Grammar: 💡 Effective Word Choice & Style - Intermediate/Advanced (B2) - Lesson 1: Choosing Precise Vocabulary (Formal vs. Informal registers)

💡 Lesson 1: Choosing Precise Vocabulary (Formal vs. Informal)

Welcome to this B2 module on improving your writing style! Being an advanced English user isn't just about knowing many words; it's about choosing the most precise¹ and appropriate vocabulary² for the situation. Today, we will learn about register³—the difference between formal⁴ and informal⁵ language.

What is Register?

Think of register like choosing clothes. You wear different clothes when you go to a wedding than when you relax at home with friends. Language works the same way.

• Informal Register: Used with friends, family, and in casual situations like text messages. It's relaxed and friendly.
• Formal Register: Used in professional emails, academic essays, job applications, and official situations. It is more serious and polite.

Common Informal vs. Formal Vocabulary

A key part of choosing the right register is using the right words. Here are some common examples of informal words and their more formal synonyms.

Informal	Formal	Formal Example Sentence
get	obtain / receive	You must obtain a permit before starting construction.
need	require	The position requires five years of experience.
ask for	request	We would like to request a meeting with the director.
help	assist	Please let me know if I can assist you further.
tell	inform	We regret to inform you that the event is cancelled.
buy	purchase	The company will purchase new computers next month.
a lot of	numerous / considerable	There are numerous cafes to choose from in Battambang.

Phrasal Verbs vs. Single Verbs

As a general rule, phrasal verbs are more common in informal speech. For a more formal tone, it is often better to choose a single-word verb with the same meaning.

Informal: "We need to look into the problem."
Formal: "We need to investigate the problem."

Informal: "He needs to find out the reason."
Formal: "He needs to determine the reason."

🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Right Register

For each situation, choose the more appropriate word.

1. In a formal letter applying for a university scholarship: "I would like to _______ more information about the course." (ask for / request)
   Answer: request
2. In a text message to your friend: "Hey, can you _______ me with my homework?" (assist / help)
   Answer: help
3. In an academic essay: "The research _______ that pollution is increasing." (shows / demonstrates)
   Answer: demonstrates
4. In a business report: "We made a _______ profit last year." (big / considerable)
   Answer: considerable
5. When speaking to your family: "I'm going to _______ a new moto." (buy / purchase)
   Answer: buy

📝 Homework: Make it Formal

Rewrite these informal sentences to make them more formal and professional.

1. Informal: We got your application form yesterday.
   Formal: We received your application form yesterday.
2. Informal: You need to tell us if you can't come.
   Formal: You are required to inform us if you are unable to attend.
3. Informal: Thanks a lot for helping me out.
   Formal: Thank you very much for your assistance.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Precise: (Adjective) - ជាក់លាក់ (cheăk'leăk) - Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail. ↩
2. Vocabulary: (Noun) - វាក្យសព្ទ (véak'kâ'săp) - The body of words used in a particular language. ↩
3. Register: (Noun) - កម្រិតភាសា (kâm'rĭt phéa'saa) - The level of formality of a piece of writing or speech. ↩
4. Formal: (Adjective) - ជាផ្លូវការ (chéa phlɨw'kaa) - Used in serious or official situations. ↩
5. Informal: (Adjective) - មិនផ្លូវការ (mĭn phlɨw'kaa) - Used in relaxed, friendly, or unofficial situations. ↩