1.
Explanation of Key Concepts
What is a Function?
A function is the reason or purpose for communicating. Every time a person speaks or writes, they
are performing a function.
• Example Functions: Apologizing, greeting, advising, inviting, agreeing, refusing, etc.
• Focus in ELT: While grammar describes how language is structured (verbs, tenses), and lexis
describes what words are used (vocabulary), functions describe how we use the language in
real-life contexts to achieve a goal.
What is an Exponent?
An exponent is the actual language (the specific words and sentences) used to express a function.
Function Exponent (The Language Used)
Apologizing "I'm so sorry." / "Please forgive me."
Inviting "Would you like to come to lunch with us?" / "Lunch?"
Thanking "Thank you so much for my lovely..."
The Role of Context
The file stresses that the true function of an exponent always depends on the context (who is
speaking, to whom, and where).
• Example: The exponent "I'm so tired"
o Context A (Boy talking to his mother while doing homework): The function is Requesting
(asking) to stop doing homework.
o Context B (Patient talking to a doctor): The function is Describing a physical state.
Register and Appropriacy
The language used to express a function varies based on the situation, which is known as
Register.
• Formal Register: Used in official or serious situations, or when speaking to people you do not
know well (e.g., "We would be very pleased if you could join us for lunch.").
• Informal Register: Used in relaxed or casual situations, typically among friends (e.g., "Lunch?"
or "Hey, what's up?").
• Neutral Exponent: Falls between formal and informal (e.g., "Why don't you come for lunch with
us?").
Appropriacy refers to choosing the correct level of register (formality) that suits the situation.
Saying "Hi, guys!" to a head teacher would be inappropriate, while "Good morning, everyone"
would be appropriate in a classroom.
TKT practice For questions 1-6, read the conversation between two friends in a
restaurant. Match the underlined sentences with the functions listed A-G. There is one
extra option which you do not need to use.
Line Exponent Function Match Explanation
We could Chris is proposing an idea for a
C. making a
(1) complain to the C solution using the modal verb
suggestion
manager. could.
Janet is expressing doubt or
That's a bit rude,
(2) G. disagreeing G opposition to Chris's
isn't it?
suggestion.
Are you saying Chris uses a question structure
you'd like the D. asking for (Are you saying...) to ask
(3) D
same dish clarification Janet to explain exactly what
again? she wants.
It would
Janet is guessing what the
probably be as
(4) A. predicting A future outcome will be (would
bad as this
probably be...).
one.
Janet gives a short, informal
exponent to show she accepts
(5) True. F. agreeing F
Chris's previous point (But it's
better than doing nothing).
Janet is giving a reason (I
I hate doing
B. making an hate...) for why she will not
(6) those kinds of B
excuse perform the task of
things.
complaining.
