Discourse markers … oh! …
Oh is a very common and very versatile discourse marker, which is often used in combination with other words or phrases.
By itself, oh is usually used to indicate surprise or a sudden realization in a number of different situations.
Speaker (who has just spilled some water on someone else): Oh, I’m so sorry!
Speaker (who has just been told he is wearing a nice suit): Oh, thank you so much!
Speaker (who has just been reminded she needs to turn in a report for work): Oh, you’re right! Thanks for reminding me.
Speaker (who has just remembered a question he wants to ask someone): Oh, did you remember to put out the trash?
Speaker (who has just realized she made a mistake): Oh, I didn’t mean Broadway. That restaurant is on Main Street.
Speaker (who has just been told something upsetting): Oh, that’s awful! You must be so upset.
To change the meaning of oh or to intensify it, we can use lots of variations or changes of intonation.
As a question, with a rising intonation, we can ask, Oh? Oh really? Oh yeah?
Or, with a lowering intonation, we can reply, Oh, as a way of expressing disapproval or disappointment.
Speaker 1: The hotel doesn’t have a record of our reservation.
Speaker 2: Oh. (Or, said with sarcasm: Oh, great.)
To intensify the surprise and sometimes indicate concern about the speaker or situation, you can say:
Oh my!
Oh my goodness!
Oh my gosh!
Oh my God! (many Americans would consider this strong language and I would avoid using it unless you are sure it’s appropriate)
To indicate resignation or acceptance of something that’s not to your liking, you might use: Oh well.
Speaker 1: They just announced our flight is going to be delayed two hours.
Speaker 2: Oh well. I guess we’d better call the hotel and say we’re going to be late.
On the other hand, if something really bad happens, you might say: Oh no!
To agree with someone, you might say: Oh yeah! But with a different intonation, this same phrase could be used as a question, or even as a retort to a perceived insult.
Another common phrase is oh boy! Depending on your intonation, this can express pleasure, distress, or surprise.
Oh boy, I can’t wait to go!
Oh boy, we’re in trouble now!
Oh boy, I can’t believe she said that!
And, finally, when we remember something and want to catch someone’s attention, we often say: Oh, by the way …
Speaker: Oh, by the way, did you hear that Amal Clooney is expecting twins?
