Joy English
Joy English

C2 Vocabulary

C2Register25 min

Register: formal and informal equivalents

Match formal words such as commence, ascertain and reside with their everyday equivalents, and choose the right register for letters and reports.

Register is the level of formality that a situation demands. In official letters, reports and academic writing, a Latinate verb often replaces a short everyday one: we commence rather than start. At C2 you are expected to move between registers without effort, and to notice when a formal word sounds absurd in a casual setting.

commenceverb
begin; the formal equivalent of startThe ceremony will commence at noon.
ascertainverb
find out, make certain of; formal equivalent of find outWe must ascertain the cause of the delay.
resideverb
live in a place; formal equivalent of liveApplicants must reside within the district.
prior topreposition
before; formal equivalent of beforePrior to the meeting, delegates received a briefing.
sufficientadjective
enough; formal equivalent of enoughThe funds proved sufficient to cover the repairs.
peruseverb
read carefully and in detail; formal equivalent of read throughMembers are invited to peruse the enclosed report.
necessitateverb
make something necessary; formal equivalent of call forThe damage will necessitate a complete rebuild.
subsequentlyadverb
afterwards; formal equivalent of later or thenThe error was subsequently corrected.
endeavourverb
try hard; formal equivalent of tryWe shall endeavour to reply within two days.
procureverb
obtain, especially with some effort; formal equivalent of getThe charity hopes to procure more blankets.
ameliorateverb
make a bad situation better; formal equivalent of improveNew drainage should ameliorate conditions in the valley.
remunerationnoun
payment for work; formal equivalent of payThe post carries generous remuneration.

Exercise 1 of 2

Choose the most formal option

Choose the most formal word or phrase to complete each sentence, as it would appear in an official letter or report.

  1. The board will _____ proceedings at nine o'clock sharp.

  2. Before we can approve the plan, we must _____ whether the figures are accurate.

  3. Applicants who _____ in the district may claim the grant.

  4. _____ his appointment, he had worked as a surveyor.

  5. The committee did not consider the evidence _____ to justify a change.

  6. Staff are asked to _____ the attached document before the meeting.

  7. The new regulations will _____ a complete review of staffing.

  8. Details of the scheme were _____ circulated to all members.

0 of 8 answered

Exercise 2 of 2

Write the formal word

Replace the informal word in brackets with a formal word from this list: endeavour, procure, ameliorate, remuneration, peruse, necessitate, subsequently, reside. Use each word once.

  1. We will (try) to reply to every enquiry within two working days.

  2. The charity hopes to (get) enough blankets before the cold weather arrives.

  3. New drainage should (improve) conditions in the lower village.

  4. The role carries generous (pay) and a pension.

  5. Residents are requested to (read carefully) the enclosed notice.

  6. The delay will (make necessary) a revised schedule.

  7. Further details will be announced (later).

  8. Several members of staff (live) outside the city.

0 of 8 answered

Source

Original lesson by Joy English.

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