Choice of English for the Occasion - Kenneth | Learn English at EnglishCafe

There are three main factors which govern choice of formal or informal English. The first ,and probably most important factor, is the relationship between the speakers. In a familiar situation, such as a family at home, the informal register is usually chosen for day to day communication. The informal register also extends to those who are well known to us. These people can include our friends, neighbors and relatives. The second factor which influences register choice is location. Once again the choice of register employed at home is much different than the more formal register chosen for the work place and still farther from the formal register used for public presentations by such people as a pastor or a university professor. Finally, register is influenced by the desired effect that the speaker wants to have on his/her audience. This choice would explain cases of a formal register being used at home when, for example, a father wants to make a strong impression on his son, or an informal tone being used by a professor when trying to paint a certain scenario to a class of students.  

The following are examples of different registers used in various situations:

Informal register used between friends at the pub:

John: Hey, see the game last night?

Pete: You kidding? They stank!

John: You ain't a joking! Pour me another beer.

Pete: Slow down there partner, I'm already two behind….

Neutral register used between colleagues at the bank

Mary: Good afternoon Peter. How was your meeting in Chicago?

Peter: Oh,  you know, the same routine problems and answers. By the way, could you find that report from last month's meeting?

Mary: Certainly, I'll get to you this afternoon.

Peter: Thanks. I'd better get going, I'll drop by later this afternoon.

Mary: Bye

Formal register used by a customer applying for a loan from a bank

Customer: Good afternoon. My name is John Hartford. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Bank Manager: How do you do? Please, have a seat. Would you like a cup of coffee?

Customer: No thank you. Now,  about the loan. I was wondering if you could possibly extend my current bank overdraft …..

Formal register being used to make a specific impact on a young son:

Dad: Would you mind coming in here for a moment?

Son: Yes dad.

Dad: Now, I've been hearing some complaints from you teacher recently and I was wondering if you could possibly describe your behavior.

Son: Well, I was planning on talking to you about these things. ..It really isn't as bad as it sounds.

(Father changes register to informal to show displeasure)

Dad: It's never as bad as it sounds, is it? Well, I'm sick and tired of hearing exuses. Go up to your room and get to your homework. NOW!