The first of my language lists – here are six uses for the most common discourse marker in English – OK. Examples provided relate to a fictitious Christmas day dinner.
1. To show you agree with someone. “Shall we open some more wine?” “Ok.”
2. To ask or check if someone agrees with you. “I’ll bring in the next course, ok?” “OK!”
3. To indicate that you are changing the subject or starting a new topic. “Is everyone listening? OK, I just wanted to say how nice it is to see you again. I know it’s been a long time since I’ve been home for Christmas blah blah…”
4. To say that something is satisfactory. “Is the turkey ok? Not too dry, I mean.”
5. To say that something is suitable. “The doctor said it was ok for me to have a drink this Christmas, so yes please I’ll have a single malt.”
6. To close a conversation. “OK. I should really… I should really be getting to bed. Thanks for the dinner, it was fantashtic…”
Can anyone else think of other typical examples to illustrate these uses? Post a comment!
Six Things 