What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to write formal English for official letters, documents and announcements.
When do I use it?
Formal English is used in official letters, legal documents, announcements and academic correspondence. Its features:
- No contractions: "I am", "we have", "it is".
- Passive voice: "The decision was made" instead of "We decided".
- Formal vocabulary: "request" (ask), "assist" (help), "inform" (tell), "purchase" (buy), "regret" (be sorry).
- Full structures: "I would like to inform you that..." "Please find attached..."
- No slang, no phrasal verbs, no "you" in impersonal documents: "Applicants must provide..."
How do I form it?
full forms + passive + formal verbs + precise connectors
- I am writing to request further information.
- The meeting has been rescheduled to Monday.
- Applicants are required to submit their documents.
- We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.
- Kindly note that the office will be closed on Friday.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish formal letters are MORE formal than English ones. "Sírvase", "se ruega" do not translate literally — "please" is enough. Do not use "Dear Sirs" for all genders (use "Dear Sir/Madam" or the name). Contractions are banned: "I'm writing" is wrong in a formal letter. And "inform you that" takes a clause, not "about": "inform you that the meeting is cancelled", never "inform you that the meeting is cancelled" with a wrong "about" → "inform you about the cancellation" (noun).
Full forms, passive, formal verbs. Keep it impersonal and precise. No contractions, no slang.
Practice
Multiple Choice
C1Which sentence is formal English?
Fill in the Blank
C1Applicants are to submit their documents.
Hint: Formal impersonal structure: 'are required to'.
Find the Error
C1Sentence Transformation
C1Task: Rewrite formally with the passive
Hint: Passive voice is typical of formal English.
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: C1