The English Language has 4 Registers: How well do you know them?

[@Gawainer]

Thanks for this very informative contribution! This 73 year old native speaker just learned something interesting about English.

[@oxanatrobyuk5647]

I can't help but enjoy your way of teaching the language. Bravo!

[@guillaumeromain6694]

Thank you Gideon for following up on this. You are brilliant. I love the content you put out.

[@LetThemTalkTV]

You're too kind

[@Хунвейбин666]

I'm always extremely delighted when I have an opportunity to watch your new videos. The recent ones are just marvelous. Keep it up, Gideon!

[@Rh0mbus]

As an American the formal register sounds way more formal than anything I see in any context here even in white collar work. It almost sounds joking because it is so formal, comes across nearly sarcastic. I wonder if it is different in different countries.

[@OceanChild75]

This was so interesting, thank you so much! I had never realised that politicians tend to use neutral register, I will pay attention to it - well apart from Jacob Rees-Mogg but he is definitely not trying to me "a man of the people" is he? 😂 I guess most native English speakers change register without realising it to match the situation they find themselves in but it can be challenging for non-native speakers to gauge whether or not a word is too "formal". I know I do struggle, but I also think being a native French speaker push me to use words of French origin, which tend to be formal from my understanding. The second part of your video was very amusing! 😂 You are excellent at finding the right balance between informative and fun. It is always a pleasure seeing new videos on your channel, although I do hope you haven’t been overworking yourself as you have published quite a lot recently

[@LetThemTalkTV]

You're very kind thanks. In addition to making videos I have a full-time job so, yes, a little overworked but enjoying it just the same.

[@davidlinehat4657]

Maybe academic formality differs with the field of study? I have degree in History and we were taught to use the active voice. The mother of my children has doctorate in Social Work and tends to use the more passive form

[@terencedenman702]

There is no need for ‘academic’ style even in academia. People should write in a natural conversational style as if talking to the reader in a classroom. Any technical words should be joined by natural, conversational words for the most part. Absolutely convinced of this.

[@philosophyofiron9686]

it feels to me like there are substantive distinctions of formality, tone, vocabulary, grammar etc. to be made within the registers mentioned here. Like, the style of phrasing it is normative to use when we speak to shop employees or ask strangers for directions is markedly different from the way journalists and pundits speak to audiences and to each other. When I was learning Mandarin, we learned this oxymoronic-sounding term that translates to "formal colloquial" to denote the register of news publications and journalists. I think this term actually works remarkably well to describe how this same milieu speaks in English (both in the US and UK, even if the US is permissive of a bit higher degree of informality). What especially makes the term "formal colloquial" sound right, is that the language journalists and pundits use is, in my experience, barely distinguishable at all from the way groups of educated, non-intimate /not-especially close friends and associates speak with each other in casual conversation. The exact same idioms, fixed expressions and collocations arise in these contexts as to do when watching the news (ex. "shot over the bow," "tip the scales," "make headway," "full disclosure," "red herring," "groundswell," "card-carrying," "persona non grata," "abject failure," etc.)

[@konradm6514]

If somebody in bank talks to you " sit down love we can chat about your loan" you are in West Yorkshire.😄 And I loved this when I was living there for 12 years. Best wishes from Poland to all on this wonderful channel. Thank you Gideon. By the way may I ask if your ancestors are of French origin ?

[@LetThemTalkTV]

it's true in West Yorkshire they do sound like that. I know because I lived in Leeds for a while.

[@caraboska]

Honestly? What you term "formal register" here sounds like pretty ordinary dinner table conversation or e-mail correspondence with my family. The "medium" version sounded like a discreetly simplified version for the benefit of English learners who might not yet be at C2 level. My idea of "formal register" would be something like this: Praise the Lord. On the occasion of his 16th birthday, I have the pleasure to wish His Royal Highness Marcel Hairy Icchak Ebenezer Filemon, Prince Racławicki a long, happy and healthy life, as well as to extend him my most sincere gratitude for his love, friendship and companionship. May God bless you today and always HRH Ludwika Elizabeth Małgorzata Iman Hatszepsut, Princess Pędzichowska, Princess Consort Racławicka PS Yes, I really do say such things as "He has vastly more experience than I" or even just "It is I" in ordinary conversation. Your illustration of "He's got considerably more experience than I _have_ " showcases perfectly why this is the correct usage :) PPS I don't remember the exact details of my conversation with my parents about adopting a vegan diet, but I had already been a vegetarian for some years when it took place. So, that final dialogue could have played out as follows: Mom: Hello, [name]. Would you be available to visit us for lunch on Sunday? [Yours truly]: Certainly. However, before we proceed, I need to give you a heads-up: I have recently adopted a vegan diet. Mom: OK, I'm sure we can come up with something appropriate. Now, I assume that means no more milk products or eggs. What about honey? Do bees count as animals too? [Yours truly]: Yes, they do :) Mom: OK, duly noted :)

[@soundscape26]

If you use the formal register Gideon used in the video at an ordinary table conversation you're quite a posh person. It's too cumbersome and unnatural for me.

[@caraboska]

​@@soundscape26 I suspect that the term "posh" is inapplicable here, in that my family comes from the United States, and my parents live there to this day. I think that age and education probably have more to do with how our English came to be the way it is: - I date from the tail end of the Baby Boom; and my parents, from the period right around the beginning of World War II; - All of us hold degrees from institutions to be found on the first page of the Times World University Rankings. Be that as it may, my parents were very careful never to speak "baby talk" to me, so what I like to call "Ivy English" is pretty much all I knew until I graduated from university and entered the work force.

[@Kehich]

Great video as always. Thank you, Gideon, for explanation and clarification of this important topic! I must admit, I never knew there are four Registers, although I knew about Informal and Formal already.

[@schitlipz]

Sounds like situational scripts from psychology. We all behave (and talk) according to the present roll we're in. Often speech isn't involved, like waiting in a line - the script is move, pause, move, pause. Register is a good word for it.

[@josecarrales2842]

As an example. When talking to close friends one can almost sound insulting. In the intimate register you can get away with... "Don't be an idiot, hit the damn books!" Versus... "If you wanted to know this, you might study it a bit more." Versus... "If one wished to be aware of the matter, one would make it an area of academic pursuit."

[@whiskeylullaby1592]

thank you gideon this is video that i’ve been looking

[@KamalKumar-bw4sv]

Something exciting to learn,indeed....thank u so much,🙏

[@vania698]

Thank you!

[@whiskeylullaby1592]

we need more video like this

[@cleancoder3838]

A good salesman/woman adapts his/her register to the kind of person whom he/she is selling something to be more successful. (That's part of NLP)

[@user-bf8ud9vt5b]

Registers of English language formality: Formal Informal Australian

[@exdejesus]

Very interesting! Makes so much sense.

[@kadowaluna1]

Hello, Gideon, that’s better, wow! As usual very creative, greetings from Sendai Jp from a Mexican living here, ‘Ta

[@LetThemTalkTV]

Cheers, gracias, arigato. Glad you liked the video.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

Is it bad that the toaster one had me thinking of Fry & Laurie (I could hear a Stephen Fry character selling the toaster in the formal register), Red Dwarf (that one should be obvious), & Dr Who (w/a bit of editing: "Who looks at a toaster & thinks, 'Ooh, this could be a little more wi-fi'?")?

[@Middle-Road.Kim.K]

I'm wondering if you should cover sarcasm? I remember learning that the most common way we insinuate sarcasm is by changing register (with the exception of 'dead-panning'). English sarcasm should probably be a course in and of itself. 😆

[@LetThemTalkTV]

I will cover sarcasm in a video coming up very soon. Stay tuned.

[@Middle-Road.Kim.K]

@@LetThemTalkTV Thank you! I tried to explain sarcasm to my son when he was little and failed miserably. I'm looking forward to watching how you explain such a nuanced aspect of English. 🤔

[@АлексейЛоринов]

What a music english English is! Thanks a lot mr Gideon.

[@LetThemTalkTV]

My pleasure

[@soundscape26]

So interesting. I guess this is something we learn unconsciously in our native languages. The casual register is my formal register, very rarely do I need to go higher and whenever I do I sound like a posh snobbish person. Also... "If I were you", not "If I was you"... I can't be you.

[@LetThemTalkTV]

yes but..."if he was here yesterday", or "if he were here yesterday"? then it's not so easy.

[@soundscape26]

@@LetThemTalkTV The way I learnt is that "were" is for hypothetical situations so whenever there's an "if" I go with "were". But of course since you say it's not easy there's more to it I'm sure.

[@nHans]

Ah yes, the "mood"-yet another dimension of English grammar. There are 3 moods: subjunctive, indicative, and imperative. The subjunctive is used for hypothetical situations, as in your example. But I guess that's a topic for another day, eh Gideon? My 2¢ on _"if he _*_was_*_ here yesterday"_ v. _"if he _*_were_*_ here yesterday":_ ➔ _"If he _*_was_*_ here yesterday, he couldn't have been in New York committing the murder."_ - logical deduction; indicative mood. ➔ _"If he _*_were_*_ here yesterday, he could've proposed to her before Brian did."_ - wishful thinking; subjunctive mood. Strictly speaking, it's wrong to use "was" for hypotheticals. But that usage has become so common that it's considered acceptable for everyday speech. Unless you're pedantic, like Sheldon Cooper. 🤣 Here's Jim Morrison of _The Doors_ singing the highly popular lyrics _"You know that I would be a liar / If I _*_was_*_ to say to you / Girl, we couldn't get much higher."_ Grates on my ears-but that's only because I'm not a native English speaker. I was formally trained in English by old-school matrons of the _"don't spare the rod"_ variety. How I wish they had whacked _his_ knuckles mercilessly with a ruler's edge for saying "was"!

[@anonymous-cq7wj]

I don't think the formal register is learned unconsciously by most people. If you weren't raised/educated by your family to speak formally, you probably had to learn consciously in school or even later in life (especially for less well off people whose education did not prepare them to use the formal register properly.)

[@rickebuschcatherine2729]

Thanks Gideon....

[@ghlscitel6714]

Register #5: Confrontational Yes or no?

[@laszloleka751]

Mum: Yes, the register was much more appropriate but vegan? Not even fish!? Still no money coming to you son! Very good episode, it was good fun to watch!

[@NinaFelwitch]

I like "unfortunately" way too much to only use it in formal speech :D

[@lucycarrington3559]

Loved it!!

[@benbrown3778]

If you're not a native English speaker, and you like learning the language from TV, a courtroom drama will usually have the lot. Something like a Soap will not show you a realistic portrayal. Just my two penn’orth.

[@lucacolombo7603]

That's the hardest aspect of the language to nail

[@williamduncan7401]

It is paramount that I shall hereby happen to inform you that after extensive and thorough investigation of the aforementioned linguistic matter, it has been concluded unanimously that it most definitely is one of the aspects of the utmost difficulty that one can attempt to perfect.

[@soundscape26]

When in doubt... go neutral. 😄

[@katharinaangelazafarani7220]

in any language, I might add...

[@edgarrodriguez8973]

Registers are difficult in every language, pragmatics is not easy. Even in my mother tongue, Spanish, I have the tendency to be quite formal, only in family or couple situations do I not use formal words or structures. Ahhh and when speaking in Brazilian Portuguese!

[@lenyaeger9969]

While both are grammatically correct, "you know your wife better than me" means something completely different than "you know your wife better than I."

[@mamymimma]

Both interesting and amusing, which is the best combination to me 😊

[@LetThemTalkTV]

Happy to hear you think that.

[@besacciaesteban]

Formal: "The officers failed to act to prevent fatalities" Informal/Real: "The police stood watching as people died"

[@callaway5148]

Is spelling a different subject than grammar?

[@norridinabdulkarim8633]

Hi teacher how are you.nice to see you

[@LetThemTalkTV]

nice to see you too.

[@cavesalamander6308]

He-he, I believe all of that dialogs (both initial and improved editions) are the result of AI creative work, aren't they? 🙂 Thank you for the video, excellent as always!

[@LetThemTalkTV]

This time they were written by humans but the AI bot videos are coming soon.

[@jari2018]

@@LetThemTalkTV - Ai would make the content less interesting

[@michellef520]

Anyone have a transcript? This as none

[@IBakeBread]

Thank you very much for your lessons. May i ask,if its not a secret, do you have any Armenian relatives in your family?

[@LetThemTalkTV]

You're welcome. I will ask them.

[@manjirabanerjee7169]

Sir Gideon ,what should we do while checking students' answers? I have told them by far not to use object pronouns in sentences like the ones you mentioned -- those me and I issues.

[@LetThemTalkTV]

OK, answer this question: "Who's there?" is the answer "it's me" or "it is I"? The grammar "rule" says "it is I" is correct but absolutely nobody says that. It's more complex that saying "me" is wrong and "I" is correct

[@manjirabanerjee7169]

@@LetThemTalkTV Thank you Sir . The problem is --most schools in my country ( India) still follow the traditional grammar book replete with 'rules' , and hence, both pupils and teachers get baffled from time to time.

[@Nunaromedus]

Thanks. I thought it were only 3 Registers. I forgot about the Intimate one.

[@LetThemTalkTV]

Actually there are more than four. You have for example the "frozen" or "ceremonial" register but I didn't cover them because they are almost never used in conversation.

[@freddiemercury8700]

Gideon's new toster that comes with Wi-Fi is the dog's bollocks, it's the best thing since sliced bread. It's no brainer, I am having one. Now let's get to the nitty gritty ! How much do you want for it r kid ?

[@OceanChild75]

Salam Alekum Baba 😂 you always slay me with your comments! I hope you are well & everything is alright in Casablanca x

[@freddiemercury8700]

Ahhh! Look what the cat dragged in! The woman from birkenhead ! O'right luv ? Lovely jubbly ! Always a pleasure to hear from you. I am missing New Brighton ☹ Thanks for dropping a line. Much obliged and appreciated. Ta-ra and take care for now. Au revoir 👋

[@OceanChild75]

@@freddiemercury8700 hahaha 🤣 believe me mate, that time a year you don’t wanna be in grey, cold and damp New Brighton! I’d rather be in sunny Morocco right now that’s for sure. Great victory for LFC on Sunday, Scousers were proper made up! Last time LFC played against United was in August and we got battered

[@freddiemercury8700]

Yes, I was gonna mention it, but since you're a lady, I thought you wouldn't be interested in footy. Mo salah, oh Mo salah, is the handsome king of Scousers' land. Check Agadir weather for this weekend coming, the temperature will hit 32°C and it's only mid of March. The summer is already here! Happy days 😎😉🕺💃🕺💃 Shall I send you some scirocco from Morocco ? 😛😜😝

[@OceanChild75]

@@freddiemercury8700 my husband is a Kopite so even though I’m not a fan of football I am very much aware of it hahaha 🤣 I do like Mo Salah, Konaté (he is from my neck of the woods you know haha my local boy) and Jurgen Klopp! I’ve heard rumours about Mo leaving LFC for PSG, I’d be gutted if he went. 32 degrees?! No way, I’m jealous mate!! I hope you make the most of it ☀️ It was quite sunny in Birko today though fairly cold 🥶 I had to wear my woolly hat, scarf and gloves! We got hail last night and it looks like it may snow later this week! What is a "scirocco"? I just googled it and all I found was a German car haha

[@Juanvmailbox]

Dear teacher: when I studied English decades ago, the infinitive form was done with the use of "to", e. g. "to be or not to be". Also the ing ending had the same function, e. g. "going to walk is healthy". But using both was a big mistake: "I like to going there", it was wrong for every teacher. Nevertheless, the last decade all native speakers are saying that: "I prefer to riding my bike". Everybody, including presidents and you are saying what was considered a mistake before. Do you have a video about it?

[@hudsonsilver4482]

Probably one bluetooth toaster should be a better offer than a wifi toaster

[@dingodog5677]

Informal register is not aloud in the modern workplace. Too many chances to get called out for a major thought crime and sacked or sent to jail.

[@dingodog5677]

@@terencedenman702 oops I meant “not allowed aloud”😂🤣

[@johnmbradford]

It's not a phrase - it's a sentence!

[@Sauvageonne]

I remember when MS Word was marking passive voice as incorrect all the time (as too convoluted). MS has lost this battle.

[@LetThemTalkTV]

it's true that the passive is overused, so I understand why Word flagged it.

[@cleancoder3838]

4:46 "posisition" is no valid English word. I Wonder who else caught that (And I am no native English speaker)

[@shakerbanumyrzakhanova6321]

👍👍👏👏

[@ralphmarlow6627]

Speaking to politicians you use the term "Bigly" no?

[@braidybecket8946]

What's a "Laartay"? 😁

[@ildarmingazov2304]

Hey there! I am so in feel with those poor vegan boy that can't eat a food made by hand of his mum. Really.

[@LetThemTalkTV]

it's true but the animals are happy.

[@helenemelon]

Is register the same as code switching?

[@leopard36cat]

What he harping on bout now, Oi once walked under a ladder, an the very next day lorst a good litter o' pig an arl because oi fergot to crorse me fingers!. Yew take moi tip, marster, an alwis crorses yer finger under a ladder! yew all sat in that there reading room chapsing all the noight, an' when they finished arping they aint said nothing!. anyhows thar'll be rain afore midnight, yew see if thar ain't. dang cold march as they says A wet march makes a sad harvest!.

[@lynnodonnell4764]

Absolutely never of that term, register. Was there a differant term Boomers would have learned in school?

[@unarmoredwtf]

i'll give you a thumbdown for the stupid wristband

[@kerbicz]

I'm giving you a thumb down for a stupid comment.

[@vasylysapre8059]

Better give yourself two fingers, dear

[@AMWE-gh7ti]

I had to turn on captions to understand this guy is saying "Part one", horrible ☠️