Sunday 17 April 2011

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing cause and effect

Expressing cause and effect

As a consequence

The weather is unpredictable in the south of Asia. As a consequence, people

need to be always on the alert for flooding, hurricanes, and monsoons.

Therefore

The road here is slippery. Therefore, you should be more careful.

Since

Since you 're interested in sociology, why don't you read this book by

Bourdieu, then?

As a result ( of )

Several flights have been called off this winter as a result of bad weather

conditions.

Due to

Many air crashes happen due to miscommunication between pilots and air

traffic controllers.

Because of ( this )

Because of the strong turbulence, aircraft passengers were told to fasten

their seatbelts.

For this reason

Consequently

Lead to

Lack of sleep, while driving, can lead to many driving errors.

Result in

Caused by

Result from

Be responsible for

The police have not determined yet who was responsible for the accident.

Arise from

Be the leading cause of

Poor road infrastructure is the leading cause of car accidents.

The old lady has tripped over a stone. As a result, she has cut her head very

badly.

Excessive alcohol consumption is reported to be the leading cause of car

accidents

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing contrast

Expressing contrast

Although

Although women's status has improved, they are still under-represented in

the parliament.

Though

Even though

My sister rarely uses her mobile phone even though she has got one.

In spite of

In spite of the difficulty of immigrating to the US, many people still apply

for green cards.

Despite

Despite the efforts that have been made by environmental activists,

pollution is still on the increase.

However

Yet

On the contrary

Watching TV can't be a waste of time. On the contrary, it's entertaining and

relaxing.

Whereas

I need eight hours' sleep a night, whereas my father gets by only five or six.

On the other hand

Nevertheless

The critics slammed Mr Humphrey's latest novel. Nevertheless,it was

awarded a Pulitzer.

Regardless

Regardless of their colour or religion, people must be treated equally.

Conversely

No matter how

No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get to the other side of the

sea-coast.

Notwithstanding

Notwithstanding the fact that he has a ten-year experience in in computer

programming, Frank hasn't found a decent job yet.

These expressions are used to contrast two ideas.

Our district has been short of water for about six months now. However,

nothing has been done about it so far.

Henry takes after his father whereas Rashid takes after his mother.

In spite of her old age, my grandmother is attending a literacy night school.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing addition

Expressing addition

In addition (to)

As well as

Moreover

What’s more

Not only...but also...

India is not only the most populated country in the world, but it has also the

lowest percentage of contraceptive users.

Furthermore

Besides

Also

Too

These words/phrases are used to introduce additional information, i.e. add

information or join one idea to another similar idea.

To be proficient in a foreign language, you need to master its grammar and

vocabulary. In addition to this, you need to gain insight into the culture of

the people who speak that language.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing purpose

Expressing purpose

1. To + infinitive

People go jogging to keep fit.

2. In order (not) to + infinitive

He stayed in England for a year in order to pick the language.

He wore a mask in order not to be recognized by the police.

3. So as (not) to + infinitive

We left early so as to avoid traffic jam.

I took off my shoes and walked upstairs so as not to wake my parents.

4. So that / in order that + clause ( can / will – could / would )

Raise your voice so that I can hear you well.

5. Other ways of expressing purpose:

For the purpose of...

With the aim of...

With the objective of...

With the intention of...

With a view to...

An investigation is carried out for the purpose of determining the cause of the accident,

Research is being done with the aim of developing a cure to bird flu.

The association is raising money with the objective of building a street children centre.

He went to the clinic with the intention of doing a general check-up.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing uncertainty

Expressing uncertainty
Well, it’s possible, I suppose, but I wouldn't like to say for certain.
Well, there might be, I suppose, but I'm not really sure.
Well, it could happen, I suppose, but I doubt it.
Well, it’s not possible, I suppose, but I have my doubts.
Well, you never know of course, but it's doubtful.
Well, no one can say for certain, but it's highly unlikely.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing certainty

Expressing certainty
Yes, I'm absolutely sure they will.
Yes, I’m quite sure they will.
Yes, I'm quite sure they will.
Yes, I'm certain they will.
Yes, I'm positive they will.
Yes, definitely.
Yes, certainly.
Yes, of course.
No, I’m absolutely sure they won't.
No, I’m quite sure they won't.
No, I’m certain they won't.
No, I’m positive they won't.
No, definitely not.
No, certainly not.
No, absolutely not.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing past regrets

Expressing past regrets

I wish I hadn't /I had never turned down the offer.

If only I had listened to my parents' advice.

I don't know why I ever stayed to study in my home

I can't think why I never didn't ask my teacher's advice.

I'm (really) sorry never didn't ask my teacher's advice.

I shouldn't have missed that golden opportunity

I should have accepted the scholarship grant.

I (really) regret not having taken that opportunity.

The verb tense which is used after "wish" and "if only" is past perfect.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Responding to apologies

Responding to apologies

That's OK/all right!

Never mind!

That's no problem!

Oh, that's all right; don't worry!

Don't worry about that!

It's not really your fault.

Oh, never mind. It doesn't really matter.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Apologizing

Apologizing

I'm very / terribly sorry for...

I'm really sorry about this.

I can't tell you how sorry I am!

I do apologize. Forget about it!

I sincerely apologize for...

Accept my sincere apologies!

I just don't know what to say.

I'm really angry with myself for what I did.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Rejecting a complaint

Rejecting a complaint

Well, I'm afraid there's nothing we can do about it actually.

Well, I'm afraid there isn't much we can do about it.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Accepting a complaint

Accepting a complaint

Oh, I'm sorry about that.

Oh, dear. I'm really sorry!

I'm so sorry. I didn't realize.

I just don't know what to say.

I can't tell you how sorry I am!

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Making a complaint

Making a complaint

Sorry to say this, but...

I just don't know how to say it, but...

I'm afraid I have to make a serious complaint.

Oh, I've got a bit of a problem here; you see,...

I'm not really satisfied with the way you...

Look, I'm sorry to trouble you, but...

I'm sorry to have to say this, but...

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Giving opinion

Giving opinion

To be honest,...

Well, if you ask me,...

To my mind,.../

In my opinion, / view,..

I really feel that...

Personally speaking, I think...

I'd like to point out that...

I strongly believe that...

From my point of view,...

As far as I'm concerned,...

I think / believe... /

It seems to me that...

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Asking for opinion

Asking for opinion

What do you think about... ?

What's your opinion about...?

What's your view about... ?

How do you feel about...?

Don't you think / believe that...?

Do you really think / believe that... ?

Are you absolutely sure that...?

Am I right in thinking that... ?

Would I be right in thinking that... ?

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing disagreement

Expressing disagreement

I'm afraid I don't agree.

Yes, that's quite true, but...

I'm not sure I quite agree with you there.

Perhaps, but don't you agree/think that...

I see what you mean, but...

I'm sorry, but I disagree.

I disagree with you.

Sorry to say it, but you're wrong.

I don't share this view with you.

Well, I'm not so sure about that.

I'm afraid, you're wrong there.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing agreement

Expressing agreement

I agree.

I agree entirely / completely.

I certainly agree with that.

I couldn't agree more.

That's a good point.

I share the same view.

That's exactly what I was thinking myself.

I quite agree with you.

You're definitely / absolutely right.

You're quite right.

That's just how I see it.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Responding to advice

Responding to advice

That's a good idea. Thanks.

It sounds like a good idea.

Thank you for your advice, but I really...

Thanks, but I've already...

Thanks, but I doubt whether...

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Giving advice

Giving advice

If I were you, I'd...

You should(n't)/ought(n't) to

Have you tried + vb+ing?

I think you should...

Why don't you...?

You'd better (not)...

Whatever you do, don't...

Perhaps you should...

It would be a good idea if...

It's best not to...

It's a good idea (not) to...

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Asking for advice

Asking for advice

What should I do?

What's your advice for... ?

I don't know what to do.

How can I...?

What's the best...?

What do you think I should do?

What do you suggest?

What would you do if... ?

What would you advise me to do?

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Accepting suggestions

Accepting suggestions

Yes, that's a good idea!

Yes, let's do that.

It sounds a good idea, thanks.

Turning down suggestions

Yes, but...

I'm not sure about that.

I'm afraid I don't like that idea

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Making suggestions

Making suggestions

I suggest you (should)...

How / What about...?

Why don't you...?

Why not...?

You could...

Let's..., shall we?

Shall we...?

Couldn't we...?

Do you fancy + vb ing?

One possible solution could be...

Another option / alternative could be

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Asking for suggestions

Asking for suggestions

What shall I do ?

What do you suggest ?

Any ideas on...?

Do you have any suggestions for..?

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Declining offers

Declining offers

Thanks, but that won't be necessary.

Thanks, but please don't bother.

That's very kind of you, but...

That won't be necessary.

No, it's all right, thanks. I can manage.

No, thanks all the same.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Accepting offers

Accepting offers

Yes, please (if you could).

Thank you.

Could you? That's very kind of you!

Thank you. I'd appreciate that.

That'll be fine. Thanks.

Oh, that'd be great. Thanks a lot.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Making offers

Making offers

Let me help you + vb...

Let me help you with...

Do you want me to....?

Shall I...?

Would you like me to... ?

If you like, I can... ?

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Responding to requests

Responding to requests

Yes, of course.

Sorry, I can't.

Certainly not.

Not at all.

Sure

Sorry, I'm afraid I can't

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing requests

Expressing requests

(Do sth. for me), will you?

Will you please...?

I want you to + vb....

can you...?

could you please... ?

Would you...?

Do you think you could... ?

Could you possibly...?

Do you mind...?

Would you mind + v+ing... ?

I wonder if you could possibly...

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Responding to bad news

Responding to bad news

Oh, dear!

Poor you!

That must be awful!

My goodness!

I'm awfully sorry to hear that.

I know how you must be feeling.

I do sympathize with you.

Please, accept my deepest sympathy.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Responding to good news

Responding to good news

Sounds great !

Superb !

Oh, how wonderful!

That's great / wonderful / fantastic.

Wow ! That sounds exciting !

Great news! You deserve it.

Congratulations!

I'm happy / glad to hear that.

Really? I can't believe that!

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressions for clarifying one's point of view

Expressions for clarifying one's point of view

Let me explain that.

Let me put it another way.

Let me express that differently.

Sorry, let me explain.

In other words,...

In other terms

To say this differently,

To put it differently,

Let me explain that in more detail

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS:Asking for clarification

Asking for clarification

What do you mean by... ?

Do you mean...?

I'm not quite with you. What do you mean?

Could you clarify that, please?

Would you elaborate on that, please?

Could you be more explicit?

Could you explain what you mean by... ?

Could you possibly give us an example?

I wonder if you could say that in a different way.

Could you be a little bit more specific, please?

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS:Expressing lack of understanding

Expressing lack of understanding

Could you say that again / repeat that, please?

I beg your pardon?

I'm not quite sure I follow you.

I'm not quite sure I know what you mean.

I beg your pardon, but I don't quite understand.

I don't quite see what you mean, I'm afraid.

I'm not so sure I got your point.

Sorry, I didn't quite hear what you said.

Sorry, I didn't get your point, I'm afraid.

I don't quite see what you're getting at.