Tuesday's Assignment

Degrees of Formality

Task 1:

Rewrite the sentences below, replacing the words in italics with their formal equivalents from the box. Make sure you use the correct form of the verb.

review	concerned	angry	ensure	receive
purchase	complete	assure	request	would like

1. I can promise you this will never happen again.

2. We will make sure the computer is repaired by one of our technicians.

3. The book I bought online was damaged.

4. I want you to give me my money back.

5. I hope you got the package I sent last week.

6. He’s really mad about the service he received at our store.

7. The work will be finished by the end of the month.

8. The manager is worried that they won’t meet their deadline.

9. Please go over the proposal and make any necessary changes.

10. She asked for the information a long time ago.

Task 2:

Read the sentences below and decide whether or not they use the degree of formality appropriate for the given situation. Revise the sentences if necessary.

1. a note to a co-worker: The meeting is at 10 sharp. Don’t be late.

2. a letter to a Member of Parliament: Thank you for your help in this matter.

3. an email message to a friend: I am looking forward to seeing you there :)

4. a note to a child’s teacher: I would greatly appreciate it if you could inform me when I could meet with you.

5. an email message to a superior: I’ll let you know about the time of the meeting ASAP.

6. a manager to her subordinates: Thanks for your hard work, guys!

7. a letter accompanying your résumé: Here is my résumé.

8. a note to the office cleaner: I would appreciate it if you could kindly clean under my desk in a timely fashion.