Page 205 - English Vocabulary in Use (Pre & Intermediate)

99 Formal and informal English

Most English that you learn can be used in a wide range of situations. But you will also
hear or see language that is formal or informal, and sometimes very formal or very
informal. You need to be more careful with this language because it may not be suitable in
certain situations. (They are marked fml and infml throughout the book.)

Formal English
Formal English is more common in writing than speaking. It is found in notices, business
letters, and legal English; but you will also hear examples in spoken English.
Cafe notice: Only food purchased (= bought) here may be eaten on the premises (= here).
Police statement in court: I apprehended (= stopped) the accused outside the supermarket,
Theatre announcement: The play will commence (= start) in two minutes.
Formal business situation: The meeting will resume (= start again) this afternoon at 2 p.m.
Lawyer: My client had a broken ankle. Thus (= so) he could not have driven the car.
Formal letter: I regret to inform you (= I am sorry to say) that we are unable to (= can’t)
grant (= give) you ...
Announcement: If you require (= need) further assistance (= more help), please contact ...
Outside a pub: Parking for patrons (= customers) only.

Informal English
In general, informal language is more common in spoken English than written English.
Certain types of language are often informal:
— most uses of get are informal (See Unit 21 for more details)
- many phrasal verbs are informal (See Units 16 and 17 for more details)
— many idioms are informal (See Unit 18 for more details)
Here are some examples using words from above and other common informal words:
I had to go and pick up (= collect) the kids (= children) from school.
My flat is very handy for the shops. (= near the shops and very convenient)
I managed to fix up (= arrange/make) an appointment for 7.30.
I thought the book was terrific (= marvellous).
Most of the students are bright (= intelligent) but one or two are really thick (= stupid).
I offered him ten quid (= pounds) but the guy (= man) wasn’t interested.
[ reckon (= think) we’ll get (= obtain) the money pretty (= quite) soon.
What’s up? (= What’s the matter?)
We must get in touch with them (= contact them) very soon.
Do you fancy going out? (= Would you like to go out?) Note the -ing form after fancy.
When you get (= reach/arrive) there, have a word with (= speak to) someone at reception.
I'm just going to the loo (= toilet).

Slang

This is a form of very informal language. It includes words used by particular groups of
people (e.g. some young people may refer to ‘drugs’ as dope), and also words which many
people think are impolite and unnacceptable in most situations. You should probably not
use these words, but some of them are quite common . The word piss (= urinate / go to the
toilet) for example, is often used metaphorically in these slang expressions:
piss off (= go away); he was pissed (= drunk); it’s pissing with rain (= it is raining heavily)

202 English Vocabulary in Use (pre-intermediate & intermediate)