Register: formal and informal English
Shift between formal, neutral and informal English: vocabulary, grammar and tone for emails, essays, speeches and chat.
In this lesson you will
- Recognise features of formal and informal register
- Rewrite texts in a different register
- Choose register for audience and purpose
Learn
Register is the level of formality. Formal: longer Latinate words (obtain, commence, assist), passive and impersonal structures, no contractions, complete sentences. Informal: phrasal verbs (get, start, help out), contractions, ellipsis, direct you.
Examples: We regret to inform you that… (formal) / Sorry, but… (informal). Should you require further information… / If you need anything else…
Neutral English is correct for most workplace emails and many articles — polite, clear, not stiff.
Mismatch errors: Hey Professor, gimme an extension pls (too informal) or I would be most grateful if you could pass the salt (too formal). Consider audience, purpose, medium.
Examples
- Formal: Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries.
- Neutral: Let me know if you have any questions.
- Informal: Any questions, just shout!
- Formal: The meeting will commence at 9. / Informal: We’ll kick off at 9.
Vocabulary
register
level of formality
commence
begin (formal)
query
a question (formal)
Latinate
from Latin; often more formal
stiff
too formal and unnatural
Practice
Most formal:
Speaking
Deliver the same message three ways — to a friend, a colleague and a formal audience: “The event is cancelled because of the weather; we’ll reschedule.”
Writing
Rewrite an informal message (write it first, 60 words) as a formal notice (100–130 words) with the same information.
Lesson quiz
“Commence” is…
Review
Key points
- Formal: Latinate words, passive, no contractions.
- Informal: phrasal verbs, contractions, ellipsis.
- Neutral for most work.
- Audience, purpose, medium.
What you learned
- ✓ I can shift register.
- ✓ I avoid register mismatches.
- ✓ I choose the right tone.