Functional Language For B1 Intermediate
Page 3
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 2 to explore the full intermediate syllabus.
Jump to a section:
Inviting
- I was wondering if you'd like to...
- We are having a party and we'd love you to come.
- Are you up for...?
- Let me know if you want to join us.
Example Context
Tom:
Hey, we are going hiking this weekend.
Sue:
Oh, that sounds fun.
Tom:
I was wondering if you'd like to come with us?
Sue:
Definitely! I'm up for that.
Making Plans and Arrangements
- Shall we say... 7pm?
- What day suits you best?
- I can make it on...
- Something has come up. Can we reschedule?
Example Context
Tim:
We need to meet to discuss the project.
Kay:
Okay. What day suits you best?
Tim:
Tuesday is good for me. Shall we say 10am?
Kay:
Yes, I can make it on Tuesday.
Checking Understanding
- Do you know what I mean?
- Do you see what I'm getting at?
- Am I making sense?
- Are you with me so far?
Example Context
Tutor:
You need to use the present perfect here, not the past simple.
Student:
Why?
Tutor:
Because the time period is not finished. Do you see what I'm getting at?
Student:
Yes, I think I understand now.
Explaining and Justifying
- The main reason is...
- This is due to...
- That is why...
- On account of... (Formal)
Example Context
Boss:
Why are sales down this month?
Staff:
Well, the main reason is the bad weather.
Boss:
The weather?
Staff:
Yes. Fewer people went shopping on account of the heavy rain.
Making Generalisations
- Generally speaking...
- On the whole...
- In general...
- Broadly speaking...
Example Context
Survey:
Do people in your country eat healthy food?
Local:
It depends, but generally speaking, yes.
Survey:
What about fast food?
Local:
Young people eat it, but on the whole, we prefer home cooking.
Making Predictions
- It is likely that... / It is unlikely that...
- I expect that...
- It will probably...
- It is bound to... (Certainty)
Example Context
Fan 1:
Do you think our team will win the match?
Fan 2:
No. It is highly unlikely that they will win.
Fan 1:
Why?
Fan 2:
Because the other team is much stronger. They are bound to win.
Expressing Certainty and Uncertainty
- I am absolutely positive / certain.
- I have no doubt that...
- I am not entirely sure.
- I doubt it.
Example Context
Cop:
Are you sure you locked the door?
Owner:
Yes, I am absolutely positive.
Cop:
Could someone have a key?
Owner:
I doubt it. Only I have a key.
Giving Instructions and Warnings
- Make sure you...
- Whatever you do, don't...
- Watch out for...
- Be careful not to...
Example Context
Guide:
This mountain path is dangerous.
Walker:
What should we do?
Guide:
Make sure you stay on the path. And watch out for falling rocks.
Walker:
Okay, thanks.
Granting and Refusing Permission
- Go ahead. / Feel free.
- I'm afraid that's not possible.
- It is not allowed. / It is forbidden.
- I don't see why not.
Example Context
Guest:
Is it okay if I smoke here?
Host:
I'm afraid that's not possible. This is a non-smoking building.
Guest:
Okay. Can I go outside?
Host:
Yes, go ahead. The garden is open.
Paraphrasing
- It's a kind of...
- It's used for... (+ ing)
- It's stuff for...
- It looks a bit like...
Example Context
Buyer:
I need a tool for the garden, but I forgot the name.
Shop:
Describe it to me.
Buyer:
It's used for cutting the grass.
Shop:
Ah, you mean a lawnmower?
