Language Registers: Formal, Informal
and Neutral English
·FORMAL
Formal language, even
when spoken, is often associated with the conventions expected of written
standard English.
Formal English follow rules of grammar very strictly. Sentences tend to be
longer and more complex. The vocabulary tends to be elevated, using big words
and avoiding colloquial or slang vocabulary. It avoids split infinitives and
prepositions at the end of sentences.
Rules of the formal language register:
1. Do not use contractions
2. Spell out numbers less than one hundred
3. Write in third person point of view.
4. Avoid using too much active voice.
5. Avoid using slang, idioms, exaggeration (hyperboles) and
clichés
6. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms
7. Do not start sentences with words like and, so, but,
also
8. Always write in complete sentences.
9. Write longer, more complex sentences.
·INFORMAL
Informal language is
characterized by a simpler grammatical structure (i.e. loosely-connected
sentences and phrases), and personal evaluation. Informallanguage
may make use of slang and colloquialisms, employing the conventions of spoken
language. However, it is too casual and loose to be acceptable for
academic writing.
With informal
writing, you can include things such as:
Slang and clichés
Figurative language
Symbols and abbreviations
Acronyms
Incomplete sentences
Short sentences
First person, second person, and
third person
Jokes
Personal opinions
Extra punctuation (Hi Bob!!!!!!!)
Passive and active voice
·NEUTRAL
We use
the neutral language register with non-emotional topics and information.
Neutral
writing is not necessarily formal or informal. It is not usually positive or
negative. A neutral register is used to deliver facts.
Some
writings are written in a neutral register. This means they are not
specifically formal or informal.
Rules of Neutral
Writing:
Phrasal verbs & contractions = OK
Some idioms are OK, but avoid slang
and text speaking.
A proposal is a document that outlines a plan of action, request for funding, or proposal of an idea. Proposal writing is a process organizations follow for proposal creation. Proposal writing can be used in various settings, including business, academia, and government. In each case, the goal is to present a clear and concise plan to convince the reader to approve the proposal.
It offers comprehensive information about the project an organization wants to implement. It outlines the process and resources required to complete the project successfully. It also includes the objectives and goals of the project.
What a typical proposal task looks like
I typical proposal looks like a report.
When writing a proposal, there are two things you need to ask yourself before you even start to
make a plan:
What do I have to include in my
proposal?
Who is going to read it?
As proposals are written to local or school authorities, tutors or teachers, formal English is required so contractions, colloquial
expressions, slang or phrasal verbs that convey informality are not allowed.
How to organise your proposal
1.- Title
2.- introduction
3.- Topic Paragraphs (between 2 and 3)
4.- Conclusion
The different parts of a proposal
In this part we are going to look at the example from the
beginning of this post again and I’m going to walk you through writing a proposal
step by step so you know exactly how this whole thing works. Of course, the
topic changes from task to task, but if you understand the essence, you will be
able to apply this knowledge to every future task.
1.- Introduction
A proposal is a rather factual and informative piece of writing so
it is not your job to make it sound happy or sensational (as you would in a
review or possibly an informal email). Therefore, your introduction should get straight to the
point. Say what the proposal’s purpose is and what you are going to include. It
is also important to note that you should never just copy the words from the
task, but paraphrase them and use your own words instead.
Some useful
language for an introduction includes (but is not limited
to) the following phrases:
The purpose/aim of this proposal is
to…
This proposal is intended to show/discuss/suggest/outline...
2.- Topic paragraphs
In your topic paragraphs you deal with the three different main
points from the task. As mentioned above, you are not required to make this
sound sensational, but rather informational and factual.
At the same time, however, you’re trying to convince the local council to consider
your proposal so you need to use language to make suggestions and to be
persuasive.
The paragraphs should get headings so it becomes evident very easily what you are
talking about in each section.
Conclusion
Last but not least, we need
a nice and short conclusion to give a last recommendation. Make sure that you
try to convince the reader of your idea one more time.
Recommendations in the conclusion:
I would strongly recommend (+verb in -ing)...
It would be advantageous to...
It is recommended that...
In conclusion, I strongly feel that... is/would be the best to...
What possible problems could be experience when staying at a hotel?
Inverted conditionals
Dear valued guest,
We would like to apologise for the issues during your stay here at the Royal Hotel.
Naturally, if we hadknown about the bed bug infestation, we would have never given you that room.
We are also sorry about the small fire that happened at the breakfast buffet. Thanks for the quick actions of guests such as yourself, it wasn’t worse.
If this wereyour hotel, you would be ashamed.
We would also like to apologise for the serious case of food poisoning you experienced after dining at our restaurant.
If you book with us again, we will provide you with a 3% discount off your stay.
Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review on Tripadvisor! However, if I left a review, it would be 1 star.
Kindregards,
Hotel management
Letter with inverted conditionals
Dear valued guest,
We would like to apologise for the issues during your stay here at the Royal Hotel.
Naturally, had we known about the bed bug infestation, we would never have given you that room.
We are also sorry about the small fire that happened at the breakfast buffet.
Thanks for the quick actions of guests such as yourself, it wasn’t worse.
Were this your hotel, you would be ashamed.
We would also like to apologise for the serious case of food poisoning you experienced after dining at our restaurant.
Should you book with us again, we will provide you with a 3% discount off your stay.
Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review on Tripadvisor! However, were I to leave a review, it would be 1 star.
Kindregards,
Hotel management
Inversion in conditionals
If we had known= Had we known
If this were= Were this
If I left = Were I to leave
If you book = Should you book
First Conditional
If you book with us again, we will provide you with a 3% discount off your stay.
Should you book with us again, we will provide you with a 3% discount off your stay.
Second Conditional
If this were your hotel, you would be ashamed. = Were this your hotel, you would be ashamed.
If I left a review, it would be 1 star. = Were I to leave, it would be 1 star.
Third Conditional
If we had known about the bed bug infestation, we never would have given you that room. = Had we known about the bed bug infestation, we would never have given you that room.