Register — informal to formal
Rewriting slang and abbreviations into professional English, using Unit 27 words.
Register means how formal your language is. B2 writers switch from informal forms (slang, abbreviations, contractions) to formal ones for reports and client emails. Every example uses this unit's vocabulary.
A — How it works
Informal → formal: gonna → going to; BTW → by the way; ASAP → as soon as possible; ping me → contact me. Formal writing avoids contractions and slang.
1) Expand abbreviations
Write the full phrase in formal English.
- FYI → For your information, the invoice is attached.
- ASAP → Please respond as soon as possible.
- BTW → By the way, the meeting has moved to three.
- ETA → What is the estimated time of arrival for the report?
2) Replace slang & contractions
Choose a neutral or formal alternative.
- We're gonna launch → We are going to launch on Friday.
- IMO the tone → In my opinion, the tone is too casual.
- Ping me → Please contact me when it is ready.
- Let's touch base → Let us arrange a short meeting on Monday.
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Quick reference
- Remember
Try it: Choose the correct form
Select the best option.
- Formal form of 'gonna':
(a) going to (b) gonna to (c) gunna - Formal form of 'BTW':
(a) by the way (b) before that (c) be there - Formal form of 'ping me':
(a) contact me (b) call quickly (c) text now - 'ASAP' expands to:
(a) as soon as possible (b) as always (c) as per - Formal writing avoids:
(a) contractions (b) full stops (c) paragraphs - Best in a client email:
(a) We are going to reply soon. (b) We're gonna reply ASAP. (c) Gonna reply.
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 3 exercises; the other 2 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →