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More Task 1 tips - formal and informal writing

In Task 1 you will be asked to write a letter. Depending on who you are writing to, you need to decide whether to write in a more formal or a more informal style.

Most everyday written communication in English uses a semi-formal style, where the tone is quite friendly, but some more formal expressions are used. However, we use a more formal style when we’re writing for professional reasons or to people we don’t know. We use aninformal style with people we know well, for example, family members, relatives, friends or colleagues.

There are a number of differences between formal and informal English. For example,sentences are generally longer and more complex in formal writing.Language is often more impersonal, sometimes using passive voice. Vocabulary is often different too, with more words of Latin or French origin and fewer phrasal verbs. We don’t use contractions in formal writing, whereas in informal writing, we use them all the time. Here are some features of both styles of writing:

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Always begin by deciding who you are writing to. Should it be a formal or informal style? Never mix the two styles.

2. 8类书信表达

GREETINGS

Formal

Dear Sir/ Madam,
Dear Sir or Madam,
To whom it may concern: (especially AmE)
Dear Mr/ Ms Jones,
Dear Dr Smith,
(note: First names are NOT used. Using Miss or Mrs to address a woman is not appropriate, as you don’t know whether she’s married or not)

Informal

Hi Dennis,
Hello Claire,
Dear Mum,

REASON FOR WRITING / REPLYING

Formal

I am writing to make a reservation/ to apply for the position of…/ to confirm my booking/ to ask for further information about …
I am writing with regard to the sale of …/ to the complaint you made on 29th February
Thank you for your e-mail of 29th February regarding the sale of… / concerning the conference in Brussels.
With reference to our telephone conversation on Friday, I would like to let you know that…

Semi-formal / Informal

Just a quick note to invite you to…/ to tell you that…
This is to invite you to join us for...
Thanks for your e-mail, it was wonderful/great to hear from you.
I wanted to let you know that / tell you about / ask you if

MAKING A REQUEST / ASKING FOR INFORMATION

Formal

Could you please let me know if you can attend … / if you are available for a meeting on 12th December?
I would appreciate it if you could please send me a brochure/ if you could please reply within two days.
Could you possibly arrange a meeting with the Logistics Manager?
I would also like to know if there are any swimming pools in your area.
Please let me know how much the tickets cost.

Informal

I was wondering if you could come and see me sometime next week.
Would you mind coming early to help me clear up the place?
Do you think you could call Jerry for me?
Can you call me/ get back to me asap? (as soon as possible)

OFFERING HELP / GIVING INFORMATION

Formal

We are happy to let you know that your article has been selected for publication.
I am glad to inform you that we will be holding our annual conference in Brussels on 20 September 2014.
We regret to inform you that the show has been cancelled due to bad weather conditions.
We are willing to arrange another meeting with the CEO.
We would be glad to send you another statement if necessary.
Please do let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Should you need any further information/assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Informal

I’m sorry, but I can’t make it tomorrow. (= I can’t come tomorrow.)
I’m happy to tell you that John and I are getting married next month.
Would you like me to come early and help you clear up the place?
How about I come and help you out?
Do you need a hand with moving the furniture?

COMPLAINING

Formal

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with… / to complain about…
I regret to say that I was not completely satisfied with the room you provided us.
We regret to inform you that your payment is considerably overdue.
I would like to receive a full refund and compensation for the damages.
I am interested to hear how your company can compensate us for the distress we suffered.

Informal

I’m sorry to say that you’re late with the payments.
I hope you won’t mind me saying that the place you’d recommended to us wasn’t as nice as we’d expected.

APOLOGIZING

Formal