Level of formality

Longer/More Complex Sentences

Research has shown that learning a second language, in

addition to leading to expanded career and social

opportunities, can also expand the reasoning capability of the brain, although this finding is disputed by some scientists.

• informal

• formal

• semi-formal

Shorter, Simpler Sentences – Perfect

Grammar Is Not As Important

“Have you finished your work yet?” –“Finished your work yet?”“I’m really liking this book.” (“like” should technically not be in the -ING form here)

• formal

• informal

• semi-formal

Phrasal Verbs & Contractions = Ok

Could you look over this report?

look over = review and check for errors

• formal

• informal

• semi-formal

Larger And Less Common Words

Buy- purchase

Need – require

Get – obtain

Also - moreover

• formal

• informal

• semi-formal

Expressions/ Exclamations

▪ um, uh, like, lemme see... = hesitation, when you need a moment to think before speaking

▪ I mean... = to clarify

• formal

• semi-formal

• informal

Some Idioms Are Ok, But Avoid Slang And Text Speak

This project is on the back burner.

on the back burner = not a priority at the moment

We’re operating in the red.

in the red = no money, negative cash flow

• formal

• semi-formal

• informal

Avoid Phrasal Verbs

The price went up.

The price rose/increased.

The client asked for a contract.

The client requested a contract.

• formal

• semi-formal

• informal

Phrasal Verbs, Slang, And Idioms Are

Used Very Frequently

Slang: “I aced the test!”

aced = got an excellent grade.

• formal

• semi-formal

• informal

Use Polite English

Say “I’d like...” instead of “I want...”

When making requests, use “could you” and “please,”

don’t just give commands: Say “Could you please call

me later?” and not just “Call me later.”

• formal

• semi-formal

• informal

Avoid Contractions

We’d like to inform you...

We would like to inform you...

• formal

• informal

• semi-formal