The Grammar Doctor

Formal or Informal Exercise

All of the following sentences are acceptable standard English, but some of them would not be appropriate in more formal writing. See if you can identify which sentences would not be acceptable in a more formal context and tell why.

1. Who should I send this to?
2. Whom should I send this to?
3. Gear this for the audience it is intended for.
4. He began to really try hard.
5. He began to slowly realize what had happened.
6. He's usually easy going. But before his first cup of coffee, he's a bear.
7. This department is going to work together as a team. And don't you forget it!
8. Are you sure it's finished? Checked every detail?
9. I needed the money for a couple of important things. Like paying the rent and buying groceries.
10. We're going to have a big bash, and you're invited.
11. The Smiths request the pleasure of your company at a banquet to be held in the honor of their son Josiah, who will be graduating from Andover College.


answers |  formal English page |  back to quizzes