Natural Speech: Understanding Formality
CEFR Level B2Lesson Goals
In this lesson, you will learn to recognize different levels of formality in natural English speech and understand how the situation changes the vocabulary and grammar we use.
Choosing the Right Style of Language
Formality is about matching your language to the situation. You would speak differently to a government minister than to a close friend. Recognizing these differences is a key skill for advanced social and professional communication.
1. Making a Request
Let's compare two ways to ask for help. Notice the polite phrasing and full sentence in the formal example, versus the directness and phrasal verb in the informal one.
Formal (e.g., to a hotel manager)
"I was wondering if you would be able to assist me?"
Informal (e.g., to a friend)
"Hey, can ya give me a hand?"
2. Expressing an Opinion
How we share ideas also changes dramatically. The formal version is structured and cautious, while the informal version uses slang ("reckon") and reductions ("dunno").
Formal (e.g., in a business meeting)
"In my professional opinion, the proposed strategy has several potential risks."
Informal (e.g., with a colleague)
"I dunno, I reckon it's a bit of a bad idea."
Key Concept: The Formality Spectrum
It's important to understand that formality isn't just "on" or "off." It's a spectrum, or a scale, from very formal to very informal, with a large neutral area in the middle.
Example: Asking for a coffee
- Very Formal: "Might I trouble you for a cup of coffee, please?" (Rarely used)
- Formal/Polite: "Good morning. May I please have a latte?" (To a barista you don't know)
- Neutral/Casual: "Could I get a coffee, please?" (The most common way)
- Informal: "Can I grab a coffee?" (To a friend or regular barista)
- Very Informal: "Gimme a coffee." (Can sound rude unless used with friends)
Most everyday conversations in places like shops or restaurants here in Siem Reap happen in the Neutral/Casual zone.
Practice: Formal or Informal?
Listen to the sentences in the audio player. Decide if the speaker is using formal or informal language based on their vocabulary, grammar, and slang.
-
Listen to Sentence 1: "Would it be possible to obtain a copy of the report?"
-
Listen to Sentence 2: "What's up? Wanna grab a bite?"
-
Listen to Sentence 3: "We regret to inform you that the flight has been cancelled."
Show Answers
Answers: 1-a (uses a polite, complex sentence). 2-b (uses slang "What's up?" and reductions "Wanna grab a bite?"). 3-a (uses formal vocabulary like "regret to inform you").
Vocabulary
-
Formality (noun) [แบบបទ]
The style of language and behavior used in serious or official situations.
-
Slang (noun) [ពាក្យមិនផ្លូវការ]
Very informal words and phrases, more common in speech than writing.
-
To reckon (verb) [គិតថា]
An informal way to say "to think" or "to believe." (e.g., "I reckon it will rain.")
Your Mission
Apply your understanding of formality with these real-world tasks.
- Analyze a Movie Scene: Watch a scene from a formal environment (a courtroom, a political speech). Write down 2-3 formal phrases you hear. Then, watch a scene with close friends talking. Write down 2-3 examples of informal language (slang, reductions, etc.).
- Practice Code-Switching: With a partner, role-play ordering food. First, act as if you are at a very exclusive, 5-star hotel restaurant speaking to the manager. Then, do the same role-play, but this time you are at a local street food stall with a close friend. Notice how your language changes.