Functions in English

1. Demanding /giving explanations

Demanding explanations Giving explanations
 Can you tell me why…?  Well…, you see…
 I don’t really understand why…?  To be honest….
 Why is that …?

1. EXAMPLE :
A: I don’t really understand why you always come in late.
B: Well…, you seee…, the buss is never on time…
A: do you really expect me to belive that?
A: well, to be honest, I can’t get up in the morning.

2. Asking for/giving advice

Asking for advice Giving advice
 What do you think I should do if…  If I were you / in your shoes ,I would/
 I’m having a problem deciding what wouldn’t…
to do…  You’d better…
 What should I ….?  I don’t think you should…
 I really don’t know what to do  Whatever you do, don’t…
about…  Here’s what I do if I were you.I’d….
 Any ideas/suggestions what/how I  I suggest you…
could…

2. Example:
A: I want to but a new car, but I haven’t saved enough money. What should I do?
B: If I were you, I’d get a loan.

3. Asking for personal views

Asking for personal views
 What do you think about…?
 What’s your opinion of…?
 How do you like…?
 How do you feel about…?
 Don’t’ you agree with…?
 4. Expressing likes and dislikes
Expressing likes Expressing dislikes
 I kind of like…  I absolutely
 I really like/love… hate/detest/loathe\the/can’t
 I’m really/very fond of/keen bear/stand…
on/interested in…  I’m not very keen on/interested in…
 I find …really  I don’t fancy…
interesting/fascinating…  I find…rather boring/dull…
 What I like most is …  What bothers/annoys me the most is
 I really like the way… …
 What gets to me is ...