Formal English - 10 points to correct and think about

Extracts from formal writing homework - comments follow below. Note that all of them contain good along with things to work on. Add comments or ask questions as you wish. (To add comments you need to click on the title and open this post in a new window)

1. We would regret having to take this matter further.[m1]

2. some points which I think are not true[m2] in your article

3. I would like to draw up your attentionü [to…..] [m3] in order to voiceü my disappointment with the article publishedü in the local newspaper recently

4. must disagree[m4] whith your version of events

5. I would like that your article[m5] had included

Dear Sir,

6. My name is Joseph Martin Smith[m6] and I am a member of the

7. We honestly believe you did not attend to the event and we regret to inform you in case you do not amend your article we shall contact our lawyers.[m7]

8. If you want[m8] we are going to be very proud to share with you these information

9. that is not true[m9]

10. it was really disappointingü the way you critic[m10] our event

---

[m1]!

[m2]Much too strong

[m3]You need an object.

[m4]OK; as longas you want to sound angry

[m5]==

[m6]Please Ask.

[m7]I think the newspaper is more justified to call their lawyers!

[m8]INF

[m9]Not very friendly!

[m10]WO/G – a shame as that’s a very nice first para-

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Formal English - 10 points to correct and think about

Extracts from formal writing homework - comments follow below. Note that all of them contain good along with things to work on. Add comments or ask questions as you wish. (To add comments you need to click on the title and open this post in a new window)

1. We would regret having to take this matter further.[m1]

2. some points which I think are not true[m2] in your article

3. I would like to draw up your attentionü [to…..] [m3] in order to voiceü my disappointment with the article publishedü in the local newspaper recently

4. must disagree[m4] whith your version of events

5. I would like that your article[m5] had included

Dear Sir,

6. My name is Joseph Martin Smith[m6] and I am a member of the

7. We honestly believe you did not attend to the event and we regret to inform you in case you do not amend your article we shall contact our lawyers.[m7]

8. If you want[m8] we are going to be very proud to share with you these information

9. that is not true[m9]

10. it was really disappointingü the way you critic[m10] our event

---

[m1]!

[m2]Much too strong

[m3]You need an object.

[m4]OK; as longas you want to sound angry

[m5]==

[m6]Please Ask.

[m7]I think the newspaper is more justified to call their lawyers!

[m8]INF

[m9]Not very friendly!

[m10]WO/G – a shame as that’s a very nice first para-

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Advanced Use of English Part 2

If you'd like an extra exercise on filling gaps, have a go at a sample practice of an Open Cloze test here

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CAE Use of English Part 2

If you'd like an extra exercise on filling gaps, have a go at a sample practice of an Open Cloze test here

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Formal in Informal

How does your reader know if your writing is formal or informal? Simple - the very first sentence or two will tell them - often from the vocabulary on its own.
So, take a look at these two first sentences:

My greatest ambition would be to set up a new business

vs

My greatest ambition would be to establish a new business

Only one word different, but one's certainly a bit more formal than the other!

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How does your reader know if your writing is formal or informal? Simple - the very first sentence or two will tell them - often from the vocabulary on its own.
So, take a look at these two first sentences:

My greatest ambition would be to set up a new business

vs

My greatest ambition would be to establish a new business

Only one word different, but one's certainly a bit more formal than the other!

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First Use of English Part 1: extra

Go here for information from Cambridge on part 1, and here for a practice exercise from Flo-Joe.

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