Instituto de Formación Docente n° 88 “Paulo Freire” 1

Espacio de la Práctica Docente I

FUNCTIONS AND CONTEXTS

What is a function?

A function is a reason why we communicate. Every time we speak or write, we do so

for a purpose or function. Here are some examples of functions:

Apologizing Greeting Clarifying Inviting

Advising Agreeing Disagreeing Refusing
Thanking Interrupting Expressing obligation Expressing preferences

Functions are a way of describing language use. We can also describe language
grammatically or lexically (through vocabulary). When we describe language through
functions we emphasize the use of the language and its meaning for the people who
are in the context where it is used.

Functions Language
Expressing likes First and third person present simple affirmative: I like …, he
/she likes…
Expressing dislikes First and third person present simple negative: I don’t like …,
he /she doesn’t like…

What do you think an “exponent” is? Look at this table.

Context Exponent (in speech Function

A boy wants to go to the
cinema with his friends
tonight.
A girl meets some people
for the first time. She
wants to get to know
them.
A customer doesn’t
understand what a shop
assistant has just said.
A girl writes a letter to a
relative thanking her for
a birthday present.
marks)
The boy says to his friend:
“Let’s go to the cinema
tonight”.
The girl says to the group:
“Hello. My name’s Juliet.”
The customer says to the
shop assistant: “Sorry, what
do you mean?”
The girl writes “Thank you so
much for my lovely …”
Suggesting /making a
suggestion about going to
the cinema.
Introducing yourself.
Asking for clarification
(i.e. asking for someone
to explain something)
Thanking someone for a
present.

The language we use to express a function is called an exponent. The pieces of

direct speech in the middle column in the table above are all examples of exponents.
In the third column, the functions are underlined. You can see from the table that we
use the –ing forms of verbs (e.g. suggesting, asking) to name functions. The words
after the function in the third column are not the function. They are the specific topics
that the functions refer to in these contexts.
 Instituto de Formación Docente n° 88 “Paulo Freire” 2
Espacio de la Práctica Docente I

An exponent can express several different functions. It all depends on the context it is
used in. For example, think of the exponent “I’m so tired”. This could be an exponent
of the function of describing feelings. But who is saying it? Who is he/she saying it to?
Where is he/she saying it? i.e. what is the context in which it is being said?

Let’s practise

Functions and Exponents: Match the functions below with the exponent on
the right. There may be none, one or more than one exponent under each heading.

1. Giving instructions a) Put it in the bag.

2. Refusing b) Thanks, but I can’t.
3. Apologizing c) I don’t think you’re right.
4. Disagreeing d) Surely not!
e) Well to my mind, the UN has the best chance.
f) I’m awfully sorry.
g) We regret any inconvenience caused.
h) I do apologize.
i) No, I won’t
j) Write the answer in your book.

For questions 1-6, match the example sentences with the functions listed A-G.
There is one extra option which you do not need to use.

Example sentences Functions

1. I don’t think that’s a very good idea. A. Describing
2. It’s a beautiful place with a big river. B. Clarifying
3. He might be able to, I’m not sure. C. Comparing
4. What I mean is … D. Disagreeing
5. I’d really love to fly to the moon. E. Wishing
6. They’re much older than their friends. F. Suggesting
G. Speculating

Complete the functions.

Sentence Possible Who? Possible Function

Context Meaning
Phew. It’s cold in At home Husband to wife I (politely) request
here. you to close the
door.
The fish is very good In a restaurant Waiter to customers I recommend that
today. looking at menu you order the fish
dish.
Well, actually I’m a In the office Business woman to I suggest we could
bit busy at the colleagues who has talk another time
moment. just asked a question rather than now