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

Vocabulary: Style & Register

B2 Lesson 1: Choosing Precise Vocabulary

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to distinguish between formal and informal vocabulary and choose the appropriate words for different situations.

What is Register? 🤔

Think of register like choosing clothes. You wear different clothes to a wedding than you do when relaxing at home. Language works the same way.

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

Formal vs. Informal Vocabulary

A key part of choosing the right register is using the right words. Here are some common examples.

Informal

get

Formal

obtain / receive

You must obtain a permit before starting.

Informal

need

Formal

require

The position requires five years of experience.

Informal

ask for

Formal

request

We would like to request a meeting.

Informal

help

Formal

assist

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Informal

buy

Formal

purchase

The company will purchase new computers.

Vocabulary Toolkit 🛠️

💡 Pro Tip: 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."

Practice Your Vocabulary 🎯

Quiz: Choose the Right Register

For each situation, choose the more appropriate word.

1. In a formal letter for a university scholarship: "I would like to _______ more information." (ask for / request)
   → request
2. In a text to your friend: "Hey, can you _______ me with my homework?" (assist / help)
   → help
3. In a business report: "We made a _______ profit last year." (big / considerable)
   → considerable

Your Vocabulary Mission ⭐

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.

Key Vocabulary

• Precise (Adjective) | ជាក់លាក់
  Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
• Register (Noun) | កម្រិតភាសា
  The level of formality of a piece of writing or speech.
• Formal (Adjective) | ជាផ្លូវការ
  Used in serious or official situations.
• Informal (Adjective) | មិនផ្លូវការ
  Used in relaxed, friendly, or unofficial situations.