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Primary English · Year 6Chapter 7 · Formal and informal English and the subjunctive
Year 6 · Chapter 7

Formal and informal English and the subjunctive

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Name the features of informal English, such as contractions, slang and ellipsis
  • Rewrite an informal sentence in formal English
  • Use were in if I were you, and the base form after it is essential that
  • Name the grammatical terms of the Year 6 book, and use them correctly

You should already know

  • Standard English verb forms, such as was and were (Year 4 grammar)
  • Contractions and apostrophes (Year 4 grammar)

Where this leads

  • Semi-colons, colons, dashes, bullet points and hyphens (Chapter 8 of this book)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 English, Year 6. Content: Recognise the differences between formal and informal English: vocabulary, contractions, slang and ellipsis (Y5-6 grammar), Choose vocabulary and structures for formal speech and writing (Y5-6 grammar), Use the subjunctive in formal English, e.g. if I were you; it is essential that he attend (Y5-6 grammar), Use the grammatical terminology of this book, including subjunctive, formal, informal and register (Y5-6 grammar).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the contraction for do not. Write the word only.
2
FWhich word is an adjective in this sentence: The quiet room was calm.? Write one word.
3
FWrite the past tense of go. Write the word only.
4
FWhich word is a verb in The children were happy at the fair.? Write the word only.
5
FWrite the word that means a short form of two words, with an apostrophe. Write the word only.
7.1

Formal and informal English: what is different

Year 6
Recognise the differences between formal and informal English: vocabulary, contractions, slang and ellipsis (Y5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Formal and informal English: what is differentComing soon
Story. Two messages are sent about the school trip. One is a text to a friend, which says we're going to see the castle, and the other is a letter to parents, which says the children will visit the castle on Friday.

Language changes with the register: the level of formality that suits the situation, the audience and the purpose. Informal English is used with friends and family. Formal English is used for letters, reports and official notices.

Informal English often uses contractions (can't), slang, and ellipsis, where a word is left out, such as Looks good instead of It looks good.

Informal and formal

InformalFormal
kidschildren
getobtain
ask forrequest
a lot ofmany
talk aboutdiscuss
find outestablish

Key ideas

  • Register is the level of formality that suits the situation and the reader.
  • Informal English uses contractions, slang and ellipsis.
  • Formal English uses full words, full sentences and no slang.
Worked example 7.1.1
Which is the informal feature in Looks good to me!? Write the feature in one word.

Method. Look for a word that is left out.

  1. Look at the sentence. The subject it is left out, so the sentence begins with looks.
    Looks good
  2. Name the feature. Leaving out a word the reader can work out is ellipsis.
    ellipsis
  3. Write the answer.
    ellipsis

Check. The subject is left out: ellipsis. ✓

Worked example 7.1.2
Which word is the slang in The film was really cool? Write the word only.

Method. Find the word that is very casual.

  1. Find the casual word. Cool is a casual word for good.
    cool
  2. Check formality. A formal report would not use cool to mean good.
    cool
  3. Write the answer.
    cool

Check. cool is slang. ✓

Worked example 7.1.3
Which sentence is more formal? The kids can't go. or The children cannot attend. Write the sentence that is more formal.

Method. Look for full words, and no contractions, in formal writing.

  1. Check the first sentence. Kids is informal, and can't is a contraction.
    kids, can't
  2. Check the second sentence. Children and cannot are full words, with no contraction.
    children, cannot
  3. Decide. The second sentence is more formal.
    The children cannot attend.
  4. Write the answer.
    The children cannot attend.

Check. The second sentence is formal. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a formal sentence is not the same as a long sentence. Formal English uses precise words and no slang, but it can also be short.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to rewrite a text message to a friend as a short letter to a grandparent. Ask which words changed.

Exercise 7A  Practice: formal and informal English

1
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for kids, for a school report.
2
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for get, for a school report.
3
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for ask for, for a school report.
4
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for a lot of, for a school report.
5
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for talk about, for a school report.
6
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for find out, for a school report.
7
FWrite out in full, with no contraction: can't
8
FWrite out in full, with no contraction: it's
9
FWrite out in full, with no contraction: won't
10
FWrite out in full, with no contraction: didn't
11
RWhich feature of informal English is shown by Sounds great!? Name it in one or two words.
12
PSWhich sentence is formal? Choose one: I can't come to the party. or I am unable to attend the party..
13
PSRewrite this informal sentence in formal English: The kids are getting a lot of stuff.
14
RExplain in one sentence why a formal letter to a headteacher should not use contractions.
15
PSRewrite this text message in formal English, for a letter to the council: Can't wait to see the new park!
16
PSWhich word in The film was really cool is the most informal? Write the word only.
17
FWrite out in full, with no contraction: they're
18
FName two features of informal English.
19
PSWrite the formal word for find out, which fits an academic report. Write the word only.
20
RExplain in one sentence what register means.
7.2

Vocabulary and structures for formal writing

Year 6
Choose vocabulary and structures for formal speech and writing (Y5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Vocabulary and structures for formal writingComing soon
Story. A pupil is writing to the council to ask for a new bench by the playground. She writes that the children would like to request a bench, and that she would be grateful if the council could consider it.

Formal writing uses precise vocabulary, such as request instead of ask for, and discuss instead of talk about. It also uses structures such as I would be grateful if, and it avoids contractions and slang.

Formal words and phrases

InformalFormal
go upincrease
put offpostpone
really goodexcellent
stuffitems
OKacceptable
help outassist

Key ideas

  • Choose precise words that suit the reader.
  • Use structures such as I would be grateful if, which are polite and formal.
  • Avoid contractions, slang and ellipsis in formal writing.
Worked example 7.2.1
Rewrite We want to ask for more time. in a more formal way, using request. Write the new sentence.

Method. Change ask for to request, and make the sentence formal.

  1. Find the informal phrase. Ask for is informal here.
    ask for
  2. Change it. Request is the formal word.
    request
  3. Make the sentence formal. We wish to request more time is formal.
    We wish to request more time.
  4. Write the answer.
    We wish to request more time.

Check. request is the formal word. ✓

Worked example 7.2.2
Which phrase is most polite and formal to end a letter? Thanks a lot! or I would be grateful for your consideration.

Method. Look for a polite, formal structure.

  1. Check the first. Thanks a lot is informal.
    thanks a lot
  2. Check the second. I would be grateful is a polite, formal structure.
    I would be grateful
  3. Write the answer.
    I would be grateful for your consideration.

Check. The second phrase is formal. ✓

Worked example 7.2.3
Rewrite The results went up. using the formal word increase.

Method. Change went up to a formal verb.

  1. Find the informal phrase. Went up is informal.
    went up
  2. Change it. Increase is the formal verb.
    increased
  3. Write the sentence. The results increased is formal.
    The results increased.
  4. Write the answer.
    The results increased.

Check. increased is the formal verb. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a formal word is not always a longer word. Choose the word that is precise and suits the reader.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to write a short request to a shop manager, using a formal phrase such as I would be grateful if.

Exercise 7B  Practice: formal vocabulary and structures

1
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for go up, for a school report.
2
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for put off, for a school report.
3
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for really good, for a school report.
4
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for stuff, for a school report.
5
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for OK, for a school report.
6
FWrite a more formal word or phrase for help out, for a school report.
7
PSWrite one formal sentence that asks for a change, using I would be grateful if.
8
PSRewrite this informal sentence in formal English: We're gonna talk about the plan. Use the word discuss.
9
PSWhich phrase is more formal for ending a letter? Choose one: Cheers! or Yours faithfully,.
10
FWrite the formal word for help out. Write the word only.
11
RExplain in one sentence why I would be grateful if is more formal than thanks.
12
PSRewrite this sentence in a formal way: The team's gonna put off the match. Use the word postpone.
13
RName one formal word that you would use in a letter to a bank, instead of get.
14
FRewrite The kids went to the park. in a formal way, using children. Write the new sentence.
15
RExplain in one sentence why a formal letter avoids slang.
7.3

The subjunctive: if I were you

Year 6
Use the subjunctive in formal English, e.g. if I were you (Y5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The subjunctive: if I were youComing soon
Story. A pupil asks the careers adviser for help. The adviser says, if I were you, I would apply for the scholarship, and that the decision is yours to make.

The subjunctive is a form of the verb used for imagined or unreal situations, and for wishes. After if, the subjunctive uses were for all subjects: if I were, if she were, if they were.

In everyday speech many people say if I was, but in formal writing the subjunctive were is used for imagined situations.

The subjunctive after if

SentenceFormWhy
If I were you, I would apply.werean imagined situation
If she were taller, she could reach.werean imagined situation

Key ideas

  • After if, use were for an imagined or unreal situation.
  • Were is used for I, he, she, it and they in the subjunctive.
  • The subjunctive is found in formal writing and speech.
Worked example 7.3.1
Complete the sentence: If I ___ you, I would apply for the scholarship. Write the word from the options was or were.

Method. Think about whether the situation is imagined.

  1. Find the situation. The speaker is not really you, so the situation is imagined.
    imagined
  2. Choose the form. After if, for an imagined situation, the subjunctive is were.
    were
  3. Check the sentence. If I were you, I would apply for the scholarship.
    were
  4. Write the answer.
    were

Check. were is the subjunctive after if. ✓

Worked example 7.3.2
Complete the sentence: If she ___ taller, she could reach the top shelf. Write the word from the options was or were.

Method. The situation is imagined, so use the subjunctive were.

  1. Find the situation. She is not taller, so the situation is imagined.
    not taller
  2. Choose the form. The subjunctive after if is were.
    were
  3. Check the sentence. If she were taller, she could reach the top shelf.
    were
  4. Write the answer.
    were

Check. were is used for an imagined situation. ✓

Worked example 7.3.3
Is the subjunctive used in If he is in charge, he will decide.? Answer yes or no.

Method. The situation is real and possible, so the ordinary present is used, not the subjunctive.

  1. Check the situation. He might be in charge, so the situation is real.
    real
  2. Choose the form. A real situation uses is, not were.
    is
  3. Write the answer. The subjunctive is not used here.
    no
  4. Write the answer.
    no

Check. A real situation uses the ordinary present. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: use were in an imagined situation, not was. Write If I were you, not If I was you, in formal writing.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to finish three sentences that begin with If I were, such as If I were a bird, I would fly to the sea.

Exercise 7C  Practice: the subjunctive after if

1
FChoose the word that completes the sentence: If I ___ you, I would apply for the scholarship. Choose one: was or were.
2
FChoose the word that completes the sentence: I suggest that she ___ the book before the test. Choose one: reads or read.
3
PSChoose the word that completes the sentence: If it ___ sunny, we would go to the beach. Choose one: was or were.
4
PSChoose the word that completes the sentence: If I ___ a bird, I would fly over the sea. Choose one: was or were.
5
FWrite the form of the verb to be that completes this formal sentence: If the team ___ fitter, it would win. Write the word only.
6
PSWrite one sentence that begins with If I were and gives advice.
7
RExplain in one sentence why were is used in If I were you.
8
PSChoose the word that completes the sentence: If she ___ on time, she would have caught the bus. Choose one: had been or was.
9
PSRewrite in formal English: If I was you, I would ask the teacher. Use the subjunctive were.
10
FChoose the word that completes the sentence: If the king ___ alive, he would be proud. Choose one: was or were.
11
FChoose the subjunctive form in If he were the captain, the team would win. Write the word only.
12
RWrite a formal sentence that uses if I were for an imagined situation about a famous person, without naming a real person.
7.4

The subjunctive in formal statements: it is essential that he attend

Year 6
Use the subjunctive in formal English, e.g. it is essential that he attend (Y5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The subjunctive in formal statements: it is essential that he attendComing soon
Story. A school letter says that it is essential that every pupil attend the meeting, and that the head teacher insisted that each form be signed by Friday.

In formal writing, the subjunctive is also used after words such as essential that, vital that, suggest that and insist that. Here the verb takes its base form: the plain form, such as attend, be or read.

The base form after that

SentenceVerb in the base form
It is essential that every pupil attend.attend
The head teacher insisted that the form be signed.be
I suggest that she read the book.read

Key ideas

  • After essential that, vital that, suggest that and insist that, use the base form.
  • The base form does not change for the subject: she attend, he be, they read.
  • This form is common in formal letters, rules and reports.
Worked example 7.4.1
Complete the sentence: It is essential that every pupil ___ on time. Write the word from the options arrive or arrives.

Method. After essential that, use the base form, without an s.

  1. Find the phrase. It is essential that is the formal phrase.
    essential that
  2. Choose the base form. The base form of the verb is arrive, without an s.
    arrive
  3. Check the sentence. It is essential that every pupil arrive on time.
    arrive
  4. Write the answer.
    arrive

Check. The base form arrive follows essential that. ✓

Worked example 7.4.2
Complete the sentence: The head teacher insisted that the form ___ signed today. Write the word from the options is or be.

Method. After insisted that, use the base form be.

  1. Find the phrase. Insisted that is followed by the subjunctive.
    insisted that
  2. Choose the base form. The base form of is is be.
    be
  3. Check the sentence. The form be signed today.
    be
  4. Write the answer.
    be

Check. be is the base form after insisted that. ✓

Worked example 7.4.3
Complete the sentence: I suggest that she ___ the book before the test. Write the word from the options reads or read.

Method. After suggest that, use the base form, without an s.

  1. Find the phrase. I suggest that is followed by the subjunctive.
    suggest that
  2. Choose the base form. Read is the base form, without the s.
    read
  3. Check the sentence. I suggest that she read the book.
    read
  4. Write the answer.
    read

Check. read is the base form. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: do not add an s to the verb after essential that, insist that or suggest that. Write she attend, not she attends.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to read a school rule aloud, and to find the verb after a phrase such as it is essential that.

Exercise 7D  Practice: the subjunctive in formal statements

1
FChoose the word that completes the sentence: It is essential that every pupil ___ on time. Choose one: arrives or arrive.
2
FChoose the word that completes the sentence: The head teacher insisted that the form ___ signed today. Choose one: is or be.
3
FChoose the word that completes the sentence: I suggest that she ___ the book before the test. Choose one: reads or read.
4
FChoose the word that completes the sentence: It is vital that he ___ the rules before he starts. Choose one: understands or understand.
5
FChoose the word that completes the sentence: It is vital that he ___ the rules before he starts. Choose one: understands or understand.
6
PSChoose the word that completes the sentence: The rule states that every form ___ signed by the parent. Choose one: is or be.
7
PSCorrect the verb in this formal sentence: It is essential that every pupil attends the meeting. Write the corrected sentence.
8
FWrite the base form of the verb in I suggest that they wait outside. Write the word only.
9
PSWrite one formal sentence using it is essential that and the base form of bring.
10
RExplain in one sentence why attend is used, not attends, in It is essential that he attend.
11
PSChoose the word that completes the sentence: The doctor recommends that she ___ more water. Choose one: drinks or drink.
12
FWrite the verb in the base form: It is important that everyone listens carefully. Write the word only.
13
RExplain in one sentence when a formal writer might use the subjunctive, such as in a rule or a demand.
14
PSChoose the word that completes the sentence: It is essential that the door ___ locked at night. Choose one: is or be.
7.5

Grammatical terms for the Year 6 book

Year 6
Use the grammatical terminology of this book, including subjunctive, formal, informal and register (Y5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Grammatical terms for the Year 6 bookComing soon
Story. A pupil is writing a review of a book for the school website. She uses the terms subjunctive, register and clause, and she checks each one against the glossary.

Good writers use grammatical terms accurately. These terms help you to talk about your writing, and to check it. The table below lists the terms used in this chapter and in chapters 5 to 9.

Terms to know

TermMeaning
formallanguage used in serious or official writing and speech, with no slang
informalrelaxed language used with friends and family
registerthe level of formality that suits a situation, audience and purpose
subjunctivea form of the verb, such as were or the base form, used for wishes, suggestions and formal demands
contractiona short form of two words, with an apostrophe, such as can't for cannot
ellipsisleaving out a word that the reader can work out, such as the subject
slangvery informal words that are not used in formal writing
base formthe plain form of a verb, such as arrive, be or read
clausea group of words with a verb, which can be a main clause or a subordinate clause
tonethe attitude the writer shows to the reader, such as polite or friendly

Key ideas

  • Learn each term with one example.
  • Use the terms to describe your writing and to check it.
  • Register, formal, informal and subjunctive are the terms of this chapter.
Worked example 7.5.1
Which term is the form of a verb used in formal demands, such as it is essential that he attend?

Method. Think about the meaning of each term.

  1. Find the meaning. A form of the verb used for formal demands and suggestions.
    formal demands
  2. Name the term. That is the subjunctive.
    subjunctive
  3. Write the answer.
    subjunctive

Check. The subjunctive is used in formal demands. ✓

Worked example 7.5.2
Which term means the level of formality that suits a situation, an audience and a purpose?

Method. Think about what the level of formality depends on.

  1. Find the meaning. Level of formality is the meaning of register.
    level of formality
  2. Name the term. Register is the term.
    register
  3. Write the answer.
    register

Check. register is the level of formality. ✓

Worked example 7.5.3
Which term means leaving out a word that the reader can work out, such as the subject?

Method. Think about what is left out.

  1. Find the meaning. A word is left out, and the reader can work it out.
    left out
  2. Name the term. That is ellipsis.
    ellipsis
  3. Write the answer.
    ellipsis

Check. ellipsis leaves out a word. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: formal and informal are not good or bad. Each suits a different purpose, and the choice depends on the reader.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to explain one term in this section to you, with an example from a book they have read.

Exercise 7E  Practice: grammatical terms

1
FWrite the grammatical term for: language used in serious or official writing and speech, with no slang.
2
FWrite the grammatical term for: relaxed language used with friends and family.
3
FWrite the grammatical term for: the level of formality that suits a situation, audience and purpose.
4
FWrite the grammatical term for: a form of the verb, such as were or the base form, used for wishes, suggestions and formal demands.
5
FWrite the grammatical term for: a short form of two words, with an apostrophe, such as can't for cannot.
6
FWrite the grammatical term for: leaving out a word that the reader can work out, such as the subject.
7
FWrite the grammatical term for: very informal words that are not used in formal writing.
8
FWrite the grammatical term for: the plain form of a verb, such as arrive, be or read.
9
FWrite the grammatical term for: a group of words with a verb, which can be a main clause or a subordinate clause.
10
FWrite the grammatical term for: the attitude the writer shows to the reader, such as polite or friendly.
11
PSUse the term subjunctive correctly in one sentence about a rule.
12
FWhich term describes the level of formality, such as formal or informal? Write the word only.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
RegisterThe level of formality that suits the situation, the audience and the purpose.
Informal featuresContractions, slang and ellipsis, used with friends and family.
Formal wordsPrecise words such as request, discuss, obtain, and no slang or contractions.
Subjunctive after ifWere for an imagined situation: If I were you.
Subjunctive after a formal phraseThe base form after essential that, vital that, suggest that and insist that: it is essential that he attend.
TermsSubjunctive, formal, informal, register, contraction, ellipsis, slang, base form, clause and tone.

Can you…?

  • I can tell formal English from informal English, by its vocabulary and features
  • I can rewrite an informal sentence in formal English
  • I can use were after if for an imagined situation
  • I can use the base form after essential that, vital that, suggest that and insist that
  • I can use the grammatical terms of this book accurately

Key terms

register
the level of formality that suits the situation, audience and purpose
formal English
English used in serious or official writing, with full words and no slang
informal English
English used with friends and family, with contractions, slang and ellipsis
subjunctive
a form of the verb used for imagined situations and formal demands
base form
the plain form of a verb, such as attend, be or read
contraction
a short form of two words, with an apostrophe
ellipsis
leaving out a word that the reader can work out
slang
very informal words that are not used in formal writing
tone
the attitude the writer shows to the reader

Exercise 7Z  Check-up

1
Write a more formal word or phrase for get, for a school report.
2
Write out in full, with no contraction: it's
3
Write out in full, with no contraction: won't
4
Choose the word that completes the sentence: If I ___ you, I would apply. Choose one: was or were.
5
Choose the word that completes the sentence: It is essential that she ___ on time. Choose one: arrives or arrive.
6
Write the grammatical term for: a form of the verb used for imagined situations and formal demands.
7
Write the grammatical term for: leaving out a word that the reader can work out.
8
Rewrite in formal English: The kids can't go. Write the sentence.
9
Explain in one sentence the difference between formal and informal English.
10
Which word completes the formal sentence: The council requires that every form ___ by Friday. Use the base form of return. Write the word only.

Total 16 marks. Allow about 16 minutes.

Exercise 7X  Practice test questions

1
FWrite the formal word for ask for, which fits a letter to the council. Write the word only.[1 mark]
2
PSRewrite this sentence in formal English: The kids can't go on the trip. Write the new sentence.[2 marks]
3
PSComplete the sentence with the correct form: If I ___ the captain, I would choose a different team. Write the word only.[1 mark]
4
PSComplete the sentence with the base form of the verb: It is essential that every pupil ___ the form before Friday. Write the word only.[1 mark]
5
FName the feature of informal English shown by Looks good to me!, where the subject is left out. Write one word.[1 mark]
6
PSRewrite this informal sentence in formal English, using discuss: We need to talk about the plan. Write the new sentence.[2 marks]
7
PSWrite one formal sentence using it is vital that and the base form of understand. Use a capital letter and a full stop.[2 marks]
8
RExplain in one or two sentences why a formal letter avoids slang and contractions.[3 marks]
9
FWrite the term for a short form of two words with an apostrophe, such as can't. Write the word only.[1 mark]
10
RExplain in one sentence what the register of a text means.[2 marks]
← Chapter 6: Modal verbs, the perfect form and the passiveChapter 8: Semi-colons, colons, dashes, bullet points and hyphens →

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