cuesphrases

A cuesphrases is a term used to describe short expressions that cue a listener, reader, or system to interpret, respond, or retrieve information in a specific way. The concept spans multiple fields, including linguistics, education, cognitive psychology, and computer science, where cue phrases function as signals that guide discourse, memory, or behavior.

In linguistics and discourse analysis, cue phrases (often considered a subset of discourse markers) signal relationships between parts of a text or conversation. They help manage topic flow, indicate contrast or cause, and mark transitions. Examples include words or phrases like however, therefore, in addition, meanwhile, and for example. These cues do not carry full propositional content on their own but frame how the following or preceding material should be understood.

In education and communication, cue phrases are used as prompts to structure tasks or facilitate recall. Teachers may begin steps with cue phrases such as First, Next, Finally, or Remember that, guiding students through processes or encouraging specific types of reasoning. In language teaching, cue phrases can also aid learners by signaling what kind of response is expected.

In cognitive psychology and memory research, cue phrases serve as retrieval prompts. The effectiveness of a cue depends on how well the phrase is encoded with the target memory and its distinctiveness within the learning context. In applied settings, cue phrases may be used in interviews, surveys, or therapeutic conversations to direct attention or evoke specific memories or responses.

In computing and natural language processing, cue phrases can act as triggers that activate particular system intents, clarify ambiguity, or steer a dialogue toward a desired topic. They are often analyzed to improve user interaction and system understanding.