Here are some examples of formal English. Where would you expect to see or hear them?

a) We regret that we are unable to offer you any further assistance in this matter.

b) I was proceeding along the High Street when I observed two men attempting to force an entry into a parked car.

c) The dining car is situated towards the rear of the train.

d) The consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises is strictly forbidden.

e) I would like to express my sincere appreciation of the fact that such a large number people have attended this meeting.

Imagine you’re passing on these pieces of information to someone else. How would you express them in a more informal style?

7. Notice that we tend to use phrasal verbs in informal English. Here are some sentences with phrasal verbs.

Match them with the more formal verbs in the box.

recover ascertain respect tolerate consider investigate postpone

a) I’ll have to think it over.

b) They put off the meeting till the next day.

c) I can’t put up with it any longer.

d) It took her a long time to get over it.

e) I’ll look into it next week.

f) We need to find out exactly what happened.

g) I’ve always looked up to him.

8. Abstract nouns are often used in formal English. Can you identify the abstract nouns in these sentences? Rewrite them to make them less formal.

a) There’s a severe shortage of qualified teachers in this area.

b) There are plenty of good restaurants in the vicinity of Times Square.

c) You are under no obligation to buy it.

d) Do you have any objection to my smoking?

e) He has a tendency to use formal English.

9. Translate certain established phrases in formal English that are used repeatedly in the language of forms, travel conditions, regulations, advertisements and notices. Rewrite each of the following in simple English as if you were explaining the meaning to someone.

e.g. Not transferable. (rail ticket)

No one else is allowed to use this ticket.

Parental consent required if under 16. (holiday

conditions)

Children under 16 must have their parents’ permission.

a) Subject to alteration. (timetable)

b) For further information see over. (timetable)

c) To be retained and produced on request. (rail ticket)

d) Enter maiden name, if applicable. (official form)

e) This portion to be given up. (theatre ticket)

f) Complete and detach bottom section. (bank form)

g) Affix recent photograph here. (application form)

h) Liable to alteration without notice. (timetable)

i) See notes overleaf. (passport application form)

j) Insert correct amount only. (notice on automatic machine)

k) All offers subject to availability. (chain-store gift catalogue)

l) Services in bold type convey sleeping-cars only. (rail timetable)

m) Delete where applicable. (official form)

n) Enquire within. (notice in shop window)

o) Special rates available for parties. (theatre conditions)

p) Not valid on underground train services unless specifically stated. (travel ticket)

q) Indicate marital status by ticking appropriate box. (official form)

r) Non-refundable deposit payable at time of reservation. (travel agent’s conditions)

s) Expiry date. (one-week travel ticket)

t) Insert full name of spouse. (official form)

10. Rewrite each of the following in simple English as if you were explaining it to someone.

e.g. You will be asked to show that adequate funds will be available to meet the cost of fees, your own maintenance and that of any dependants during your stay. (immigration regulations for students studying in Britain)

They’ll ask you to show that you will have enough money to pay your college fees and to support yourself and any other members of your family you bring with you.

a) Should there be any defect in this appliance, consult the supplier. (note with washing machine)

b) Follow the instructions on the reverse of the form. (official form)

c) No liability can be accepted for events beyond our control. (travel firm’s rules)

d) It should be noticed that possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. (university entrance regulations)

e) Should you wish to extend your rental beyond the agreed terminating date, it is imperative that the renting station is advised immediately. (car hire conditions)

f) Normally the bank asks for seven days’ notice of any withdrawals from a Deposit Account, but in emergencies you can draw immediately. (bank conditions)

g) You will receive four tickets. Should you require more books than this at any time, extra tickets will be issued on demand. (library rules)

h) Possession of such a letter is not obligatory but should greatly facilitate entry. (immigration regulations)

i) The renter is responsible for the first 45 of each and every accident involving any damage to or loss of the vehicle during the renting period. The renter’s liability may be waived by payment of a collision damage waiver fee at the rate of 95p per day. (car insurance rules)

11. The information below is given as if spoken informally. Rewrite each item as it would appear formally in the notice, form, printed regulations, etc. indicated in brackets. Suggested beginnings are given for the first few items.

e.g. You’ve got to understand that we accept students only if they’ve got permission to study from the Home Office. (college regulations)

Students should be aware that they will be admitted to the college strictly on condition that they have obtained leave to study from the Home Office.

a) If you want to complain, you must write a letter to the tour operator. (travel conditions)

Any complaints should be…

b) If you buy anything during the sale, we won’t give you your money back if you later decide you don’t want it (shop notice)

We regret that no refunds…

c) If, by chance, there’s a fire, don’t panic. Just leave quietly. The exits are marked on the plan at the bottom of the notice. (notice in public hall)

In the event of…

d) You should go to, or phone, your embassy if you have any problems. (advice for travelers)

Travelers are advised…

e) Please don’t smoke. (notice in cinema)

Patrons are…

f) It’s cheaper if you get a Certificate of Posting when you actually post your letter (the counter clerk will fill it in). you can get one later but it’s more expensive. (Post Office regulations)

g) These arrangements may have to be changed, particularly if the weather’s bad. (travel conditions)

h) Please keep this receipt. You may have to show it later on. (official receipt)

i) The firm can’t promise to send the goods you order until you send them the whole price. (business letter)

j) If you want a Certificate of Attendance, you’ll have to show your Admission Slip. It’s not absolutely necessary for you to have a teacher’s note saying you come regularly, but it’ll make things a lot easier. (college rules)

12. Translate into Spoken Russian:

to come to terms with, to make a lot of blunders, to stir up trouble, to waste one’s breath, trend chasing, to ink a deal

No sweat. Suit yourself.

It’s a cinch. Fat chance!

All in vain. Might makes right.

Let’s agree to differ.

Somebody doesn’t care in the least.

Great things have small beginnings.

13. Translate into informal English:

Бабки, заморочки, зачистка, наводка, наезжать, черный нал, облом, откат, оторваться, подставить, тормоз, феня, халява, прикол, прокол, раскрутка, тусовка, пофигизм.

14. Read the article in Appendix.

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