register and formality

8/12/2019 Register and Formality

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The following ideas are taken from Alan Perlman's excellent book "Writing GreatSpeeches". In it he makes very simple, but useful suggestions as to how to changebetween registers when speaking. Native speakers of English probably do all thisalready without thinking about it, but it will be useful for those of you with English B tosee a few "tricks" that you can use.

The basic suggestion is that if you wish to be more formal in your register youshould use a more impersonal languagewhen speaking, and if you want to be lessformal, a more personal one.

actively considering thinking about it

afford an opportunity give a chance

and indeed andas matters stand the way things are

at an early date soon

at their earliest convenience soon

bereft of without any

brought fully to the attention take up with

came to recognise realised

carries with it involves

conspicuous by its absence not there

consonant with in keeping

debarred from prevented

decline their invitation say no

have an opportunity be able

don't think it differs very markedly much the same

drew a positive response was welcomed

endeavouring trying

express my gratitude thank

far in excess of much more than

have shown no indication dont seem to

fortified encouraged

have other ideas disagree

I am reminded I remember

I have in my possession I have


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in readiness preparing for

indicate a willingness say they will

initiate urgent discussions get on toit was for that reason that was why

it's my intention I intend

likely patterns forecast

little to tell them apart similar

made statements said things

make common cause join forces

make alternative arrangements do something else

make available provide

make representations protest

nigh on nearly

no dearth plenty

on day one of accession as soon as they join

omits to mention doesn't say

persist in efforts keep trying

put a statement out issue a press release

secure an accommodation get an agreement

seek a response ask for a reply

set them alongside compare

7 or 8, no-one really knows 7 or 8

should acquaint themselves find out about

some but not all some

taken in conjunction together with


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The previous ideas are taken from Alan Perlman's excellent book "Writing GreatSpeeches". In it he makes very simple, but useful suggestions as to how to changebetween registers when speaking. Native speakers of English probably do all this

already without thinking about it, but it will be useful for those of you with English B tosee a few "tricks" that you can use.

The basic suggestion is that if you wish to be more formal in your register you

should use a more impersonal languagewhen speaking, and if you want to be less

formal, a more personal one.

Impersonal = compound nouns a petrol tax increase

Personal = short nouns joined by prepositions an increase in the tax on petrol

Impersonal = keep prepositions with their

pronouns/nounsthis is a problem with which we are all familiar

Personal = split them up this is a problem that we are all familiar with

Impersonal = don't use contractions It will be a tough year

Personal = use contractions It'll be a tough year

register and formality

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