The Identification of Argumentative Indicators

Some words and expressions used in argumentative discussions and texts often indicate that a particular argumentative move is being made. The use of ‘in my opinion’, ‘to my mind’, ‘the way I see it’ or ‘thus’ or ‘therefore’ may, for example, introduce a standpoint, and the use of ‘because’ or ‘given that’ argumentation. We call words and expressions that may refer to argumentative moves such as putting forward a standpoint or argumentation argumentative indicators. The use of these argumentative indicators is a sign that a particular argumentative move might be in progress, but it does not constitute a decisive pointer. The word ‘therefore’, for instance, can also be used as filler, and, next to an argumentation, the word ‘because’ may introduce an explanation. Nevertheless, depending on the context, the use of these words is sufficient reason to consider whether a standpoint or an argumentation is being introduced. Other argumentative indicators refer to argumentative moves in a similar way.