Functional Language For C1 Advanced
Page 3
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 2 for the complete advanced list.
Jump to a section:
Inviting
- We would be honoured if you could attend. (Formal)
- Care to join us? (Casual)
- You are cordially invited to...
- I don't suppose you'd want to...?
Example Context
Host:
We are organizing a charity gala next month.
VIP:
That sounds like a worthy cause.
Host:
We would be honoured if you could attend as our guest speaker.
VIP:
I would be delighted.
Making Plans and Arrangements
- Shall we tentatively schedule it for...?
- I'm afraid something has cropped up.
- Can we play it by ear? (Decide later)
- I'll have to take a rain check. (Postpone)
Example Context
Tom:
Are we still going for dinner tonight?
Sue:
I'm sorry, something has cropped up at work. I'll have to take a rain check.
Tom:
That's a shame. What about tomorrow?
Sue:
I might be free, but can we play it by ear?
Structuring an Argument
- First and foremost...
- Conversely... / On the other hand...
- Furthermore / Moreover...
- By and large...
Example Context
Student:
Why is tourism bad for the city?
Tutor:
Well, first and foremost, it increases rental prices for locals.
Student:
Is there a benefit?
Tutor:
Conversely, it brings significant revenue to local businesses.
Using Vague Language
- It was a sort of...
- ...and stuff like that.
- It was greenish / tallish (-ish suffix)
- Or something along those lines.
Example Context
John:
What was the food like at the party?
Mike:
It was weird. It was a sort of spicy soup with seafood and stuff like that.
John:
Did you like it?
Mike:
Not really. It had a sourish taste.
Softening and Hedging
- It would appear that...
- To a certain extent...
- It is arguably...
- It seems somewhat...
Example Context
Boss:
Is the marketing strategy working?
Staff:
Well, it would appear that sales are down slightly.
Boss:
So it failed?
Staff:
That is arguably too strong a word. It was somewhat ineffective.
Expressing Empathy and Sympathy
- I can't imagine what you must be going through.
- My heart goes out to you.
- It must be a heavy burden to carry.
- If there is anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask.
Example Context
Friend:
The doctor said my mother doesn't have much time left.
You:
I am so sorry. I can't imagine what you must be going through.
Friend:
It is very difficult.
You:
My heart goes out to you. I am here for you.
Conceding a Point
- Admittedly...
- I grant you that...
- While it is true that...
- You have a point regarding...
Example Context
Debater A:
Space exploration is a waste of money when we have poverty on Earth.
Debater B:
Admittedly, the cost is high.
Debater A:
It is astronomical.
Debater B:
However, while it is true that it is expensive, the scientific breakthroughs are invaluable.
Asserting Authority
- I must insist that...
- This is not open for discussion.
- I expect this to be done by...
- Make no mistake...
Example Context
Staff:
I don't want to work on Saturday.
Manager:
I understand, but I must insist that everyone attends.
Staff:
Can we vote on it?
Manager:
No. This is not open for discussion. It is mandatory.
Drawing Conclusions
- All things considered...
- In light of the evidence...
- The only logical conclusion is...
- It boils down to...
Example Context
Judge:
We have heard both sides of the argument.
Lawyer:
And the verdict?
Judge:
In light of the evidence, the defendant is innocent.
Lawyer:
Thank you.
Judge:
All things considered, the prosecution had no proof.
Giving Detailed Descriptions
- It was utterly breathtaking.
- The silence was deafening.
- It was in a state of disrepair.
- It was a vibrant, bustling metropolis.
Example Context
Traveler:
Describe the temple you visited.
Guide:
It was ancient. The walls were in a state of disrepair, covered in vines.
Traveler:
Was it busy?
Guide:
No. We were alone. The silence was deafening.
