This is an exercise to practice formal and informal expressions used in letters

1. Formal Versus Informal
Study the following table. This is how to say the same thing in two different ways
Formal Informal
Your arrival When you arrive
She has the ability She can
Our destination The place where we want to go
To distinguish To tell the difference
To consider To think about
Concerned about you Worried about you
Revision should be done You should revise
We will We’ll
Firstly To start with / …. , for a start.
Secondly/besides/ furthermore, Another good thing is / what’s more/ Not only
that,
Lastly, And one of the best things is .. / And best of all,/
The most important thing is..
However/ on the other hand But / …., though
Thus/ consequently/ so
Many Loads of / lots of
This will be of great benefit to you It will do you good
It will cease to be a problem It won’t be a problem anymore
Enquire ask
Opportunity chance
People consume a tremendous amount of… People use a huge amount of
Repeatedly Again and again
Deficiency Lack of
Sufficient Enough
Although the fault was repaired on 12th June, Our technician repaired the fault on 12th June.
payment for this intervention has still not been Now it’s your turn to pay us.
received.
We regret to inform you that … I’m sorry but …
We have pleasure in announcing that … I’m happy to say that …
Should you require any assistance, please feel If you need any help, give us a call.
free to contact us …
We can assist in the resolution of this matter. I can help you to solve this problem. Call me!
Contact us on 0224555656.
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2. This a course of action we are anxious to We don't want to do this …
avoid …
It is pouring rain It’s raining cats and dogs.
Concerning About
It wasn’t successful It didn’t work out
Gain weight Put on weight
During my absence While I was away
Remain calm Pull yourself together
Seize an opportunity Jump at a chance
Start to like something It will soon grow on you
I will not tolerate I will not put up with this
At your earliest convenience As soon as possible
Now transfer these sentences from formal to informal and vice versa:
1. I will be waiting for your reply at your earliest convenience.
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2. Just take it up and I will be glad to help you.
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3. Refusing to wear a seat belt can have serious consequences.
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4. Regular exercise will result in noticeable improvement in your health.
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3. 5. To be a professional footballer demands total commitment.
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6. Firstly, something should be done concerning your diet. However, do not solely rely on
that.
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