Register is the level of formality in language. Informal register suits chats with friends: “Get back to me, yeah?” Formal register suits letters, essays and speeches: “I would be grateful if you could reply.”
Formal writing uses Standard English (we were, not we was; fewer people, not less people), full forms instead of contractions, precise vocabulary (postponed rather than put off) and avoids slang.
Being able to switch register is a powerful skill. Think about your audience and purpose before you write.
Worked example
Rewrite formally: “Loads of kids reckon the new rule is rubbish.”
- Replace slang: loads of → many, kids → pupils, reckon → believe.
- Replace rubbish with a precise word: unfair.
Answer:Many pupils believe that the new rule is unfair.
Key words
- register
- the level of formality in language
- Standard English
- the widely accepted form of English for formal use
- audience
- the people a text is for
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.7.3a