Informal words in English. Formal and informal English: how to communicate in the office and in the bar. Comparison of sentences spoken in different styles

Most people speak and write differently depending on the circumstances. For example, some languages have fairly strict rules about how to address those older in age or status. IN English language There are no such strict rules. However, there are certain words and constructions that are most often used in formal speech.

This material, written for our website by a professional teacher of these English courses, describes some of the key aspects that indicate the degree of formality of speech.

Formal situations in simple language can be characterized as situations where people are careful in how they express themselves (e.g. business relations or simply in polite address to strangers). At the same time, the English language is replete with informal words and expressions, which are used most often in communication between friends and people who know each other well. In writing, a formal style is usually followed, and in speech, an informal style. However, there are also frequent situations when circumstances force or predispose an informal style in a letter (for example, a forum or chat on the Internet) or a formal style in speech (the president’s address to the nation).

Of course, most words and expressions in English are “neutral” in nature. However, knowing how to use formal and informal speech can be helpful if you want to sound natural in casual conversations with colleagues and don't want to sound "casual" in an important presentation.

Differences in grammar

Some grammatical aspects have different formal and informal “versions”. For example, the reduction of auxiliary verbs and negative forms is characteristic of the informal style:

We have done it. It is possible. We did it. It's possible.
We've done it. It's possible.

In informal speech constructions, a preposition can often be seen at the end of a sentence, while in a formal style they are more often used at the beginning:

At what sport are you good? What sport are you good at?
What sport are you good at?

Some relative constructions may also vary. For example:

The boy whom she asked (formally). The boy she asked.
The boy she asked (informally).

In addition, after some qualifying words (such as “neither”, for example) in the formal style there are singular verbs:

Neither of the girls wants to participate. None of the girls want to take part.

and in plural after qualifying words in an informal style:

Neither of the girls want to take part.

Some pronouns also change their form depending on the situation (or rather not even on the situation, but on the style of presentation of the speaker himself).

Such a common phenomenon in English as omission of words is more typical of informal speech:

Differences in vocabulary

In English, many words also have their own formal or informal synonyms. The following are examples of similar words (which may be in different parts speech, but most often with verbs):

More formally:	Less formally:	Translation:
repair	fix	repair
commence	start/begin	start off
somewhat	a bit	A little
sufficient	enough	enough
occur	happen	happen
postpone	put off	save
challenging	hard	difficult
handle	deal with	deal with, deal with (someone, something)
wealthier	richer	richer
use	utilise	use

Polite requests and questions

One of the most common reasons for formality in communication is the politeness and respect with which strangers or elders are addressed. To do this, the appeal is formulated in a less “straightforward” way. The easiest way to achieve this is to use questions whose answer can be “yes” or “no.” This implies that the one to whom the request is addressed can choose whether he/she agrees or not.

Could you give me you phone number, please? Could you give me your phone number?

This wording will be much more polite compared to “Please give me your phone number.”

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English computer slang phonetic mimicry acronym

In linguistics there is no clear concept of slang. All vocabulary of a language is divided into literary and non-literary. Literary ones include:

1. book words
2. standard spoken words
3. neutral words

All this vocabulary is used either in literature or in oral speech in an official setting.

Official vocabulary is official terminology, book expressions that exclude double interpretation, describing everything unambiguously and accurately. Such speech is always perceived as correct, ethical, and with its help everything can be expressed clearly and stylistically neutrally. Teachers, lawyers, diplomats, doctors, and businessmen must have such speech.

Everyday vocabulary is a language that is understandable to everyone and in which people communicate. It can contain both official words and colloquial informal expressions. Everyday vocabulary is more nuanced than formal, but it does not contain offensive connotations and is accessible and understandable to everyone. Neutral vocabulary, interstyle, commonly used vocabulary that is not associated with certain functional varieties (styles) of the language and does not have an expressive coloring. Neutral vocabulary is opposed to vocabulary assigned to certain styles and expressively colored vocabulary. The expression of emotion is in most cases expressive. This means that a sharp line cannot be drawn between the expression and emotionality of a word. Great importance To determine the expressive-emotional coloring of a word, it has intonation. The emotional coloring of a word does not merge with its meaning. Thus, language serves not only to express people’s thoughts, but also to express their feelings, experiences, and will. Neutral is vocabulary that is used in all spheres of communication and genres, which does not introduce stylistic shades into them and does not have an emotionally expressive assessment.

Against the general background of interstyle vocabulary, neutral in expressive and stylistic terms, the so-called colloquial vocabulary stands out sharply. It is one of the main parts of the lexical-semantic system of the functional colloquial style of speech. This system includes the following lexical groups:

- actually colloquial words, that is, literary-colloquial and everyday-colloquial, or colloquial-everyday. These layers form a vocabulary of relatively unlimited use;
- colloquial words with some limitation of the scope of use, such as everyday vernacular, colloquial terminology; colloquial-professional, or colloquial-slang;
- colloquial words with a clear limitation of the scope of use are narrowly dialectal, argotic and roughly colloquial words.

The first lexical group constitutes the style center itself colloquial speech, is a type of literary language, has its own, functionally determined norms.

The second group is located, as it were, on the periphery of literary use, although in general it does not go beyond its limits.

The third group already forms the so-called extra-literary colloquial vocabulary, although, since such lexical means are used in oral communication, they can also be considered when characterizing the general lexical system of colloquial speech styles.

The reasons for this stratification of vocabulary include: the direct nature of communication between two or more persons (that is, what is necessary for the very emergence of spoken language); unpreparedness of the speech act, its spontaneity, that is, the absence of preliminary thinking and selection of appropriate linguistic means); ease verbal communication, that is, the informality of the attitude of the speakers; the primacy of the oral form of speech realization and the secondary nature of possible written expression (letters, diaries, and so on); thematic unlimitedness, that is, addressing a wide variety of topics: from the actual everyday, everyday to professional.

The formation of specific linguistic features is greatly influenced by the environment in which spoken speech occurs, gestures, speech rate, intonation and other reasons. The listed distinctive features (they are also called differentiating and differential) are characteristic of all three lexical groups noted above. But not all of them obey the actual linguistic norms of the functional conversational style at different levels of the language. Therefore, only the first is considered normatively clearly expressed. In the second, deviations from norms (including lexical ones) are already observed. And the third is subject to its own internal laws: social (argot), territorial (dialectisms) or expressive-stylistic (rough vernacular).

Norms that are sometimes called uncodified are characterized by significant variability compared to codified literary norms. That is why in them there are possible names of the same object or concept that are different in their “colloquiality”, expressive-stylistic essence and scope of use. Secondly, variability in the designation of concepts makes it possible to have significant rows of semantically identical units that are not functionally delimited. Literary-colloquial words include those words that, in comparison with interstyle ones, on the one hand, and book ones, on the other (although such synonymous parallels are not always possible), have a certain shade of inferiority. However, these words are used in many areas of human communication. Ex: some sort of, to be good enough at, chap, lad, bloke, stuff, kid, guy, pal, chum, exam, refrigerator, flu, movie, minerals, thing, to chuck, something, to quit, to fire , to put up with something.

Colloquial words are words used in everyday communication. They, like colloquial-literary words, do not violate the norms of colloquial speech itself. But among them there are already much more words with a reduced meaning, which also often have an additional pronounced stylistic connotation, for example: disapproving, ironic, familiar, playful, and so on. Their use in other stylistic varieties of literary English (for example, official business or scientific) is inappropriate.

Colloquial words include words such as doc, shut up, to pick up somebody and others that have a vaguely expressed negative or positive expressive-emotional assessment.

Words that are even more reduced in their semantics and additional expressive-stylistic evaluative essence can be classified as everyday vernacular. Their sphere of distribution is narrower than that of everyday vocabulary. The concept of “vernacular” combines an indication of belonging to a special stylistic group and, what is especially significant, an indication of stylistic coloring. Similar words include, for example, dad (father), fatherlessness, bodyaga (in the expression to raise a bodyagu), bro, sister, vernyak, net. These and many other words are sometimes difficult to distinguish from actual colloquial ones, since colloquial speech (if it is not rude, vulgar or abusive in stylistic essence) in general is not a pronounced violation of the norms of colloquial speech.

Colloquial terminological words include words that do not have the characteristics of actual terms, are not reflected, as a rule, in the corresponding terminological dictionaries (or are given with the mark - colloquial, slang), but are also used in the oral speech of people united by common professional social interests. Such words are usually formed on the basis existing terms, according to word-formation norms of conversational style of speech. As a result of frequent use, many of them go beyond the colloquial variants of terminological systems, become determinologized, and become less limited in use: ascorbic acid; hypertensive, diabetic, naturalist and so on. Colloquial terminological vocabulary also includes truncated forms used in relevant areas, for example: cyber.

Colloquial-professional (or colloquial-jargon) includes words that are formed not from words fixed in terminological systems, but from so-called professional names. They, as a rule, have a highly specialized meaning, although in the process of use they often go beyond the boundaries of certain professions. These words include: for builders, a change house is a room for changing clothes and resting for workers; for motor transport workers, the steering wheel is the steering wheel of a car, and so on. Similar jargon-professional names exist in every profession. The scope of their distribution is limited. However, some of them become colloquial.

For example, the initial professional use in the speech of geologists, builders, and road workers of the word pillar in direct meaning Subsequently, it went beyond the professional conversational sphere and became simply colloquial and humorous.

Finally, the third group includes words that are used in oral communication and are very limited in their distribution. Such words already go beyond the boundaries of the literary language; they are among those that violate the norms of the actual colloquial style of speech. These words are all roughly colloquial, such as: head, mug; filthy, dozing, torn and others. They're like. As a rule, in their expressive-emotional coloring they are abusive and vulgar. If we compare the words of this group with the actual colloquial interstyle ones, then their semantic-stylistic essence becomes even more obvious. Severely limited use also characterizes argotic elements used in oral communication by certain groups of people. They, just like rough vernacular, violate generally accepted norms of colloquial speech and are extra-literary lexical means. The sphere of distribution of the last subgroup of extraliterary colloquial vocabulary—dialect—is also very limited. Words of this subgroup, as a rule, are used only in oral communication of indigenous people in a certain territory and are no longer incomprehensible beyond its borders.

There is also non-literary vocabulary, we divide it into:

1. Professionalism.
2. Vulgarisms.
3. Jargon.
4 Euphemisms.
5. Slang.

This part of the vocabulary is distinguished by its colloquial and informal nature.

Professionalisms are words used by small groups of people united by a particular profession.

“PROFESSIONALISM - words or expressions characteristic of the speech of a particular professional. groups. P., along with terms and nomen, constitute a category of special vocabulary. P. - colloquial words, stylistically reduced, mainly denote concepts associated with labor processes, its result, and are often doublets, synonyms of terms. P. are formed most often by narrowing the semantic meaning of commonly used words. words through their figurative use and, finally, through the abbreviation of phrases and words. For example, the word “box” in the language of representatives of different professions can mean: “the skeleton of a building under construction”, “the basis of a window or doorway” (for builders); “ship, ship” (for sailors). In printing and publishing. In fact, among many, “hanging line”, “eye bug”, “reins”, “corridor”, “besiege the morale”, “flashlight”, “tail”, etc. are used. P. are limited both by the territory and the team, in rum they are consumed. Representatives of various branches of science, technology, and art for language purposes. savings are replaced by generally accepted scientific and technical technologies. terms and nomen. P. are used informally. oral speech. P. should not be in business documentation, since they belong to the category of professional. jargon. From the sphere of narrow use, P. often fall into the general public. language. This is greatly facilitated by periodic printing, production artist literature, radio and television. In articles and books, P. is explained either in the text itself, or in footnotes, in book and article dictionaries. In articles and books, P., as a rule, is enclosed in quotation marks, accompanied by the words: “as they say” (sailors, doctors, pilots, geologists, miners, engineers, athletes), “in the language” (hunters, fishermen, military men, athletes) . From the words lit. P.'s language often differs in pronunciation and grammar. features. For example, P. may have a different stress (dombycha, compams, rapomrt, sparks, romzliv), a different syntactic. communication (geologists and prospectors are familiar with the terms “oil exploration,” “coal exploration,” and “gas exploration”). P. are placed in different types of special and philological. dictionaries and reference books, get the corresponding information in them. development on hold from the purpose and objectives of the reference manual. In explanatory dictionaries Russian. lit. language, in spelling. in dictionaries and cultural reference books, P.’s speech is either marked “simple.” (colloquial word), "mor." (sea word), "sea colloquial." (sea colloquial word), “in professional speech” (in professional speech), “in professional colloquial speech” (in professional colloquial speech), etc. ; or a comment “among the sailors”, “in the speech of the pilots”, etc. In explanatory dictionaries lit. only those P. are placed in the language, which have become quite widespread outside the prof. regions. P. is a special group of words and expressions, which is one of the sources of replenishment of the vocabulary of lit. language."

Vulgargoms are rude words not usually used by educated people in society, a special vocabulary used by people of lower social status: prisoners, drug dealers, homeless people, etc.

Jargons are words used by certain social or interest groups that carry a secret meaning that is incomprehensible to everyone.

Euphemism (Greek extsYumz - “prudence”) is a word or descriptive expression that is neutral in meaning and emotional “load”, usually used in texts and public statements to replace other words and expressions considered indecent or inappropriate (“in an interesting position " instead of "pregnant", "closet" or "bathroom" instead of "toilet", etc.).

Euphemisms are used in spoken or printed texts to replace words considered rude or “obscene,” such as expletives and swear words. Sometimes “non-literary” words with less negative “load” than swearing and swearing are used as euphemisms - colloquial, slang, author's words. The use of euphemisms significantly softens the negative “load” of swear words or swear words on the text, although in most cases it is possible to determine from the euphemism or the meaning of the text which word it replaces.

The phenomenon of euphemism is based on:

1. deeply archaic remnants of linguistic “taboos” (prohibitions to pronounce the direct names of such dangerous objects and phenomena, such as gods, diseases or the dead, since the act of naming, according to the prelogical thinking of primitive man, can cause the phenomenon itself) - these are euphemisms like : “unclean” instead of “devil”, “deceased”, “deceased”;
2. factors of social dialectology.

Slang are words that are often seen as violating the norms of standard language. These are very expressive, ironic words that serve to designate objects that are spoken about in Everyday life. It should be noted that some scientists classify jargon as slang, thus not identifying them as an independent group, and slang is defined as a special vocabulary used to communicate between a group of people with common interests.

The concept of slang is increasingly beginning to gain the attention of modern philology. There are currently enough a large number of definitions of slang, often contradicting each other. These contradictions relate primarily to the scope of the concept “slang”: the dispute is, in particular, about whether to include in slang only expressive, ironic words that are synonyms of literary equivalents, or also all non-standard vocabulary, the use of which is condemned in circles educated people.

It is necessary to give a clearer definition of slang and clarify the difference (or identity) between the concepts of slang and jargon. As you know, there are still doubts in modern linguistics regarding the origin of the word “slang”. According to one version, English. slang comes from sling (“throw”, “throw”). In such cases, they recall the archaic to sling one's jaw - “to speak violent and offensive speeches.” According to another version, “slang” goes back to slanguage, and the initial letter s was allegedly added to language as a result of the disappearance of the word thieves; that is, originally the speech was about the thieves' language.

It is unknown when the word slang first appeared in spoken English in England. It was first recorded in writing in England in the 18th century. Back then it meant “insult.” Around 1850, the term began to be used more widely as a designation for "illegal" vernacular language. At the same time, synonyms for the word slang appeared - lingo, used mainly in the lower strata of society, and argot - preferred by the colored population. Slang is considered the language of the common people and the basis for the production of a national dictionary.

Let's look at some of the many scientific definitions of slang. In Russian linguistics, the definition most often given is V.A. Khomyakova: “Slang is a relatively stable for a certain period, widely used, stylistically marked (reduced) lexical layer (nouns, adjectives and verbs denoting everyday phenomena, objects, processes and signs), a component of expressive vernacular, included in literary language, very heterogeneous in its origins, the degree of approximation to the literary standard, and possessing pejorative expression.”

In this definition, the following signs of slang attract attention: slang, according to V.A. Khomyakova, although it belongs to “expressive vernacular” and is included in the literary language, its degree of approximation to the literary standard is “very heterogeneous”, that is, one can find examples of “almost standard” and “not at all standard”. And, of course, pejorativeness is inherent in slang as its most characteristic feature: it is difficult to imagine slangism with a strong meliorative connotation, although, probably, a certain degree of “standardization” is still imaginable.

A completely different interpretation is offered in the “Dictionary of Linguistic Terms” by O.S. Akhmanova: Slang - 1. Colloquial version of professional speech. 2. Elements of the colloquial version of a particular professional or social group, which, penetrating into the literary language or, in general, into the speech of people who are not directly related to this group of people, acquire in these languages a special emotional and expressive coloring.

As we can see, in the first definition, slang is simply a series of non-term words used in a terminological sense, such as “windshield wiper” or “spare tire” among motorists. Such words are not suitable for official instructions, but are convenient for professional business conversations.

In the second case, this is something completely different: before us are words that have already left the professional sphere and entered ordinary colloquial speech. Another very important thing noted by O.S. Akhmanova quality: all such words are clearly expressive.

However, pejorativeness is obviously not considered by the researcher to be a distinctive feature of slang. A slightly different solution is proposed in the 1980 Encyclopedic Dictionary. There are also two definitions here.

1. Slang here is the speech of a professionally isolated group, as opposed to literary language. 2. This is a variant of colloquial speech that does not coincide with the norm of the literary language. This definition seems very inadequate. As we see, in (1) it is simply a synonym for professional language (speech), clearly contrasted with literary language. It is not clear how slang in this case differs from terminology and in what relationship it still has a literary language. In (2) it is a non-literary version of colloquial speech; very "vague definition". The problem of slang (in)decency is completely ignored.

The definition of the Greater differs from these definitions encyclopedic dictionary 1998: Slang - 1. The same as jargon (in domestic literature mainly for English-speaking countries). As you can see, here slang is simply declared to be a synonym for jargon, moreover, predominantly the jargon of English-speaking countries.

2. A set of jargon that makes up a layer of colloquial vocabulary, reflecting a rudely familiar, sometimes humorous attitude towards the subject of speech. Used mainly in casual communication: English. junkie - drug addict, gal - girl.

Unlike some other definitions, the rudeness and familiarity of slangisms is emphasized here. “Humorous attitude” is not considered a mandatory feature of slang. Slang here is part of the slang layer of vocabulary.

In the 1985 “Dictionary-Reference Book of Linguistic Terms,” slang is words and expressions used by persons of certain professions or social classes. Slang of sailors, artists, cf. argot, jargon.

Such discrepancies in the definition of slang gave I.R. Galperin a reason to completely deny the very fact of the existence of slang. His argument is based on the study of lexicographical marks: the same word in various dictionaries is given with the marks “slang”, “vernacular” or without any marks, which seems to indicate in favor of the literary norm. Therefore I.R. Halperin does not allow the existence of slang as a separate independent category, proposing to use the term “slang” as a synonym for the English word “jargon”.

Argumentation by I.R. Galperin does not seem too convincing due to the insufficient development of the system of lexicographic marks: the discrepancy in this case can be explained not so much by the features of the style, but by the features of each lexicographer’s approach to this problem.

To the various interpretations of slang already given, we can add equally diverse definitions of English philologists. The term “slang,” notes the famous American linguist Charles Freeze, has expanded its meaning so much and is used to designate so many different concepts that it is extremely difficult to draw a line of demarcation between what is slang and what is not.

A number of English researchers use the word slang simply as a synonym for jargon, argot or kent. This is the opinion of the famous slang researcher Eric Partridge. He identifies several varieties of special slang, for example: cockney slang, public-house slang, workmen's slang, tradesmen's slang, literary critics' slang. critics), soldier slang (soldiers), Yiddish slang (Yiddish), cant (cant), etc. He also highlights unusual shapes slang (oddities): 1) rhyming slang, 2) back slang, 3) center slang, 4) gibberish and ziph, 5) spoonerisms and spoonerisms and blends). .

The author of the slang dictionary, R. Spears, spoke in the most detail about the definition of the term “slang”. He notes that the term "slang" was originally used to refer to British criminal jargon as a synonym for "cant". Over the years, “slang” has expanded its meaning and now includes various types of non-literary vocabulary: jargon, vernacular, dialects and even vulgar words. The concept of R. Spears allows us to remove slang from criminal jargon, but not to liken slang to it, but, on the contrary, to emphasize that this concept includes a whole list various types non-literary vocabulary. In this, his position is similar to that of Charles Freese.

Thus, it can be stated that, despite all its popularity (or perhaps precisely because of it), “slang” currently does not have terminological accuracy.

However, if when discussing the definition of “slang” there has not yet been a consensus on what it is, then the term “jargon” has a fairly clear interpretation. Analyzing the definitions of jargon found in Russian linguistics, it can be noted that they are all more or less identical, which eliminates the need to quote them here. Jargon is interpreted as a kind of language, a social dialect, which differs from the national language in its special lexical composition, phraseology, etc. An essential feature of jargon is that it is used by certain social, professional or other groups united by common interests.

Some linguists, for example V.A. Khomyakov, identify such a function of jargon as the “function of secret communication,” especially when it comes to criminal jargon. A.D. adheres to the same point of view. Schweitzer, who believes that jargon is “ciphered speech”, incomprehensible to the uninitiated. This point of view is disputed by L.I. Skvortsov, who notes the successful assimilation of many jargons into common speech and their transition to the expressive base of colloquial speech, which would hardly have been possible if jargon had a secret character.

Slang is also characterized by some social limitations, but not a specific group one, but an integrated one: it does not have a clear social and professional orientation, it can be used by representatives of different social and educational status, different professions, etc. Therefore, we can note such a feature of slang as well-known and widely used: cf. “party”, “cart”, “dark”, “get”, “run into”, “bucks”.

Another distinctive feature of slang is its secondary formation in comparison with jargon, since it draws its material primarily from social-group and socio-professional jargons. But in addition to jargon, slang includes certain colloquialisms and vulgar words. However, with such borrowing, a metaphorical rethinking and expansion of the meaning of the borrowed units occurs. Slang words are characterized by exaggerated expression, language play, and fashionable neology.

The above points of view allow us to summarize the most essential properties of slang.

1. Slang is not literary vocabulary, i.e. words and combinations that are outside the boundaries of literary English (Standard English) - from the point of view of the requirements of modern literary norms.
2. Slang is vocabulary that arises and is used primarily in oral speech.
3. Slang is emotionally charged vocabulary.
4. Slang is characterized by a more or less pronounced familiar connotation of the vast majority of words and phrases. This property of slang limits the stylistic boundaries of its use.
5. The familiar emotional connotation of many slang words and expressions has a wide variety of shades (joking, ironic, mocking, dismissive, contemptuous, rude and even vulgar).
6. Depending on the scope of use, slang can be divided into well-known and commonly used (General Slang) and little-known and narrowly used (Special Slang).
7. Many words and expressions of slang are incomprehensible or incomprehensible to the bulk of the population (especially during the period of their emergence and transition to a wider sphere of use), because they are primarily associated with a peculiar form of expression - for example, in numerous cases of transfer of meaning (figurative use ), so characteristic of slang. The obscurity may also result from the fact that these slangs are borrowings from dialects and jargons of foreign languages.
8. Slang includes various words and phrases with which people can identify themselves with certain social and professional groups.
9. Slang is a bright, expressive layer of non-literary vocabulary, a style of language that occupies a place directly opposite to extremely formalized speech. Slang is a living, moving language that keeps up with the times and responds to any changes in the life of the country and society.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Let me invite you to read a publication about communication styles in English. We will be incredibly glad if this essay solves the problem of exchange of opinions in society for you. You will learn how to communicate in high society, and what vocabulary to use in drinking establishments during leisure hours with colleagues.

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First, let's find out why it is important to know the differences between these styles of English. Language is part of your image. A bank employee will never come to work in tracksuit. A Evening Dress and high heels on the beach will look weird. You should choose your communication style in the same way. Moreover, every student of English should master different conversation styles, because even the most strict official has pajamas in his wardrobe, and every stylish lady, in addition to high-heeled shoes, also has comfortable ballet shoes for long walks. In the same way, you need to keep expressions to yourself different style and use them depending on the situation. To do this correctly, let's learn the signs of each communication style.

The formal style is used in an official setting: conferences and presentations are held in this style, business communications take place, documents, scientific articles and books are written.

There are several rules that should be followed to make your speech sound formal:

1. Don't shorten your words

In formal speech there is no place for all sorts of I’m, I’d, I don’t. Instead, you should use the full forms of the words: I am, I would, I do not.

At the same time, it is acceptable to use expressions indicating affiliation, for example the company’s manager, it is not necessary to say the manager of the company.

2. Avoid using phrasal verbs

In an official setting, you are unlikely to hear “The inflation rate went up.” Instead, it is customary to say “The inflation rate increased/rose”. Phrasal verbs are replaced by ordinary ones.

3. Avoid slang and colloquialisms

We think this point is obvious: it is difficult to imagine business partner who calls you bro (bro). And if you want to ask how a representative of a partner company is doing, you are unlikely to say “What’s up?” Rather, you ask “How are you doing?” And in response you will receive not the colloquial “Yourself?”, but the friendly and polite “Thank you, very well.”

4. Build complex expanded expressions

It is not necessary to attend public speaking courses; it will be enough not to limit yourself to the short, abrupt phrases that we use in everyday speech. If you start expressing a thought, then develop it, support it with clear arguments, justify it and bring it to the end. If you are asked a question, answer as fully as possible. Make sure that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between sentences.

Example of a complex sentence in formal style:

The period of the five months has been very rich in new events, with significant developments taking place both in the securities markets and in the financial system as a whole. – The five-month period was rich in events and significant changes that took place in the market valuable papers, and in financial system generally.

5. Use technical terminology

Each industry has its own specifics, so try to use appropriate vocabulary. For example, if you work in the field of economics and check financial statements enterprise, it would be appropriate to say “We audit financial report”, and not “We check financial report”.

In addition, there are words that are synonyms of the words we are familiar with; these synonyms should be used in documents or official speech. We suggest you familiarize yourself with the list of such words on. Try to use “formal” words in an official setting, business letters, your speech will only benefit from this, and your interlocutor or addressee will be pleasantly surprised.

6. Avoid the word “I”

If you are writing a business letter, try to avoid the expressions I think, In my opinion, etc. As a rule, such papers are written on behalf of the company, on behalf of the company in which you work. The same is true in business negotiations: talk less about yourself, your opinion, address your interlocutor on behalf of the company.

Should you need any further information, do not hesitate to contact us. - If you need any Additional Information, do not hesitate to contact us.

7. Use complex grammar in your speech

Formal language is characterized not only by long phrases, but also by complex grammatical structures. For example, in formal letters and oral speech, the passive voice is used much more often than in ordinary conversation. The reason is that the active voice personifies speech, while the passive voice has a more formal connotation, compare:

You are invited to the conference. - You are invited to the conference.

We invite you to the conference. - We invite you to the conference.

As you can see, the first option sounds more formal and respectful. This is exactly what an official invitation or address looks like.

If you want to speak in a formal style, do not forget to use participial phrases, infinitive constructions, conditional sentences, inversion, etc. in your speech.

8. Be tolerant and politically correct

This point, although it comes last, plays an important role. Formal speech is an example of ethics and political correctness. Choose your words carefully so as not to offend your interlocutors, listeners or readers. For example, instead of the word poor, use economically exploited, and instead of old man, say senior citizen. We advise you to read articles by our teachers that will help you choose the correct words: “English language and political correctness” and “Pseudo-euphemia, or manipulation of consciousness with the help of language.”

Informal English is called by some the “dark side” of the language. This is the language of youth. It is used in informal settings: in conversations with friends, in online chats, etc.

How to make your speech sound informal:

1. Use slang and idiomatic expressions

When communicating with friends, it is appropriate to use various “juicy” words and vivid expressive expressions. Therefore, if you are learning English with a friend, do not miss the opportunity to introduce some idiom or slang word you like into your speech. By the way, we recommend reading the article “”, our tips will help you find a good reference book of expressions and consolidate them in your memory. An example of informal speech is given below:

He's a joke. He can’t do anything right! - He doesn’t deserve respect. He can't do anything right!

In this example, joke is a ridiculous person (sometimes a thing) who does not deserve respect.

2. Keep it short

Short simple phrases are an attribute of simple colloquial speech. If you are asked a question, answer it directly, in monosyllables. In a friendly environment, no one requires you to make a long speech with an introduction, arguments and conclusion. Be simpler - and they will not only reach out to you, but also speak to you in English.

Hi! What's up?
- She told me, I’m joke.
- Really? Oh, come on, you’re cool!
- Thanks!

3. Use phrasal verbs freely

A conversation in a friendly atmosphere provides room for creativity in speech. Here it is not only possible, but also necessary to use phrasal verbs. They decorate speech: they make it more lively, informal, and concise. For example, in informal speech it would be appropriate to use the slang phrasal verb knock off instead of finish:

I usually knock off at five o’clock. - I usually call it a day at five o’clock.

4. Shorten words and use their colloquial forms

A conversation with a friend or a chat is the very place where colloquial forms of words and abbreviations will ideally fit into your speech, for example: wanna (instead of want to), I'd (instead of I would), yep (instead of yes), etc. Let's give an example, here the abbreviation ain't is used to mean do not:

I ain't like this book. - I don't like this book.

5. Follow fashion in words

It can be difficult for non-native speakers to learn to communicate in an informal manner, because we are usually taught classical English, where there is no place for slang and some colloquial expressions. That’s why it’s so important to “follow fashion”… in words. Watch various videos, TV series, films in English. We suggest starting with the next video. Is your English old-fashioned too?

Neutral English is somewhere between two extremes. This is the language of almost all books and magazines, it is used when communicating with colleagues, acquaintances and relatives. It should be noted that the neutral style differs from the informal style in a more polite tone.

Neutral English is exactly the language that . This is the basis on which you can build any communication style by studying the necessary vocabulary and our article. :-)

How to learn to speak neutral English:

1. Use phrasal verbs freely

When talking with colleagues or neighbors, it is appropriate to use phrasal verbs. These are not slang words, their meaning will not make anyone blush, so use them freely.

2. Use abbreviated forms

Neutral conversation allows the use of various I’d, I’ve, you’re, etc. There is no need to pronounce the full forms of words, otherwise the speech will turn out to be more formal.

3. Be careful with slang

It is not advisable to use slang in a neutral conversation. The latter is the language of youth, the language of the streets, which is why it belongs on the street, and not in the office or visiting grandma.

4. Be polite

A semi-formal conversation presupposes respect for the interlocutor, so do not forget to correctly formulate requests, wishes, and preferences. For example, instead of “Send me that letter” you should say “Could you please send me that letter”. Look interesting video on how to speak politely:

We invite you to compare how the same sentence sounds when spoken in different styles:

Situation	Formal	Neutral	Informal
You think that your acquaintance is a little bit stupid.	He is somewhat intellectually-challenged.	He's a bit stupid.	He's not all there.
A friend has a new BMW.	He has acquired a top of the range German-manufactured automobile.	He's bought a BMW.	He's got a beemer.
A friend of yours, Mary, wants to apply for a job but is afraid she will be rejected. You tell her not to be so frightened.	Do not allow your cowardice to hold you back.	Don’t be such a coward.	Don’t be such a chicken.
You are very tired. You want to go to sleep.	I require some rest and repose.	I need to get some sleep.	I'm gonna catch some zees.
Your friends went out last night, drinking heavily.	They went out taking out alcoholic beverages.	They went out drinking.	They were out boozing.
You want to ask a friend, Michael, a favour. You aren't sure how he will react. You ask another friend, Jim, to find out.	I asked Jim to ascertain Michael’s willingness to assist me.	I asked Jim to find out whether Michael would help me or not.	I asked Jim to sound Michael out; I asked him to get the lowdown.

Gentlemen, the authors of this publication sincerely hope that they were able to cover the topic, and you received a full understanding of what formal, informal and neutral English is. Accept the postulate that the main task of communication is the exchange of thoughts between individuals in society. Be well-mannered and tactful, and then this exchange will be crowned with success.

Have you mastered the multi-book? Rexpet! Now you know what a fail it is to use office English at a party with friends or to fight for your life with your boss when he is not in the know. Want +100 karma? Learn True English!

Slang is a special phenomenon in language; it is formed in groups of people united on some basis (age, interests).

Slang is a set of special words or new meanings of existing words used in certain human associations.

Slang, slang (English slang), expressive and emotionally charged vocabulary of colloquial speech that deviates from the accepted literary language norm. Distributed mainly among schoolchildren, students, military personnel, and young workers. Slang is subject to frequent changes, which makes it a linguistic sign of generations. The term "Slang" is partially synonymous with the terms argot and jargon. Vernacular ( for the most part rude) expressions distinguish people of low educational level.

Slang are words that are often seen as violating the norms of standard language.

The concept of slang is increasingly beginning to gain the attention of modern philology. Currently, there are quite a large number of definitions of slang, often contradicting each other. These contradictions relate primarily to the scope of the concept “slang”: the dispute is, in particular, about whether to include in slang only expressive, ironic words that are synonyms of literary equivalents, or also all non-standard vocabulary, the use of which is condemned in circles educated people.

Let's look at some of the many scientific definitions of slang. In Russian linguistics, the definition most often given is V.A. Khomyakova: “Slang is a relatively stable for a certain period, widely used, stylistically marked (reduced) lexical layer (nouns, adjectives and verbs denoting everyday phenomena, objects, processes and signs), a component of expressive vernacular, part of the literary language, very heterogeneous in its origins, degree of approximation to the literary standard, possessing pejorative expression.”

A completely different interpretation is offered in the “Dictionary of Linguistic Terms” by O.S. Akhmanova: “Slang - 1. Colloquial version of professional speech. 2. Elements of the colloquial version of a particular professional or social group, which, penetrating into the literary language or in general into the speech of people who are not directly related to this group of people, acquire a special emotional and expressive coloring in these languages.”

“Humorous attitude” is not considered a mandatory feature of slang. Slang here is part of the slang layer of vocabulary.

A number of English researchers use the word slang simply as a synonym for jargon, argot or kent. This is the opinion of the famous slang researcher Eric Partridge. He identifies several varieties of special slang, for example: cockney slang, public-house slang, workmen's slang, tradesmen's slang, literary critics' slang. critics), soldier slang (soldiers), Yiddish slang (Yiddish), cant (cant), etc. He also identifies unusual forms of slang (oddities): 1) rhyming slang, 2) back slang, 3) center slang, 4) gibberish and ziph, 5) spoonerisms and blends.

The author of the slang dictionary, R. Spears, spoke in the most detail about the definition of the term “slang”. He notes that the term "slang" was originally used to refer to British criminal jargon as a synonym for "cant". Over the years, “slang” has expanded its meaning and now includes various types of non-literary vocabulary: jargon, vernacular, dialects and even vulgar words. The concept of R. Spears makes it possible to derive slang from criminal jargon, but not to liken slang to it, but, on the contrary, to emphasize that this concept includes a whole list of different types of non-literary vocabulary. In this, his position is similar to that of Charles Freeze.

Thus, it can be stated that, despite all its popularity (or perhaps precisely because of it), “slang” currently does not have terminological accuracy.

The above points of view allow us to summarize the most essential properties of slang.

1. Slang is not literary vocabulary, i.e. words and combinations that are outside the boundaries of literary English (Standard English) - from the point of view of the requirements of modern literary norms.

2. Slang is vocabulary that arises and is used primarily in oral speech.

3. Slang is emotionally charged vocabulary.

4. Slang is characterized by a more or less pronounced familiar connotation of the vast majority of words and phrases. This property of slang limits the stylistic boundaries of its use.

5. The familiar emotional connotation of many slang words and expressions has a wide variety of shades (joking, ironic, mocking, dismissive, contemptuous, rude and even vulgar).

6. Depending on the scope of use, slang can be divided into well-known and commonly used (General Slang) and little-known and narrowly used (Special Slang).

7. Many words and expressions of slang are incomprehensible or incomprehensible to the bulk of the population (especially during the period of their emergence and transition to a wider sphere of use), because they are primarily associated with a peculiar form of expression - for example, in numerous cases of transfer of meaning (figurative use ), so characteristic of slang. The obscurity may also result from the fact that these slangs are borrowings from dialects and jargons of foreign languages.

8. Slang includes various words and phrases with which people can identify themselves with certain social and professional groups.

9. Slang is a bright, expressive layer of non-literary vocabulary, a style of language that occupies a place directly opposite to extremely formalized speech. Slang is a living, agile language that keeps up with the times and reacts to any changes in the life of the country.

English Internet slang (Internet language, netspeak, or chatspeak) not only saw the light much earlier than the slang of Russian-speaking users of the World Wide Web, but can rightfully be considered its ancestor. Having become widespread on the Internet, this slang was constantly replenished with new expressions, which at first were both used and invented only by Internet users themselves.

Source: article in English by Nita Paul (ed.), published on the website of the question and answer service “Quora”. Here we offer you its translation.

English is not the most difficult language, but it is definitely one of the hardest to learn. A person whose native language is English will easily pronounce a new word that he has not spoken before, but for people who do not speak English and who are just learning English, this can become a real problem.

It is not so difficult to distinguish between formal and informal styles of speech in English, since the distinction is completely clear. It is extremely important to understand this distinction well in order to use English correctly at the right time.

The differences between colloquial and formal business style of English can be found in general view classified into differences in vocabulary, differences in word order and, finally, differences in punctuation. But there are other important aspects in this regard.
For example, the fact that the colloquial style, which refers to informal language, is used in different situations, oral speech, but not in scientific written texts. In such texts, the use of formal language is mandatory.

People who learn English need to be exposed to as many different examples of formal language as possible. On the other hand, students should be aware that not all samples are equally trustworthy.

The source of ideas about official style the language may include textbooks, official documents, business letters, mailings, reports, articles, while the informal style is represented in our ordinary everyday conversations.

The need for a formal style comes when you need to write a business letter, prepare a presentation, or read a book. However, this does not mean that you should ignore colloquial words and expressions, because they are what you use in normal daily conversations with native English speakers.

Below let me offer an overview of the differences between informal and formal style in terms of the vocabulary used:

1) Texts using formal language are carefully edited and constructed with care. A person who uses a formal style usually has enough time to polish the text to an almost perfect state. But when writing quick messages, personal emails or in normal conversation, they resort to an informal style.

2) Formal language is used when making speeches, making presentations, and so on. Informal English accompanies unprepared spontaneous speech, when a person speaks without any prior preparation.

3) When using a formal style, sentences are more complex and longer. In informal language, short and simple sentences are preferred.
4) Standards of correctness are higher in formal language, so a sentence that might be considered acceptable in colloquial speech may not be so in formal business text.

5) Formal English uses complex words, complex phrases and difficult to understand sentences. And in informal speech, sentences include simple everyday structures and words that are easy to convey to the interlocutor and easy to understand.

Thus, formal and informal speech styles are equally important for the student, since he will need to use his English in different communication situations. Use different sources to look for samples of formal and informal speech, they should help to clearly distinguish between spoken language and formal business language. In particular, posts on forums, blogs, news texts, films, television series, conversations between hosts and guests on radio and talk shows can become a source of illustrative examples.

Translated by Valentin Rakhmanov.