Task A — Classification
Formal or informal?
Each pair below shows two ways of expressing the same idea. Decide whether each one (A and B) is more typical of formal or informal writing.
1 · verb forms
A
full forms: does not
✓ formal
B
contracted forms: doesn't
✓ informal
2 · verb types
A
phrasal verbs: put off
B
single-word verbs: postpone
3 · punctuation
A
exclamation marks: I couldn't believe it!
B
no exclamation marks: I could not believe it.
4 · vocabulary range
A
common words: enough
B
less common words: sufficient
5 · word length
A
long words: frequently
B
short words: often
6 · verb voice
A
active verb forms: I took
B
passive verb forms: I was taken
7 · abbreviation
A
full forms: approximately
B
abbreviations: approx.
8 · expression type
A
textbook expressions: a limited quantity
B
conversational expressions: a bit
9 · tone
A
friendly, personal tone: Please try to …
B
distant, impersonal tone: It would be advisable to …
10 · sentence completeness
A
complete sentences: There was no sound.
B
incomplete sentences: Not a sound.
—
correct answers
Task B — Sorting
Formal or informal? Drag each word or phrase into the correct column.
These words and phrases all relate to similar ideas. Which register does each one belong to?
💡
Language tip: Many formal English words come from Latin or French. If you're Italian, you'll often recognise them! Words like sufficient, approximately, terminate, commence sound like Italian words — that's a clue they're formal. Short, Anglo-Saxon words (enough, about, end, start) tend to be informal.
⠿ sufficient
⠿ a bit
⠿ commence
⠿ kick off
⠿ I was informed
⠿ I was told
⠿ It would be advisable
⠿ You should
⠿ I regret to inform you
⠿ Sorry to say
⠿ approximately
⠿ about
⠿ terminate
⠿ end
📋 Formal
💬 Informal
—
correct