Formal Informal Language

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

Pick the combination of words that are informal:

• due to and require

• assist and receive

• occupied and possess

• help and give

Pick the combination of words that are formal:

• verify and request

• ask and because

• won't and need

• busy and sorry

What would be the informal synonym for inform?

• busy

• tell

• check

• get

Which pair of informal and formal words are NOT synonyms?

• busy/occupied

• help/assist

• begin/receive

• ask/request

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.

Which phrase is more formal?

• The best solution is...

• The most effective solution is...

Which sentence is more formal?

• It is a hot topic.

• It is a contentious issue.

Which word/phrase is more formal?

• Currently

• These days

• At this moment in time

Which sentence is more informal?

• In response to the disaster, medicine was supplied by the government. Moreover, residents of the affected area were provided with food.

• In response to the disaster, medicine was supplied by the government and residents of the affected area were provided with food.