Colloquial expressions vs. formal language

In the sentence, "My friend said the new video game is off the hook," what does the colloquial expression "off the hook" mean?

• Extremely good or exciting

• Broken or not working

• Very difficult to play

• No longer in trouble

Answer explanation

The colloquial expression "off the hook" is slang for something that is excellent or amazing. The other options are either literal interpretations or incorrect meanings of the idiom.

Sort the following phrases based on their language style: Formal Language or Colloquial Language.

Groups:

(a) Formal Language

,

(b) Colloquial Language

• What's up?

• To whom it may concern,

• Gimme a break.

• I appreciate your assistance.

Answer explanation

"To whom it may concern," and "I appreciate your assistance." are standard, polite phrases used in formal communication. "What's up?" and "Gimme a break." are informal, conversational expressions.

Which of the following sentences uses the most formal language appropriate for a school report?

• We gotta finish this project ASAP.

• Let's wrap this thing up soon.

• It is imperative that we complete this project promptly.

• C'mon, we need to get this project done.

Answer explanation

This sentence uses precise vocabulary ("imperative," "promptly") and avoids slang or informal contractions, making it formal. The other options use colloquialisms ("gotta," "wrap this thing up") and informal phrasing.

Match each colloquial idiom to its correct formal meaning.

• Reveal a secret

• Bite the bullet

• Endure a difficult situation

• Spill the beans

• To be very expensive

• Cost an arm and a leg

• To leave or depart

• Hit the road

Answer explanation

Each idiom is a colloquial expression with a figurative meaning. 'Spill the beans' means to reveal a secret, 'bite the bullet' means to face a tough situation, 'hit the road' means to leave, and 'cost an arm and a leg' means to be very expensive.

How could you best revise the colloquial sentence "I'm totally wiped from soccer practice" for a formal note to a teacher?

• Soccer practice was a real drag.

• I am experiencing significant fatigue after soccer practice.

• I'm super tired from soccer.

• That practice really took it out of me.

Answer explanation

This option replaces the colloquialism "totally wiped" with the formal and precise phrase "experiencing significant fatigue." The other options are also colloquial or informal.

Sort these words and phrases into the categories: Appropriate for a Formal Essay or Appropriate for a Text to a Friend.

Groups:

(a) Appropriate for a Formal Essay

,

(b) Appropriate for a Text to a Friend

• My bad

• In conclusion

• IDK

• LOL

• Furthermore

• Consequently

Answer explanation

Words like "Furthermore," and "Consequently," are transition words for formal writing. Acronyms like "LOL" and "IDK" and slang like "My bad" are colloquialisms for informal texting.

In which situation would it be most appropriate to use colloquial language like "Hey, what's up?"

• In an application for a summer job.

• When sending a text message to a close friend.

• During a formal presentation to the class.

• In an email to the school principal.

Answer explanation

Colloquial language is best for informal, casual settings with people you know well, like friends. Formal language is required for professional or academic situations.

Match the colloquial phrase with its more formal equivalent.

• several

• hang out

• determine

• figure out

• spend time together

• thanks a ton

• thank you very much

• a bunch of

Answer explanation

This exercise matches informal, everyday phrases with their more precise and formal counterparts suitable for academic or professional writing and speaking.

Read the sentence: "To be honest, I think that movie was a bit of a letdown." Which part of the sentence is a colloquial expression?

• To be honest

• I think that movie

• a bit of a letdown

• was

Answer explanation

The phrase "a bit of a letdown" is a common colloquialism for "disappointing." The other parts of the sentence use standard, neutral language.

A student wrote in an email to a teacher: "I'm gonna be late cuz I have a doc appointment." Which revision uses the most appropriate formal language?

• I will be late because I have a doctor's appointment.

• I'm going to be late 'cause of a doctor's appointment.

• Gonna be late, I have a doctor's appointment.

• I'll be tardy due to a medical consultation.

Answer explanation

This option correctly replaces the informal contraction "gonna" with "will be" and the slang "cuz" with "because," making it formal and clear. Option 4 is too stiff and unnatural.