Language Functions

2025年09月26日

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Language Functions

Showing Possibility and Impossibility

Although we have no absolute control over what will happen,we can try to predict whether or not something is likely to take place.The following expressions can help us express possibility:

It is possible/probable/likely that the price will remain unchanged.

It is possible for you to open a small restaurant.

Everything is possible as long as…

All things are possible if…

Nothing is impossible so long as…

Chances are…

Of course it will…

It’s bound/sure to…

It’ll probably…

It’s a possibility.

There’s a possibility of…

I think it is quite possible that…

I’m thinking about/of…

I expect it to…

I wouldn’t be surprised if it…

I suppose it might…

I bet it will…

Here are some useful ways of expressing impossibility:

It is almost impossible that we’ll cut down on the price.

It is next to impossible to raise $100 million in three days.

You will find it almost impossible to do sth.

It is impossible for sb.to do sth.

I think it is quite impossible that…

It is regarded/considered as impossible…

It is out of the question that…

Showing Certainty

Sometimes we can claim to be absolutely certain about something,like this:

It is certain.

Absolutely/Of course!

I’m sure/certain/positive.

I’m positive that they will start up a company next year.

No doubt…

Certainly/Surely…

Clearly/Obviously…

There’s no doubt that…

I am certain to…

I am certain of/about ...

I’m going to make certain/sure that…

I can say it for certain that…

I know it for certain/sure.

Showing Uncertainty

But sometimes we are not able to make a good judgment,so we say things like:

It is uncertain for me to stick to one job all my life.

It is uncertain that…

It is uncertain whether or not…

It is not at all certain that…

It is hard to say whether/if…

I doubt whether/if…

It all depends.

I’m uncertain to change my job soon.

I’m uncertain of/about…

I’m not sure whether/if…

Instructing People How to Do Things

There is not much difference between telling someone how something works and instructing them how to do it themselves.However,more detail is needed and more repetition,too.When giving instructions,we often link the steps together like this:

First,you plug the machine in.

To start/begin with,you…

The first thing you have to do is…

Second,you press this button and put the cassette in.

Then,you…

Next,you…

After you’ve done that,you…

The next thing you do is…

Finally,you close the cover and press the Play button.

The last thing you have to do is…

Oh,and then don’t forget to…

Make sure you remember to…

Oh,and be careful not to…

Checking Understanding

As we are giving instructions to someone,we will probably need to check whether or not our listener understands,like this:

Alright,so far?

Are you with me?

Is that clear?

Do you see what I mean?

Does it make sense?

Got that?

OK?

Understand?

When we see our listener has understood,we can give some encouragement by saying:

That’s right.Now…

Perfect!Now…

Very good!Now…

Fine!Now…

On the other hand,if you’re being given complicated instructions,you may need to interrupt and ask questions like these:

Sorry,but I don’t quite see why you have to press that button.

Sorry,can you say that again,please?

Sorry,can you repeat it?

Sorry,but I’m not quite clear on…

I’m afraid I don’t quite follow you.

Online Library

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