Formal vs. Informal Diction

When speaking to the following people, who would you use formal language with?

• All of these people

• The president

• A security guard

• The school principal

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

CCSS.W.9-10.2E

I can use the phrase "get hurt" in formal writing.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

CCSS.W.9-10.1D

What would be the formal synonym for ask?

• receive

• ensure

• request

• commence

Tags

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

CCSS.W.9-10.2E

Pick the combination of words that are informal:

• due to and require

• assist and receive

• occupied and possess

• help and give

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

CCSS.W.9-10.1D

Pick the combination of words that are formal:

• verify and request

• ask and because

• won't and need

• busy and sorry

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

CCSS.W.9-10.1D

Choose the sentence that uses formal language:

• I don't care if you do it or not.

• Just yell if you have any problems.

• A loss of your name tag should be reported immediately.

• Lots of kids love that kind of music.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

CCSS.W.9-10.2E

What would be the informal synonym for inform?

• busy

• tell

• check

• get

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Which sentence is the formal way of saying, “He asked for more cash.”

• He wants more money.

• Better give him more dough.

• I need some extra bucks.

• He requested more money.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.9-10.1D

CCSS.W.9-10.2E

Which sentence is the informal way to say: “I regret that I have been otherwise occupied every time you have contacted me.”

• I've been busy.

• I have much to do.

• I'm sorry I've been busy every time you have tried to call me.

• I have not been able to contact you.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

The phrase “a number of things” is the formal synonym for:

• Something

• One

• Lots of stuff

• Too much to count

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.9-10.1D

CCSS.W.9-10.2E