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COMMUNICATIVE FUNCTIONS

Expressing Lack of Understanding Asking for Clarification

- I don’t quite follow you . - What do you mean by ………….?
- I can’t get your point . - Could you be more explicit ?
- I don’t see what you mean . - Could you clarify your point ?
- I can’t grasp what you said . - Could you say that differently ?

Asking for Opinion Giving Opinion Apologizing Responding to Apology

- What do you think about…?
- How do you feel about..….?
- What’s your opinion about ..?
- What’s your viewpoint about?
- What’s your position on ….?
- What is your take/stand on ...?
- I think / believe that ….
- In my opinion , ……….
- In my point of view ,...
- To my mind / for me , ...
- As I see it , …………...
- As far as I’m concerned ,.
- I’m sorry I didn’t mean it . - That’s all right .
- Please forgive me for + ING form - That’s OK .
- I apologize for + ING form . - Forget about it .
- I deeply regret that I …………. - Never mind .
- Please accept our sincere apology - Don’t worry about it
- I’m begging you to forgive me. - No worries .

Agreeing Disagreeing Partly Agreeing

- You’re absolutely right .
- That’s exactly my opinion .
- I totally/entirely agree with you.
- I take your point .
- I couldn’t agree more .
- I cannot but agree with you .
- I share the same viewpoint .
- I disagree with you .
- I don’t think so .
- I think you’re wrong .
- I don’t agree with you .
- That’s not what I think .
- I am sorry I have to disagree with you
- I’m sorry you are wrong there .
- Yes , but ………………………………
- I agree with you , but ……………….
- Definitely , but ……………………….
- I think you’re right , but …………...
- I see what you mean , but …………
- I partially agree with you .
- I wouldn’t say no , but ……………..

Expressing Certainty Expressing Uncertainty Asking for Advice Giving Advice

- I am sure / certain / positive ..
- Certainly , ……………………
- Definitely , …………………..
- Absolutely , ………………….
- There is no doubt that …….
- There is no denying that ….
- … must + bare infinitive ……
- I am not sure / certain …
- I am doubtful …………
- It is possible / probable..
- ... is / are likely to …….
- May be / Perhaps , …….
- Probably / possibly , …..
- .. may + bare infinitive..
- What do you advise me
to do ?
- What can I do ?
- What should I do ?
- What ought I to do ?
- What would you do if
you were in my place ?
- What would you advise
me to do ?
- I advise you to …………
- You should ………………
- You ought to …….………
- You had ( ‘d ) better ……
- If I were you , I would …
- Why don’t you …………?
- How about + ING form ….?
- In your place , I would …..

Requesting Responding to Requests Complaining Responding to Complaints

- Would you mind +ING form? - Certainly not . - I hate to say this ,but… - Oh , I’m sorry about that .
- Will you be kind enough to ...? - Sure thing . - I’m afraid to say it,but .. - Oh , dear . I’m really sorry .
- Would / Could you .., please ? - Yes , of course . - I just don’t know how - Well , I’m afraid there is
- Will you …………....,please ? - Certainly ( Sir / Madam ). to say it , but ………… nothing we can do about it.

Responding to Good News Responding to Bad News

- Congratulations ( on + ING form ) .
- Well done !
- I’m glad / happy to hear that .
- Great / Fantastic news !
- Wow ! You deserve it .
- Nice to hear that .
- Oh , I’m sorry to hear that .
- Oh , dear . I sympathize with you !
- My heart is saddened !
- Please accept my deep sympathy .
- You poor thing !
- Hard luck !
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PRACTICE EXERCISES
A. MATCH EACH EXPRESSION TO ITS APPROPRIATE FUNCTION :

1. What do you mean by “ brain gain ” ? a. responding to bad news

2. I’ve been losing sleep lately . What should I do ? b. expressing blame
3. Oh , I’m sorry to hear that . c. asking for advice
4. Would you mind closing that window , please ? d. asking for clarification
5. You should have revised your lessons regularly. e. requesting

1. ………. 2. ………. 3. ………. 4. ………. 5. ………

1. What about having dinner in a restaurant tonight ? a. expressing opinion

2. I’m sorry you are wrong there . b. giving advice
3. As I see it , a private car has become a necessity . c. suggesting
4. You’d better see a dentist for your toothache . d. complaining
5. I’m sorry , but you’ve parked your car in front e. disagreeing
of my garage .

1. ………. 2. ………. 3. ………. 4. ………. 5. ……...

B. WRITE AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO EACH SITUATION :

1. You are staying in a hotel . The room is dirty
You : ( Complain to the hotel manager ) ……………………………………………………….
2. Teacher : You are very late !
You : ( Apologize ) ………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Your friend : I’ve just bought an electric guitar .
You : ( Respond to this good news ) …………………………………………………………….
4. Your classmate lent you a dictionary , but you lost it .
You : ( Apologize ) …………………………………………………………………………………
5. Your friend often comes late for school .
You : ( Give him / her advice ) ……………………………………………………………………
6. Tom : Could you scan this document for me , please ?
You : ( Respond to this request ) …………………………………………………………………
7. Manager : Can I help you , Madam ?
You : ( Complain about the bad service in the restaurant ) ……………………………………
Manager : ( Apologize and promise to talk to the waiter ) ……………………………………
8. Mr Brian : Teenagers are not interested in politics .
You : ( Express disagreement ) ……………………………………………………………………