Formal Versus Informal Use of Language Study the following table. This is how to say the same thing in two different ways
Formal Your arrival She has the ability Our destination To distinguish To consider Concerned about you Revision should be done We will Firstly Secondly/besides/ furthermore,
Informal When you arrive She can The place where we want to go To tell the difference To think about Worried about you You should revise We’ll To start with / …. , for a start. Another good thing is / what’s more/ Not only that, And one of the best things is .. / And best of all,/ The most important thing is.. But / …., though so Loads of / lots of It will do you good It won’t be a problem anymore ask chance People use a huge amount of Again and again Lack of Enough Our technician repaired the fault on 12th June. Now it’s your turn to pay us.
Lastly, However/ on the other hand Thus/ consequently/ Many This will be of great benefit to you It will cease to be a problem enquire Opportunity People consume a tremendous amount of… Repeatedly Deficiency Sufficient Although the fault was repaired on 12th June, payment for this intervention has still not been received. We regret to inform you that … We have pleasure in announcing that …
I’m sorry but … I’m happy to say that …
Should you require any assistance, please feel free to contact us … We can assist in the resolution of this matter. Contact us on 0224555656.
If you need any help, give us a call. I can help you to solve this problem. Call me!
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Formal Versus Informal Use of Language This a course of action we are anxious to avoid … It is pouring rain Concerning It wasn’t successful Gain weight During my absence Remain calm Seize an opportunity Start to like something I will not tolerate At your earliest convenience
We don't want to do this … It’s raining cats and dogs. About It didn’t work out Put on weight While I was away Pull yourself together Jump at a chance It will soon grow on you I will not put up with this As soon as possible
Now transfer these sentences from formal to informal and vice versa:
1. I will be waiting for your reply at your earliest convenience. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. Just take it up and I will be glad to help you. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. Refusing to wear a seat belt can have serious consequences. ________________________________________________________________________ 4. Regular exercise will result in noticeable improvement in your health. ________________________________________________________________________ 5. To be a professional footballer demands total commitment. ________________________________________________________________________ 6. Firstly, something should be done concerning your diet. However, do not solely rely on that. ________________________________________________________________________
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