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Welcome

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS

OULGOUT ONLINE CLASSROOM www.sites.google.com/site/oulgout
By

Abdelouahed OULGOUT
09/11/2013

Few years ago, I came across a PDF file with a collection of English language functions by my teacher and educator Mubarak Abdessalami, an English teacher in Hassan II high school in Tinjedad. Being interested in the file, I downloaded it with the intention to equip my students with a highly interesting learning material that can help them speak fluently in different situations for different purposes. I dopted the document and adapted at the level of form and content; then I printed it as a booklet to put it at the favour of my students.

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Dear student, Hello! I hope you are doing well. Well, OULGOUT ENGLISH BOOKLETS are a series of mini books devised to help you learn English and develop a native-like native like proficiency. The booklets cover a variety of daily daily English skills and focus on the notion of communication, culture, and community to raise your awareness about the way the natives use English in different, everyday situations. This compilation of English functions seeks to improve your speaking and communicative skills. To get started, 1. 2. 3. 4. Select a function (or functions) to work on with your friend. Devise a communicative situation. Determine your roles. Prepare a dialogue that embodies the function (s) you have chosen. 5. Keep the booklet aside and play your roles face to face. I hope this booklet will be of utility to help you speak English fluently and authentically. All the best, A. OULGOUT

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FUNCTIONS:
Gap fillers Opinion Advice Suggesting Offers Invitation Complaining Apology Prohibition Certainty Probability Improbability Possibility Impossibility Likes & dislikes Preference Necessity Permission Request Cause & Effect Explaining & Justifying Fear Sympathy Hypothesis Regret Indifference Interest Dissatisfaction Clarification
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GAPFILLERS
For oral use only: I mean.... You see.... Well, let me see... Look! Listen! If you see what I mean! Do you see what I mean? Lets get this into perspective. Watch it! Picture this. Look here! All right! Is that clear enough? Well You know

OPINION
Asking for Opinion: I was wondering where you stood on the question of immigration? What's your position on global warming? What's your opinion of the project? What do you think of Hijab? How do you feel about building a space prison for dangerous criminals? Giving Opinion: In my opinion the consequences of global warming will be fatal. As far as I'm concerned love is the noblest feeling. From my point of view, poverty could be fought with solidarity. As I see it, our planet is dying. I think / reckon / presume / gather it will get worse with time. In my view immigration is caused by unemployment. It would seem to me that we will control technologies sooner or later. It seems to me that collaboration is the solution for developing countries. I feel the world is getting wilder than ever before. I believe politics should be more human... I figure that we are doomed to protect our planet before it is too late. To my mind our media should be controlled. According to me smoking should be banned. What I think / mean / believe is that developed countries are selfish. I mean that they don't try to help poor countries. I may venture that they are extremely sadist. As for me, they like to be at top of the world. For my part, people in rich countries are nicer than their leaders.
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I'd say that mankind is in great danger because of politicians. Agreeing with an opinion: My view about this is positive. I agree with this idea. I agree completely with this idea. I can't agree more. I agree. This idea is absolutely right. I couldn't agree more on this. I think this idea is perfect. Partial agreement or polite disagreement: I agree partially with this idea. This idea is partially right. I see what you mean, but some developed countries are helpful. That's one way of looking at it, but we should avoid over generalisation. I see your point, but technology is not autonomous. I agree with you, but developing countries should stop wars. I think this idea is possible, but rich countries bear some responsibility in those wars. I'm not sure you're right there. I'm not sure that I agree with this idea. The project is feasible, but it needs some more efforts. Disagreeing with an opinion: I think it is a bad idea. I'm afraid I can't agree with this idea. I'm afraid I entirely disagree with you. I think this idea is impossible. I guess this idea is impractical. I see that this idea is bad. I think it is a bad idea. I don't agree with this idea. I suppose this idea cannot be implemented.

ADVICE
Random Examples: If I were you, I wouldnt buy this old computer. Why don't you stay at home and watch TV? You'd better go to bed early. You ought to revise your lessons regularly. If you take my advice, you'll tell your parents the truth. You should drive slowly in town. It might be a good idea to put on your coat. It's cold outside. You should consider taking the keys before you leave. I advise you to do the quiz again and again.
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Declining to give advice: I don't know what to advise, I'm afraid. I wish I could suggest something, but I can't. I wish I could help. I'm afraid I can't really help you. I have the same problem myself.

SUGGESTING
Making suggestions: Lets revise our lessons. What about going to the cinema tonight? How about playing cards? Why don't we do our homework? Couldn't we invite your grandmother to our party? Shall we have a walk along the river? What would you say to a cup of coffee? Don't you think it is a good idea to watch TV? Does it matter if we use your car? Accepting: Ok. Yes, let's. Yes, I'd like to Yes, I'd love to. What a good idea! Why not? Yes, with pleasure. Yes, I feel like taking a walk. Disagreeing: No, let's not. No, I'd rather not. I don't feel like it. I dislike doing homework. What an awful idea!

OFFERS
Making Offers: Can I help you? What shall I do for you? Would you like me to check this computer for errors? Shall I bring you a glass of water? I'll buy you a coke. Shall I? What/ Where/ Which ... would you like me to...? Do you want me to post that letter for you? Ill be glad to help?
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Accepting an offer: How kind of you! Thank you very much. Thats very good of you! Thats terribly kind,. Thank you very much. Yes, please do. What a good idea! Yes, please. Thanks. That would be excellent. Yes. Refusing or rejecting an offer: Its all right thanks. I can manage that alone! No, thank you. But I am very grateful Thats awfully kind, but theres no need. No, please don't bother. No, thank you.

INVITATION
Inviting: I was wondering whether you would stay for dinner. I'm going to my uncle's wedding party next Sunday. Would you like to come, too? Come along! Why don't you come? Will you come, too? You must come over? You must pay us a visit. You must come back some time. We must get in touch... I'll give you a call and fix something. Look me up next time you are around (here). Accepting the invitation: Ok. I'd like to! Well, I'm free then. Thank you. I'd like to come. Well, I'm not doing anything then. I'll come. Thanks. I am not doing anything special then. Thank you. I'd like to come. Ok! Refusing the invitation: I'm afraid I can't. I'm busy then. I'm sorry but I can't. I'm going somewhere that day.

COMPLAINING
Complaint: I have a complaint to make............... I'm sorry to say this but................. I want to complain about...................
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I'm afraid I've got a complaint about............... I'm angry about................ Responding to a complaint: I'm so sorry, but this will never occur again. I'm sorry, I promise never to................. I'm really sorry; I'll do my utmost/best not to...............

APOLOGY
Apologizing: I do apologize for ___ing.......... I must apologize for ___ing......... I am so sorry for ___ing......... I shouldn't have........... It's all my fault. I'm ashamed of ___ing......... Please, forgive me for ___ing....... I'm terribly sorry for ___ing.......... Pardon me for this............ Please, forgive me for my........ Please, accept my apologies for ____ing......... Accepting the apology: That's all right. Never mind Don't apologize. It doesn't matter. Don't worry about it. Don't mention it. That's OK. I quite understand. You couldn't help it. Forget about it. Don't worry about it. No harm done.

PROHIBITION
Expressing Prohibition: You arent allowed to......... You mustnt......... Its forbidden to.............. You arent permitted to........... You arent to............

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CERTAINTY
Expressing Certainty: Yes, I'm certain. Of course. I'm positive my grandmother repairs the car. She must be excellent at mechanics. I'm absolutely sure. It's certain that she is a good mechanic.

PROBABILITY
Expressing Probability: It is probable that my grandfather repairs the car. I guess he is fit for the job. I bet my grandmother is better than he is. I expect / suppose they are good mechanics. I dare say / should say / presume they know what they should do. She may have repaired the car while you were out. Ali may come any minute. Maybe / perhaps the problem wont be serious. It will probably rain this evening. Im likely to do the work myself.

IMPROBABILITY
Expressing Improbability: No, probably not. I don't suppose my grandfather repairs the car. I doubt my grandmother does, either. S/he is unlikely to repair the car. I don't think they can repair that car. I'd be surprised if s/he repaired the car. It's unlikely s/he will repair the car soon.

POSSIBILITY
Expressing Possibility: My grandmother may repair the car. Maybe she will repair it. Perhaps she will repair it. Possibly, she will repair it. It's possible she will repair it alone. She might repair it. I suppose she might repair it. There's a chance she'll repair it before sunset.

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IMPOSSIBILITY
Expressing Impossibility: No, it's impossible to repair that old Chevrolet. She can't possibly repair it. I'm sure she doesn't repair it. She definitely doesn't repair it. She certainly doesn't repair it. There's no way she repairs it.

LIKES&DISLIKES
Expressing Likes: I like Couscous. I like eating couscous with my bare hand. I enjoy eating couscous. I love couscous. I adore eating couscous. I'm fond of couscous. Expressing Dislikes: I hate pizza. I don't like pizza. I can't bear pizza. I can't stand pizza. I dislike pizza. I detest pizza.

PREFERENCE
Asking about preference: Do you prefer tea or coffee? Would you prefer tea or coffee? Would you rather milk or Orange Juice? Which would you prefer? Doing homework or watching TV? Which would you rather, this bike or that one? Would you prefer to stay here? Would you rather have a drink? Expressing Preference: I prefer tea (to coffee). I'd prefer to have coffee. I'd rather have tea.

NECESSITY
In the p resent: I have to buy some more eggs for my famous cake.
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I have got to repair that old car of mine. (informal) I must see the doctor soon because I don't feel well. It is necessary that I take a taxi. I'm late. In the past: I had to work extra hours to pay my bills. In the future: I'll have to borrow money.

Lack of necessity
In the present: I don't have to drive fast. I don't need to write the report myself. My secretary can do that for me. I needn't buy all these things. In the past: I didn't have to tell him about my project. In the future: I won't have to revise my lessons. I learn them by heart.

PERMISSION
Asking for Permission: Can I go out, please? May I open the window, please? Please, can I have a look at your photo album? Please, may I taste that hot spicy couscous dish? Expressing Permission:

It is allowed

You might vote if you are 18. You may speak to the manager. You could see me this afternoon. I'm free then. You can put on my jacket.

It is not necessary

You don't have to take your medicine if you feel better. You won't have to come early tomorrow. There won't be much to do.

It is not compulsory
You needn't answer all the questions. Three are enough. You don't need to have a visa to go from a European country to another.

REQUEST
Expressing Request: Can you close that door, please? Will you turn down that radio, please? Could you possibly give me that red pen over there? Would you bring me a glass of water please? Would you like to put that case on the reception desk, please?!
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Would you mind sending these letters for me, please?!

CAUSE&EFFECT
There are many ways to express cause and effect relationships. Take this for example: i. He didn't come because he wasn't invited. ii. Since he wasn't invited, he didn't come. iii. The cause of his absence is that he was not invited. He was not invited. So, the effect or the result of this is that "he didn't come". If he had been invited, he would have come. But he was not invited, consequently he didn't come.

EXAMPLES:
1. She didn't attend the meeting since she was not interested. 2. I'm glad the children are out, for I have got a lot of work to do at home. 3. She didn't tell the police because of fear. 4. Owing to his carelessness, the man had an accident. 5. I'm sorry for being late. 6. Thanks for your attention. 7. He went to hospital because he was not feeling well.

EXPLAINING&JUSTIFYING
The aim of the project is to promote the rural world. The main reason behind this project is to help the students become autonomous. It seems to me evident that technology has already affected our mode of life. It seems to me obvious that computers become a necessity in our modern life. Taking into consideration factors like unemployment and the fierce competition in the labour market, then the students have to seek knowledge everywhere, and should not rely on school sources only. They aren't enough. All things considered, I think students have to do their best to use all the possible means of communication in the profit for their school projects.

FEAR
Expressing fear: What scares / frightens me most is......... My chief / major/ main concern is...... I cant help being worried by..... The problem is.... It is ............ that scares me. Im dreading the final verdict.

SYMPATHY
Expressing Sympathy: What a pity !/ shame that..... How disappointing!
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What bad / sad news! Its a great disappointment! How terrible! Its terrible that........!

HYPOTHESIS
Expressing hypothesis about the past 1. CERTAINTY: Yes, Im certain it was a ghost. Im sure it was only a black cat. It must have been a rodent. 2. PROBABILITY / POSSIBILITY: Perhaps it was a ghost. It might / may / could have been a black cat. 3. IMPOSSIBILITY: It couldnt / cant have been an animal. Im sure it wasnt a ghost.

REGRET
Expressing regret about past mistakes I oughtnt to have sold my old books. I shouldnt have done that. If I had had enough money, I would have bought a car.

INDIFERENCE
Expressing indifference:

A. POLITELY:

Thats all right. It doesnt matter at all. I dont mind. Its all the same to me. I dont care. Who cares?! So what?!

B. LESS FORMAL:

C. VERY INFORMAL:

DISSATISFACTION
Expressing Dissatisfaction: Im fed up with someone or something. Im tired of someone or something. Im sick of someone or something.
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Im sick and tired of someone or something.

Asking For Clarification

In order to avoid misunderstanding one has to ask for clarification to make sure one understands the message in the right way. If one is asked for clarification one has to give it and check for understanding. Here are some useful expressions you can use in both situations: Requesting Clarification: Excuse me. What was that again? Pardon me. Would you mind repeating that Pardon me. Could you repeat that please? I beg your pardon. Would you mind repeating that? Im sorry. I didnt get the last part. May I interrupt? Could you say that again please? What? I didnt catch that. What did you say? I didnt get the last part. Huh? (impolite) You lost me. I didnt get that. Can you make yourself clear? I am completely in the dark. Asking for clarification for good understanding: If I understand the terms correctly.............. Is that right? Could you elaborate on that? Do you mean...... I was under the impression that......... Let me see if I have that right. .................. Is that so? Use Question Tags. I cant understand....... I am not sure I got your point. Would you clarify that a little, please? Giving Clarification and checking for understanding.

FORMAL:

INFORMAL (WITH FRIENDS):

FORMAL:

I mean that...... What I mean is that.... Does that make sense to you? Am I making sense? Am I clear enough? Do you get that? Have I made myself clear? Do you see what I mean? Do you understand so far? Are you following me?

INFORMAL:

Did you catch that? Do you understand?

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Is that clear now? Right? Okay, so far? Did you get that? Got it?

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS

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