Functional Language For B2 Upper Intermediate
Page 2
Refine your fluency with this guide to B2 Functional Language. Here, the focus shifts to diplomacy and negotiation. You will learn how to soften your disagreement, speculate about the future, and persuade others effectively. Use the Table of Contents below to choose a topic, or navigate to Page 1 and Page 3 to continue your progress.
Jump to a section:
Giving Clarification
- To put it another way...
- What I was getting at was...
- Allow me to rephrase that.
- The point I am trying to make is...
Example Context
Journalist:
You said the economy is failing.
Politician:
No, that is a misinterpretation. Allow me to rephrase that.
Journalist:
Please go ahead.
Politician:
The point I am trying to make is that growth is slower than expected, but not failing.
Apologising
- Please accept my sincere apologies.
- I take full responsibility.
- It was incredibly thoughtless of me.
- I can't tell you how sorry I am.
Example Context
Client:
You missed the deadline and we lost the contract.
Manager:
I know. I take full responsibility for the error.
Client:
This is very serious.
Manager:
Please accept my sincere apologies. It will not happen again.
Accepting Apologies
- Think nothing of it.
- No harm done.
- Let's put it behind us.
- It happens to the best of us.
Example Context
Guest:
I am so sorry I broke your wine glass. I feel terrible.
Host:
Please, think nothing of it. It was a cheap glass.
Guest:
Are you sure?
Host:
Absolutely. No harm done.
Making Requests
- I was wondering if you could possibly...
- Would you be so kind as to...? (Formal)
- I'd be grateful if you could...
- Is there any way you could...?
Example Context
Staff:
I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning.
Boss:
Okay.
Staff:
Is there any way I could start work an hour later and finish late?
Boss:
Yes, that shouldn't be a problem.
Responding to Requests
- By all means.
- I'm afraid that's out of the question.
- I'll see what I can do.
- Consider it done.
Example Context
Customer:
This soup is cold. Can you take it back?
Waiter:
By all means. I will bring you a fresh one.
Customer:
And can I have a refund for the delay?
Waiter:
I'm afraid that's out of the question, but I can offer you a free dessert.
Expressing Preferences
- I have a slight preference for...
- I'm particularly partial to...
- I'd much sooner... than...
- That's not really my thing.
Example Context
Agent:
We have two hotels available. One is modern, one is historic.
Client:
Well, I'm particularly partial to old buildings with character.
Agent:
The historic one is quite far from the centre though.
Client:
I don't mind. I'd much sooner walk than stay in a concrete block.
Describing People
- He strikes me as being...
- She is very down-to-earth / easy-going.
- He can be a bit full of himself. (Idiom)
- She has a heart of gold. (Idiom)
Example Context
Sue:
How are you getting on with your new roommate?
Liz:
He's okay. He strikes me as being a bit shy.
Sue:
Is he tidy?
Liz:
Yes, very. And he is easy-going about noise, which is good.
Describing Places and Things
- It is a bit run-down.
- It is breathtaking / picturesque.
- It has a vibrant atmosphere.
- It is completely off the beaten track.
Example Context
Tom:
Did you enjoy your trip to Venice?
Ana:
Yes, it was picturesque, but very crowded.
Tom:
Did you go anywhere else?
Ana:
Yes, we found a small village nearby. It was completely off the beaten track.
Interrupting
- If I could just come in here...
- Sorry to butt in, but... (Informal)
- May I add something to that?
- Before you continue...
Example Context
Debate:
...and that is why nuclear power is the only option.
Opponent:
If I could just come in here, I think you are ignoring solar energy.
Debate:
Solar energy is not efficient enough.
Opponent:
May I add something to that? Efficiency has doubled in the last five years.
Expressing Feelings
- I was over the moon. (Happy)
- He hit the roof. (Angry)
- I was gutted. (Disappointed - Informal)
- It drove me up the wall. (Annoyed)
Example Context
Dad:
Did you tell your mum you crashed the car?
Son:
Yes. She hit the roof. She was shouting for an hour.
Dad:
And how do you feel?
Son:
I am gutted. I loved that car.
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