Functional language bank

This functional language bank contains all of the useful expressions found on the Speaking and Writing pages
of the Elementary, Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate Student’s Books.

Classroom language Making suggestions

Instructions (affirmative) Making suggestions
Sit down, please. How about minigolf?
Open your book at page 22. Why don’t we go horse riding?
Answer the questions. What about going to the skateboarding park?
I’d prefer to go on the climbing wall.
Instructions (negative)
Don’t use your mobile phone in class. Responding to suggestions
Don’t write in your textbook. Sorry, I’d rather not.
Good idea!
Asking for help That sounds great.
Sorry, I don’t understand.
Can you say that again, please?
How do you say that in English?
Ordering food
Waiter
Requests with can and could Are you ready to order?
Would you like a starter?
Requests What would you like for your main course?
Can you help me, please? Would you like anything to drink?
Could you buy me a new calculator? Any dessert for you, sir?
Responses to requests Customer
Sure. No problem. I’d like some tomato soup.
Yes, of course. Can I have a glass of orange juice, please?
Can we see the menu, please?
Asking for and giving directions Here you are.
Asking for directions No, I’m fine, thanks.
Excuse me. Where’s the park?
How do you get to South Park, please? Buying clothes
Which way is the … ? Sales assistant
Could you tell us / me how to get to … ? Can I help you?
Do you know how to get to … ? Do you need any help?
Can you help us? What size are you?
We’re looking for … . The changing room’s over there.
Giving directions We have it in blue, green or pink.
Cross the road. Here you are.
Take the second road on the left. It’s half price this week. So it’s only £12.
Go straight on. I’m afraid not.
At the cinema, turn right into Friday Street. Customer
The park is on the left, opposite the theatre. I’m looking for some black jeans.
Go along this road, towards / away from the … . How much are they?
Then walk past the … . Can I try them on, please?
Turn right / left into … . They’re too small. Have you got a bigger size?
It’s the first / second / third road … . Does this scarf come in a different colour?
When you reach the end of … , you’ll see … . Could I see the pink one, please?
It’s very near here. How much does it cost?
When you get to … , turn right / left.

Asking for repetition

Sorry, I didn’t get that.
Could you say that again?
Sorry, I’m not sure I understood. Could you repeat that,
please?

insight   Functional language bank    photocopiable © Oxford University Press 1

Insight Functional language banks FP.indd 1 09/05/2013 09:04

 Functional language bank

Talking about illness Apologising

I’m sorry, she’s not here.
Asking about someone’s health
I’m afraid Mr Harris isn’t at his desk.
What’s the problem?
You don’t look very well. Are you OK? Offering to give a message
Do you feel sick? Do you want to leave a message?
Are you worried about anything? I’ll tell her you called.
Can I take a message?
Describing problems
I’ve got a really bad headache.
I can’t sleep at night. Asking for personal information
I feel really dizzy. Asking for personal information
I’ve got a bad sore throat. How do you know … ?
Where are you from?
Giving advice What’s it like there?
Try to relax. What do you think of … ?
Don’t think about school work or exams before bedtime. What do you do … ?
You should sit down. Are you into … ?
You should raise your feet. What about you?
I think you should see a doctor. Have you got any … ?
Are you good at … ?
Talking about your weekend
Reacting
Asking about someone’s weekend
Me neither,
How was your weekend?
Really?
What about your weekend?
It’s very different from … .
Did you have a good time?
Actually, I love it.
Responding I usually … .
It was fantastic, thanks. Yes, I am. That sounds great.
It was a disaster! I’m not bad.
It was great. Me too!
It was brilliant.
Talking about similarities and
Expressing interest
That sounds fun.
differences
Wow! Lucky you! (We) have a lot in common.
Really? (We’re) both (keen on …).
How brilliant. Neither of us (likes …).
(Many things are) similar.
Expressing sympathy (The subjects) are like (the subjects I study at home).
Bad luck? (Other things are) different.
Oh no! Poor you! (It’s warm and sunny,) in contrast to (England).
That’s a shame. (The language) is not the same.
(Helen is quite shy –) unlike (me).
Talking on the phone (We) have nothing in common.
(The people are) different from (people in Australia).
Giving / Asking for your name
(Other things are) the same.
Is that Sarah?
(Food is) the same as (the food at home).
Who’s calling please?
(School is) similar to (Australian schools).
It’s Jack.
(It’s) just like (home).
This is Tessa Grey.

Asking to speak to someone

Can I speak to Sarah, please?
Could you put me through to Mr Harris, please?

insight   Functional language bank    photocopiable © Oxford University Press 2

Insight Functional language banks FP.indd 2 09/05/2013 09:04

 Functional language bank

Inviting Responding to suggestions

Sorry, I can’t.
Inviting
I don’t know if I can.
Do you want to come?
All right then.
Would you like to come with me?
Sounds like a good idea.
Why don’t you come with us?
What about (8.30) then, (in the park).
Asking for and giving advice
Responding Asking for advice
That’s a good idea. What do you think I should do?
Thanks, but I’m busy. What’s your advice?
Oh, that’s a shame. Should I … ?
Really? What else would you advise?
What time are you meeting?
I can’t make it at (six). Giving advice
That sounds great. See you there! You ought to … .
Maybe it’s a good idea to … .
Keeping a conversation going If I were you, I’d … .
What do you think? I think you should … .
They’ve got … , right? Why don’t you … ?
Where’s that?
Are a lot of people going? Responding to advice
I can’t, because … .
Asking permission That’s not a bad idea.
That’s a good idea.
Asking permission
I don’t know about that.
Could I (use a dictionary), please?
Thanks for the advice.
Can I please (borrow your T-shirt)?
Is it OK if I use … ?
Is it all right if I stay … ? Expressing and justifying opinions
Could I have my (pocket money)? Expressing opinions
Do you mind if I go? For me, … .
In my view, … .
Responding It seems to me that … .
Of course you can. In my opinion, … .
Sure, no problem.
Here, go ahead. Justifying opinions
That depends. The reason I say that is … .
Thanks, (Joel), that’s helpful. You can’t deny that … .
I’m afraid not.
Conversation fillers
Basically, … .
Making offers and suggestions
Well, … .
Making offers You know, … .
Can I help you?
Do you want me to … ?
Persuading, agreeing and disagreeing
I’ll meet you at one o’clock.
I’ll help you look for it. Persuading
I think you’ll enjoy it.
Making suggestions You won’t be disappointed.
Why don’t you … ? You’ve got nothing to lose.
What / How about going … ? You’ll be glad you did.
Why don’t we get the bus instead? Let’s … .

Responding to offers Agreeing

It’s OK. I’m just looking. I suppose so.
That’d be great, but are you sure? I don’t know what you mean.
Thanks, that’s really kind. I really don’t mind.
Perhaps you’re right.
OK, good idea.

insight   Functional language bank    photocopiable © Oxford University Press 3

Insight Functional language banks FP.indd 3 09/05/2013 09:04

 Functional language bank
Disagreeing Reacting to good news
I don’t think so. Cool!
I’m not sure about that. Lucky … !
Sorry, I don’t agree. How wonderful!
Really? That’s fantastic news!
Speculating What a brilliant thing to happen!
Well done!
Speculating
You’re kidding!
Modal verbs That’s great news!
He might be in his thirties. Fantastic news!
He might understand us better. You deserve it.
She must be nearly two metres tall. I’m really happy for you.
seem Congratulations! Well done!
Does he seem nice?
He seems really easy-going. Reacting to bad news
Poor … !
look / look like / look as if
What a dreadful thing to happen!
He looks younger that I expected.
What a shame!
He doesn’t look like a typical head teacher.
I’m sorry to hear that.
She looks as if she’s an Olympic athlete.
You must be feeling upset.
He could be the new school secretary.
Come on, cheer up.
This guy looks nothing like him.
It’s not the end of the world.
This one looks much older than that.
Try to look on the bright side.
He can’t be.
Exclamations
Persuading and negotiating Oh no!
Persuading and negotiating How awful!
If you … , I’ll give you … . How terrible!
You’ve got nothing to lose. How exciting!
That sounds interesting, but … . What rubbish!
I’m not so sure … . I still think … .
You won’t be disappointed. Asking for and expressing opinions
I still think we should … . Asking for opinions
Why don’t we … ? What do you think?
… don’t you agree? What do you reckon?
What’s your view on this?
Reaching agreement
If you want my opinion, … .
Well, you’ve persuaded me.
OK, let’s go for it. Expressing opinions
Well, if you ask me, I think … .
Giving and reacting to news As far as I’m concerned, … .
Giving news It would be a good idea to … .
You’ll never guess what! In my opinion … .
I’ve got bad news. To tell you the truth, … .
I’ve got some good news. Reacting to opinions and suggestions
Have you heard about … ? I’m not so sure (it is a bad idea).
I was just talking to Stanley, and he said that … . That’s just what I was thinking.
There’s some exciting / bad news about … . That’s a great idea.
It said on TV / the radio / the internet that … . I agree with you about that.
I take your point, but … .
I see what you’re saying, but … .

insight   Functional language bank    photocopiable © Oxford University Press 4

Insight Functional language banks FP.indd 4 09/05/2013 09:04

 Functional language bank

Apologizing and accepting apologies Expressing contrast

Making contrasts between two points in the same
Apologies
sentence:
Informal apologies … shoppers have more choice, but you have to decide … .
I’m very / so / really sorry. … it might be more expensive, whereas the other shops
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. look cheaper.
Please forgive me. Although the shop … . I prefer the shops in the photo
I feel really bad about it. because … .
Formal apologies Starting sentences or making a contrast with a
I (do) apologize for … . sentence before:
I’d like to apologize for … . I shop in places like in the third photo; on the other hand.
Please accept our apologies. It’s good to … .
We regret to inform you that … . But, if I were buying a present … .
It was very inconsiderate of me. The shops in photo two look quite cheap. In contrast, the
Accepting apologies shop in photo one looks expensive.
Accepting informal apologies
That’s OK. Complaining and asking people to do
It (really) doesn’t matter. things
Don’t worry about it. Complaining
Never mind. I’m sorry to bother you, but … .
Accepting formal apologies I’m afraid there’s a slight problem.
That’s quite alright. Excuse me, I’ve been waiting … .
Let’s say no more about it. I’m really not happy about … .
I’m not satisfied with … .
Showing the speaker you are not happy I’d like to make a complaint about … .
Don’t let it happen again.
You’ve really let me down. Asking people to do things
I didn’t expect that from you. Could you possibly … ?
Do you mind (+ -ing) … ?
Would you mind (+ -ing) … ?
Talking about photos Can you … ?
Locating I wonder if you could … ?
in the background I’d be grateful if you could … .
in the foreground
in front of Giving presentations
on the right / left
next to Introducing a topic
That’s (my cousin) on the left. I’d like to talk to you today about … .
(My friends Liz and Dora are) just behind us. I’m going to look briefly at … .
In this presentation, my subject will be … .
Describing
I can see that it’s … . Sequencing events
It shows … . I’ll begin by telling you … .
In this photo, there is / are … . Moving on to … .
Let’s begin by … .
Speculating Now let’s look at … .
Judging by his face, … .
He does look a bit … . Giving an example
It looks like it was … . To give you an example … .
To illustrate this point … .
A good example of this is … .

Concluding
So, to conclude, … .
Finally, to sum up … .
In conclusion … .

insight   Functional language bank    photocopiable © Oxford University Press 5

Insight Functional language banks FP.indd 5 09/05/2013 09:04

 Functional language bank

Asking for instructions, explanations Narrative adverbs

and clarification immediately
at first
Asking for instructions suddenly
How do I do that? soon
How does it work? at last
What do I do next?

Giving instructions Abbreviations

Could you switch it on, please? e.g.
Now select the ‘settings’ option. tel.
First, switch it on. esp.
Then, choose … . St.
Just turn it to … . etc.
RSVP
Asking for repetition or clarification asap
Sorry, could you say that again, please? PS
I don’t quite follow you. NB
I’m not quite sure … .
I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Adverbs of degree
Giving clarification a little: a bit, rather, not very, slightly
Let me put it another way. a lot: incredibly, very, really, extremely, quite
What I mean is … .
Expressing addition
Checking that the listener understands (He’s) also broken many records.
Do you see what I mean? (He’s made a lot of money for charity,) too.
Is everything clear so far? What’s more, (she is a very brave person).
In addition, (she was a really good player)!
Confirming understanding
(People sometimes ignore you) as well.
I understand you, but … .
Right, I’ve got that.
Yes, that’s quite clear, thanks. Expressing contrast
Well, that’s easy. However, (I think that school uniforms are a necessary
part of life).
Debating On the one hand, (some people argue that school
uniforms are boring).
Agreeing (Everyone looks the same in a uniform, and you can’t
I think (Jessica) is absolutely right. express yourself ), but (your clothes are only one way of
I agree with (Jessica). saying who you are).
That’s a good point. On the other hand, (school uniform can save parents
That’s so true. money).
Disagreeing Although (children might still get bullied for other
That’s not always the case. reasons, they won’t get bullied for their clothes).
I totally disagree with Tracy about … . (I think that school uniforms are a good idea,) although
I’d say the exact opposite. (they are expensive for some people).
Not necessarily.

Interrupting
Could I just interrupt here?
Can I add something here?
Sorry to interrupt, but … .

Encouraging
Tracy, would you like to add anything?
Do you have anything to say about this?

insight   Functional language bank    photocopiable © Oxford University Press 6

Insight Functional language banks FP.indd 6 09/05/2013 09:04

 Functional language bank

Expressing reason and result Introducing arguments and giving

(It would be cool to stay with an English family) because opinions
(I could practise my English with them). Introducing arguments
(I’m allergic to milk,) so I mustn’t eat things like cheese The main argument for / against is … .
and ice cream. First of all, … .
As (I’m on holiday, I can’t do either of your four-week It is also important to note that … .
courses). My first reason for … .
Since (my cousins live in Morsham, I have the choice of Another argument for … .
staying at their house). My final point is … .
Therefore (I would like to work on my writing skills).
As a result, (I would be very grateful if you could reply as Giving opinions
soon as possible). My point of view is that … .
To my mind, … .
Introducing examples and conclusions In my opinion, … .
For instance, I am convinced that … .
For example, I feel that … .
such as I believe that … .
To conclude,
To summarize,
In conclusion,
To sum up,
All things considered,

Expressing sequence
First
In the beginning
First of all
After a while
After that
Then
Later
In the end
Last of all
Finally

Position
at the back / front
in front of
in the middle of
to the left / right of
on the right / left
in the top / bottom / right-hand / left-hand / corner
in the foreground / background
behind

Ordering events in a story

That’s when …
By the time … ,
After a while
(…) when (…)
Suddenly, …
Some time ago, …
While …
At first, …
Eventually …

insight   Functional language bank    photocopiable © Oxford University Press 7

Insight Functional language banks FP.indd 7 09/05/2013 09:04