Meta decourse means what?

Question

I'm in a written comm. class.

Answer 1

Metadiscourse is a term used in philosophy to denote a discussion about a discussion, as opposed to a simple discussion about some topic.

Metadiscourse is also a function of grammar in which a word, or group of words, functions to comment on what is in the sentence. It is, usually, an introductory adverbial clause. It is any word or words that is included within a clause or sentence that goes beyond the subject itself, and often examines the purpose of the sentence or response from the author. Metadiscourse within grammar can include phrases such as "frankly," "after all," "On the other hand," "To our surprise" and numerous phrases.

Metadiscourse is a particular kind of redundancy which we use to refer to:

    * the writer's intentions: to sum up, candidly, I believe

    * the writer's confidence: may, perhaps, certainly, must

    * directions to the reader: note that, finally, therefore, however

    * the structure of the text: first, second, finally, therefore, however

Most writing needs metadiscourse, but too much buries ideas. Technical, academic, and other non-fiction writers should use metadiscourse sparingly