Lexical Bundles

This text addresses the form, use, and instruction in lexical bundles, or a sequence of words that are likely to occur together within a register, or situational variety of language. For example, “on the other hand” is a lexical bundle that frequently occurs in the academic register. Many new college students, including ESL students, write without regard for register, the demands of the particular audience and situation, using the language of the conversational register ("Last time I checked") instead of the academic ("In my experience"). Alternatively, when attempting the academic register, they make mistakes (“in the other hands” rather than "on the other hand"). Knowing lexical bundles improves reading and writing fluency, saves on processing time, and increases accuracy of register use. In this text, the author presents her research on the form and use of lexical bundles and offers strategies for their instruction.