Formal or informal? First, read the information about writing emails then match the informal phrases (1-15) with the neutral/formal phrases (a-o). ‘Three differenc writing styles are often identified, although in real life the differences are not so clear: Formal This is the style of an old-fashioned letter. Ideas are presented politely and eateflly, and there is much use of fixed expressions and! long words. The language is impersonal. Grammar and punctuation are important, This style is not common in emails, but you can find it ifthe subject matter is serious (for example a complaint) Neutral/ This is the most common style in professional/work emails. The writer and reader Standard are both busy, so the language is simple, clear and direct. Sentences ate short and there is use of contractions (I've for I have etc.). The language is more personal. However, the style is not similar to speech — it is too direct. Informal This is the most common style for emails between friends, Sometimes the email can be very short or it could include personal news, funny comments ete. This is the style that is closest to speech, so there are everyday words and conversational expressions. The reader will aso be more tolerant of bad grammar etc. Informal Neutral/Formal 1 What do you need? .. a) With regard to ... (or With reference to) 2. Thanks for the email of 12 Feb. .... b) Lean assure you that .. 3 Somy, Tean't make it... ©) We note from our records that you have not .. 4 I'm sony to tell you that ... 4) Please let us know your requirements, 5 [promise .. ©) Lwas wondering if you could .. 6 Could you £) We would like to remind you that . 7 Youhaver't... . 8) look forward to meeting you next week, 8 Don't forget h) Thank you for your email received 12 February. 9 Ineed to i) Lam afraid I will not be able to attend, VO Shall P..-2 sou i) Would you like me to ...? IL Bur... / Also .../ So... k) I would be grateful if you could 12. Please could you 1) Please accept our apologies for ... 13 Tm sorry for ine m) It is necessary for me to .. 4 Re vee oan rn) We regret to advise you that ... 15 See you next week. . 0) However ... / In addition ... / Therefore ‘Note: with business emails you can mix styles to some extent, bur don’t mix styles ar the two extremes. If in doubt, follow the style of the other person, 8 Intyoduettonwm Rewrite the emails below by substituting the phrases in italics with more informal phrases. Section A wil Email 1 help you. Use contractions (e.g. I'l) where appropriate. ‘you could send me a copy of the minutes?! wil wrt o Anita as well, o inform her tht I wil not be there | am afraid | wi not be able to attend the meeting on Frey. As Swill miss the meeting, {was wondering it [=|] Once again please accept my apologies for Bis, and | can assure you that | willbe atthe next meeting Sorry. tcan't make. iton Eid a Yoon pated debe ie Email 2 || Thank you for your emai of 25 Janvary where you requested assistance on how to order on-ine,Itis i | necessary forme to know your ale number before I can deal vith tis would bo grateful if you could also Brovide detalls of which version of Windows you are using, tl Email 3 With reference to your order number 1891 ~ we received it this morning, but you have not filed inthe Sections on size and colour Please let us know your exact requirements. These products are seling very wel atthe moment, and we regret fo advise you tha the medium size is temporarily cut of stock, However, wwe are expecting more supplies inthe near future. Would you ke me tg email you when they ative? Match the words of Latin origin in box A with the shorter words in box B. Box A Box B Lesictence 6 information 11 repair a) ask ) facts k) help (n 2 due to 7 obtain/receive 12 request b) ask for 8) fix (v) 1) job Zenquire 8 occupation 13 requirements | | c) because of A) get m) more 4 further 9 possess 14 reserve d) book (v) i) give ‘n) needs (n) ! Sinform 10 provide 15 verify e) check/prove j) have 0) tell VR. Qoveer 3 ence ote 5c, 6 8. 9__ 10... Wa 12__ 3 __d4_., 15 Note: longer words of Latin origin sound more formal, and shorter words sound more informal Introduction