1. STYLE Style is the way language is used: words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs and whole texts. Style is described with adjectives such as: academic business-like colloquial cultured formal informal poetic precise vulgar

2. STYLE: Formal and informal The two main categories of style are formal and informal. The choice of formal or informal language communicates social messages, such as: respect vs. intimacy distance vs. solidarity expertise vs. openness trustworthiness vs. friendliness

3. STYLE: Formal and informal Formality is expressed through the following: Diction Syntax Verb forms Noun phrases Sentence complexity Length Clause structure Completeness Attitude Involvement Commitment (modality) Point of view Structure

4. Diction FORMAL Words are long rare abstract specific of French, Latin or Greek origin INFORMAL Words are short common concrete general of Anglo-Saxon or Germanic origin

5. Syntax Noun phrases Informal texts tend to favour that clauses for post- modification Verbs Formal texts favour passive verb forms Informal texts favour active verb forms

6. Sentence complexity FORMAL Sentences are long favour subordination use full verb forms INFORMAL Sentences are short favour coordination feature ellipsis and contractions

7. Attitude INVOLVEMENT: Formal texts are impersonal, objective and neutral Informal texts are personal, subjective and emotive COMMITMENT: Formal texts are tentative and indirect Informal texts are direct, straightforward and blunt

8. Structure FORMAL Longer paragraphs, tightly organised with cohesive devices such as linking words INFORMAL Looser organisation, may rely on short paragraphs to separate individual ideas