So, below we will look at what can and cannot be written in business, formal (Formal) and everyday, informal (informal) letters (letters):
What can be used in informal letters.
Contractions (abbreviations)- refers to abbreviated forms of negations, etc., for example, didn’t, can’t, I’d like to etc.
Paul doesn't want to go to California now.
(Paul doesn't want to go to California now)
She didn't cook cupcakes.
(She didn't make cupcakes)
Idioms (idioms)- in informal letters, you can use idioms and catchphrases. For example, hit the books (study hard), sleep like a log (sleep very soundly) ...
I'll sleep over in my friend's house about a week.
(I'll be staying with a friend for almost a week)
Phrasal verbs (phrasal verbs)- refers to verbs that consist of a verb (verb) and a preposition (preposition). For example, give up (give up), shout up (shut up), etc.
We want to order in some Mexican food.
(We want to order some Mexican food)
I'm dressing up for my prom.
(I'm dressing up for my prom)
Imperatives (imperative mood). Also, in informal letters, the imperative mood is allowed.
Don't write me!
(Do not write to me!)
(Go to sleep!)
Really (in fact), very (very), totally (absolutely)- in an informal letter, you can safely use these words.
I can totally agree with you.
(I can fully agree with your opinion)
We really enjoyed this vacation.
(We really enjoyed this holiday)
On top of it all/To top it all off(In addition to all this / to complete it all) - such expressions are often used in life when writing informal letters.
On top of it all John also quarreled with me.
(In addition to all this, John also had a fight with me)
Abbreviations (abbreviations)- in English there are a huge number of abbreviations for informal messages and letters. For example, Lol (laugh out loud), RIP (rest in peace) - “rest in peace”, etc.
We are hanging out tomorrow in my house. BYOB (bring your own booze/beer) if you're coming.
(We're hanging out at my house tomorrow. If you come, bring your booze)
A lot(a lot), it is an informal, colloquial form (much) and (many).
I've got a lot of toys. Let's go! We will play something!
(I have a lot of toys. Let's go! Let's play something!)
Non-Latin based words(no words with Latin roots), since, as a rule, these are official and scientific formulations. For example, the word intelligent (smart / th) is a word with Latin roots and is synonymous with more everyday words like “smart, clever” (smart / th).
Emma is such a smart girl! She's only 3 years old, but already can read.
(Emma is such a smart girl! She is only three years old, but she can already read)
What can be used in formal letters.
No contractions (no contractions)- if in informal letters you can, for example, write “can’t”, then in this case, you need to write in full, that is, “can not”.
I would like to have my tea after 10 minutes, because at that time it will be directly 5 o'clock.
(I would rather drink my tea in 10 minutes, because then it will be exactly 5 o'clock in the afternoon)
No idioms (no idioms)- in business letters it is inappropriate to use such expressions.
I tossed and turned last night, so I couldn't come to work on time.
(I came back all night and couldn't sleep, so I couldn't get to work on time)
You can't say that! And you need it like this:
I could not come to work on time, because of my feeling unwell in the last night.
(I couldn't come to work on time because of my bad health last night)
No Phrasal Verbs (no phrasal verbs)– it is necessary to change them with more formal words.
Our group of scientists discovered (instead of "find out" (instead of "find out")) this new kind of butterfly.
(Our group of scientists has discovered a new species of butterfly)
No imperatives! (No imperative mood!)- this is considered incorrect and is not allowed in business and strict letters.
You may send the cargo at your earliest convenience.
(It is necessary that you send the goods at your earliest opportunity)
Strongly (very, strongly)- instead of the words "vary, totally, really", you must use this word.
I strongly advise to expand the range of goods.
Furthermore, moreover- such wording is very suitable for business style. Using them you can't go wrong.
We do not change our position. Moreover, we are going to develop our projects.
(We do not change our position. In addition, we will develop our projects)
No abbreviations (No abbreviations)- if these are not the names of firms or organizations, then do not use abbreviations. For example, you need to write "Television" (TV), not "TV".
Our channel will produce new television show.
(Our channel will release a new TV show)
No "a lot" (no "a lot")- it is necessary to use the words "much / many".
Many employees will participate in meetings.
(Many employees will participate in rallies)
Latin based words (words with Latin roots)- as already mentioned, these are scientific and official words.
You are all intelligent gentlemen and you understand clearly what we intend to do.
(You are all smart gentlemen and clearly understand what we intend to do)
Learn English, friends, and take care of yourself!
Formal and informal letters
types of letters by purpose
writing them: support
communication, inquiries
for getting a job,
complaints, news broadcast,
support of business
transactions and others.
All these types of letters
divided into personal
informal (letters
friends, for example) and
official - formal.
Allocate also
semi-formal or
neutral (semi-formal or
neutral) style, but in its own way
character is closer to
formal.
formal style
formal styleused in official
setting: in this style
conferences and
presentations, business
communication, writing documents,
scientific articles and books.
Proposals in formal
language is usually more
long and complex.
Some authors distinguish the following styles depending on the type of communication, addressee, and language means:
1. Do not shorten words.
For instance:
I'm, I'd, I don't.
I am, I would, I do not.
Exception: It is allowed to use expressions
indicating ownership, such as the company's
manager, it is not necessary to say the manager of the
company.
2. Avoid slang and colloquial sentences.
For example: What's up? How are you doing?
Yourself? Thank you very well
Rules for a formal style of correspondence
3.Build complex extended sentences.
An example of a complex sentence in a formal style:
The period of the five months has been very rich in new events, with significant developments
taking place both in the securities markets and in the financial system as a whole. -
The five-month period was rich in events and significant transformations,
that took place both in the securities market and in the financial system as a whole.
4. Use special terminology.
For example: “We audit financial report”, not “We check financial report”.
5. Avoid the pronoun "I".
For instance:
I think, in my opinion
Should you need any further information, do not hesitate to contact us. - If you need
any further information, do not hesitate to contact us.
Rules for a formal style of correspondence
6. Use complex grammar in a sentence.For instance:
You are invited to the conference. - You are invited to
conference.
We invite you to the conference. - We invite you to
conference.
informal style
On an informalEnglish is spoken in
everyday situations and
friendly correspondence.
How to make your speech sound informal:
1. Be brief.For instance:
- Hi! What's up?
- She told me, I'm joke.
- Really? Oh, come on, you're cool!
- Thanks!
2. Abbreviate words and use them in shortened forms.
For instance:
wanna (instead of want to), I'd (instead of I would), yep (instead of yes), etc.
Let's give an example, here the abbreviation ain't is used in the meaning
do not: I ain't like this book. - I don't like this book.
Neutral style is the golden mean
Neutral English -it's something in between the two
extremes. This language is almost
all books and magazines, he
used when communicating with
colleagues, acquaintances and
relatives. Should
keep in mind that the neutral style
different from informal
in a more polite tone.
How to learn to speak neutral English:
1. Use abbreviated forms.For instance:
I'd, I've, you're
2. Be careful with slang.
3. Be polite.
For example, instead of "Send me that letter" you should say
“Could you please send me that letter.”
Comparison of sentences spoken in different styles
SituationFormal
Neutral
Informal
A friend has a new BMW.
He has acquired a top of the
range German-manufactured
automobile.
He's bought a BMW.
He's got a beemer.
You are very tired. You want
to go to sleep.
I require some rest and
repose.
I need to get some sleep.
I'm gonna catch some
zees.
A friend of yours, Mary
wants to apply for a job but is
afraid she will be rejected.
You tell her not to be so
frightened.
Do not allow your cowardice
to hold you back.
Don't be such a coward.
Don't be such a chicken.
So, who will benefit from this article? I think everyone! You may have already heard the term formal and informal English, and the point here is not at all in the use of slang, or in the correctness or incorrectness of the use of certain words or grammatical structures. Everything is much more interesting, in English, as well as in any other, one should distinguish between formal and informal style, the choice of which will depend on the situation.
I want to draw your attention to the fact that such a type of letter as, for example, regardless of the type ( , for and against essay, discursive essay, providing solutions to problems essay), in English requires the exclusive use of formal style; when writing various types of reports, official letters should also adhere to a more formal style. But, of course, to say that the formal style is mandatory only in writing is not at all correct. Do not forget that in some situations, speaking also requires the use of a more formal and formal style, such as when negotiating, reading a report, etc.
Let's look at the main distinguishing features of this style, and also try to find suitable examples to illustrate.
formal register
| What not to do | What to do |
|---|---|
| Never use abbreviations such as it's; can't; we'll; didn't etc. | Always try to use the full form: it is; cannot; we will; did not. |
| Also, do not use abbreviations such as e.g., etc., i.e. | Use their full forms: example, and so on, that i. |
| Avoid using personal pronouns. How can this be avoided? You put the chemicals in the test tube. |
The chemicals are put in the test tube. |
| As you can see from the examples, the use of the passive voice gives our sentences a more formal style, so feel free to use Passive Voice. | |
| Try to use more neutral language so as not to sound too direct in your message to the reader or listener. I'm sorry but… |
We regret to inform you that… |
| The use of phrasal verbs is not recommended; try to find a synonym that will most accurately express your idea. The experiment was carried out. |
This does not apply to absolutely all phrasal verbs, the use of some of them is allowed, but if you are not sure if this verb can be used - look for a synonym. The experiment was conducted. |
| Do not use idiomatic expressions, we will leave them for colloquial, spontaneous speech, or for letters that we will write to friends. | |
| Don't use colloquial expressions. Looks like humanities are really great. |
Sentences can be longer, the use of complex grammatical structures is encouraged. Yet, the number of the disciplines embraced under the notion of humanities is far more numerous than that of the natural sciences, which makes humanities a worthy competitor on the labor market. |
| Avoid using emotionally charged words such as, for example, awesome, huge etc. | There are a large number of words that are often used in such speech, written or spoken, for example, to constitute, to undertake, new, truly, heyday, as it happens, retrieval and many others. |
| Do not start sentences with the following conjunctions: and, but, or, so; these conjunctions should be used inside a sentence, but not in order to start it. | Use link words ( linking words) such as, for example, however, although, yet, still etc. |
Of course, all these rules, or even more precisely remarks, are not at all like clear and structured rules, but they must be followed. But this does not mean at all that you need to try to make your speech as ornate as possible, using a huge number of incomprehensible words and phrases. Not at all, do not overload your sentences with complex words, and even more so with words that you are not sure how to use. Writing is perhaps the most difficult activity, and it can take a long time before we learn how to logically and “beautifully” express our thoughts on paper, but, fortunately, today there are a lot of resources that can help us, and most importantly, in which we can find something new and useful for ourselves. Here are just a few of them that I advise you to use when writing essays, letters, reports and more:
- Longman Online Dictionary. This dictionary is good because here you can find not only explanations of words, but also examples of their use in sentences, as well as possible turns and set expressions with these words. Many words are also marked formal / informal, which can serve as a good clue when choosing a word.
- british national corps. This resource is simply indispensable for those who prefer to "discover" the rules and patterns of using certain structures, words and phrases. This is a reliable resource that contains over 100 million examples of the use of various structures in speech and writing. By entering a word or combination of words into the search box, you will receive from 1 to 30 examples of sentences using this word, all of these examples are taken from a living language. In this way, you can check whether a certain phrase occurs in the language, or how a certain word can behave in a sentence (use of prepositions after a word, use of grammar with this word, etc.)
- on this site you can get a large number of synonyms for any word. But be careful! Do not forget to check not only the translation of an unfamiliar word, but also its explanation in English, as well as its use in a sentence, because very often, the translation may be inaccurate, and the word may not be appropriate to convey your idea.
I also advise you to use the so-called Collocation Dictionaries, because in order to know a word, it is not enough to be able to translate it, you also need to know the context in which it most often appears, that is, combinations that are more natural for this word.
I hope this article will help you not only understand the concepts formal and informal English, but also open up additional resources for you to learn English.
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
Slang is a special phenomenon in the language, it is formed in groups of people united by some sign (by age, interests).
Slang is a set of special words or new meanings of already existing words used in certain human associations.
Slang, slang (English slang), expressive and emotionally colored vocabulary of colloquial speech, deviating from the accepted literary language norm. Distributed mainly among schoolchildren, students, military, young workers. Slang is subject to frequent changes, which makes it a linguistic sign of generations. The term "Slang" is a partial synonym for the terms slang and jargon. Colloquial (mostly rude) expressions distinguish people of a low educational level.
Slang is words that are often seen as breaking the rules of the standard language.
The concept of slang is increasingly beginning to gain the attention of modern philology. Currently, there are a fairly large number of definitions of slang, often contradicting each other. These contradictions relate primarily to the scope of the concept of "slang": the dispute is, in particular, about whether to include in slang only expressive, ironic words that are synonymous with literary equivalents, or also all non-standard vocabulary, the use of which is condemned in the circle educated people.
It is necessary to give a clearer definition of slang, and to find out the difference (or identity) between the concepts of slang and jargon. As you know, there are still doubts in modern linguistics about the origin of the word "slang". According to one version, slang comes from sling (“to throw”, “throw”). In such cases, they recall the archaic to sling one "s jaw - "to speak violent and offensive speeches." According to another version, "slang" goes back to slanguage, and the initial letter s was allegedly added to the language as a result of the disappearance of the word thieves; that is, it was originally about the thieves' language thieves" language.
It is not known when the word slang first appeared in oral speech in England. It was first recorded in writing in England in the 18th century. Then it meant "insult". Around 1850, the term began to be used more widely, as a designation for "illegal" colloquial vocabulary. At the same time, synonyms for the word slang appear - lingo, used mainly in the lower strata of society, and argot - preferred by the colored population. Slang is considered the language of the common people and the basis for the production of a national dictionary.
Consider some of the many scientific definitions of slang. In Russian linguistics, the definition of V.A. Khomyakova: “Slang is a relatively stable for a certain period, widely used, stylistically marked (reduced) lexical layer (nouns, adjectives and verbs denoting everyday phenomena, objects, processes and signs), a component of expressive vernacular, included in the literary language, very heterogeneous in its origins, the degree of approximation to the literary standard, possessing pejorative expression.
In this definition, the following features of slang attract attention: slang, according to V.A. Khomyakov, although it belongs to “expressive vernacular” and is included in the literary language, its degree of approximation to the literary standard is “very heterogeneous”, that is, you can find examples of “almost standard” and “not at all standard”. And, of course, slang is inherent in pejorativity as the most characteristic feature: it is difficult to imagine slangism with a bright ameliorative connotation, although, probably, a certain degree of “standard” is still conceivable.
A completely different interpretation is offered in the "Dictionary of Linguistic Terms" by O.S. Akhmanova: “Slang - 1. A colloquial version of professional speech. 2. Elements of the colloquial version of a particular professional or social group, which, penetrating into the literary language or in general into the speech of people who are not directly related to this group of people, acquire a special emotionally expressive coloring in these languages.
As you can see, in the first definition, slang is just a series of words of non-terms used in a terminological sense, like “janitor” or “spare tire” for motorists. Such words are not suitable for an official instruction, but are convenient for a business conversation of professionals.
In the second case, this is already something completely different: before us are words that have already left the professional sphere and have entered ordinary colloquial speech. One more thing noted by O.S. is very important. Akhmanova quality: all such words are brightly expressive.
"Humorous attitude" is not considered a mandatory feature of slang. Slang here is part of the slang layer of vocabulary.
Such inconsistency in the definition of slang gave I.R. Galperin a reason to deny the very fact of the existence of slang. His argumentation is based on the study of lexicographic labels: the same word in various dictionaries is given with the labels "slang", "colloquial" or without any labels, which seems to be evidence in favor of the literary norm. Therefore, I.R. Halperin does not allow the existence of slang as a separate independent category, suggesting using the term "slang" as a synonym for the English word "slang".
Argumentation of I.R. Galperin does not seem too convincing already due to the insufficient development of the system of lexicographic marks: the discrepancy in this case can be explained not so much by the peculiarities of style, but by the peculiarities of the approach of each lexicographer to this problem.
To the various interpretations of slang already given, one can add equally diverse definitions of English philologists. The term "slang", notes the famous American linguist C. Freese, has expanded its meaning so much and is used to refer to so many different concepts that it is extremely difficult to draw a dividing line between what is slang and what is not.
A number of English researchers use the word slang simply as a synonym for jargon, slang or cant. This is the opinion of the famous slang researcher Eric Partridge. He identifies several varieties of special slang, for example: cockney slang (cockney slang), tavern slang (public-house slang), worker slang (workmen's slang), slang of merchants, shopkeepers (tradesmen's slang), literary critics' slang (literary critics), soldier slang (soldiers), Yiddish slang (Yiddish), cant (cant), etc. He also identifies unusual forms of slang (oddities): 1) rhyming slang (rhyming slang), 2) reverse slang (back slang), 3) middle slang (center slang), 4) gibberish and ziph (gibberish and ziph), 5) spoonerisms and blends.
The author of the slang dictionary R. Spears spoke in the most detail about the definition of the term "slang". He notes that the term "slang" was originally used to refer to British criminal slang as a synonym for the word "cant". Over the years, "slang" has expanded its meaning and now includes various types of non-literary vocabulary: jargon, vernacular, dialects, and even vulgar words. The concept of R. Spears makes it possible to derive slang from criminal jargon, but not to liken slang to it, but, on the contrary, to emphasize that this concept includes a whole list of different types of non-literary vocabulary. In this, his position merges with the position of C. Freese.
Thus, it can be stated that, for all its popularity (and perhaps precisely because of it), “slang” currently does not have terminological accuracy.
However, if the discussion of the definition of "slang" has not yet developed a consensus on what it is, then the term "jargon" has a fairly clear interpretation. Analyzing the definitions of jargon found in Russian linguistics, it can be noted that they are all more or less identical, which eliminates the need to quote them here. Jargon is interpreted as a kind of language, a social dialect that differs from the national language in a special lexical composition, phraseology, etc. An essential feature of jargon is that it is used by certain social, professional or other groups united by common interests.
Some linguists, such as V.A. Khomyakov, single out such a function of jargon as “the function of secret communication”, especially when it comes to criminal jargon. The same point of view is shared by A.D. Schweitzer, who believes that jargon is "ciphered speech", incomprehensible to the uninitiated. This point of view is disputed by L.I. Skvortsov, who notes the successful assimilation of many jargons by vernacular and their transition into the expressive base of colloquial speech, which would hardly have been possible if the jargon had a secret character.
Slang is also characterized by some social limitation, but not a specific group, but an integrated one: it does not have a clear socio-professional orientation, it can be used by representatives of different social and educational status, different professions, etc. Therefore, we can note such a feature of slang as well-known and widely used: cf. “Party”, “cart”, “dark”, “get”, “run into”, “bucks”.
Another distinguishing feature of slang is its secondary formation in comparison with jargon, since it draws its material primarily from social group and socio-professional jargons. But in addition to jargon, slang includes separate vernacular, vulgar words. However, with such borrowing, a metaphorical rethinking and expansion of the meaning of borrowed units occurs. Slang words are characterized by overstated expression, language game, fashionable neology.
The above points of view allow us to summarize the most essential properties of slang.
1. Slang is not literary vocabulary, i.e. words and combinations that are outside the literary English (Standard English) - from the point of view of the requirements of the modern literary norm.
2. Slang is a vocabulary that arises and is used primarily in oral speech.
3. Slang is an emotionally colored vocabulary.
4. Slang is characterized by a more or less pronounced familiar coloring of the vast majority of words and phrases. This property of slang limits the stylistic boundaries of its use.
5. The familiar emotional coloring of many words and expressions of slang is distinguished by a wide variety of shades (joking, ironic, mocking, dismissive, contemptuous, rude and even vulgar).
6. Depending on the scope of use, slang can be divided into well-known and commonly used (General Slang) and little-known and narrowly used (Special Slang).
7. Many words and expressions of slang are incomprehensible or incomprehensible to the general population (especially during the period of their emergence and transition to a wider sphere of use), because they are primarily associated with a peculiar form of expression - for example, in numerous cases of meaning transfer (figurative use ), so characteristic of slang. Incomprehensibility may also result from the fact that these slangs are borrowed from the dialects and jargons of foreign languages.
8. Slang includes various words and phrases with which people can identify themselves with certain social and professional groups.
9. Slang is a bright, expressive layer of non-literary vocabulary, a style of language that occupies a place directly opposite to highly formalized speech. Slang is a living, mobile language that keeps up with the times and reacts to any changes in the life of the country.
English Internet slang (Internet language, netspeak, or chatspeak) not only saw the light much earlier than the slang of Russian-speaking users of the World Wide Web, but can rightfully be considered its progenitor. Having become widespread on the web, this slang was constantly updated with new expressions, which at first, both used and invented only by the Internet users themselves.
If you have to write a letter in English, the first thing you should think about is the style or case of writing your letter (register). How to determine register? Think about three things:
The less you know the recipient, the more formal your style should be. There are such styles of writing letters in English: formal (formal) and informal (informal). There is also a semi-formal or neutral (semi-formal or neutral) style, but by its nature it is closer to the formal. Some authors distinguish the following styles depending on the type of communication, addressee and language means:
The formal style is inherent in documents (for example, legal), high-level business letters, in the formal style all the rules of punctuation and grammar are followed. Semi-formal style is used for business correspondence, professional communication. Since the author and recipient of the letter are usually busy business people, letters of this style are specific, fact-centered, and include standard, formulaic language. And, finally, the informal style is typical for the correspondence of friends, communication in social networks. It involves the use of colloquial expressions, abbreviations, grammar rules and punctuation are not always observed.
However, these are just general differences between the styles. In this article, we will look at more fundamental distinguishing features that will help you write quality letters in English.
1. Vocabulary
If you compare two letters of the same content, but written in different styles, then the informal letter will be shorter. Do you know why? Because the formal style involves the use of longer words, words of Latin origin. Unlike the informal style, phrasal verbs have little to no use in the formal style, other than those that cannot be replaced by a longer equivalent. The same goes for nouns: if you have a choice between a short word and a long one when writing a formal letter, choose whichever is longer.
Let's look at some differences between formal and informal vocabulary:
|
Verbs (verbs) |
||
|
Informal |
Translation |
|
|
ask, request |
||
|
be the cause of |
||
|
check |
||
|
deal with something |
||
|
find out |
||
|
repair |
||
|
receive |
||
|
get in touch with |
to contact |
|
|
give, provide |
||
|
decrease |
||
|
increase |
||
|
leave, miss |
||
|
permit |
||
|
need |
||
|
apologize |
||
|
seem |
||
|
install |
||
|
show |
||
|
inform |
||
|
Nouns |
||
|
Informal |
Translation |
|
|
Chief |
||
|
opportunity |
||
|
facilities |
||
|
aged people |
||
2. Use of the passive voice
In the informal style of writing letters, the use of the active voice predominates over the use of . Informal letters are more personalized, while formal letters and documents are more factual. Let's look at this with examples:
I invite you to come to my party Friday evening. - I invite you to come to my party on Friday evening.
You are invited to attend the annual conference. - You are invited to attend the annual conference.
The teacher told us to complete the test papers. - The teacher told us to finish the tests.
The students were told to complete the test papers. The students were told to finish the test tasks.
The camera you delivered to me yesterday is broken. - The camera you delivered to me yesterday is broken.
The camera which was delivered to me yesterday is flawed. - The camera that was delivered yesterday is defective.
In each pair of sentences, the first refers to the informal case. As you can see, every second sentence in formal style is factual and sounds more neutral and formal.
3. Appeals and stereotypes
A characteristic feature of the informal style is first-person appeals, the use of I: I am sorry..., I think... etc. While official letters are built on the basis of clichés, standard phrases of business communication. The informal style allows for improvisation, while the formal style is more stereotyped.
I am sorry for my being late. - I'm sorry I'm late.
We apologize for the delay. - We apologize for the delay.
I am glad to tell you that I am coming soon. - I'm glad to tell you that I'm coming soon.
We take pleasure in informing you about our forthcoming visit. - We are pleased to inform you about our upcoming visit.
Typical of formal style is the use of the pronoun we. When a representative of one company writes a letter to another company, the letter is written not in the first person singular (I), but in the first person plural (we).
4. Slang expressions
Slang expressions are absent in the official style, they simply do not exist there. The same goes for most idiomatic expressions. Formal style is the language of specifics and business vocabulary, so the use of slang is unacceptable, this is a sign of unprofessionalism and disrespect for the recipient:
He wrote us about stuff. - He wrote us about a lot of nonsense.
He sent us information on the question. - He sent us information on this matter.
5. Abbreviations
Informal style, along with slang expressions, allows the use of abbreviated forms of verbs to be, have, has, would, will and others: I "m, we" ve, he "s etc. Never used in official style, all forms must be written in full: I am, we have, he is, they will, she would etc.
6. Concrete appeals and impersonal constructions
In informal letters, to a friend, for example, we address a specific person, calling him by name in our letter. Official letters are impersonal, they are not addressed to anyone, the name of the addressee is not used in the main part of the letter, only at the beginning. Imperative constructions in official letters and documents are replaced by passive ones, that is, you do not give instructions, but formulate a rule:
If you have questions, feel free to ask me. - If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
You will be contacted for further information. - You will be contacted for further information.
7. Coordination of ideas
Even unions of formal and informal style have their own differences. In informal communication, we use a familiar set of phrases and expressions to bring our ideas together. Most of them are short: and, but, also, because. Conjunctions that are used in the formal register are usually long words or phrases. Let's look at the table and compare some of them:
|
Informal |
Translation |
|
|
due to (the fact that) |
as a result because of |
|
|
in addition |
||
|
thus |
||
|
otherwise |
||
|
provided that |
||
|
Moreover |
The word also as a conjunction should be avoided in formal style, but it is perfectly acceptable to use it if it refers to a verb (in constructions or inverse sentences):
Also see the agenda attached. - See also the attached action plan.
Also covered accommodation expenses. - Accommodation expenses are also reimbursed.
As you can see, formal and informal styles in English are fundamentally different from each other. The main distinguishing features are:
- vocabulary
- grammar, use of active and passive voice
- use of phrasal verbs, slang expressions
- use of speech patterns, clichés
- use of abbreviated forms
- harmonization of ideas
Thus, when starting to write a letter in English, remember the differences in registers, follow the vocabulary, grammar, and other language means so that your letter is in the same style.
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