Formal or informal? First, read the information about writing emails then match the informal phrases (1-15) with the neutral/ormal phrases (ao). Three different writing styles are often identified, although in real life che differences are not so clea: Formal This is the style of an old-fashioned letter. ideas are presented politely and carefully, 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 are short and there is use of contractions (I've for Ihave 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 etc. This is the style that is closest to speech, so there are everyday words and conversational expressions. The reader will also be more tolerant of bad grammar ete. Informal Neutral/Formal 1 What do you need? a. a) With regard to ... (or With reference to) 2. Thanks for the email of 12 Feb. b) I can assure you that 3) Sorry, | can’t make it. c) We note from our records that you have not .. 4 I'm sorry to tell you that... 4) Please let us know your requirements 5 I promise ©) [ was wondering if you could 6 Could you 6) We would like to remind you that ... 7 You haven't ®) [look forward to meeting you next week. 8 Don's forget . ‘h) Thank you for your email received 12 February 9 Ineed to .. i) Lam afraid I will nor be able to attend. 10. Shall 1. i) Would you like me to ...? 11 But... / Also .../ So. ) I would be graceful if you could .. 12 Please could you 1) Please accept our apologies for 13. 'm sory for m) It is necessary for me to 14 Re rn) We regrer to advise you that .. 15. See you next week ©) However ... In addition ... Therefore Note: with business emails you can mix styles to some extent, but don't mix styles at the two extremes, Fin doubt, follow the style of the other person. Bisin Meco ed setae ap doe IntroductionB Rewrite the emails below by substituting the phrases in italics with more informal phrases. Section A will help you. Use contractions (e.g. I’) where appropriate. Email 1 || 1am staid wil aot be ble to atten the meeting on Friday. AS I wil miss the meeting, | was wondering it || You could send me a copy ofthe minutes? wil wit to Anita as wel, to inform her that | will not be there. | Once again, please accept my apologies for this, and / can assure you that | willbe at the next meeting, == a Sorry... can't make..it.on..Exiday. | — os - ‘necessary for me to know your ale number before | can deal with this, / would be grateful if you could also | Thank you for your email of 25 January where you requested assistance on how to order ordine. iis | provide details of which version of Windows you are using, i Email 3 || With reference to your order number J891 we received it this morning, but you have not filed in the ‘sections on size and colour. Please let us know your exact requirements. These products are seling very ||| well atthe moment, and we regret to advise you thatthe medium size is temporary out of stock, However, ||| we are expecting more supplies in the near future. Would you fike me to email you when they arrive? Mr C Match the words of Latin origin in box A with the shorter words in box B. Box A Box B “Leseiseamee 6 information 11 repair | a) ask #) facts k) help (n) Zdueto 7 obtain/receive 12 request | |b) ask for 8) fix(v)—D) job Benquire 8 occupation 13 requirements) because of +h) get m) more 4 further 9 possess 14 reserve | id) Book (v) i) give a) needs (n) Sinform 10 provide 15 ve @) checkiprove j) have ~ 0) cell DA 24 56 T BW IB TS Note: longer words of Latin origin sound more formal, and shorter words sound more informal. Introduction. teaser St aaBPhS im we