1. Function

3. What is function A function is a way of describing language according to its purpose (how it is used). Functions c an be short phrases as well as single words. Typical functions are: offering something asking for permission, making a suggestion etc

4. The same function an be expressed in different ways. Our choice of words depend on : -The situation we are in : is it public or private? who else is present? -The per son we are talking to: someone of our own age? how well do we k now them ? -what we are talking about: is the topic sensitive ? or is it light and unimportant?

5. The functions below are classified as formal (= polite), neutral or informal, but remember that the choice of words depends on man y things. You might be talking to a friend and you want to borrow a pen, so you are informal. But if you are talking to the same friend and you want to borrow a large amount of money you will use more formal language

6. To ask for information we can use an indirect question: Can you tell me what time the bus from Glasgow arrives? Could you tell me what time the bus from Glasgow arrives? Of course. It arrives at 9.30(neutral) Would you mind telling me what time the bus from Glasgow arrives? Of course not. It arrives at 9.30.(formal 1 Note the indirect question form (NOT what tim:e does...)

7. Offering help: Shall I carry this suitcase for you? (neutral) Let me carry your suitcase. (neutral) Thank you very much. I Thanks, but I can manage. Offering things: Would you like a soft drink?(neutral) Yes, pleas e, I 'll have an orange juic e. I No thanks, it's OK Would you like tea or coffee?(neutral ) I'd rather have coffee, pl ease. I I'd prefer tea, pleas e. I I don't mind

8. Is it all right if I leave early? (informal) Can I leave early, please? (neutral) Yes, of course. Sorry, but you can't. You have to stay to the end. Could I possibly leave a bit early, please? (neutral) Yes, you can. May I leave early, please? (formal ) Yes, you may.

9. Promising I’ll be back at 11.30. (neutral) I won't do anything silly! (neutral) The word will is used in many functions Requests Can you open the window, please? (neutral) Can you help me? (neutral) Could you open the window please? (formal) Will/Would you wait here, please? (formal) We can reply to a request by agreeing or refusing: Sure. I No problem. I Of course Actually, a bit inconvenient/ I’m sorry but that’s not possible

10. Requests with mind are confusing for learners because Would you mind... means 'Is it a problem for you?'. So we say 'no' if we want to be helpful. Would you mind helping me? No, of course not. Actually, I'm quite busy at the moment. Perhaps later Note that we use an -ing form after Would you mind

11. Suggesting and advising ' Let's go to the cinema. (neutral) Why don't we go to the cinema? (neutral) How about going to the cinema? (neutral) We could go to the cinema. (neutral) If we make a suggestion to another person it is advice: I think you should stay at home. (formal ) If I were you, I'd stay at home (formal)