Work in pairs. Decide which of the following phrases are:
VERY FORMAL      FORMAL      NEUTRAL      INFORMAL      Or FAMILIAR
1 A lot of people like fish and chips.      Loads of people like fried chicken. fF Lots of people like curry.      Many people enjoy hot dogs. Fp
A significant number of people prefer sandwiches. Vp
2 Good to see you/     Helios     Hi there.fc*
It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.^   Pleased to meet you.fo
3 I'd like'to introduce myself. My name's...... I'm......- what's your name? //-J"
UFMay I introduce myself, I'm...... My name's......- who are you? f«
4 Do you feel like a drink?^   Like a drink? /    Want a drink?
May I offer you a drink?      Would you like me to get you a drink? Jp
5 Can I have tea, ^eas^L-J,want tea,(glea^/     Tea, 61eas§.
I'd like a cup ortea,7|5lease7^" Would it be possible fornte :o have some tea? fr£
6 One should always tryto^6e polite. ^ You should always try to be polite.
7 Give my best wishes to your £&£ents.      Give my love to Jan, won't you?J fa Oh, love to Jim, by the way.      Remember me to your husband.//
Please give my best regards to your wife. ]/f
► Why might it sound strange if you greeted a close friend like this: Good morning, how very pleasant to see you again!
or, if you greeted an elderly acquaintance like this: Hi there, how's it going?
► What's the effect of using a very formal phrase in an informal situation? Friend; I've brought you some coffee.
You:    That's extremely considerate of you — thank you so much. Or very familiar language in a formal situation?
Stranger on train: Would you like to have a look at my newspaper? You: OK.