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Advanced 📝 Grammar
Formal vs informal grammar
The same idea can be said formally or informally.
1What is it?
The same idea can be said formally or informally. Register = choosing the right level for the person and situation: a WhatsApp to a friend vs an email to a client.
2Why do we use it?
Kerala learners often sound too formal in speech (“Kindly revert”) and too casual in writing (“hey pls send”). Matching register is what makes English sound natural.
3The simple rule
Informal: contractions, phrasal verbs, short sentences, direct questions. Formal: full forms, single-word verbs (obtain, not get), passives, softeners (Would it be possible…?).
4Formula
Informal: Can you…? · I’ll · get · Formal: Would you be able to…? · I will · obtain
5Easy examples
Informal: Can you send it?Formal: Could you send it, please?
Informal: Sorry, I’m late.Formal: I apologise for the delay.
Informal: Let’s meet up.Formal: I would like to arrange a meeting.
Informal: Thanks a lot!Formal: Thank you very much for your assistance.
6Everyday examples
Friend: “Running late, be there in 10.”Client: “I’m running about ten minutes late — apologies.”
Friend: “Can’t make it tonight.”Client: “Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend this evening.”
Friend: “What’s up with the delay?”Client: “Could you give me an update on the timeline?”
Friend: “No worries!”Client: “That’s no problem at all.”
7Kerala and India examples
Too formal in speech: “I will be coming tomorrow, kindly note.” → “I’ll come tomorrow.”
Too casual in email: “hi sir pls send the file” → “Hi Mr Menon, could you send the file when you get a chance?”
Old-fashioned: “Please do the needful.” → “Could you take care of this by Friday?”
8Common mistakes
Respected Sir, I am writing to ask you to kindly do the needful. (email to a colleague)
Hi Ravi, could you look into this today?
Why: Match the register to the relationship.
hey, wanna meet? (to a client)
Would you be free for a quick call this week?
Why: Clients get the formal version.
I want the report. (to your manager)
Could I have the report when it’s ready?
Why: Soften requests upward.
9Practice quiz
Question 1 of 4Multiple choice
Most natural to a friend on WhatsApp:
10Speaking challenge
Speaking challenge
Say the same message 3 ways — to a friend, to a colleague, to a client: “I can’t come to the meeting tomorrow.”
0:30
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.