Добавил:
Upload Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:
belyaeva-petrischeva.doc
Скачиваний:
76
Добавлен:
15.08.2019
Размер:
1.99 Mб
Скачать
  1. Formal English

Formal English is more common in writing than in speaking. It is found in notices, business letters, and legal English; but you will also hear examples in spoken English.

Café notice: Only food purchased here may be eaten on the premises.

Police statement in court: I apprehended (stopped) the accused outside the supermarket.

Theatre announcement: The play will commence (start) in two minutes.

Formal business situation: The meeting will resume (start again) this afternoon at 2 p.m.

Lawyer: My client had a broken ankle. Thus (so) he could not have driven the car.

Formal letter: I regret to inform you that we are unable to grant (give) you …

Announcement: If you require (need) further assistance (help), please contact …

Outside a pub: Parking for patrons (customers) only.

  1. Informal English

Informal language is more common in spoken than written English. Certain types of language are often informal:

  • Most uses of get are informal

  • Many phrasal verbs are informal

  • Many idioms are informal.

Here are some examples:

I had to go and pick up the kids from school.

My flat is very handy for the shops. (near the shops and very convenient)

I manage to fix up (arrange) an appointment for 7.30.

I thought the book was terrific (marvelous).

Most of the students are bright (intelligent) but one or two are really thick (stupid).

I offered him ten quid (pounds) but the guy (man) wasn’t interested.

I reckon (think) we’ll get (obtain) the money pretty (quite) soon.

What’s up? (What’s the matter?)

We must get in touch with them (contact them) very soon.

Do you fancy going out? (Would you like to go out?)

When you get (reach) there, have a word with (speak to) someone at reception.

I’m just going to the loo (toilet).

Exercises

  1. Put the words into the correct columns in the table.

Formal

Informal

purchase

loo

thus

quid

apprehend

guy

handy

resume

terrific

commence

reckon

Find a synonym for each of the words from the list.

Therefore toilet convenient catch/stop start man start again pound think fantastic buy

  1. Rewrite the sentences in more informal English.

  1. When are you going to collect your bicycle?

  2. Most of these children are very clever.

  3. I think it’ll commence quite soon.

  4. Would you like to go out for a meal?

  5. My flat is five minutes from where I work, thus it is very convenient.

  6. What’s the matter?

  7. The man in the market wanted twenty pounds for this ring.

  8. Where did you purchase that book?

  9. They’ll never apprehend him.

  10. I’m just going to the toilet.

  1. Rewrite the letter in more formal English.

Dear Mr Collins

We’re really sorry to say that we can’t lend you the sum of five hundred quid that you need, but it may be possible to give you a loan for some of the money.

If you are still interested, do you fancy getting in touch with our main office to fix up an appointment with the assistant manager. He will be happy to talk to you about it.

Yours sincerely

Соседние файлы в предмете [НЕСОРТИРОВАННОЕ]