ESL Term:

Functional English

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functional English:  Teaching English according to the function it used for, as opposed to its grammatical complexity. For example, a lesson based on functional English might group together the phrases:

                        Why don't you . . .?

                        I think you should . . .

                        If I were you, I would . . .

All of these phrases, have differing grammatical complexity, but serve the same function of giving advice.

Other common functions include: asking for advice, asking for directions, offering help, telling stories, talking about the past, talking about obligations.