Formulaic expressions and useful chunks

Cambridge Veritas · Original TESOL self-study resources

Understand the idea

Common expressions allow learners to participate before they can construct every phrase independently. Teach a small set with response options and pronunciation. Show which parts can change and which parts form a useful fixed frame.

What you will practise

• Explain the key idea in “Formulaic expressions and useful chunks” using a concrete example.
• Choose a teaching response that fits the learner and the purpose.
• Identify evidence you could collect to evaluate that response.

A closer look at the teaching

Teach a chunk as part of a small exchange with a reason to use it. Identify which elements can vary and what a listener might say next. Pronunciation work can focus on the whole phrase rather than each word separately. After rehearsal, remove some support and let learners choose the chunk when it becomes useful.

Functional language connects linguistic choices with what people are trying to achieve together. Learners need to recognise intentions, choose an expression that fits the relationship and respond appropriately to the next turn. A list of request or suggestion phrases is therefore only part of the lesson. Establish a scene, compare a short exchange and provide an opportunity to reach a real decision or solve a communicative problem.

In the classroom

Before choosing an activity, identify what the learner needs to understand or communicate. Separate the language demand from other demands such as reading instructions, managing equipment or speaking to a large group.

A teaching sequence you can adapt

Use these stages as a starting point for this topic. Keep the language goal visible, and change the support when learner responses show a different need.

1. 01

   Create a recognisable scene and state what the participants need to achieve.

2. 02

   Read or hear a short model exchange, checking the overall outcome before analysing useful phrases.

3. 03

   Compare choices of wording and delivery, then rehearse a small set of responses with support.

4. 04

   Change the situation or information and ask learners to achieve the outcome, followed by feedback on success and appropriacy.

A common mistake to avoid

When reviewing the activity, distinguish what you observed from what you inferred. Use the task outcome and a fresh example to decide whether another explanation, a different scaffold or more independent practice is needed.

Adapt it for your learners

Keep the intended outcome consistent when comparing responses. Record which support was available so you do not confuse a supported performance with the same task completed independently.

Try it, then compare.

Take a moment to make your own decision. Compare your reasoning with the example, then adapt it for a teaching context you know.

Your questions, answered.

Quick revision

• The key idea: Common expressions allow learners to participate before they can construct every phrase independently.
• The context to remember: A beginner needs to ask for repetition and clarification.
• A useful next step: Select two phrases and practise appropriate responses.

For your teaching portfolio: keep a brief plan, a note of what learners actually did and one change you would make next time. Use anonymous examples.

Sources and authorship

This module maps to the supplied syllabus PDF, Language functions (5 pages). The study notes, examples, application tasks and self-checks on these pages are original Cambridge Veritas resources.

View the supplied PDF ↗ · Publication reference: source chapter

Written by Cambridge Veritas. Updated 10 November 2026.

Use these resources for preparation and reflection. Browser self-check results are for personal study and do not award a qualification or replace observed teaching practice.

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