Functional Language For C2 Proficiency
Page 3
Achieve true proficiency with this C2 Mastery Functional Language guide. This page explores the subtleties of the English language, including rhetorical devices, the use of irony, and how to assert authority in formal debates. Select a function from the Table of Contents below to get started, or follow the links to Page 1 and Page 2 for the full mastery syllabus.
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Inviting
- We request the pleasure of your company. (Formal)
- Your presence is requested at...
- It would mean the world to us if...
- Extend an invitation to...
Example Context
Bride:
We are getting married in Italy.
Friend:
Oh, how wonderful!
Bride:
We request the pleasure of your company. It would mean the world to us if you could come.
Friend:
I wouldn't miss it for anything.
Making Plans and Arrangements
- Let us provisionally agree on...
- Barring any unforeseen circumstances...
- We need to coordinate our schedules.
- The date is set in stone.
Example Context
Diplomat A:
When can we sign the treaty?
Diplomat B:
Let us provisionally agree on the 1st of June.
Diplomat A:
Excellent.
Diplomat B:
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will be there.
Dismissing an Argument
- That is completely beside the point.
- That argument holds no water. (Idiom)
- It is a moot point.
- That is of no consequence to the discussion.
Example Context
Debater:
But the implementation will take three weeks!
Rival:
That is completely beside the point. We are discussing the budget, not the timeline.
Debater:
Time is money.
Rival:
In this context, that argument holds no water. We have unlimited time, but limited funds.
Expressing Irony and Sarcasm
- Oh, marvelous. Just what I needed.
- A likely story. (Disbelief)
- My heart bleeds for you. (Mock sympathy)
- Don't all speak at once. (To a silent room)
Example Context
Driver:
(Looking at a flat tyre in the rain)
Passenger:
Well, look on the bright side. At least it's raining.
Driver:
Yes. Oh, marvelous. Just what I needed.
Passenger:
I'll stay in the car and supervise.
Driver:
You are too kind.
Playing Devil's Advocate
- Let me play devil's advocate for a moment.
- For the sake of argument, let's assume...
- Hypothetically speaking...
- Supposing, just for a second, that...
Example Context
Team:
Everyone agrees that we should launch the product in May.
Manager:
Hold on. Let me play devil's advocate for a moment.
Team:
Go ahead.
Manager:
For the sake of argument, let's assume our competitor launches in April. What then?
Implying Meaning
- Reading between the lines...
- The implication being that...
- I gather that...
- It goes without saying that...
Example Context
Staff:
Did you read the CEO's email about "restructuring"?
Colleague:
Yes. Reading between the lines, I think he means layoffs.
Staff:
He didn't say that explicitly.
Colleague:
No, but the implication being that jobs are not safe.
Defending a Point of View
- I stand by my statement.
- I maintain that...
- The facts speak for themselves.
- I am not prepared to concede that...
Example Context
Press:
Your policy has failed. Will you apologise?
Minister:
No. I stand by my statement that this is a long-term strategy.
Press:
But the results are poor.
Minister:
I maintain that it is too early to judge. The facts speak for themselves regarding the initial progress.
Mediating between Speakers
- Perhaps we can find some common ground.
- Let's not get bogged down in details.
- I think what X is trying to say is...
- Can we meet halfway?
Example Context
Alice:
I want the logo to be blue!
Bob:
And I want it to be red!
Mediator:
Please, calm down. Let's not get bogged down in colours yet. Perhaps we can find some common ground regarding the shape first?
Distancing Oneself from an Opinion
- It has been suggested that...
- Rumour has it that...
- I couldn't possibly comment.
- Allegedly...
Example Context
Reporter:
Is the Prime Minister resigning?
Aide:
I couldn't possibly comment on that.
Reporter:
But sources say he is.
Aide:
Well, it has been suggested that there will be changes, but nothing is confirmed.
Toasting and Eulogising
- Let us raise a glass to...
- Here's to...
- He/She will be sorely missed.
- We are gathered here to celebrate...
Example Context
Best Man:
Ladies and Gentlemen. We are gathered here to celebrate the union of Jack and Jill.
Crowd:
(Applause)
Best Man:
They are a wonderful couple. Let us raise a glass to the bride and groom! Here's to a long and happy life!
