FUNCTIONS 2BAC
1- Making and responding to requests
Making a request Accepting a request Rejecting a request
-Do you mind if I... ? -No problem. -I’m very sorry but I
-Is it possible... ? -Yes, sure. can’t.
-Can you/I... ? -With pleasure. -I’m afraid I can’t.
-I was wondering if -Yes, Of course. -I’m sorry but that’s out
you/I could... ? -Yes, feel free. of the question.
-I would be grateful if -No, actually I can’t.
you could... -Not a chance.
Examples :
A : Can you send me the pictures you took for me, please ?
B : Yes, of course. (accept request)
A : I was wondering if you could bring me my jacket ?
B : I’m very sorry but I cannot.(refuse/reject request)
2- Expressing Lack of Understanding and Asking for Clarification
Expressing Lack of Understanding Asking for clarification
-I beg your pardon? -What do you mean?
-I don’t quite understand. -Do you mean …?
-I don’t quite follow you. -What do you mean?
-I don’t quite see what you mean. -Could you be more explicit?
-I’m not quite sure I know what you -Could you say that again?
mean. -Can you explain more, please?
Example:
Tailor: I’m sorry but I think I lost your suit.
Client: I beg your pardon? Do you mean it’s not here?
3- Complaints
Complain verb
Complaint noun
Making a complaint Accepting a complaint Rejecting a complaint
-I don’t know how to -I’m sorry, this will -Sorry, there is nothing
say it, but … never happen again. we can do about it.
-I have got a bit of -I’m sorry. We promise -Sorry, but it’s not our
problem here, you see… never to make the same fault.
-I just don’t know how mistake again. -I’m afraid there isn’t
to say it but,… -I can’t tell you how much we can do about
-Look, I’m not really sorry I am. it.
not satisfied with the -I’m really sorry about
way you... that.
-I am in the obligation -this won’t happen
of saying that… again.
-I have a complaint -I’m sorry. I wish it
about… never happened.
Examples :
A: I’sorry to bother you but, last night you were playing some loud music and
I couldn’t seelp.
B: I’m sorry, this will never happen again. (Accept Complaint)
A: I’m in the obligation of saying that you have a poor Wi-Fi in this café.
B: We are sorry sir, but truley there is nothing we can do about it. (reject the
complaint)
4- Apologizing
Apologise verb
Apology noun – apologies (plural)
Making an Apology Accepting an Apology Refusing an Apology
-I do apologize for -That's all right. -I can’t forgive you.
+(verb+ing) -Never mind. -That’s not OK
-I must apologize for... -It doesn't matter. -What you did is
-I apologize for... -Don't worry about it. unforgiveable.
-I'd like to apologize -Don't mention it.
for... -That's OK.
-I am so sorry for… -I quite understand.
-Please, forgive me -You couldn't help it.
for... -Forget about it.
-I'm terribly sorry for... -No harm is done.
Examples :
A: I apologize for not coming at the right time as I promised.
B: That’s ok, no harm is done. Let’s fix another date. (accept apology)
A: It was my fault to damage the USB I borrowed from you. I’m so sorry.
B: OH! I can’t forgive you. My father has just bought it for me. (refuse
apology)
5- Asking for and giving Opinion
Asking for opinion Giving opinion
-What’s your opinion about …? -I think that…
-Do you believe that …? -In my opinion,…
-What do you think of …? -As far as I’m concerned, …
-What is your opinion about…? -For me, …
-Don’t you think that…? -It seems to me that …
-As far as you’re concerned, -If you ask me, I would say that…
what/who/where/why…? -To my mind, …
-What/ who do you believe is…?
Examples :
Amy: In your opinion teacher, what is the best way to learn English?
Teacher: I think that the best way to learn English is to watch English films.
A: Do you believe that there will be flying cars in the future?
B: I am convinced that scientists will invent them very soon.
A: I think so too.
6- Agreeing and disagreeing
Agreeing Disagreeing
-I agree with you -I disagree with you
-I totaly agree with you. -I don’t think so
-I’m with you on this -Sorry to say this, but you are wrong.
-I’m for it -I don’t agree with you.
-That’s true -I see what you want to say, but you
-I share the same view. are wrong.
-You are right -I’m afraid I don’t agree with you
-You are absolutely right.
Examples :
A: I think that people who are funny are also very smart.
B: I totally agree with you. I heard Charlie Chaplin was very
intelligent.(agree)
A: I think Instagram is better that Facebook.
B: I’d say the exact opposite. Facebook has some useful tools.(disagree)
7- Advice
Advice noun
Advise verb
Asking for advice Giving advice
-What should I do? -I advise you to …
-What can I do ? -You should … / you shouldn’t …
-What’s your advice …? -You ought to …
-What do you advise me to do? -If I were you, I would …
-If you were in my place, what -You’d better...
would you do ?
-What do you think I should do ?
Example:
A : What do you think I should do to succeed in my bac teacher ?
B : You’d better organise your time and revise well.
8- Expressing Certainty and Uncertainty
Expressing certainty Expressing uncertainty
-Of course. -Perhaps/maybe.
-For sure…. -I’m not sure
-Surely yes. -I don’t believe that…
-I’m absolutly sure -I have doubt about………
-I’m certain -I doubt that………
-I’m positive -It may/might be true.
-I have no doubt about…… -I’m uncertain about………
-That must be true.
Examples :
A: Do you think that singers deserve the attention they get?
B: Without any doubts, we need to give that attention to scientists.
A: Would you like to see a movie later?
B: I’m not sure if that will be convenient because I have a lot of homework.
9- Responding to Good News and Bad News
Responding to good news Responding to bad news
-Congratulations! -Please accept my deepest
-Wow! That sounds exciting. sympathy.
-That’s fantastic. -That must be awful.
-I’m really happy to hear that. -I’m sorry to hear such terrible
news.
Examples:
A: I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news; my grandmother passed away.
B: Please accept my deepest sympathy.
A: Ready for some great news? I’ve got the best grades in my school!
B: I’m really happy to hear that. You’re a great student.
10- Suggestion
Making a suggestion Accepting a suggestion Refusing a suggestion
-shall we... ? -That sound like a good -no, let’s not
-What shall we do ? idea. -I don’t feel like it.
-How about ..? -That’s a good idea. -that’s not a good idea.
-why don’t we.. ? -Yeah, if you like. -I’m afraid I can’t.
-What about ...? -Yes, I don’t mind. - I’d love to, but...
-Let’s ... + verb -I’d love to.
‘’without to’’
Examples :
A : Let’s go to the beach this week-end for a swim.
B : I don’t think that’s a good idea, the weather is still a bit cold. (refuse
suggestion)
A : Why don’t we go jogging tomorrow morning, what do you think?
B : That’s sounds great, I can definitely use some morning fresh air. (accept
suggestion)
11- Invitation
Making invitations Accepting invitations Declining invitations
-How about ...? -Great! I’d be delighted -I hate to turn you down
-I was wondering if to. but…
you’d like to… -I’d love to. -I wish I could, but I’m
-I’d like to invite you -It sounds great! busy.
to… -Sounds fun! -I’m afraid I can’t’ but
-What about ...? -Sure thing! thanks anyway.
-Would you care to…? -That would give us the -I’m tied up (tonight)…
-Would you like to… ? great pleasure. -Thanks for asking, but
-Let’s ....+ ‘’verb’’ -What a nice/great idea! I really can’t.
Examples :
A : would you like to come over for dinner tonight ?
B : yes, I’d love to. (accept invitation)
A : how about watching a movie ?
B : I hate to turn you down, but I have class tomorrow morning I really need
to go to bed. (decline the invitation)
