Functional Language For C1 Advanced
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Master the art of nuance with our C1 Advanced Functional Language collection. These sections are designed for professional and academic contexts, covering skills like structuring complex arguments, using vague language, and expressing empathy. Use the Table of Contents to jump to a specific skill, or access Page 1 and Page 3 for the complete advanced list.
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Giving Clarification
- To be more precise...
- Essentially what I mean is...
- Let me rephrase that for clarity.
- The crux of the matter is...
Example Context
Student:
I don't understand why my essay grade was so low.
Prof:
Your argument lacked coherence.
Student:
Coherence?
Prof:
Yes. To be more precise, your paragraphs did not link together logically.
Apologising
- I unreservedly apologise for...
- It was a lapse of judgement on my part.
- I cannot express how regretful I am.
- Please accept my profound apologies.
Example Context
CEO:
The data breach has compromised our clients' privacy.
CTO:
I know. It was a lapse of judgement on my part not to update the firewall.
CEO:
The shareholders are furious.
CTO:
I unreservedly apologise for the oversight.
Accepting Apologies
- Let's consider the matter closed.
- It's water under the bridge. (Idiom)
- There's no need to dwell on it.
- I appreciate your candour.
Example Context
Colleague:
I am sorry for snapping at you in the meeting. I was stressed.
You:
I understand. There's no need to dwell on it.
Colleague:
I hope we can still work together effectively.
You:
Of course. As far as I am concerned, it's water under the bridge.
Making Requests
- I was hoping you might be able to...
- I would be eternally grateful if...
- Might I prevail upon you to...? (Formal/Humorous)
- Any chance you could lend a hand with...?
Example Context
Author:
I am struggling to finish this chapter.
Editor:
Do you need an extension?
Author:
No, but I was hoping you might be able to review the first draft tonight.
Editor:
Tonight? That is asking a lot.
Responding to Requests
- I would be delighted to.
- Regrettably, I am unable to commit to that.
- I will do my utmost to help.
- Leave it with me.
Example Context
Client:
We need the venue set up by 6am.
Planner:
Regrettably, I am unable to commit to that. The staff don't arrive until 7am.
Client:
But the guests arrive at 8am!
Planner:
Okay. I will do my utmost to bring in extra staff earlier.
Expressing Preferences
- I have a distinct preference for...
- If it were up to me, I would opt for...
- It doesn't do much for me. (Dislike)
- I'm a sucker for... (Strong like - Informal)
Example Context
Friend 1:
Let's watch a romantic comedy.
Friend 2:
Honestly, that genre doesn't do much for me.
Friend 1:
Okay, what about a horror movie?
Friend 2:
Yes! I'm a sucker for a good scare.
Describing People
- He is the spitting image of... (Idiom)
- She has an air of authority about her.
- He is completely absent-minded.
- She is incredibly thick-skinned / sensitive.
Example Context
Staff:
The new CEO is terrifying.
Manager:
Do you think so?
Staff:
Yes. She has an air of authority about her that makes me nervous.
Manager:
Don't worry. She is tough, but fair. You need to be thick-skinned in this business.
Describing Places and Things
- It has seen better days. (Idiom)
- It is a stone's throw from... (Idiom)
- It is steeped in history.
- It is an eyesore. (Ugly building)
Example Context
Buyer:
What do you think of the apartment?
Friend:
The location is great. It is a stone's throw from the station.
Buyer:
And the interior?
Friend:
To be honest, it has seen better days. You will need to renovate it.
Interrupting
- If I might just interject...
- Can I stop you there for a second?
- Sorry to cut across you, but...
- Could I jump in here?
Example Context
Speaker:
...and this data proves that our strategy is working.
Analyst:
Sorry to cut across you, but that data is from 2019.
Speaker:
Is it? Let me check.
Analyst:
If I might just interject, the 2023 data actually shows a decline.
Expressing Feelings
- I was completely blown away. (Impressed)
- It left me cold. (Unimpressed)
- I am at my wits' end. (Frustrated)
- I'm thrilled to bits. (Happy)
Example Context
Mum:
How are you coping with the toddler?
Dad:
I am at my wits' end. He hasn't slept for three nights.
Mum:
Oh dear. And how is your new job?
Dad:
That is going well. I'm thrilled to bits with the promotion.
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