Language Functions in English grammar. Language function examples and with answers for all competitive exams. GPSTR, KARTET and CTET useful English grammar.
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English grammar activity on language function
Seeking Permission
(Imagine Columbus meeting King Ferdinand II of Argon and Isabella I of Castile to seek their permission for his voyage to find a sea-route to India. Complete the dialogues choosing sentences given in the box.)
Columbus : Good morning, your Majesty.
Ferdinand : Very good morning.
Isabella : _______________________________________________________
Columbus : Yes, your Majesty. Could I present my plans?
Isabella : First tell us about your destination.
Columbus : _______________________________________________________
Isabella : Oh! That’s a good idea, but we’d like to refer your plan to a committee.
Columbus : _______________________________________________________
(After a long pause.)
Isabella : Dear Columbus, our committee members feel that you have grossly underestimated the distance to India.
Columbus : I beg your pardon, they are wrong.
Isabella : _______________________________________________________
Columbus : Oh, no, please don’t do that. I’ve full confidence in what I’m going to do.
Isabella : In that case, will an allowance of 12,000 maravedis be enough?
Columbus : …………………………………………………………………
Isabella : Of course, we’ll give an order to provide you with food and lodging till you get ready to sail.
Columbus : I’m extremely thankful to your majesty.
Isabella : …………………………………………………………………
a. As your Majesty desires.
b. Thank you so much. May I ask for something else, too?
c. They also feel your idea is impractical. In fact, they
insisted that we reject it.
d. Columbus, are you ready with your plan?
e. I have a great desire to find a sea route to India.
f. May God bless you! Bon voyage !
Answer:
a) Isabella: Columbus, are you ready with your plan?
b) Columbus: I have a great plan to find a sea route to India.
c) Columbus: As your majesty desires.
d) Isabella: They also feel your idea is impractical. In fact, they insisted that we reject it.
e) Columbus: Thank you so much. May I ask for something else, too?
f) Isabella: May God bless you! Bon voyage.
Seeking Permission
1. May I come in?
2. Allow me to have a look at it, will you, please?
3. Can I sit here?
4. If you don’t mind, could I use your pen?
Expressing Agreement
- If you don’t mind, we’ll sit for a while and relax.
- I agree with you totally.
- I couldn’t agree with you more.
- (weak) I suppose so./I guess so.
- You have a point there.
- I was just going to say that.
- Tell me about it!
- That’s for sure.
- You’re absolutely right.
- Absolutely.
- That’s exactly how I feel.
- Exactly.
- No doubt about it.
Read the following conversations and identify the language functions of the underlined sentences.
Dialogue 1
Arun : I have a party at home. Please do come.
Bindu : I would have loved to come. But please excuse me, as I have to attend a wedding.
Ans : rejecting the invitation.
Dialogue 2
Priya: I am getting married on the 28th of this month at Sri Venkateshwara Kalyana Mantap. Please do come.
Manoj : I would love to be a part of the celebrations I will be there.
Ans : Accepting the invitation.
Extra questions for practice:
1. Could you please spare some time, sir?
a. request b. apology c. order d. Questioning
Ans: a
2. You‟re absolutely right
a. expressing agreement b. expressing disagreement c. Complimenting d. Wishing
Ans: a
3. If you don‟t mind could I use your pen?
a. questioning b. seeking information c. seeking help d. seeking permission
Ans: d
4. I‟m really grateful to you
a. Complimenting b. Wishing c. requesting d. expressing gratitude
Ans: d
5. I‟m very sorry
a. apologizing b. ordering c. complimenting d. expressing gratitude
Ans: a
Watch this video for explanation of Language Function in English grammar.