大一英语课程

Three different writing styles

Formal –Ideas are presented politely and carefully. Use fixed expressions and long words. The language is impersonal. Grammar and punctuation

1. Formal

Ideas are presented politely and carefully.

Use fixed expressions and long words.

The language is impersonal.

Grammar and punctuation are important

This style is not common in emails, but you can find it if the subject matter is serious (e.g. a complaint)

2. Neutral / Standard

The most common style in professional/work emails.

The writer and reader are both busy so the language is simple, clear, and direct.

Sentences are short and there is use of contractions (I’ve for I have etc)

The language is more personal.

However, the style is not similar to speech –it is too direct.

3. Informal

The most common style for emails between friends.

The email can be very short, or it could include personal news, funny comments, etc.

This is the style that is closest to speech, so there are everyday words and conversational expressions.

Good grammar isn’t very important

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Note: with business emails you can mix styles to some extent, but don’t mix styles at the two extremes.

If in doubt, follow the style of the other person

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Shortening words

In some emails, you can find very abbreviated forms.

The writer wants to write very quickly and the meaning is clear from the context. There are three techniques:

Using a letter to stand for a sound (‘c’= see)

Making a short form of a common word (‘yr’= your)

Writing the letters of a well-known phrase (‘asap’= as soon as possible)

Writing iii

Examples of common abbreviations

题目

i.e. –which is

e.g. –for example

P.S. –adding some more information at the end that I forgot

asap –as soon as possible

no. –number

ref. –reference

re –regarding

qty –quantity

w/ - with

pls –please

yr, ur –your

atm –at the moment

l8r –later

rgds –regards

thx, tnx –thanks

msg –message

btw –by the way

CU, cya –see you

tech –technical

FAQ –Frequently Asked Questions

Jan Oct

Feb Nov

Mar Dec

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

Sun

sec –second

min –minute

hr –hour ....................................

Asking for Information

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Write an email and a reply

You are going to EDC Corporation next Tuesday for a meeting with Henri Roland, the sales director. You want to ask your friend who works there, Helen, for some information about the company.

Reply to your friend. Tell them you have met Henri Roland several times. Attach a Word