Communicative functions: Interacting with others

Adjusting our interaction with others

Attributing point of view to someone

Sometimes we attribute a point of view to ourselves and sometimes to another person. This shows that what we say is only a point of view and other people can disagree if they wish. In these examples the point of view is attributed to other people:

The grandchildren think Granny Gong is the cleverest person in the world. The grandchildren say that Granny Gong is the cleverest person in the world.

The point of view can also be attributed to the speaker using expressions such as I think, I bet and I believe. For example:

	I think she just wanted to try them.
	I don't think it's nice.

Here a receptionist makes a suggestion to a customer using the expression I think:

Well I think you need to talk to the technical manager about that. Hold on.

For more information about responding to requests, see:

Text types: Particular Descriptions: Expressing feelings and opinions
Grammar: Clause: Using clauses to organise text: Focusing on feelings and attitudes