C1 - Lesson 4: Fixed Expressions for Academic & Professional Communication
The Scaffolding of Sophisticated Discourse
Beyond creative idioms, there is a core set of fixed expressions1 that are the essential building blocks of formal communication. These phrases are discourse markers2—they signal your intentions to your audience and structure the logical flow of your argument. Using these conventional3 phrases correctly is a clear sign of a C1-level ability to navigate academic and professional discussions.
1. Expressions for Concession & Counter-Argument
These phrases show you understand an opposing viewpoint before introducing your own argument. This is a powerful rhetorical strategy.
- It is true that..., however...: Acknowledges a fact before presenting a contrasting one. (Ex: "It is true that the initial investment is high; however, the long-term return is projected to be significant.")
- Admittedly,...: Concedes a point that might seem to weaken your case, just before you introduce a stronger point. (Ex: "Admittedly, the journey was long and tiring. Having said that, it was an unforgettable experience.")
- Having said that,...: A very common way to introduce a point that contrasts with what you just said.
2. Expressions for Clarification & Elaboration
Use these phrases to explain your point more clearly or to provide a specific example.
- In other words,...: Used to rephrase something, often in a simpler way. (Ex: "The system is based on asynchronous communication. In other words, you don't need to be online at the same time.")
- To be more specific,...: Used to provide more detail after a general statement. (Ex: "The project had a positive impact. To be more specific, it created over 50 jobs for the local community.")
- By way of illustration,...: A very formal way to introduce an example. (Ex: "Several historical precedents exist. By way of illustration, consider the events of 1929.")
3. Expressions for Emphasis & Significance
These phrases draw the listener's or reader's attention to your most important points.
- It should be noted that...: A formal way to highlight a key fact. (Ex: "It should be noted that these findings have not yet been peer-reviewed.")
- Crucially,... / Most importantly,...: An adverb placed at the beginning of a sentence to signal significance. (Ex: "Crucially, the new policy will apply to all employees.")
- In the final analysis,...: Used to introduce what you consider to be the most important point or conclusion after a discussion. (Ex: "In the final analysis, a company's greatest asset is its people.")
Discourse in Action: An Excerpt from a Formal Debate
Notice how the speaker uses these fixed expressions to build a structured, persuasive argument.
"My opponent has made some valid points. It is true that the proposed system is not without its flaws. Admittedly, the cost of implementation is a significant concern for many. Having said that, I believe she overlooks the long-term benefits. To be more specific, the efficiency gains will save the company millions over the next decade. Crucially, we must also consider the non-financial benefits, such as improved staff morale. In the final analysis, this is a necessary investment in our future."
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. You want to rephrase a complex idea in a simpler way. Which phrase should you use?
- a) Crucially,...
- b) In other words,...
- c) Having said that,...
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) In other words,...
2. Which phrase is used to introduce a point that contrasts with the one you just made?
- a) To be more specific,...
- b) Having said that,...
- c) By way of illustration,...
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) Having said that,...
3. The phrase "Admittedly,..." is used to...
- a) ...introduce your strongest point first.
- b) ...agree with an opponent's point before making your own.
- c) ...summarize your entire argument.
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) ...agree with an opponent's point before making your own.
edit Your Mission
- Structure an Argument: Combine the following two ideas into one complex sentence using a phrase of concession: "1. The plan is risky. 2. It has a high potential for reward."
- Add Formal Emphasis: Rewrite this simple sentence to sound more formal and emphatic using a phrase from the lesson: "You must remember that the report is due on Friday."
- The C1 Writing Challenge: Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) arguing for or against a topic (e.g., "Should all university education be free?"). Your mission is to use at least two different fixed expressions from this lesson to structure your argument.
book Lesson Glossary
- Fixed Expression (noun phrase) - Khmer: កន្សោមពាក្យកំណត់ (kɑn-saom peak kɑm-nɑt) - A conventional phrase whose meaning or use is fixed and which is used in specific contexts. ↩
- Discourse Marker (noun phrase) - Khmer: សញ្ញាសម្គាល់ការពិភាក្សា (sanh-nhaa sɑm-koal kaa pi-pʰiek-saa) - A word or phrase that organizes discourse and signals the speaker's intention (e.g., 'however', 'in conclusion'). ↩
- Conventional (adjective) - Khmer: តាមទម្លាប់ (taam tum-loap) - Based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed. ↩