The Three Englishes

1. The Three Englishes Friendspeak Conversational English Formal English

2. Friendspeak • Informal and filled with slang • Tends to break formal English rules • Is an intimate, relaxed dialogue between friends that often incorporates a sort of “code” that an outsider would have trouble deciphering.

3. Friendspeak Most commonly used in: • Casual social settings • Texts, emails, and instant messages to close friends • Creative writing when trying to create authentic dialogue scenes between characters.

4. Friendspeak Example: Heather says, “I’m gonna see my favhottie’s new movie with Eleanor on Friday, wanna come?” Allison replies, “Whatever—that chick is whack, I’ll pass.”

5. Conversational English • Includes friendliness • Breaks less formal English “rules” • Still most appropriate for conversations, not formal writing such as essays.

6. Conversational English Most commonly used when: • Talking with family, neighbors, and acquaintances • Talking to teachers, fellow students, and co-workers • Writing letters, emails, and internet bulletin boards or blogs (informal writing)

7. Conversational English Example: • Heather says, “I’m gonna be late to class on Friday, will you take notes for me until I get there?” • Allison replies, “No problem, but I have to leave early so how about we trade notes online later?”

8. Formal English • Shows knowledge of advanced vocabulary, etiquette and use of English rules • Often signifies status • Used to impress, guide, or set a dignified tone • Gives the speaker credibility

9. Formal English Most commonly used in: • Business letters, emails, or a resume • Office memos or reports • Homework, essays • Speeches, presentations, and oral reports • Important Conversations: job or college interviews, parole hearings, and explaining why you didn’t finish your homework.

10. Formal English Example: • Heather and Allison have been assigned to work together on a midterm essay. The teacher asks Heather what topic they chose, then asks Allison where they will be working on the assignment during Friday’s open classroom hours. • Heather replies, “We have agreed to do our joint essay on French influences in South American Architecture, specifically in Buenos Aires, Argentina during the second half of the twentieth century.” • Allison replies, “I will accompany Heather to the library during the open class on Friday.”

11. Friendspeak

12. Conversational English

13. Formal English

14. Formal English • In short, if Formal English was hanging in your closet, it would be a tuxedo. So if you want to look your best, are being judged, or want to convey information with authority, such as within an essay, you should use formal English.