Register Use in English

Introduction

Register Use for Various Situations
Register Use Quiz

In discussions at work, with friends, strangers, etc. there are unwritten rules that are followed when speaking English. These unwritten rules are called "register use". Register use can help you communicate effectively. Incorrect register use can cause problems at work, cause people to ignore you, or, at best, send the wrong message. Of course, correct register use is very difficult for many learners of English. This feature focuses on different situations and the correct register used in the various situations. To begin with, let's look at some example conversations.

Some examples of correct register use:

(Wife to Husband)

- Hi honey, how was your day?
- Great. We got a lot done. And yours?
- Fine, but stressful. Pass me that magazine, please.
- Here you go.

(Friend to Friend)

- Hi Charlie, can you give me a hand?
- Sure Peter. What's up?
- I can't get this to work.
- Why don't you try to use a screwdriver?

(Subordinate to Superior - at work)

- Good Morning, Mr. Jones, may I ask you a question?
- Certainly, how can I help you?

(Superior to Subordinate - at work)

- Excuse me Peter, we seem to be having a problem with the Smith account. We'd better get together to discuss the situation.
- That's a good idea Ms Amons, would 4 o'clock suit you?

(Man Speaking to Stranger)

- Pardon me. Do you think you could give me the time?
- Certainly, it's twelve thirty.
- Thank you.
- Not at all.

Notice how the language used becomes more formal as the relationship becomes less personal. In the first relationship, a married couple, the wife uses the imperative form which would be inappropriate with a superior at work. In the last conversation, the man asks using an indirect question as a means of making his question more polite.

Some examples of incorrect register use:

(Wife to Husband)

- Hello, how are you today?
- I'm fine. Would you mind passing me the bread?
- Certainly. Would you like some butter with your bread?
- Yes, please. Thank you very much.

(Friend to Friend)

- Hello Mr. Jones. May I ask you a question?
- Certainly. How many I help you?
- Do you think you could help me with this?
- I'd be happy to help you.

(Subordinate to Superior - at work)

- Good Morning, Frank. I need a raise.
- Do you really? Well, forget about it!

(Superior to Subordinate - at work)

- Hey Jack, what are you doing?! Get to work!
- Hey, I'll take as much time as I need.

(Man Speaking to Stranger)

- You! Tell me where supermarket is.
- There.

In these examples, the formal language used for the married couple and friends is much too exaggerated for daily discourse. The examples at work, and of the man speaking to a stranger, show that the direct language often used with friends or family, is too impolite for these situations.

Of course, correct register use also depends on the situation and the tone of voice you use. However, in order to communicate well in English, it is important to master the basics of correct register use. The following pages will give you a chance to improve and practice your recognition of register use in various situations.

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