Formal And Informal Register Lesson (With Worksheets)

Learning to Understand Register

This ESL lesson explains the difference between formal and informal register in English. It includes examples, rules, and downloadable worksheets for FCE and CAE learners.

As they work through the exercise, they will learn how to differentiate between informal and formal registers.

It includes comprehensive worksheets and a register table.

The lesson covers the basics of informal writing.

1. Use contractions. When writing or speaking informally, you need to use contractions such as I’m, you’re, I’d have, she’ll, he might’ve, or it’s.

2. Use English verbs. For informal vocabulary, use phrasal verbs, which derive from Anglo-Saxon roots, as often as you can. Examples include give up, look into, go on, bring up, turn down, and set up.

For formal writing and speaking (such as public speaking), invert these two rules.

1. Never use contractions. Use all words in full, like, he will, I would, he is, or they might have.

2. Never use phrasal verbs. Use longer or French and Latin-based single-word verbs, including receive, comprehend, purchase, appreciate, and accommodate.

I cover formal and informal register in much more detail on my writing site.

You can download the complete lesson on formal and informal register below.