Functional Language For B2 Upper Intermediate
Page 3
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 2 to continue your progress.
Jump to a section:
Inviting
- We were wondering if you'd care to join us.
- Are you around on...?
- We should get together sometime.
- How does... sound?
Example Context
Colleague:
A few of us are going for a drink after work.
New Guy:
Oh, sounds nice.
Colleague:
We were wondering if you'd care to join us. It's a good chance to meet the team.
New Guy:
That's very kind. I'll definitely come.
Making Plans and Arrangements
- Can I pencil you in for...?
- Can we push back the meeting? (Delay)
- Something has come up at the last minute.
- Can we bring it forward? (Make earlier)
Example Context
PA:
The CEO wants to see you on Friday. Can I pencil you in for 3pm?
Manager:
I have a flight at 5pm. That is too tight.
PA:
Okay. Can we bring it forward to 1pm?
Manager:
Yes, 1pm works for me.
Speculating and Hypothesising
- It could well be that...
- It's highly unlikely to be...
- I daresay...
- He must have... / He can't have... (Deduction)
Example Context
Det:
The door was locked from the inside.
Cop:
So the thief can't have entered through the door.
Det:
Exactly.
Cop:
It could well be that he came in through the window.
Expressing Regret
- I wish I hadn't...
- If only I had...
- I should have...
- I deeply regret... (+ ing)
Example Context
Tom:
Did you buy those Bitcoin shares in 2010?
Ben:
No. I thought it was a scam.
Tom:
They are worth millions now.
Ben:
I know. If only I had listened to my brother. I feel sick!
Persuading and Convincing
- Surely you can see that...
- Look at it this way...
- Wouldn't it be better to...?
- I'm sure we can come to an arrangement.
Example Context
Sales:
The price is $500.
Buyer:
That is too expensive. I'll go to your competitor.
Sales:
Wait. Look at it this way: our product lasts twice as long.
Buyer:
True, but I still need a discount.
Evaluating and Critiquing
- Weighing up the pros and cons...
- On the plus side... / On the downside...
- Taking everything into account...
- My main concern is...
Example Context
Boss:
Should we hire Candidate A or Candidate B?
HR:
Well, Candidate A has more experience.
Boss:
And Candidate B?
HR:
On the downside, he is young, but taking everything into account, he is more creative.
Expressing Annoyance and Anger (Politely)
- I'm not very happy about...
- I wish you wouldn't...
- I find it rather frustrating that...
- Do you think you could possibly...? (Sarcastic polite request)
Example Context
Staff:
I forgot to send the email again.
Manager:
Look, I find it rather frustrating that I have to remind you every day.
Staff:
I'm sorry.
Manager:
I wish you wouldn't be so careless. It reflects badly on the team.
Changing the Subject
- That reminds me...
- Moving on to...
- On a different note...
- While we are on the subject...
Example Context
John:
...and that is why I hate football.
Sue:
Right. Well, moving on, have you decided where to go on holiday?
John:
Not yet. Maybe Spain.
Sue:
Oh, that reminds me. Julia is moving to Madrid next week.
Reporting What Others Said
- He claimed that...
- Apparently...
- She mentioned that...
- According to...
Example Context
Tina:
Is it true that Mark is leaving the company?
Jo:
Well, he claimed that he was just taking a holiday.
Tina:
I don't believe him.
Jo:
Neither do I. According to Sarah, he has already found a new job.
Reassuring Someone
- It's not the end of the world.
- Don't lose sleep over it. (Idiom)
- I'm sure it will all work out.
- There's no need to panic.
Example Context
Student:
I think I failed my exam. My parents will be furious.
Tutor:
Calm down. It's not the end of the world.
Student:
But I need this grade for university.
Tutor:
I'm sure it will all work out. You can always retake it in the summer.
