Concepts and terminology for describing language: FUNCTIONS

Question 1

Appropriacy (noun), appropriate/inappropriate (adjective)

Answer 1

Language which is suitable in a particular situation. See register.

Question 2

Colloquial

Answer 2

Language normally used in informal conversation but not in formal speech or writing,

e.g. Give Gran a ring, OK?

Question 3

Decline/ refuse an invitation

Answer 3

To say that you will not accept an invitation,

e.g. I’m sorry but I can’t.

Question 4

Enquire

Answer 4

To ask for information,

e.g. What time does the train leave?

Question 5

Express

Answer 5

To show or make known a feeling or an opinion in words.

1. Express ability, e.g. I can swim.
2. Express intention, e.g. I’m planning to visit him next year.
3. Express necessity, e.g. He needs to get a new passport.
4. Express obligation, e.g. You must wear a seatbelt
5. Express permission, e.g. You can have a look at my book.
6. Express preference, e.g. I’d rather have coffee than tea.
7. Express probability, e.g. He should be in later.
8. Express prohibition, e.g. You mustn’t use your mobile phone while driving.

Question 6

Formal language

Answer 6

Language used in formal conversations or writing, e.g. Yours faithfully. See register

Question 7

Formality (level of): see register.

Answer 7

no answer

Question 8

Function

Answer 8

The reason or purpose for communication, e.g. making a suggestion; giving advice.

Question 9

Functional exponent

Answer 9

A phrase which is an example of a function and shows the purpose of what the speaker is communicating,

e.g. Let’s …

This phrase is one way to make a suggestion.

It is an example (or exponent) of the function of suggesting. See function.

Question 10

Greet

Answer 10

To welcome someone, often with words, e.g. Hello, how are you?

Question 11

Informal language

Answer 11

Language used in informal conversations or writing, e.g. Hi John. See register.

Question 12

Inappropriate

Answer 12

Language which is not suitable in a particular situation. See appropriacy.

Question 13

Informality (level of): see register.

Answer 13

no answer here

Question 14

Instruct

Answer 14

To order or tell someone to do something, e.g. Please turn to page 12 and do exercise 1.

Question 15

Neutral

Answer 15

A style of speaking or writing that is neither formal nor informal, but in between. It is appropriate for most situations. See formal language, informal language.

Question 15

Negotiate

Answer 15

To discuss with someone to reach an agreement, e.g. If you help me now, I’ll help you next week.

Question 16

Predict

Answer 16

To guess or say what you think may happen, e.g. I think the story will end happily.

Question 17

Register

Answer 17

The formality or informality of the language used in a particular situation.

-Formal register or language is used in serious or important situations, e.g. in a job application.

• Informal register or language is used in relaxed or friendly situations, e.g. with family or friends.

Question 17

Speculate

Answer 17

To guess something based on information you have, e.g. I think it might be an easy test.

Question 18

Request, make a (polite) request

Answer 18

To ask someone politely to do something, e.g. Please could you open the window?