English style

WELCOME
ENGLISH STYLES
Instructor: Nguyen Thi Viet Anh

Group’s member:
Ho Thi Yen Nhi 7096309
Nguyen Thi Thao 7096318
ENGLISH STYLES
I. Formality
II. Styles in English
III. Exercises
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I. Formality
Definition of formality
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II. Styles in English
1. Formal style
2. Informal style
3. Rules of language styles
4. Distinguish formal and informal style
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III. Exercises
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise 4
Exercise 5
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- Formality is subdivided into “surface” formality and “deep” formality.
+ “Deep” formality is defined as avoidance of ambiguity by minimizing the context-dependence and fuzziness of expression.
I. Formality
- A new concept of formality of linguistic expressions is introduced and argued to be the most important dimension of variation between styles or registers.
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II. Styles in English
In English, there are 3 styles: formal, semi-formal and informal.
However, we focus on 2 styles: formal and informal.
- English learners are usually taught formal English in school, and native English speakers are taught to use it in writing and for speeches and interviews.
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1. Formal style
a. Definition
- Formal style is a way of speaking that you usually use when you don`t know the people listening to you very well.
- You also tend to use it more with people who are higher status and who you want to impress.
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1. Formal style
b. Formal style in use
- Used in official, literary, academic, etc. content.
- Typically used in careful, edited writing
+ Formal English also occurs in speech.
Sentences are longer and more complicated
+ Toyota’s US sales bounced back in March as substantial discounts helped to win back customers who had been shaken by the firm’s mass safety recalls.
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1. Formal style
b. Formal style in use
The standard of correctness is higher. Some phrases are considered correct (or at least acceptable) in informal English, but wrong in formal English.
 For example:
I have made less mistakes. (formal: I have made fewer mistakes.)
She’s liking it. (formal: She likes it.)
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2. Informal style
a. Definition
Informal English is used in everyday conversations and in personal letters.
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2. Informal style
b. Informal in use
- Used in everyday, personal conversations.
- Typically used in “improvised” speech
Sentences are simpler and shorter
+ Did you see Toyota’s sales figures? Looks like the discounts have actually worked.
+ Informal English also occurs in writing.
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2. Informal style
b. Informal in use
- Because informal English is “improvised”, it is sloppy. Speakers (and sometimes writers) often do the following:
+ Use “delaying expressions” to give themselves time. 
Well, I think they should have asked us first, you know?
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2. Informal style
b. Informal in use
+ Use “correcting expressions” to correct themselves. He’s not well. I mean, he’s not sick, but he’s very tired.
+ Use “qualifying expressions” to show that what they said is not exactly right. This whole bloggingthing is getting kind of old.
- Informal English contains useful “everyday phrases”.
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2. Informal style
b. Informal in use
 kinds of informal style:
- Colloquial English
- Slang
- Popular language
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3. Rules of language styles
Don’t know anything about the person who receives letter.
Know title or name of person. Never met or exchanged info.
.
Know name of person and have exchanged greetings..
Person
Writing to
Know name of recipients?
Have spoken or exchange info?
No
Yes
Formal
Are on familiar terms?
Dear sir or madam,
No
Yes
Dear sir,
Semi-formal
informal
Dear guy,
Dear Donald,
Know person well and on familiar terms.
Yes
No
Formal
Company
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4. Distinguish formal and informal style
a. Active & passive voice
Although the fault was repaired on the 12th June, payment for this intervention has still not been received.
Our technician repaired the fault on the 12th June. Now it’s your turn to pay us. .
Informal
Formal
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The company laid him off because he didn’t work much.
His insufficient production conducted to his dismissal.
Informal
Formal
b. Verb form: Phrasal verbs and Latinate
c. Language: direct and formulaic
I’m sorry but …………..
I’m happy to say that…..
We regret to inform you that…………
I have a pleasure in announcing that….
Informal
Formal
4. Distinguish formal and informal style
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He had to get some money out of a hole in the wall………
He withdrew the amount from an ATM.
Informal
Formal
d. Use of slang
e. Personal form and nominator
If you lose it, then please contact us as soon as possible.
Any loss of document should be reported immediately…
Informal
Formal
4. Distinguish formal and informal style
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The bank can’t find the payment you say you’re made.
Notwithstanding that the payment has been sent the bank fails to acknowledge it.
Informal
Formal
f. Linking words
g. Revitalized sentences
Anybody or any company…
…any natural person who, and any legal entity which…
Informal
Formal
4. Distinguish formal and informal style
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If you need any help give us a call.
Should you require any assistance, please feel free to contact us…
Informal
Formal
h. Modal usage
i. Singular and plural person
I can help you to solve this problem. Call me!
We can assist in the resolution of this matter. Contact us on your toll-free number.
Informal
Formal
4. Distinguish formal and informal style
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Summary of Differences between Formal & Informal English
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III. Exercises
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise 5
Exercise 4
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Exercise 1: Decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F)
1. “Deep” formality is defined as avoidance of ambiguity by minimizing the context-dependence and fuzziness of expression.
2. Formal English is a way of speaking that you usually use when you know the people listening to you very well.
3. Slang is even more informal language and consists mainly of particular words and phrases used principally by one group of people.
4. Informal English is used in everyday conversations and in personal letters.
5. Some phrases are considered correct (or at least acceptable) in formal English, but wrong in informal English.
T
F
T
T
F
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2. Formal English is a way of speaking that you usually use when you know the people listening to you very well.
Exercise 1: Decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F)
5. Some phrases are considered correct (or at least acceptable) in formal English, but wrong in informal English.
 Formal English is a way of speaking that you usually use when you do not know the people listening to you very well.
 Some phrases are considered correct (or at least acceptable) in informal English, but wrong in formal English.
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Exercise 2: Match the less formal expressions on the right with more formal ones on the left.
Exercise 4: Decide whether the following statements are Formal (F) or Informal (I).
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1. a. If you want to complain, you must write a letter to the tour operator.
b. Any complaints should be addressed to the tour operator.
a. Travelers are advised to contact their embassy in the event of any problem which may occur.
b. You should go to, or phone, your embassy if you have any problems.
a. Patrons are requested to refrain from smoking.
b. Please don’t smoke.
4. a. Please keep this receipt. You may have to show it later on.
b. This is receipt to be retained and produced on request.
5. a. The firm can’t promise to send the goods you order until you send them the whole price.
b. Goods will not be dispatched until receipt of full remittance.
I
F
F
I
F
I
I
F
I
F
Lucky
numbers
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- Rewrite each of the following in simple English as if you were explaining it to someone. Choose the best answer.
1. Should there be any defect in this appliance, consult the supplier.
a. If there’s anything wrong with machine, go back to the shop where you got it.
b. If the machine is wrong, go back to the shop where you got it.
c. If there’s anything wrong with machine, go back to the shop to complain of it.
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- Rewrite each of the following in simple English as if you were explaining it to someone. Choose the best answer.
2. We regret to inform you that we could not go to your party at weekend.
a. I am sorry but we can’t go to your party at weekend.
b. I can’t go to your party at weekend.
c. I report that I can’t go to your party at weekend.
Lucky number!
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Exercise 4: Rewrite each of the following in simple English as if you were explaining it to someone. Choose the best answer.
3. No liability can be accepted for events beyond our control.
a. The firm takes responsibility for anything which goes wrong if it is not their fault.
b. The firm does not take responsibility for anything which goes wrong if it is not their fault.
c. Sometimes, The firm does not take responsibility for anything which goes wrong if it is not their fault.
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- Rewrite each of the following in simple English as if you were explaining it to someone. Choose the best answer.
4. Although the fault was repaired on the 12th June, payment for this intervention has still not been received.
a. Our technician repaired the fault on the 12th June. Now it’s your turn to pay us.
b. Up to now, we don’t still receive the fee of repairing the fault on the 12th June.
c. We suggest that you must pay for repairing the fault on the 12th June.
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Exercise 5: For each spoken item on the left below find the most natural response on the right.
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References:
1. Thomas, B.J.2001. Avandce Vocabulary and Idioms.
2. http://www.blssrl.com/assets/Formal_Informal_English.pdf
3. http://forum.englishtime.us/default.aspx?g=posts&t=7530
4. http://www.hot.ee/year12/Formal%20and%20Informal%20style%20I.htm
5. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.30.6280&rep=rep1&type=pdf
6. http://www.antimoon.com/how/formal-informal-english.htm
7. http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Colloquial-(Informal)-Writing
Thank you!