Module 1 – Grammar

 
FUNCTIONS
Candidates should already be familiar with common functions such as asking, telling, replying, thanking and 
suggesting. 
Appropriacy 
noun
appropriate/inappropriate 
adj 
Language which is suitable or correct in a particular situation. See register.
 
Colloquial 
Language used in informal conversations or writing.
Declining, refusing an invitation 
To refuse or decline an invitation, e.g. I’m sorry but I can’t.
Enquiring 
To ask for information, e.g. What time does the train leave? 
Express 
To show or make known a feeling or an opinion in words. 
Expressing ability, e.g. I can swim. 
 
Expressing intention, e.g. I’m planning to visit him next year. 
 
Expressing necessity, e.g. He needs to get a new passport. 
 
Expressing obligation, e.g. You must wear a seatbelt. 
 
Expressing permission, e.g. Can I have a look at your book? 
 
Expressing preference, e.g. I’d rather have coffee than tea. 
 
Expressing probability, e.g. He should be in later. 
 
Formal (language): see register. 
Formality (level of): see register. 
Function 
The reason or purpose for communication, e.g. making a suggestion; giving advice.  
 
Functional exponent 
A phrase which is an example of a function and shows the purpose of the speaker, 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.