Module 3h Semi-formal style

Three writing styles In English

Formal – textbooks, official reports, academic articles, essays, business letters, contracts, official speeches

Semi-formal – day-to-day interaction with teachers, a friend's parents, popular magazines/books, interviews, when talking with someone you don't know well or whom you respect

Informal – interacting with friends, speaking or chatting online

Semi-Formal English 

DO NOT USE: 

• informal greetings(Hi, Bob,);
• informal endings (Love, Sandra);
• slang ("Cool!" - meaning "Круто!")
• avoid phrasal verbs unless no alternative is possible 

(BUT- I look forward to ... is OK!!! );

• avoid idioms (“Could you give me a hand?” )
• text speak (Tks & we look 4ward 2 meeting u.)
• contractions  (I'm interested in ...)
• avoid short forms of the words (advert  - advertisement, info  - information)

 USE:  

• polite greetings (Dear Mr Brown,) & endings (Kind regards,/ Best wishes,)
• polite language (say “I would like to …” instead of “I want …”); 
• respecful tone (when making requests, use “could you” and “please,” don’t just give commands, say “Could you please tell me ... ?” and not just “Tell me.”)
• full forms (I am interested in ...)

Compare:

Semi-formal (inviting your boss): “Would you like to join me for lunch?”
Informal (inviting your best friend): “Hey, wanna grab a bite to eat?”

Semi-formal: “Hello, how are you?”
Informal: “Wassup?”

Semi-formal: “The weekend was great!”
Informal: “It was awesome!” “It was the bomb!”