ABSTRACT

This chapter deals with the way we draw on vocabulary and grammatical structures to adapt our writing for different purposes and audiences, particularly when writing in more formal contexts. It focuses on writing in an informal style and a formal style. The chapter discusses Standard English which is associated with more formal speech and writing, and also covers the passive voice and the subjunctive. Although formality is not their prime function, they can be drawn on writing, particularly in the way they enable us to present information in different ways to the reader. The active voice is far more frequently used in both speech and writing, whereas the passive voice is much less frequently used. The subjunctive is rarely used in English. It is mostly associated with very formal styles. An informal style may well be appropriate in a first-person recount, such as a diary, autobiography or blog, or a personal email or letter.