Lesson & Activities - Using Formal Versus Informal Language & Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
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- 4 days ago
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Updated: 2 hours ago
LESSON & ACTIVITIES
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✦ This lesson includes these sections:
☞ CONVERSATION QUESTIONS - Topic Introduction
☞ VOCABULARY - Important English Words
☞ PART 1 - Informal & Formal Language
☞ PART 2 - Common Contractions
☞ PART 3 - Modal Verbs
☞ PART 4 - Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
☞ PART 5 - Making Requests
☞ PART 6 - Accepting Requests
☞ PART 7 - Declining Requests
☞ PART 8 - Informal & Formal Requests In Pictures
☞ DIALOGUES - Formal & Informal Situations
☞ POLL - Informal & Formal Language
☞ QUIZ - Test Your Knowledge
✦ Click on each section from above to see it ↑
✦ Click on each title from below to get back here ↓
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Using Informal Versus Formal Language
&
Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See some possible answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Using Informal Versus Formal Language & Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
Conversation Questions
1. How do you ask your friend to join you for coffee?
“I’d say, ‘Want to grab a coffee?’”
2. You don't know where the library is. How do you ask for directions from a stranger?
“I’d say, ‘Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the library?’”
3. Do you change the way you speak at work and at home? How?
“Yes. At work, I speak politely. At home, I speak more casually.”
4. What is the difference between using formal and informal language?
“Formal language is more polite and used in serious situations, and informal language is more relaxed and used with friends.”
5. Can you give an example of an informal greeting and a formal greeting?
“An informal greeting is ‘Hi!’ and a formal greeting is ‘Good afternoon.’”
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Get to know the definitions of each word
Important Words - Using Informal Versus Formal Language & Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
informal
formal
request
situations
verb
contraction
apostrophe
meaning
rule
pronoun
sentence
dialogue
Reading Activity
Using Informal Versus Formal Language, & Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
Instructions:
Read the following text.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
Informal vs Formal Language
We use informal language in situations that are more relaxed or that involve people we know well. We use formal language in situations that are serious or that involve people we do not know very well.
For example:
Informal language is for friends and family. Use short sentences, simple words, and contractions when you use Informal language.
Formal language is for work, school, or official letters. It uses polite words and full sentences. Do not use slang or contractions when you use formal language.
Informal and Formal Words
Here are words that are written informally and formally:
Informal | Formal |
ask | enquire |
ask for | request |
book | reserve |
buy | purchase |
check | verify |
explain | clarify |
find out | discover |
get | obtain |
give | provide |
have to | must |
help | assist |
put off | postpone |
Writing Practice
Matching Informal & Formal Words
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 10.
Read the 10 informal words.
Use the chart - Informal & Formal Words, and decide which formal word matches with which informal word.
Practice your writing by writing the answers on paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each informal word.
Matching Informal & Formal Words - Activity
Informal word #1 = get. What is the formal word for get?
Answer: The formal word for get is = obtain.
Informal word #2 = check. What is the formal word for check?
Answer: The formal word for check is = verify.
Informal word #3 = ask. What is the formal word for ask?
Answer: The formal word for ask is = enquire.
Informal word #4 = help. What is the formal word for help?
Answer: The formal word for help is = assist.
Informal word #5 = book. What is the formal word for book?
Answer: The formal word for book is = reserve.
Informal word #6 = give. What is the formal word for give?
Answer: The formal word for give is = provide.
Informal word #7 = buy. What is the formal word for buy?
Answer: The formal word for buy is = purchase.
Informal word #8 = put off. What is the formal word for put off?
Answer: The formal word for put off is = postpone.
Informal word #9 = ask for. What is the formal word for ask for?
Answer: The formal word for ask for is = request.
Informal word #10 = explain. What is the formal word for explain
Answer: The formal word for explain is = clarify.
Using Contractions
What Are Contractions?
Contractions are short forms of words or contractions of words. We make contractions by leaving out one or more letters and replacing them with an apostrophe (’). For example: cannot = can't.
Contractions are very common in informal English, especially in speaking and casual writing. Contractions are used to make speech and writing shorter and more natural. We use contractions to sound friendly and to make our sentences quicker and easier to say while speaking.
We do not usually use contractions in formal language (e.g., academic papers, business letters or emails, or official documents). Remember to always say or write the full words in formal situations.
Common Contractions In English
Here’s a list of the most common contractions with their full forms:
Full Form Words | Contractions |
|---|---|
I am | I’m |
You are | You’re |
He is | He’s |
She is | She’s |
It is | It’s |
We are | We’re |
They are | They’re |
Do not | Don’t |
Does not | Doesn’t |
Did not | Didn’t |
Cannot | Can’t |
Will not | Won’t |
I will | I’ll |
You will | You’ll |
He will | He’ll |
She will | She’ll |
We will | We’ll |
They will | They’ll |
I have | I’ve |
You have | You’ve |
He has | He’s |
She has | She’s |
We have | We’ve |
They have | They’ve |
Would not | Wouldn’t |
Should not | Shouldn’t |
Could not | Couldn’t |
Writing Practice
Writing Sentences Using Contractions
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 10.
Read the 10 sentences.
Use the chart - Contractions, and find all of the words that can be contracted in the sentences.
Practice your writing by rewriting the sentences with the appropriate contractions on paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each sentence
Writing Sentences Using Contractions - Activity
Sentence #1: I could not find my keys this morning. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: I couldn’t find my keys this morning.
Sentence #2: I am happy to help you with your homework. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: I'm happy to help you with your homework.
Sentence #3: You are welcome to join us for lunch. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: You're welcome to join us for lunch.
Sentence #4: It is a beautiful day outside. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: It's a beautiful day outside.
Sentence #5: We are going to the mall later on this afternoon. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: We're going to the mall later on this afternoon.
Sentence #6: She does not like eating spicy food. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: She doesn't like eating spicy food.
Sentence #7: Do not forget to email me the notes from class.Which words can be contracted?
Answer: Don't forget to email me the notes from class.
Sentence #8: I can not come to the housewarming party tonight. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: I can't come to the housewarming party tonight.
Sentence #9: He will not be able to attend the meeting today. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: He won't be able to attend the meeting today.
Sentence #10: They have already booked the plane tickets. Which words can be contracted?
Answer: They've already booked the plane tickets.
Listening Practice
Contracted Sentences
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the audio file.
Use the sentences from above to follow along with the audio file.
What are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are small helping verbs. We use them before another verb. They tell about ability, permission, advice, obligation, possibility, or polite requests.
Here are explanations and examples of modal verbs in English:
Can
Meaning:
Can is used for Informal requests.
Can shows ability or possibility.
Examples:
Can you help me with this? (Informal request)
I can speak French. (ability)
Could
Meaning:
Could is also used for polite or formal requests.
Could shows ability in the past form because Could is the past form of Can.
Examples:
Could you please send me the report? (formal request)
When I was younger, I could run fast. (past ability)
Will
Meaning:
Will is often used when making Informal requests.
Will shows future intention or willingness to do something.
Examples:
Will you help me with this? (Informal request)
I will call you tomorrow. (future intention)
Would
Meaning:
Would is also used for polite or formal requests.
Would is used for hypothetical situations.
Examples:
Would you be able to assist me? (formal request)
I would travel more if I had time. (hypothetical)
May
Meaning:
May shows permission or possibility.
May is used for very polite and formal situations.
Examples:
May I borrow your pen? (formal permission)
It may rain later. (possibility)
Might
Meaning:
Might shows a weaker possibility than may.
Examples:
I might go to the meeting if I have time.
It might snow tomorrow. (less certain than “may”)
Must
Meaning:
Must shows necessity or strong obligation.
Examples:
You must wear a helmet when cycling.
I must finish this assignment today. (strong obligation)
Should
Meaning:
Should shows advice or expectation.
Examples:
You should eat more vegetables. (advice)
The train should arrive at 6 p.m. (expectation)
Shall
Meaning:
Shall is used in formal or legal language to express future or obligation.
Examples:
I shall attend the meeting tomorrow.
The company shall provide safety equipment. (formal rule)
Rules About Using Modal Verbs
Modal verbs do not change with the subject. Always use the same form for I, you, he, she, it, we, they.
✘ What Not To Do - Incorrect Forms:
Incorrect Forms | Why Is It Wrong? |
He can swims. ✘ | Never add -s to modal verbs. |
She musts leave. ✘ | Modal verbs do not change form. |
He will calls. ✘ | Modal verbs stay the same for all pronouns. |
✔ What To Do - Correct Forms
Pronouns | Can | Could | Would |
I | I can swim. ✔ | I could help. ✔ | I would help. ✔ |
You | You can swim. ✔ | You could help. ✔ | You would help. ✔ |
He | He can swim. ✔ | He could help. ✔ | He would help. ✔ |
She | She can swim. ✔ | She could help. ✔ | She would help. ✔ |
It | It can work. ✔ | It could help. ✔ | It would help. ✔ |
We | We can swim. ✔ | We could help. ✔ | We would help. ✔ |
They | They can swim. ✔ | They could help. ✔ | They would help. ✔ |
Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
Can - Could - Will - Would
Modal verbs help us make requests in English. In Informal language, we often use can and will because they sound friendly and direct. For example, “Can you send me the file?” or “Will you help me with this?” Using can and will is more casual, and it is appropriate for Informal language. In formal language, we use could and would because they sound more polite and professional. For example, “Could you please provide the report?” or “Would you be able to assist me with this matter?” Using could and would shows respect and is appropriate for formal language.
Making Informal & Formal Requests
Here are examples of informal and formal requests:
Informal Requests | Formal Requests |
“Can you help me?” | “Could you assist me?” |
“Can you drive me home?” | “Would you mind driving me home?” |
“Can I borrow your pen?” | “May I borrow your pen?” |
“Can you check this for me?” | “Could you kindly verify this for me?” |
“Can you explain that again?” | “Would you clarify that point again?” |
"Can I have a minute?” | “Could I have a minute of your time?” |
“Can you give me a hand?” | “Would you be able to assist me?" |
“Can you put off the meeting?” | “Could you postpone the meeting?" |
“Can I ask for a favour?” | “May I request your support?” |
“Can you find out the time?” | "Could you find out the time?" |
Accepting Informal & Formal Requests
In informal situations, we can say yes to requests using short and friendly responses. We use informal language to say yes to requests that are made by family, friends, classmates, or even co-workers in a causal way. Informal language is easy to use, and it helps keep the tone friendly.
When we say yes to requests in formal situations, we should use polite and professional language. This shows respect and creates a positive impression. Formal language is clear, courteous, and appropriate for business emails, meetings, or professional communication.
Here are examples of informal and formal ways to accept requests:
Accepting Request Informal | Accepting Requests Formal |
“Sure." | “Certainly." |
“Yes." | "Absolutely." |
“Yep." | “Of course." |
“Yeah." | “Gladly." |
“I sure can." | “Definitely." |
“Yes, I can." | “Yes, I could do that for you." |
“I’d be happy to help." | “I would be delighted to assist." |
"Sure, I’ll handle it." | “Of course, I will ensure it is done." |
“Yeah, I will help you." | "Absolutely, I will assist you." |
“No problem, I’ll do that for you." | "I would be happy to do that for you." |
Declining Informal & Formal Requests
Sometimes we cannot say yes to requests. In informal situations, such as talking to family or friends, we can say no in a simple and friendly way. We do not need long sentences or formal words.
When we decline requests in formal situations, it is important to sound polite and professional. We should avoid short answers like “No” because they can seem rude. Instead, we use complete sentences that show respect.
Here are examples of informal and formal ways to decline requests:
Declining Requests Informal | Declining Requests Formal |
“Nope.” | “I cannot assist at this time.” |
“I can’t." | “I would love to, but I cannot.” |
“No." | “Regretfully, no.” |
"Not happening.." | "Unfortunately, I cannot." |
"Not right now." | "Sorry, I am occupied at the moment." |
“No way." | "I am not able to do that." |
“You handle it.” | “I am unable to assist with this matter." |
“I don’t feel like it.” | “I am sorry, but I am not available.” |
“No chance.” | "I am not in a position to help." |
“Do it yourself." | "I cannot prioritize this right now." |
Reading & Writing Activity
Informal & Formal Picture Situations
Instructions:
Look at each picture and read each request.
Decide which request is formal and which request is informal.
*You can check your answers after you complete the dialogue matching activity from below, which is called: Listening, Reading & Writing Activity - Dialogue Matching Exercise
Next, practice your writing by copying each request in your notebook.
Write your own response where you accept each request.
Then, write your own response where you decline each request.
*Use the chart from below to help you write your responses.
Formal & Informal Requests In Pictures
Accepting & Declining Requests in Pictures
Making Informal & Formal Requests | Declining Requests ✘ | Accepting Requests ✔ |
"Want to come over?" | "Not right now." | “Sure." |
"Could you drive me home after work?" | "Unfortunately, I cannot." | “Yes, I could do that for you." |
"Could I receive the handouts from yesterday's class?" | "Sorry, I am occupied at the moment." | "Absolutely." |
"Do you want to go to the mall with me?" | “I can’t." | “Yeah." |
"Can you come over with the kids?" | “I don’t feel like it.” | “Yes, I can." |
"Would it be possible for me to take tomorrow off?" | “Regretfully, no.” | “Certainly." |
Listening, Reading & Writing Activity
Informal & Formal Dialogue Situations
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper and make a list from 1 to 6, which represents the 6 dialogues from below.
Read each one of the 6 dialogues.
Decide which dialogue is informal and which is formal.
After reading each dialogue, practice your writing by writing formal or informal next to the list of 1-6 numbers that you wrote in your notebook.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows that are next to each dialogue.
Dialogues Using Informal Vs Formal Language
Dialogue #1
Alex: Hey, what are you doing tonight?
Sam: Not much. Why?
Alex: I’m ordering pizza and watching the hockey game. Want to come over?
Sam: Sounds great! What time?
Alex: Around seven. Can you bring some pop?
Sam: Sure, no problem.
Alex: Great! Can you stay late?
Sam: Yeah, I don’t work tomorrow.
Is this an informal dialogue or a formal dialogue?
Answer: This dialogue is informal.
Dialogue #2
James: Hello, Sarah. Could I have a moment of your time?
Sarah: Of course, James. What do you need?
James: My car is at the mechanic's today. Could you drive me home after work?
Sarah: I think I could. Where do you live?
James: I live near the intersection of King and Roberts Street. Do you know where that is?
Sarah: Yes, I know exactly where that is. I can drive you home since your home is on my way.
James: Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.
Sarah: Not a problem.
Is this an informal dialogue or a formal dialogue?
Answer: This dialogue is formal.
Dialogue #3
Ryan: Good morning, Mr. Brown. Could I speak with you for a moment?
Mr. Brown: Absolutely, Ryan. What is it?
Ryan: I missed class yesterday because of a medical appointment. Could I receive the handouts from yesterday's class?
Mr. Brown: Yes, I have them here on my desk. Would you like them now?
Ryan: Yes, please. That would be great.
Mr. Brown: Here you go. Make sure to review them before tomorrow's class.
Ryan: Yes, I will do that. Thank you very much.
Mr. Brown: You are welcome.
Is this an informal dialogue or a formal dialogue?
Answer: This dialogue is formal.
Dialogue #4
Bella: Hey, do you want to go to the mall with me later on this afternoon?
Lilly: Maybe. What for?
Bella: I need to buy new winter boots. Can you come with me?
Lilly: Sure, I need to get some gloves.
Bella: Great! Can you meet me in front of the food court at four?
Lilly: Yeah, that works for me.
Bella: Nice. Maybe we could also get dinner at the mall?
Lilly: Yes, I'd like that very much. See you later on today.
Is this an informal dialogue or a formal dialogue?
Answer: This dialogue is informal.
Dialogue #5
Maria: Hey, cousin! What are you doing this weekend?
Tom: Hi Maria, nothing special. Why?
Maria: Can you come over with the kids?
Tom: That sounds like fun. What day?
Maria: Saturday afternoon, around four o'clock. I'll make us some snacks.
Tom: Sure, I can come by on Saturday afternoon at four.
Maria: Great! Can you guys stay for dinner as well?
Tom: Yes, we’d love that.
Is this an informal dialogue or a formal dialogue?
Answer: This dialogue is informal.
Dialogue #6
David: Good morning, Loraine. Could I speak with you?
Loraine: Sure, David. What is it?
David: I have a toothache. Would it be possible for me to take tomorrow off for a dentist appointment?
Loraine: Yes, that shouldn't be a problem. Could you send me the details by email?
David: Yes, I’ll do that right away.
Loraine: Thank you. I hope you feel better soon.
David: Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Loraine: You’re welcome.
Is this an informal dialogue or a formal dialogue?
Answer: This dialogue is formal.
Take Our Poll - Informal & Formal Language
When asking someone for help, which style do you use more?
Formal: Could you please tell me how to get to the library?
Informal: Can you tell me where the library is?
Depends on the situation.
I mix both formal and informal language when I ask for help.
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Instructions:
Read the 10 multiple-choice questions from below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to see how you did on the quiz.
Click below for a reading without the accompanying activities:
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