Language Register

Formal, Informal, and
Neutral

Language

register

is the level and style of your writing. It should be appropriate for the situation you are in.

Languageis the level and style of your writing. It should be appropriate for the situation you are in.

Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses

The language register determines the vocabulary, structure, and some grammar in
your writing.

The three most common language registers in writing are:

• Formal
• Informal
• Neutral

We use

different
language registers for different types of writing, just as we speak
differently to different people.

You would not speak to the President
of the United States the same way you would talk to your brothers.

To your brother:

What’s up? It’s awesome that you came to visit!

To the President:

Good morning, Mr. President. We appreciate your visit.

What’s up? It’s awesome that you came to visit!Good morning, Mr. President. We appreciate your visit.

The

formal register

is more appropriate for professional writing and letters to a boss or a stranger.

The

informal register

(also called casual or intimate) is conversational and appropriate when writing to friends and people you know very well.

The

neutral register

is non-emotional and sticks to facts. It is most appropriate for technical writings.

In
articles such as these, we tend to mix the formal and informal
registers to present the information in an easy to understand and
personal tone.

Let’s look closely at the three most common language registers used in the English language.

Formal Language Register

Formal writing is probably the most difficult type of writing. It is
impersonal, meaning it is not written for a specific person and is
written without emotion.

Some kinds of writing are always written in formal English.

Formal
writing includes:

• Business Letters
• Letters of complaint
• Some essays
• Reports
• Official speeches
• Announcements
• Professional emails

There are many rules for writing in formal writing. We will discuss
some of the most common rules here. When in doubt, check the rules in an APA style guide.

Rules of the formal language register:

1. Do not use contractions

In formal writing, you should spell out contractions.

Examples:

In formal writing, you should use:

• cannot instead of can’t

• have not instead of haven’t

• will not instead of won’t

• could not instead of couldn’t

• is not instead of isn’t

These are just a few examples of contractions. See more contractions
by following the contraction link above.

Contractions

CAN

be used if you are quoting someone’s exact words
in your writing.

Example:

“Two-thirds of my eighth grade students can’t read at grade level,” the
professor stated.

Keep in mind that

an apostrophe does not always make a contraction

.

Apostrophes are also added to nouns to show ownership. These are used
in all language registers, including formal.

Examples:

• children’s classroom
• professor’s report
• elephant’s trunk

Contractions are not usually used in formal writing, even though they are very common in spoken English.In formal writing, you should spell out contractions.In formal writing, you should use:These are just a few examples of contractions. See more contractions by following the contraction link above.“Two-thirds of my eighth grade students can’t read at grade level,” the professor stated.Apostrophes are also added to nouns to show ownership. These are used in all language registers, including formal.

2. Spell out numbers less than one hundred

Examples:

• nineteen
• twenty-two
• seventy-eight
• six

3. Write in third person point of view

Avoid using:

• I
• You
• We
• Us

Examples:

• You

  can purchase a car for under $10,000.

  One

  can purchase a
  car for under $10,000.

  OR

  A car can be purchased for under $10,000.

• You

  will probably see an elephant on an African safari.

  One

  may see elephants on an African safari.

  OR

  Elephants are a common sight
  on African safaris.

• We

  decided to invest in the company.

  The group

  decided to
  invest in the company.

In formal writing, we usually do not use first person or second person unless it is a quote.

4. Avoid using too much passive voice

active voice

.

Passive sentences:

• The bone was eaten by the dog.

• The research was completed by the students in 2009.

Active sentences:

• The dog ate the bone.

• The students completed the research in 2009. 

  In 2009, the students
  completed the research.

For example, in a rule above I wrote, “Apostrophes are also added to nouns to show
ownership.”

I wrote this sentence in a passive voice.

To make it active, I could
write:

“Additionally, add an apostrophe to a noun to show ownership.”

OR

“Use apostrophes with nouns to show ownership.”

In formal writing it is better to use anFor example, in a rule above I wrote, “Apostrophes are also added to nouns to show ownership.”I wrote this sentence in a passive voice.To make it active, I could write:“Additionally, add an apostrophe to a noun to show ownership.”OR“Use apostrophes with nouns to show ownership.”

5. Avoid using slang, idioms, exaggeration (hyperboles) and
clichés

Examples of slang:

• awesome/cool
• okay/ok
• check it out
• in a nutshell

A cliché is a phrase that is overused (said too often).

Common clichés:

• too much of a good thing
• moment of truth
• Time is money.
• Don’t push your luck.
• Beauty is only skin deep.

Slang is common in informal writing and spoken English. Slang is particular to a certain region or area.A cliché is a phrase that is overused (said too often).

6. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms

When using

acronyms

, write the entire name out the first time it
appears, followed by the acronym. From then on, you can use the acronym
by itself.

Examples:

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)

For

abbreviations

, write the complete word the first time, then use the
abbreviation.

Examples:

• influenza => flu
• United States of America => U.S.A or USA
• tablespoon => tbsp.
• Kansas => KS

Do not use slang abbreviations or symbols that you would use in
friendly emails and texts.

Examples:

• LOL (laugh out loud)
• ttyl (talk to you later)
• 
• &
• b/c (because)
• w/o (without)
• w/ (with)

If you use an acronym or abbreviation, write it out the first timeWhen using, write the entire name out the first time it appears, followed by the acronym. From then on, you can use the acronym by itself.For, write the complete word the first time, then use the abbreviation.

7. Do not start sentences with words like and, so, but, also

• Nevertheless
• Additionally
• However
• In addition
• As a result of
• Although

Here are some good transition words and phrases to use in formal writing:

8. Always write in complete sentences.

9. Write longer, more complex sentences.

Informal Language Register

Informal writing is written in the way we talk to our friends and family.
We use informal writing when we are writing to someone we know very
well.

Some kinds of writing can be written in an informal style.

Informal
writing includes:

• Personal e-mails
• Phone texts
• Short notes
• Friendly letters
• Most blogs
• Diaries and journals

There are no major rules to informal writing.

With informal writing, you can include things such as:

• Slang and clichés

• Figurative language

• Symbols and abbreviations

• Acronyms

• Incomplete sentences

• Short sentences

• First person, second person, and third person

• Paragraphs or no paragraphs

• Jokes

• Personal opinions

• Extra punctuation (Hi Bob!!!!!!!)

• Passive and active voice

Neutral Language Register

We use the neutral language register with non-emotional topics and
information.

Neutral writing is not necessarily formal or informal. It is not
usually positive or negative. A neutral register is used to deliver
facts.

Some writings are written in a neutral register. This means they are
not specifically formal or informal.

Writing in the natural language register
includes:

• Reviews
• Articles
• Some letters
• Some essays
• Technical writing

These were the types of Language Register. Now that you know them, it
is
time to practice!

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The language register determines the vocabulary, structure, and some grammar in your writing.The three most common language registers in writing are:We usedifferent language registers for different types of writing, just as we speak differently to different people.Theis more appropriate for professional writing and letters to a boss or a stranger.The(also called casual or intimate) is conversational and appropriate when writing to friends and people you know very well.Theis non-emotional and sticks to facts. It is most appropriate for technical writings.In articles such as these, we tend to mix the formal and informal registers to present the information in an easy to understand and personal tone.Let’s look closely at the three most common language registers used in the English language.Formal writing is probably the most difficult type of writing. It is impersonal, meaning it is not written for a specific person and is written without emotion.Some kinds of writing are always written in formal English.There are many rules for writing in formal writing. We will discuss some of the most common rules here. When in doubt, check the rules in an APA style guide.Informal writing is written in the way we talk to our friends and family. We use informal writing when we are writing to someone we know very well.Some kinds of writing can be written in an informal style.We use the neutral language register with non-emotional topics and information.Neutral writing is not necessarily formal or informal. It is not usually positive or negative. A neutral register is used to deliver facts.Some writings are written in a neutral register. This means they are not specifically formal or informal.These were the types of Language Register. Now that you know them, it is time to practice! Get
our ESL Books!

In linguistics, the register is defined as the way a speaker uses language differently in different circumstances. Think about the words you choose, your tone of voice, even your body language. You probably behave very differently chatting with a friend than you would at a formal dinner party or during a job interview. These variations in formality, also called stylistic variation, are known as registers in linguistics. They are determined by such factors as social occasion, context, purpose, and audience.

Registers are marked by a variety of specialized vocabulary and turns of phrases, colloquialisms and the use of jargon, and a difference in intonation and pace; in “The Study of Language,” linguist George Yule describes the function of jargon as helping ” to create and maintain connections among those who see themselves as ‘insiders’ in some way and to exclude ‘outsiders.'”

Registers are used in all forms of communication, including written, spoken, and signed. Depending on grammar, syntax, and tone, the register may be extremely rigid or very intimate. You don’t even need to use an actual word to communicate effectively. A huff of exasperation during a debate or a grin while signing “hello” speaks volumes.

Types of Linguistic Register

Some linguists say there are just two types of register: formal and informal. This isn’t incorrect, but it is an oversimplification. Instead, most who study language say there are five distinct registers.

1. Frozen: This form is sometimes called the static register because it refers to historic language or communication that is intended to remain unchanged, like a constitution or prayer. Examples: The Bible, the United States Constitution, the Bhagavad Gita, “Romeo and Juliet.”
2. Formal: Less rigid but still constrained, the formal register is used in professional, academic, or legal settings where communication is expected to be respectful, uninterrupted, and restrained. Slang is never used, and contractions are rare. Examples: a TED talk, a business presentation, the Encyclopaedia Brittanica, “Gray’s Anatomy,” by Henry Gray.
3. Consultative: People use this register often in conversation when they’re speaking with someone who has specialized knowledge or who is offering advice. Tone is often respectful (use of courtesy titles) but may be more casual if the relationship is longstanding or friendly (a family doctor.) Slang is sometimes used, people may pause or interrupt one another. Examples: the local TV news broadcast, an annual physical, a service provider like a plumber.
4. Casual: This is the register people use when they’re with friends, close acquaintances and co-workers, and family. It’s probably the one you think of when you consider how you talk with other people, often in a group setting. Use of slang, contractions, and vernacular grammar is all common, and people may also use expletives or off-color language in some settings. Examples: a birthday party, a backyard barbecue.
5. Intimate: Linguists say this register is reserved for special occasions, usually between only two people and often in private. Intimate language may be something as simple as an inside joke between two college friends or a word whispered in a lover’s ear.

Additional Resources and Tips

Knowing which register to use can be challenging for English students. Unlike Spanish and other languages, there is no special form of a pronoun expressly for use in formal situations. Culture adds another layer of complication, especially if you’re not familiar with how people are expected to behave in certain situations.

Teachers say there are two things you can do to improve your skills. Look for contextual clues such as vocabulary, use of examples, and illustrations. Listen for tone of voice. Is the speaker whispering or yelling? Are they using courtesy titles or addressing people by name? Look at how they’re standing and consider the words they choose.

Sources

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