Formal, Informal, and Neutral Language register is the level and style of your writing. It should be appropriate for the situation you are in. Show
Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses The language register determines the vocabulary, structure, and some grammar in your writing. The three most common language registers in writing are:
We usedifferent language registers for different types of writing, just as we speak differently to different people. You would not speak to the President of the United States the same way you would talk to your brothers. To your brother: What's up? It's awesome that you came to visit! To the President: Good morning, Mr. President. We appreciate your visit. The formal register is more appropriate for professional writing and letters to a boss or a stranger. The informal register (also called casual or intimate) is conversational and appropriate when writing to friends and people you know very well. The neutral register is non-emotional and sticks to facts. It is most appropriate for technical writings. In articles such as these, we tend to mix the formal and informal registers to present the information in an easy to understand and personal tone. Let's look closely at the three most common language registers used in the English language. Formal Language RegisterFormal writing is probably the most difficult type of writing. It is impersonal, meaning it is not written for a specific person and is written without emotion. Some kinds of writing are always written in formal English. Formal writing includes:
There are many rules for writing in formal writing. We will discuss some of the most common rules here. When in doubt, check the rules in an APA style guide. Rules of the formal language register:1. Do not use contractionsContractions are not usually used in formal writing, even though they are very common in spoken English. In formal writing, you should spell out contractions. Examples: In formal writing, you should use:
These are just a few examples of contractions. See more contractions by following the contraction link above. Contractions CAN be used if you are quoting someone’s exact words in your writing. Example: “Two-thirds of my eighth grade students can’t read at grade level,” the professor stated. Keep in mind that an apostrophe does not always make a contraction. Apostrophes are also added to nouns to show ownership. These are used in all language registers, including formal. Examples:
2. Spell out numbers less than one hundredExamples:
3. Write in third person point of viewIn formal writing, we usually do not use first person or second person unless it is a quote. Avoid using:
Examples:
4. Avoid using too much passive voiceIn formal writing it is better to use an active voice. Passive sentences:
Active sentences:
For example, in a rule above I wrote, “Apostrophes are also added to nouns to show ownership.” I wrote this sentence in a passive voice. To make it active, I could write: “Additionally, add an apostrophe to a noun to show ownership.” OR “Use apostrophes with nouns to show ownership.” 5. Avoid using slang, idioms, exaggeration (hyperboles) and clichésSlang is common in informal writing and spoken English. Slang is particular to a certain region or area. Examples of slang:
A cliché is a phrase that is overused (said too often). Common clichés:
6. Avoid abbreviations and acronymsIf you use an acronym or abbreviation, write it out the first time When using acronyms, write the entire name out the first time it appears, followed by the acronym. From then on, you can use the acronym by itself. Examples:
For abbreviations, write the complete word the first time, then use the abbreviation. Examples:
Do not use slang abbreviations or symbols that you would use in friendly emails and texts. Examples:
7. Do not start sentences with words like and, so, but, alsoHere are some good transition words and phrases to use in formal writing:
8. Always write in complete sentences.9. Write longer, more complex sentences.Informal Language RegisterInformal writing is written in the way we talk to our friends and family. We use informal writing when we are writing to someone we know very well. Some kinds of writing can be written in an informal style. Informal writing includes:
There are no major rules to informal writing. With informal writing, you can include things such as:
Neutral Language RegisterWe 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. Writing in the natural language register includes:
These were the types of Language Register. Now that you know them, it is time to practice! Get our ESL Books! Why is language register important in communication?Language registers are important because it provides rich opportunities for language and content instruction. It is also important to understand the differences between registers so that one can use the appropriate language for a particular situation.
What is language register and communicative style?Register in language and communication refers to the conveyed formality of speech as determined by the social context of an exchange. Register is conveyed by a speaker who adapts their language to illustrate to their audience how formal the exchange is based on their relationship.
What advantages does studying varieties and registers of spoken and written language add to your communication skills as a global citizen?It is essential to use appropriate varieties and registers of language in certain communication context because in different situations and people call for different registers. It shows the level of formality and informality of the language used.
What special factors influence the kind of register to be used in communication?These variations in formality, also called stylistic variation, are known as registers in linguistics. They are determined by such factors as social occasion, context, purpose, and audience.
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