Better English
Introduction
Register
We use language in various ways depending on the context. One of these major differences is called register
and deals with varying degrees of formality. Although there are different ways of dividing this gradual
difference between styles of writing and speaking, the basic categories are:
high formal or ceremonial,
formal,
neutral or semi-formal,
informal,
familiar language.
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High formal or ceremonial language is used in very specific, stylised, usually serious situations, such
as certain types of speech, addressing royalty or high officials.
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Formal language is used in academic and official writing and situations where we do not know the
other person well, such as a boss, doctor, or in business.
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Neutral or semi-formal language is somewhere in between formal and informal language where there
is a degree of politeness but also relaxedness.
•
Informal language is used in somewhat casual contexts where the speaker and audience know each
other or assume a closer relationship than in formal contexts, i.e. for friends, family, or work
colleagues.
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Familiar language contains the type of language we use when we talk to people we know very well,
such as immediate family members and very close friends.
For the demands on Swiss kantonsschule students, the three central registers are most important, i.e. formal,
semi-formal, and informal. Whereas informal language is the most common in everyday use, formal writing
is expected in academic writing.
Practice
The following sentence, which might be seen in an academic report, is an example of formal writing. Which
elements make this sentence formal?
The economy is currently quite robust; nevertheless, some specialists predict an imminent
recession.
Now transform the sentence into less formal English.
Determine the register of the following sentences. Are they (more) formal or (more) informal?
Identify the elements which makes them so.
1. The software’s totally easy to use!
2. The software is extremely user-friendly.
3. The software is a piece of cake.
4. I’d like you to look over this report.
5. Please review this report.
6. We will let you know what’s happening.
7. You will be kept informed of all developments.
8. Some info got stolen.
9. While we talked, I asked the students about ...
10. During the discussion the students were asked about ...
Transform these informal sentences into more formal language.
1. This project isn’t important now.
2. We are going to cut down on what we spend right away.
3. The bank can’t find the payment you say you’ve made.
4. The company laid him off because he wasn’t working hard enough.
5. If you lose it, then please contact us as soon as possible.
Some main differences between formal and informal English.
grammar
vocabulary
Register in English
Formal elements
Informal elements
formal vocabulary
informal vocabulary
Latinate vocabulary
phrasal verbs
compound words
(informal) idioms
full words
shortened words
passive
active language
noun-focused
verb-focused
impersonal language
personal language (1st person)
style
get
verbs fully written out
contractions
exclamation marks