Formality Gradation

Move fluidly across the full formality spectrum

Try the situation first

A learner makes a clear choice about formality gradation while speaking or writing for a real audience.

Learn the concept

Practise with help

Check your understanding

Answer: Direct and suitable for a familiar colleague.

Identify the exact word or structure that carries the intended meaning.

Answer: Conversational contrasts with Formal.

Contrasting a model with a near alternative helps the important feature stand out.

Answer: Formality should fit the relationship; longer wording is not automatically clearer or more polite.

Immediate corrective feedback is most useful when it identifies both the change and its purpose.

Answer: I would be grateful if you could submit the document by 5 p.m.

The model is one possible answer. Your own accurate, natural example is the goal.

Complete a real-language task

Practise Formality Gradation

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