Edublog - Using Formal Vs Informal Language & Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
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- 4 days ago
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Updated: 1 day ago
Using Informal Vs Formal Language
&
Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
PART 1
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 |
PART 2
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 |
PART 3
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. ✔ |
PART 4
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.
PART 5
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 Requests 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." |
Formal & Informal Picture Situations
Accepting & Declining Requests
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." |
Dialogues using Informal Vs Formal Language & Making Requests Using Modal Verbs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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