Functional Language For A2 Elementary & Pre-Intermediate
Page 1
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 2 and Page 3 for the rest of the list.
Jump to a section:
Asking for Opinions
- What do you think of...?
- Do you think...?
- How do you feel about...?
- What is your opinion on...?
Example Context
Jane:
I watched the new Bond film yesterday.
Mark:
Oh really? What did you think of it?
Jane:
It was okay, but a bit long. Do you think Daniel Craig is a good actor?
Mark:
Yes, I think he is excellent.
Giving Opinions
- I think (that)...
- In my opinion...
- I find it... (boring / difficult)
- To be honest...
Example Context
Boss:
How is the new project going?
Staff:
To be honest, it is quite difficult.
Boss:
Why?
Staff:
I think that we need more time to finish it.
Expressing Agreement
- I think you are right.
- That is true.
- Absolutely.
- I suppose so. (Weak agreement)
Example Context
Tom:
We should book the holiday now because flights are cheap.
Sue:
Yes, I think you are right.
Tom:
It might be more expensive next month.
Sue:
That is true. Let's book it today.
Expressing Disagreement
- I don't think so.
- I disagree.
- I am not sure about that.
- Yes, but...
Example Context
Leo:
Train travel is better than driving.
Mia:
I disagree. Driving is much faster.
Leo:
Maybe, but trains are more relaxing.
Mia:
I am not sure about that. Trains are often crowded.
Making Suggestions
- Shall we...?
- How about...? (+ ing)
- Why don't we...?
- We could...
Example Context
Paul:
It is a beautiful day. What shall we do?
Liz:
How about going for a picnic?
Paul:
I don't have any food. We could go to a restaurant instead.
Liz:
Good idea. Shall we take the bus?
Responding to Suggestions
- That sounds like a good idea.
- I'd love to.
- I'd rather not.
- I'm not sure.
Example Context
Alex:
Why don't we go to the Italian restaurant tonight?
Sam:
That sounds like a good idea. I love pizza.
Alex:
Great. Afterwards, shall we go dancing?
Sam:
To be honest, I'd rather not. I am quite tired.
Asking for Information
- Could you tell me...?
- Do you know if...?
- I would like to know...
- Have you got any idea...?
Example Context
Tourist:
Excuse me. Could you tell me where the museum is?
Local:
It is down the street on the left.
Tourist:
Thank you. And do you know if it is open today?
Local:
Yes, I think it closes at 5pm.
Asking for Advice
- What should I do?
- Do you have any advice?
- What would you do?
- Can you give me some advice about...?
Example Context
Ben:
I lost my passport. What should I do?
Cop:
You need to go to your embassy immediately.
Ben:
Do you have any advice about how to get there?
Cop:
Yes, take a taxi. It is faster.
Giving Advice
- You should... / You shouldn't...
- Why don't you...?
- If I were you, I would...
- It is a good idea to...
Example Context
Emma:
I am always tired in the morning.
Dan:
Why don't you go to bed earlier?
Emma:
I try, but I look at my phone in bed.
Dan:
If I were you, I would leave my phone in another room.
Asking for Clarification
- Sorry, did you say...?
- What do you mean by...?
- Could you explain that again?
- I didn't catch that.
Example Context
Guide:
The train leaves at thirteen-fifteen.
Man:
Sorry, did you say 13:15 or 13:50?
Guide:
13:15. Quarter past one.
Man:
Ah, okay. And what do you mean by "Platform 4B"?
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