Functional Language For A2 Elementary & Pre-Intermediate
Page 3
Ready to move beyond the basics? This A2 Functional Language guide focuses on routine interactions and social politeness. You will learn how to make plans, give directions, and tell simple stories about the past. Use the Table of Contents below to find the specific function you need, or use the links to jump ahead to Page 1 and Page 2 for the rest of the list.
Jump to a section:
Inviting
- Are you doing anything on...?
- Would you like to come to...?
- Do you fancy...? (+ ing)
- I was wondering if you wanted to...
Example Context
Paul:
Are you doing anything on Friday night?
Liz:
No, I'm free. Why?
Paul:
Do you fancy going for a drink?
Liz:
Yes, I'd love to.
Making Plans and Arrangements
- What time shall we meet?
- I am meeting... (Present Continuous)
- I am going to... (Future plan)
- Can we meet a bit later?
Example Context
Dan:
So, we are going to the cinema on Saturday.
Jo:
Yes. What time shall we meet?
Dan:
How about 7pm?
Jo:
Can we meet a bit later? I finish work at 6:30.
Giving Directions
- Go straight on.
- Turn left / Turn right.
- Take the second turning on the right.
- It is opposite the... / It is next to...
Example Context
Driver:
Excuse me. How do I get to the supermarket?
Local:
Go straight on until the traffic lights.
Driver:
Okay. And then?
Local:
Turn left. It is opposite the bank.
Narrating Past Events
- First... Then... After that...
- Suddenly...
- In the end... / Finally...
- While I was... (Past Continuous)
Example Context
Tom:
Tell me about your holiday.
Sue:
It was a disaster. First, we missed the flight.
Tom:
Oh no. What happened next?
Sue:
Then, I lost my luggage. In the end, we came home early.
Making Comparisons
- X is bigger than Y.
- It is not as... as...
- It is the most... in the world.
- Which one is better?
Example Context
Shopper:
I like the Samsung phone and the iPhone.
Clerk:
The iPhone is more expensive than the Samsung.
Shopper:
But is the camera good?
Clerk:
Yes. It is as good as a professional camera.
Welcoming Visitors (Hospitality)
- Come in.
- Please take a seat.
- Make yourself at home.
- Can I take your coat?
Example Context
Host:
Hello John! Come in. Good to see you.
Guest:
Thanks for inviting me.
Host:
Can I take your coat?
Guest:
Yes, thank you. It is cold outside!
Explaining a Problem
- It isn't working.
- There is a problem with...
- I have lost my...
- It's broken / It's damaged.
Example Context
Customer:
Excuse me. I bought this toaster yesterday.
Shop:
Is everything okay?
Customer:
No. It isn't working. The bread doesn't cook.
Shop:
I see. Do you have your receipt?
Congratulating and Wishing Well
- Congratulations! / Well done!
- Good luck.
- I hope you...
- Fingers crossed.
Example Context
Sarah:
I passed my driving test!
Mike:
Wow! Well done! That is great news.
Sarah:
But now I have to buy a car.
Mike:
Good luck with that. Cars are expensive.
Expressing Sympathy
- I am sorry to hear that.
- That's a pity / That's a shame.
- Oh dear.
- Don't worry. It will be okay.
Example Context
John:
I didn't get the job.
Anna:
Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
John:
I really wanted it.
Anna:
That's a shame. But you will find something better.
Talking about Habits
- I usually...
- I never...
- Once / Twice a week.
- I tend to...
Example Context
Doctor:
Do you exercise?
Patient:
Yes. I usually go running on Saturdays.
Doctor:
Only on Saturdays?
Patient:
Well, I go to the gym twice a week too.
