Change your language and you change your thoughts – These words of Karl Albrecht stress the need for choosing apt words to convey our message effectively. A person is said to be an effective communicator if they use the right words/phrases in their written as well as oral communication. In any language certain words and expressions are labeled ‘formal’, ‘informal’ or ‘slang’. Formal language is more common in writing whereas informal language is more common in speaking. We use formal English in official documents, business correspondence, academic writing and in other formal situations and informal English in friendly chats, personal emails and in informal situations.
Formal words are longer than informal words (e.g. purchase=buy, commence=start, demonstrate=show, consume=use, enquire=ask). They are single and not multi-words (intermittently=on and off, immediately=at once, repeatedly=again and again). For most formal words in English there are informal equivalents. Most uses of get, shortened words, and many phrasal verbs and idioms are informal. Here are examples of the uses of ‘get’.
As I got (received) a call from her, I rushed to the place.
I hope you will be able to get (arrive/reach) the place by 8 o’clock.
He got lost (lost his way) at the railway station.
They are going to get married (marry) next month.
Phrasal verbs are more common in spoken
English than in written English. Look at these
examples: I have a problem with my laptop. Can you sort it out (solve the problem)?
If you think it is difficult to finish answering all the questions within an hour, you can leave out (omit) the last two questions.
Idioms are used mostly in spoken English. Those who are proficient in the language use idioms to sound natural. Here are examples of idiomatic expressions used in everyday conversations: Hang on (wait a minute). I’ll check the number and let you know.
When is the meeting? No one has a clue (No one knows).
In all official communication we use formal expressions and in personal communication we use informal expressions. Here are examples of differences between formal and informal expressions used in business letters/emails and personal letters/emails: With reference to our recent telephonic conversation a week ago, ….(formal)
It was nice talking to you on the phone.
(informal)
I am writing to draw your attention to …
(formal)
I am writing to let you know… (informal)
We would be most grateful if you would accept our invitation and deliver the keynote address. (formal)
Would it be possible for you to spend an hour with our students? (informal)