Formal_Informal_English.pdf

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F
ORMAL
& I
NFORMAL
E
NGLISH
Summary
Language Styles .................................................................................................................................... 2
Rules of Language Styles....................................................................................................................... 3
Different Styles between Informal & Formal English .................................................................. 4
Dictionary of Formal & Informal English.................................................................................... 6
Exercise 1................................................................................................................................ 7
Exercise 2................................................................................................................................ 7
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Page 1 of 8
Language Styles
There are three main language styles:
1. Formal
2. Semi-Formal
3. Informal
The diagram below illustrates how these styles are rated on a scale of 0 to 10.
Diagram of Formal & Informal English
10
8
6
4
2
Page 2 of 8
Informal
Semi-formal
Formal
Business Language Services S.r.l.
Rules of Language Styles
The following rules apply to both
written
and
spoken
English.
Language Style: Rules
analysis
Company
Person
Know name
of recipient?
Have spoken or
exchanged info?
No
Yes
No
Yes
Formal
Formal
Are on familiar
terms?
No
Yes
Dear Sir or Madam,
Dear Sir,
Semi-formal
Informal
Dear Mr. Donald,
Dear Guy
Don’t know anything
about the person who
receives letter.
Know title or name of
person. Never met or
exchanged info.
Know name of person
and have exchanged
greetings.
Know person well
and on familiar terms.
Formal and Informal English
Page 3 of 8
Different Styles between Informal & Formal English
The follow examples illustrate the main differences between informal and formal English.
1. Active & Passive Voice
Our technician repaired the fault on 12
th
June.
Now it’s your turn to pay us.
Although the fault was repaired on 12
th
June,
payment for this intervention has still not been
received.
Informal
Formal
2. Verb Form: Phrasal Verbs & Latinate
The company laid him off because he didn't
work much.
His insufficient production conducted to his
dismissal.
Informal
Formal
3. Language: Direct & Formulaic
I’m sorry but …
I’m happy to say that …
We regret to inform you that …
We have pleasure in announcing that …
Informal
Formal
4. Use of Slang
He had to get some money out of a hole in the
wall …
He withdrew the amount from an ATM.
Informal
Formal
Page 4 of 8
Business Language Services S.r.l.
5. Personal Form & Nominators
If you lose it, then please contact us as soon as
possible.
Any loss of this document should be reported
immediately …
Informal
Formal
6. Linking Words
The bank can’t find the payment you say you’ve
made.
Notwithstanding that the payment has been sent the
bank fails to acknowledge it.
Informal
Formal
7. Revitalised Sentences
Anybody or any company.
Informal
Formal
… any natural person who, and any legal entity
which …
8. Modal Usage
If you need any help give us a call.
Informal
Formal
Should you require any assistance, please feel free
to contact us …
9. Singular & Plural Person
I can help you to solve this problem. Call me!
Informal
Formal
We can assist in the resolution of this matter.
Contact us on our toll-free number.
Formal and Informal English
Page 5 of 8

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