Functional Language For B2 Upper Intermediate
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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 2 and Page 3 to continue your progress.
Jump to a section:
Asking for Opinions
- What is your take on...?
- Where do you stand on...?
- How do you see the situation?
- I'd be interested to hear your views on...
Example Context
Host:
We are discussing the new 4-day work week proposal.
Guest:
It is certainly a controversial topic.
Host:
Indeed. Where do you stand on the issue?
Guest:
Well, I think it could improve productivity, but it might be expensive for companies.
Giving Opinions
- As far as I am concerned...
- I am convinced that...
- From my perspective...
- My impression is that...
Example Context
Sam:
Why do you dislike big cities?
Jo:
They are too noisy and polluted.
Sam:
But they have great culture and restaurants.
Jo:
I know, but as far as I am concerned, clean air is more important than culture.
Expressing Agreement
- I'd go along with that.
- That is a valid point.
- We see eye to eye on this.
- I share your view.
Example Context
Leo:
We need to invest more money in education, not weapons.
Mia:
Yes, I share your view. Schools are underfunded.
Leo:
Exactly. It is about the future of the country.
Mia:
We see eye to eye on this.
Expressing Disagreement
- I see where you're coming from, but...
- I beg to differ.
- I am not so sure about that.
- That's one way of looking at it, however...
Example Context
Tom:
Streaming services are killing the music industry.
Ali:
I see where you're coming from, but they also help new artists get discovered.
Tom:
Maybe, but musicians don't make enough money now.
Ali:
Well, I beg to differ. Live concerts are more profitable than ever.
Making Suggestions
- It might be worth... (+ ing)
- Have you considered the possibility of...
- One option would be to...
- I'd recommend... (+ ing)
Example Context
Team:
We are losing customers to our competitor.
Boss:
One option would be to lower our prices.
Team:
We can't afford that. Our margins are too tight.
Boss:
In that case, it might be worth launching a new marketing campaign.
Responding to Suggestions
- That's not a bad idea.
- I'm not entirely convinced.
- I'd go along with that.
- That sounds like a plan.
Example Context
Alex:
We could rent a car and drive along the coast.
Ben:
That sounds like a plan. It would give us more freedom.
Alex:
Or we could just stay in the city and relax.
Ben:
Hmm. I'm not entirely convinced. The city is very crowded in August.
Asking for Information
- I was wondering if you knew...
- Could you shed some light on...?
- Do you have any details regarding...?
- I'd appreciate it if you could tell me...
Example Context
Client:
I have a question about the new contract.
Lawyer:
Of course. What do you need to know?
Client:
I was wondering if you knew the cancellation policy?
Lawyer:
Yes. You must give 30 days' notice.
Asking for Advice
- Any ideas on how to handle this?
- What is your take on the best approach?
- If you were in my position, what would you do?
- I could do with some guidance on...
Example Context
Dad:
My son wants to quit university to start a band.
Friend:
Wow. That is a big decision.
Dad:
If you were in my position, what would you do?
Friend:
I would encourage him to finish his degree first.
Giving Advice
- I would advise against... (+ ing)
- My advice would be to...
- It is crucial that you...
- Whatever you do, don't...
Example Context
Buyer:
I am thinking of buying that old house on the hill.
Agent:
It needs a lot of repairs. The roof is leaking.
Buyer:
I can fix it myself.
Agent:
Honestly, I would advise against buying it without a professional survey.
Asking for Clarification
- Am I right in thinking that...?
- Could you expand on that a little?
- I missed that last part.
- If I understand you correctly, you mean...
Example Context
Prof:
The deadline for the thesis is absolute. No extensions.
Student:
Am I right in thinking that even medical emergencies are not accepted?
Prof:
Medical emergencies are the only exception.
Student:
I see. If I understand you correctly, I need a doctor's note to get an extension.
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