Formal or informal or colloquial?

Which style of speaking, is being used?

I don’t know where it is, you?

I am not aware of the item's location, are you?

I have no money. I’m broke! My financial situations is quite strenuous .

I ain’t got no bread, boo-boo! Damn, shawty! You lookin’ fine!

Wow, you look so pretty! My goodness, young lady. You look quite pleasant and attractive!

Oh, c’mon! I don’t know! Oh for heaven’s sake! I have no idea!

DAYUM! I dunno.

Wait, wait, wait!

Just a moment, please.

Yo! Hold up!

1

FORMAL COLLOQUIAL INFORMAL

COLLOQUIAL FORMAL

COLLOQUIAL FORMAL

INFORMAL INFORMAL

COLLOQUIAL FORMAL

COLLOQUIAL FORMAL

INFORMAL COLLOQUIAL

FORMAL INFORMAL

Choose a Situation

Stolen wallet.

Your professor/friend has had their wallet

stolen.

You want to know when this happened.

It happened this morning, near the

gym. The professor/friend is

new to the university and doesn’t know

what to do.

You offer to help them at the police. They say

thank you.

(6 sentences Max)

Cancelled Party

You must tell your professor/friend

that the “Star Party” has been

cancelled.

They ask why and you say because the DJ can’t come and the food company

got in trouble.

The other person is surprised and sad.

(6 sentences Max)

2

•Useful phrases

1 •What’s the matter?

•oh my goodness,

•I’m not sure what to

do,

•shall we go to…?

•Thank you so much,

•What’s up?;

•oh my god;

•I don’t know what to

do;

•Do you want to go

to…?

•thanks a lot.

2 •I must tell you

something,

•of course…,

•what’s the reason?,

•unavailable;

•got a citation for

unsanitary food;

•goodness that is such a

shame!

•I have to tell you

something;

•sure…;

•what for?;

•can’t come,

•got a shot for dirty food,

•aw dang! That’s a total

bummer,

My wallet was stolen.

The party has been cancelled. 3

Two conversations, same topic

FORMAL

2 people speaking formally:

A:

B:

A:

B:

A:

B:

A:

B:

COLLOQUIAL

2 people speaking in colloquial speech:

A:

B:

A:

B:

A:

B:

A:

B:

4

You don’t have to use all the spaces

I will give you one or two examples for formal.

I will give you one or two examples for colloquial.

FORMAL Wallet

2 people speaking formally:

A: Professor? Are you alright? What’s the matter?

B: It’s terrible! My wallet was stolen!

A: Oh my goodness? Where did this occur?

B: It happened this morning, near the gym. I’m so upset. I’m not sure what to do…

A: Professor, shall we go to the police station, together? We can make a report.

B: Really? Oh, Thank you so much! I’m really quite grateful!

2 people speaking formally:

A: Professor, you look quite stressed. May I ask, what’s the matter?

B: You’re right. I’m so upset. I think my wallet has been stolen.

A: Oh my goodness! That’s terrible! Do you perhaps know where this happened?

B: I’m almost certain it happened near the gym, this morning…I think around 10 A.M. I’m not sure what to do…I’m still new to KNU.

A: Well, shall we go to the police, together? Maybe it can help.

B: That sounds like a good idea. Thank you so much for your help!

Gabi’s Notes: In this situation, avoid saying the phrase “that’s too bad.” In this situation, that sounds like you don’t think it’s a big problem. “That’s too bad,” is for situations like a cancelled party, or missing a favorite show. A missing wallet, or loosing money, is quite serious. So “That’s terrible!” or “That’s horrible!” sounds more appropriate.

Colloquial Wallet

2 people speaking in colloquial speech:

A: Hey! What’s up? You look stressed out.

B: You’re right! I’m going crazy! I think my wallet’s been stolen!

A: Oh my God. That’s terrible! Where?

B: I don’t know…somewhere around this gym, this morning. It don’t know what to do! I don’t know KNU at all…

A: OK, OK…don’t panic. Do you want to go to the police station? I can help you there.

B: Aww, wow. Thanks a lot!

2 people speaking in colloquial speech:

A: Hi! Hey -- ! What’s up? Are you OK?

B: No! I’m not OK! My wallet’s gone! I think my wallet was stolen.

A: Are you serious? That’s terrible! Where do you think this happened?

B: This morning, around the gym. Where is KNU’s police department? I don’t know what to do…

A: Well, do you want to go to the police station, together? Maybe they can find it!

B: I’ll try anything! Thanks a lot, friend. You’re awesome!

Gabi’s Notes: In this situation, avoid saying the phrase “that’s too bad.” In this situation, that sounds like you don’t think it’s a big problem.

Formal – party

2 people speaking formally:

A: Professor, how are you? I’m afraid I must tell you something.

B: Oh, dear. It sounds like bad news. Of course, tell me.

A: Unfortunately, the “Star Party” has been cancelled.

B: Oh for Heaven’s sake! What’s the reason?

A: I’ve heard that the DJ is unavailable, and the food company actually has some trouble with the police. They got a citation for unsanitary food.

B: Of course, I’m happy not to eat dangerous food…but I was looking forward to this party. Goodness, that is such a shame!

2 people speaking formally:

A: Professor, may I speak with you? I must tell you something, important.

B: Well, of course. What is it?

A: I’m letting everyone know that the “Star Party” has been cancelled.

B: Oh, dear… that’s too bad. Perhaps, does anyone know what’s the reason for this cancellation?

A: Well, I’m not sure exactly about the DJ. I just heard he was unavailable. However, I can definitely tell you the catering company received a citation for unsanitary food.

B: Truly, it’s such a shame. I suppose I have no plans for Friday night.

Gabi’s Notes: In this situation, it is OK to say, “that’s too bad,” or “that’s a shame.” This is not a personally negative situation, just a sadness for a party cancellation. Catering company is similar to a food company.

Colloquial party

2 people speaking in colloquial speech:

A: Mina, I have to tell you something…you’re not going to like it…

B: Oh, well, sure. What’s up?

A: The “Star Party’s” been cancelled.

B: HUH?!?! What for?

A: We’ve got no music. The DJ can’t come. And the catering company got a shot for dirty food.

B: Aw!! Dang!! That’s a real bummer! I really wanted to go…

2 people speaking in colloquial speech:

A: Ready for this? I’ve got to tell you something.

B: Sure…just say it.

A: The “Star Party” is off…it’s been cancelled.

B: Oh, c’mon!! Why? What for?

A: DJ can’t come… I think he’s sick. And the food company got in trouble with the police. They got a shot for dirty food.

B: Argh! Dang it! That’s totally a bummer!

Gabi’s Notes: In this situation, avoid saying the phrase “that’s too bad.” In this situation, that sounds like you don’t think it’s a big problem.