Language Functions 1

BASIC FUNCTIONS.

A language function is something for which an utterance or unit of language is used. You can think of functions as categories of behaviour.

Functions in English are used to achieve a communicative objective. Let’s look at some commonly used functions and the phrases that apply to them.

Advising.

Use:

• … if I were you.
• … ought to… (this indicates stronger advice).

Examples:

• I would ask the boss first if I were you.
• You ought to write a thank you letter to your grandmother.

Agreeing.

Use:

• Repetition of the same auxiliary.
• Use do if there is no auxiliary.
• Neither to agree with a negative statement.

Examples:

• I really like the Hotel Shangri La in Bali.
• So do I.

• I am really interested in the history of ancient China.
• So am I.

• I don’t understand why languages can be so complicated.
• Neither do I.

Apologising.

• Of course, apologising means saying sorry!
• Use so to emphasise how very sorry you are.
• Use I’m afraid to soften a rejection or give bad news.

Examples:

• I am so sorry that I am late.
• I am afraid that you need to pay a fine.