Functional Language For B1 Intermediate
Page 2
Take your English to the next level with our B1 Functional Language resource. This section helps you move from simple facts to real conversation, teaching you how to justify your opinions, check understanding, and deal with travel problems. Use the Table of Contents to navigate directly to a section, or visit Page 1 and Page 3 to explore the full intermediate syllabus.
Jump to a section:
Giving Clarification
- That's not exactly what I meant.
- Let me put it another way.
- What I am trying to say is...
- In other words...
Example Context
Boss:
So you don't want to do the project?
You:
No, that's not exactly what I meant.
Boss:
Explain, please.
You:
What I am trying to say is that I need more help to finish it on time.
Apologising
- I owe you an apology.
- I am incredibly sorry for...
- It was careless of me.
- I shouldn't have done that.
Example Context
Anne:
You told everyone my secret!
Mike:
I know. I shouldn't have done that.
Anne:
I am very angry with you.
Mike:
I understand. I owe you an apology.
Accepting Apologies
- It's not a big deal.
- Forget about it.
- No harm done.
- Apology accepted.
Example Context
Tom:
I am sorry I scratched your car. It was an accident.
Sam:
Well, the scratch is very small. It's not a big deal.
Tom:
I will pay for the repair.
Sam:
Honestly, forget about it. It is an old car anyway.
Making Requests
- I was wondering if you could...
- Do you think you could...?
- Would it be possible to...?
- Is there any chance you could...?
Example Context
Guest:
I have an early flight tomorrow.
Hotel:
Certainly.
Guest:
Would it be possible to have breakfast at 6am?
Hotel:
I am afraid the kitchen opens at 7am.
Responding to Requests
- I'd love to, but...
- I'm afraid that's not possible.
- Consider it done.
- I will see what I can do.
Example Context
Boss:
We need these reports by tomorrow morning.
Staff:
I'd love to, but I have too much other work today.
Boss:
It is very urgent.
Staff:
Okay. I will see what I can do.
Expressing Preferences
- I'm not a huge fan of...
- Given the choice, I'd rather...
- It's not really my cup of tea. (Idiom)
- I'm really into...
Example Context
John:
Do you want to go to the opera tonight?
Dave:
To be honest, opera is not really my cup of tea.
John:
Oh. What would you prefer to do?
Dave:
Given the choice, I'd rather go to a rock concert.
Describing People
- He is in his early twenties / late thirties.
- She comes across as... (confident / shy)
- He has a tendency to be...
- She is well-built / slim / tanned.
Example Context
Interviewer:
What did you think of the candidate?
Manager:
He comes across as very intelligent.
Interviewer:
Any negatives?
Manager:
Well, he has a tendency to be a bit arrogant.
Describing Places and Things
- It is located in...
- It is surrounded by...
- The most striking thing about it is...
- It is a lively / bustling / peaceful place.
Example Context
Tourist:
Tell me about your village.
Local:
It is located in a valley and surrounded by mountains.
Tourist:
It sounds beautiful.
Local:
Yes, but the most striking thing is the silence. It is very peaceful.
Interrupting
- May I interrupt for a moment?
- Could I just come in here?
- Before you move on...
- I'd like to add something to that.
Example Context
Speaker:
So, the main cause of the problem is the price...
Audience:
Could I just come in here?
Speaker:
Yes, sure.
Audience:
I'd like to add something about the quality. It is also poor.
Expressing Feelings
- I am absolutely delighted / furious.
- I feel a bit down in the dumps. (Idiom)
- I am really fed up with...
- It gets on my nerves.
Example Context
Jane:
Why are you looking so sad?
Mark:
I am really fed up with my neighbour.
Jane:
Why? What did he do?
Mark:
He plays loud music all night. It gets on my nerves.
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