B2 Lesson 2: Consistently Maintaining Formal or Informal Register
In our last lesson, you learned how to analyze your audience and purpose to choose the correct register1 (level of formality). Today, we will focus on the crucial skill of consistency2.
A strong writer maintains the same register from the first word to the last. Mixing formal and informal language in the same text can confuse the reader and make your writing appear unprofessional.
The Problem: Mixed Register
Look at the email below. The writer is trying to be formal, but they include informal language. This creates a confusing and unprofessional tone.
To: hr.manager@company.com
Subject: My Job Application
Dear Mr. Somnang,
I am writing to apply for the position of Sales Executive. I saw the ad online and think I'd be great for the job. I can't wait to hear back from you!
Cheers,
Narin
Analysis of Errors: The greeting ("Dear Mr. Somnang,") is formal, but the email uses a contraction ("I'm" - implied), informal phrasing ("I'd be great," "can't wait"), and an informal closing ("Cheers,"). This is a mixed and ineffective message.
How to Be Consistent: Two Correct Examples
Here is how the message should be written in a consistently formal style, and how it would look in a consistently informal style to a friend.
Consistently Formal ✅
Subject: Application for Sales Executive Position
Dear Mr. Somnang,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Sales Executive position advertised on your website. I believe my five years of experience in sales would make me a valuable asset to your team.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Chea Narin
Consistently Informal ✅
Subject: Awesome new job!
Hey Bora,
How's it going? Saw a great job for a Sales Exec at that company you like! I'm totally gonna apply. You should check it out too!
Talk soon,
Narin
✍️ B2 Register Consistency Checklist
When you revise your writing, ask yourself:
- ✔️ Have I chosen one register (formal or informal) and maintained it throughout?
- ✔️ Is my vocabulary choice consistent? (e.g., using "request" or "ask for" all the way through).
- ✔️ Is my use of contractions appropriate for my chosen register?
- ✔️ Do my greeting, body, and closing all match in tone?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Find the Mismatch
Read the formal sentence below. Which underlined word is too informal for the context?
Sentence: "We regret to inform you that the seminar has been postponed; we will provide an update with the new schedule ASAP."
Answer: ASAP. This is an informal acronym for "As Soon As Possible." In a formal context, the writer should use the full phrase.
📝 Homework: Become a Style Editor
The short email below has a mixed register. Your homework is to identify the mixed parts and rewrite it two ways.
Mixed-Register Email:
Subject: Your order
Dear Sir,
What's up? I'm writing about my order, #123. The stuff I got isn't right. I'd appreciate it if you could assist me with this matter.
Thanks,
Sophea
Your Task: In your notebook, rewrite the email:
- As a completely formal email of complaint.
- As a completely informal message to a friend who runs a small online shop.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Register: (Noun) - កម្រិតភាសា - The level of formality in language, from formal to informal. ↩
- Consistency: (Noun) - ភាពជាប់លាប់ - The quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way. ↩
- Tone: (Noun) - សំឡេង - The general character and attitude of a piece of writing. ↩
- Appropriate: (Adjective) - សមរម្យ - Suitable or correct for a particular situation. ↩
- To maintain: (Verb) - រក្សា - To keep something at the same level or in the same condition.