Functional Language For B1 Intermediate
Page 1
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 2 and Page 3 to explore the full intermediate syllabus.
Jump to a section:
Asking for Opinions
- What is your view on...?
- Do you have any thoughts on...?
- How do you feel about...?
- What do you reckon? (Informal)
Example Context
Boss:
We are thinking of changing the office hours.
Staff:
Oh, really? What are the new hours?
Boss:
8am to 4pm. What is your view on that?
Staff:
Actually, I think that sounds great.
Giving Opinions
- Personally, I think...
- It seems to me that...
- If you ask me...
- From my point of view...
Example Context
Sam:
Do you think we should buy this house?
Jo:
Personally, I think it is too small for us.
Sam:
But the location is perfect.
Jo:
I know, but it seems to me that we need a bigger garden.
Expressing Agreement
- I couldn't agree more.
- You have a point there.
- I suppose you are right.
- That is exactly what I think.
Example Context
Leo:
Social media wastes a lot of time.
Amy:
Yes, I couldn't agree more. People spend hours scrolling.
Leo:
But it is also useful for news.
Amy:
True. You have a point there.
Expressing Disagreement
- I'm afraid I disagree.
- I see what you mean, but...
- That is not entirely true.
- I'm not convinced.
Example Context
Tim:
Electric cars are the future. Everyone will have one soon.
Sue:
I see what you mean, but they are still very expensive.
Tim:
The price will go down eventually.
Sue:
Maybe. I'm afraid I disagree about "soon". It will take years.
Making Suggestions
- It might be a good idea to...
- Have you considered...? (+ ing)
- Why don't we try...?
- I suggest that we...
Example Context
Team:
Sales are down this month. What can we do?
Manager:
Have you considered offering a discount?
Team:
We tried that last year and we lost money.
Manager:
Okay. Then it might be a good idea to improve our advertising.
Responding to Suggestions
- That sounds perfect / awful.
- I'm up for that. (Informal)
- I'm not sure if that's a good idea.
- I'd prefer to do something else.
Example Context
Alex:
We have a free weekend. Why don't we go camping?
Ben:
To be honest, I'm not sure if that's a good idea. It is going to rain.
Alex:
Okay. How about the cinema then?
Ben:
Yeah, I'm up for that.
Asking for Information
- I was wondering if you could tell me...
- Do you happen to know...?
- Could you find out...?
- I'd like some information regarding...
Example Context
Client:
Hello. I was wondering if you could tell me when my order will arrive.
Admin:
Let me check your file.
Client:
Also, do you happen to know if it has been shipped yet?
Admin:
Yes, it left the warehouse yesterday.
Asking for Advice
- What do you advise me to do?
- Do you think I should...?
- What would you do if you were me?
- I don't know what to do about...
Example Context
Tom:
I hate my job, but the salary is good.
Sue:
That is a difficult situation.
Tom:
What would you do if you were me?
Sue:
I would start looking for a new job immediately.
Giving Advice
- If I were in your shoes, I would...
- You'd better... (Warning)
- It might be worth... (+ ing)
- Have you thought about...? (+ ing)
Example Context
John:
My computer keeps crashing.
Tech:
Have you thought about updating the software?
John:
Yes, I did that, but it is still slow.
Tech:
Well, it might be worth buying a new hard drive.
Asking for Clarification
- What exactly do you mean by...?
- Could you go over that again?
- Do you mean...?
- I'm not quite sure I follow you.
Example Context
Tutor:
You need to improve the cohesion of your essay.
Student:
Sorry, I'm not quite sure I follow you.
Tutor:
Your ideas need to link together better.
Student:
Ah, okay. Do you mean I should use more linking words?
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