or text, making it easier to follow and comprehend the information being conveyed.
Question 3: Can you provide some examples of chance givens?Sure! Here are some commonly used chance givens: "by the way," "incidentally," "as a matter of fact," and "in passing."
Question 4: Are chance givens only used in informal settings?Not at all! Chance givens are appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. They are commonly found in academic writing, professional presentations, and everyday conversations.
Question 5: How can I use chance givens effectively in my communication?To use chance givens effectively, consider the following tips:
- Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your audience with too many transitions.
- Choose the most appropriate chance given for the context and information you want to introduce.
- Ensure that the information introduced using chance givens is relevant and adds value to the conversation or text.
By implementing these tips, you can leverage chance givens to enhance the clarity, coherence, and engagement of your communication.
To delve deeper into the topic of chance givens, explore the following resources:
- Resource 1
- Resource 2
Conclusion on "Chance Givens"
In conclusion, chance givens are indispensable tools in effective communication. They provide seamless transitions, enhance coherence, and facilitate a smooth flow of information. Their versatility extends across both spoken and written language, making them equally valuable in casual conversations and formal presentations.
By incorporating chance givens strategically, we can elevate the clarity, engagement, and overall impact of our communication. They empower us to navigate conversations and texts with ease, ensuring that our messages are received with the intended understanding and impact.
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