Lesson 2: Choosing the Right Tone
Formal vs. Informal English
Knowing many words is good, but choosing the *right* words is better. The tone1 of your language is its feeling or attitude (e.g., friendly, serious, respectful). The level of formality2 you use depends entirely on the situation3 and who you are talking to. Using a very informal tone in a formal situation can seem disrespectful. This lesson will help you compare your options so you can choose the perfect tone every time.
Formal vs. Informal: A Comparison Guide
Let's look at some common tasks and see how the language changes depending on the formality of the situation.
| Function | Informal (With Friends) | Formal (Professional/Respectful) |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | "Hey, what's up?" "How's it going?" |
"Good morning/afternoon."[Title + Last Name] "It's a pleasure to meet you." |
| Making a Request | "Can you send me that file?" "Gimme a minute." |
"Could you please send me that file?" "Would it be possible to have a moment?" |
| Apologizing | "My bad." "Sorry about that." |
"I sincerely apologize for the error." "Please accept my apologies." |
| Agreeing | "Yeah, totally." "For sure." |
"I agree." "That's an excellent point." |
| Saying 'Thank You' | "Thanks a lot!" "Cheers." |
"I really appreciate your help." "Thank you very much." |
In Conversation: Switching Your Tone
Watch how Dara's language changes when his manager arrives. He is talking to his close colleague, Sophea, at their desks.
Dara: Hey Sophea, how's it going? Can you send me the photos from the team trip?
Sophea: Yeah, for sure. I'll send them now. They're hilarious.
(Their manager, Mr. Vannak, walks over to Dara's desk.)
Dara: Good morning, Mr. Vannak.
Mr. Vannak: Good morning, Dara. I need the final sales report for this quarter.
Dara: Of course. I sincerely apologize for the delay, I am just making the final checks. Would it be possible to have another hour to complete it?
Mr. Vannak: Yes, that's fine. Please send it to me before lunch.
Dara: Thank you very much. I will do that.
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. You are meeting your girlfriend's parents for the first time. What is the best greeting?
- a) What's up?
- b) It's a pleasure to meet you.
- c) How's it going?
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) It's a pleasure to meet you. (This is respectful and formal, perfect for a first meeting with important people).
2. You need to ask your professor for an extension on your homework. What is the best way to ask?
- a) "Gimme an extension."
- b) "I wanna get an extension."
- c) "Would it be possible to have an extension?"
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) "Would it be possible to have an extension?" (This is polite, formal, and shows respect).
3. A close friend thanks you for a small gift. What is a good, informal reply?
- a) "You are most welcome."
- b) "No worries." / "For sure."
- c) "I appreciate your gratitude."
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) "No worries." / "For sure." (These are relaxed and friendly).
edit Your Mission
- Rewrite the Sentence: In your notebook, rewrite this informal sentence to make it formal: "Thanks for the file. I'll check it out."
- Analyze the Situation: You need to write an email to the immigration office in Phnom Penh. Should your tone be formal or informal? Why? Give one example of a formal phrase you could use.
- Role-Play Practice: With a friend, practice a short conversation where one person is a tourist asking for directions in Kampot, and the other is a helpful police officer. Try to use formal, respectful language.
book Lesson Glossary
- Tone (noun) - Khmer: សំនៀង - The general character or attitude of a piece of writing or a way of speaking. ↩
- Formality (noun) - Khmer: ភាពផ្លូវការ - The quality of being serious, official, and correct, not relaxed and friendly. ↩
- Situation (noun) - Khmer: ស្ថានភាព - The set of conditions and events at a particular time and in a particular place. ↩