Formality in spoken and written English

What does it mean to know a word? The basic meaning is obviously important, but you also need to know how it is spelt, how it is pronounced, how it behaves grammatically in a sentence and how it is used with other words (its collocations). You also need to know the types of context and situations in which the word can be used appropriately. Many words and phrases have similar meanings; they are, on the surface, synonymous. However, not all synonyms are appropriate for use in different contexts. Throughout this dictionary, we have included a number of Register notes to highlight the differences between synonymous words or phrases that are more typical of spoken or written English, or of formal or informal contexts. Look, for example, at the entry for proceed. There you will find a note that explains that proceed is typical of formal contexts, and in informal contexts, a native speaker is more likely to say go ahead. Look out for these notes to ensure that you choose the most appropriate vocabulary for spoken and written contexts. Thesaurus notes also highlight differences between closely related synonyms. Look, for example, at the Thesaurus box at allow. There you will find that let is used much more in everyday English than allow, whilst permit is used especially in more formal contexts, for example in written notices and announcements. The following pages focus on functional language language that you use to do something, such as agreeing with someone or asking someone to do something for you contrasting synonymous words and phrases to explain which ones are more appropriate for formal written contexts and which are more suited to informal spoken contexts.

Contents
Agreeing Disagreeing Apologizing Opinions Requests Suggestions Hello Goodbye Thank you A2 A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 A13 A14 A16

Agreeing
in everyday English

A2

youre right/thats right etc used when you agree with what someone says: Its too far to walk. Youre right. Lets get a taxi. | This food was grown without any artificial fertilizers. Thats right, its completely organic. | He is right when he says that the world economy is facing its most serious challenge in half a century. I agree this sounds a little more serious and more formal than saying youre right: All this packaging is unnecessary. Its bad for the environment. I agree. | I agree that there is no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad owner. | I agree with Professor Murphys analysis of the situation. Dont say agree someones opinion or agree to someones opinion. Say agree with someones opinion. I know used in spoken English when you have the same feeling or have had the same experience as someone: Its really hot today. I know - I wish I hadnt worn my sweater. This phrase is very commonly used in everyday conversation, when sympathizing and agreeing with the other person.

in formal English
share sbs view/concern/fear etc to have the same opinion, concern, fear etc as someone else: I share her concerns about the lack of women in high academic positions. | There are many people who would share this view. be of the same opinion/view to agree with someone: Oppenheimer and many of the worlds leading scientists were of the same view. | Are we all of the same opinion? (=said in a formal meeting) This phrase is used especially when saying that a group of people agree about something. subscribe to a view/theory etc to agree with an opinion, idea etc and believe that it is right: Some people think that we should abandon farm subsidies, but I, for one, do not subscribe to this view. | Today, the majority of scientists subscribe to the so-called big bang theory of the origins of the universe. concur with sb/sth to agree with someone. This is a very formal use. I concur with the previous speaker on both points. | There are many educators who would concur with her opinion. sb makes a good/valid point used in formal situations when you agree with a particular thing that someone has said: The author makes a good point when he argues that we should look at the wider social causes of crime. sbs point is well made used when you think that someone has clearly shown that they are right, and that what they say is

A3

important, especially when you want to add something else as well: Webers point is well made, but is obviously not the whole story. This phrase is used especially in formal arguments and discussions. it is generally/widely accepted that also there is a widely-held view/belief that used when saying that most people agree that something is true: It is now generally accepted among scientists that global warming is occurring as a result of human activities.

strongly agreeing
I totally agree!/I couldnt agree more!/My feelings exactly! used in spoken English when you completely agree with someone: Hes such a nice man. I couldnt agree more! | What a waste of time! My feelings exactly! I agree entirely/wholeheartedly also I am entirely in agreement with sb used in more formal English when you completely agree with someone: I agree entirely with the Chief Judges conclusion. | I wholeheartedly agree with the previous writer regarding this company. | He found himself entirely in agreement with Churchill. Absolutely!/Definitely!/Exactly! used in spoken English when answering someone quickly and saying that you completely agree: I think gas prices are much too high. Absolutely! | We should ask them for more money. Definitely! Totally! AmE informal used in spoken English when answering someone quickly and saying that you completely agree: The guy is an idiot! Totally! Youre telling me! informal used in spoken English, especially when you have had the same experience: The trains are so unreliable these days. Youre telling me - mine was half an hour late this morning.

partly agreeing
I agree up to a point/to some extent used when you partly agree with someone: The economic situation doesnt look too good at the moment. I agree with you up to a point, but I dont think its nearly as bad as people are saying. | I agree to some extent with this statement. I have some sympathy with sb/sth used when saying that you understand the reasons why someone thinks something, although you do not necessarily agree with them completely: I have some sympathy with the argument that the monarchy seems out of place in our modern world. there is some/a lot of truth in sth used when you think that some or a lot of what someone says is right: Although these warnings may sound very dramatic, there is some truth in them. | His ideas about love are a bit strange, but theres a lot of truth in what he says. I suppose so/I guess so used in spoken English when you have some doubts about something that someone has said: I think its an excellent idea. I suppose so, but we dont know how much it will all cost.

Disagreeing
in everyday English

A4

I dont agree/I disagree used when you do not agree with someone or something: I think art should be about creating beautiful objects. I dont agree. Thats a very old-fashioned way of looking at art. | I disagree with the idea that boys and girls should attend separate schools. no it isnt/no she doesnt etc used when saying that something is not true, in a very direct way: The hotels right next to the airport. No it isnt! Its miles away! | You get much more money than I do. No I dont! Whatever gave you that idea? thats not true/that is not the case used when saying that something is not true, in a very direct way: You were on the phone for hours. Thats not true - it was only about 10 minutes! | Although some people have tried to suggest that global warming is a myth, unfortunately that is not the case.

in formal English
I/sb would dispute sth used when saying that you disagree with something: I would dispute the idea that violent images on television cause people to commit acts of violence. | He is regarded as the USs finest ever golfer, although there are those who would dispute that. I/sb would take issue with sb/sth used when saying that you disagree with someone or something: I would take issue with some of the reports findings. | There are many people who would take issue with him on this. I (would) beg to differ used when saying that you have a different opinion about something, especially in formal discussions: Thats your opinion. I beg to differ. I think the situation is far more complicated than you suggest. | It has been said that rising oil prices will not really affect economic growth. Well, I would beg to differ on this. I dont/cant accept sth used when saying firmly that you do not believe that something is true: Youre implying that he was being deliberately dishonest, and I really cant accept that. | Im sorry, but I just do not accept that argument. | I simply cannot accept that it is justified to use torture. When disagreeing, people sometimes begin by saying Im afraid or Im sorry. This is not an apology, but a way of making their disagreement sound more polite: Im afraid I dont agree with you. | Im sorry but that really isnt the case.

politely disagreeing
Im not so sure/Are you sure? used when expressing doubt about what someone has just said: I think the governments doing a good job. Im not so sure - look whats happened to the economy. | The next meetings on July 26th. Are you sure? I thought it was on the 25th. Expressing doubt or uncertainty is a much more polite way of disagreeing than saying directly that you think the other person is wrong.

A5

I wouldnt say that used when disagreeing with someone in a polite way - used especially when you think someone is exaggerating: Shes much better looking than I am. I wouldnt say that! | It will cost a fortune to get another one. I wouldnt say that! I take/see your point, but .../you may have a point, but ... used when saying that something else is more important: I think that people who carry knives should be severely punished. I take your point, but what if they feel that they have to carry them for their own protection? Yes, but .../I know, but ... used when adding a different opinion instead of directly disagreeing: I think we should go by plane - its much quicker. Yes, but its also more expensive. | Hes always taking time off work. I know, but there are reasons for that. sb is mistaken used when saying that you think that someone has the wrong idea about something, without saying directly that they are wrong: He is mistaken if he believes that the United States can win the war on terror by military means. | I think youre mistaken about her. Shes just doing her job. sb is entitled to their opinion/everyone is entitled to their opinion used when saying politely that you think that someone is wrong, especially when you think most people would disagree with them: Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the facts just dont support what youre saying. | Of course hes entitled to his opinion, but I think he is in a minority on this issue. with all (due) respect/with the greatest of respect used when you are about to disagree with someone in a polite way in a formal discussion: With all due respect to Mr Jessell, I doubt whether Einsteins theories are relevant to this question. | With the greatest of respect, I disagree with your analysis.

strongly disagreeing
I completely/totally disagree also I dont agree at all used when disagreeing strongly with someone or something: I completely disagree with Professor Leighs comments. | Its one of her best books! I dont agree at all. I thought it was very dull. How can you say that?/I cant believe that youve just said that used when you are very surprised by what someone has just said, especially when you think they are completely wrong: I think they should all be taken out and shot. I cant believe youve just said that! Dont be ridiculous!/Youve got to be kidding!/Rubbish! BrE/No way! AmE used in informal spoken English when disagreeing with someone very strongly, and saying that you think they are completely wrong: Im too tired to do the washing up! Rubbish! You havent done anything all day! | I think she likes you. Dont be ridiculous! | Hes the best player theyve ever had. No way! Johnson was.

Apologizing
in everyday English

A6

sorry/Im sorry the usual word to use when apologizing to someone: Sorry Im late - the traffic was really bad. | Im really sorry about all the things I said. | Were deeply sorry (=very sorry) for what happened. | Sorry to bother you - can I ask you about something? When saying that you are very sorry, you often say that you are so sorry: Im so sorry about the delay. | Were so sorry we couldnt be at the meeting. excuse me/pardon me used when you have accidentally touched or pushed someone, or made a noise such as sneezing or yawning. Also used when interrupting someone, when you want someone to repeat something, or when you have made a small embarrassing mistake: Excuse me! I didnt mean to stand on your foot. | He yawned and said Pardon me! Its been a long day! | Excuse me - may we come in? | Pardon me, I didnt catch your name. | Excuse me, I meant to say 50, not 15. Excuse me and pardon me are more common in American English than in British English. When British people accidentally touch or push someone, or make a small embarrassing mistake, they usually say sorry. I beg your pardon used when you have made a small mistake. Also used when you have not heard what someone said, and you want them to repeat it: Thats my chair. Oh, I do beg your pardon. | Her name is Fumie. I beg your pardon? F-U-M-I-E. I beg your pardon sounds a little more formal than Im sorry or excuse me. forgive me used when saying that you feel sorry about something, especially when you have said or done something that might upset, annoy, or offend someone: Forgive me. I didnt mean to hurt your feelings. | Forgive me for saying this, but you dont look very well. Forgive me sounds very polite. I owe you an apology used when you have done something that you later find out to be wrong or unfair a slightly formal expression: I owe you an apology for not believing you. | I think you owe him some kind of apology - you shouldnt have spoken to him in the way that you did. I feel bad/terrible/awful about sth used when telling someone that you regret something and feel sorry about it: I feel terrible now about what I said. | I feel bad that I lied to my parents.

A7

in formal English
I apologize/we would like to apologize used when apologizing in a formal way when you have done something that you regret, for example when you have offended someone. Also used in formal announcements, notices, and letters from companies and organizations: I apologize for my behaviour yesterday. | The airline would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of the flight. | Do you find that suggestion offensive? If so, I apologize. You apologize to someone for something you have done. please accept my/our apologies for sth used when apologizing for something, especially in formal written English: Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your email. | First of all, please accept my apologies for any confusion about the dates of the conference. I/we regret sth used when telling someone about something that you apologize for, or that the other person may feel disappointed about, especially in formal written English: I regret that I will be unable to join you at the meeting. | We regret that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. | The Evening Post has since removed the story from its website, and we regret the error.

replying to an apology
dont worry/thats OK/thats all right used when accepting someones apology in everyday spoken English: Sorry, I didnt realize that you were having dinner. Thats perfectly OK - feel free to join us. | I feel really bad about all the mess. Dont worry. I can always clear it up later. it doesnt matter/its not a problem/no problem also no worries BrE informal used when telling someone that something is not important: Sorry were late. It doesnt matter - weve only just started. | Ive forgotten to bring any money with me Im really sorry. Its not a problem. I can lend you some. its no big deal/its not the end of the world/these things happen used when telling someone that something is not serious and they should not feel worried about it: Im so sorry about the vase. Its not the end of the world - we can always get another one. | I wish we hadnt argued. Thats all right. These things happen. forget it used when accepting someones apology and quickly telling them not to worry, in a friendly way. Also used when you still feel annoyed and do not want to talk to the other person, or accept their apology: Sorry I was so angry with you the other day. Forget it - you had every right to be annoyed. | Sorry if I made you look stupid. Just forget it, will you! apology accepted used when accepting someones apology. This phrase sounds rather formal and not very friendly, and is often used when you still feel a little annoyed: Im sorry Im late for class. Apology accepted - but make sure that it doesnt happen again.

Opinions
in everyday English

A8

I think (that) this is the usual way of talking about your opinions in everyday English: I think that the law should be changed. | We always thought he was so cool. | Do you think that people should be able to work as many hours as they like? Dont use this phrase in essays and formal writing. See next page for written alternatives. I believe (that) used when talking about strongly held beliefs, especially about moral issues: I believe that the death penalty should be abolished. | I believe it is wrong to kill animals. | We firmly believe that the value of life is not measured by wealth. I believe (that) sounds rather serious, and is used about things that you believe in very strongly. I feel (that) used when talking about your opinions, especially when they are based on your general feelings: I feel he is too old for the job. | I feel that appearances are very important. | I cant help feeling that our main priority should be dealing with climate change. personally/as far as Im concerned used when you want to emphasize your own personal opinion: Personally, I dont care how much it costs. | As far as Im concerned, they should stop complaining and get on with their work. | He can say what he likes, as far as Im concerned. it seems to me (that) also the way I see it spoken/if you ask me spoken used when giving your opinion about something, especially when there is a lot that you want to say about a situation: It seems to me that the world would be a much better place if we didnt rely so much on our cars. | The way I see it, there are only two real choices. | If you ask me, they should give kids fewer tests, not more. Using these phrases will give you time to think about what you want to say. In addition, it is a good idea to vary your language and use them instead of always saying I think that ... in my opinion/view used when talking about your opinions, especially about serious subjects: In my opinion, hes mistaken. | It is, in my view, one of the finest buildings in London. | Learning Chinese characters is, in my opinion, the most time-consuming and difficult part of the language. Dont use in my opinion in formal essay writing. See next page for written alternatives. Dont say according to my opinion. speaking as used when introducing your opinion by mentioning something important about yourself, which makes you able to talk about it from personal experience, or affects your feelings about it: Speaking as a regular user of the railway, I can only say that the service has gone down in recent months. | Speaking as a mother of two young children, I feel really concerned about the future of our planet.

A9

in formal written English

In formal written English, you usually avoid using phrases that begin with I, and in my opinion when writing about your opinions. In essays, it is often better to quote other peoples opinions to support your argument, rather than saying I think that ... This will give your argument more authority. in this writers view/opinion also it is this writers view/opinion that used in formal writing instead of in my opinion: This is the most important section of the book, in this writers opinion. | It is this writers view that the new city centre is a great improvement on the old one. as sb points out/notes/remarks used when referring to another writers opinions, and what they have said: As Lowry points out in her article, teaching does not have the same status as research. | As Dawkins notes in his discussion of the evolution of the eye, eyes have evolved between forty and sixty times, in many different invertebrate groups. express the view/opinion that used when referring to another writers opinions, and what they have said: Freud himself expressed the view that some dreams may be forgotten because they are too upsetting. | Thomas Jefferson expressed the opinion that for a state to be healthy, it needed to have a revolution every 20 years. according to sb used when saying what other people, organizations, reports etc have said: According to the researchers, some patients tended to see their illness as a punishment. | Locally-grown food can be better for the environment than organic food, according to a report published yesterday. Dont say according to me or according to my opinion. You can only use according to when saying what other people, reports etc have said. be of the opinion that/take the view that used when saying what someones opinion is: 6 out of 10 EU citizens were of the opinion that the European Union should have a single currency. | The Court took the view that he had acted legally. it is sbs belief that used when saying what someone believes to be true: It is our belief that children should enjoy their time at school. | It was their belief that certain individuals were born with criminal tendencies. for sb used when saying what someones opinion is, especially when this is a general opinion that affects their other ideas about a subject: For Dawkins, genes are everything, or at least they can account for everything. | For Ruskin, art was something that could not be produced using machines. from sbs point of view/standpoint used when saying how someones situation affects their opinion: From the farmers point of view, it is better to have too much rain than none at all. | From a business standpoint, it made perfect sense to combine the two operations together.

Requests

A10

asking someone to do something in everyday English

can you this is the usual way of asking someone to do something: Can you open the window? | Can you tell him Ill call him later? will you this sounds rather direct and is used especially when telling someone you know well to do simple things for you: Please will you pass the salt? | Will you get me another drink from the fridge? could you/would you/do you think you could these phrases sound more polite than can you or will you. You use them especially when talking to people you do not know well, or when asking someone to do something difficult or important: Could you put this case up on the rack for me? | Do you think you could give her a message? would you mind/I wonder if you would mind these phrases sound more polite than could you. You use them especially when talking to people you do not know well: Would you mind closing the door? | I wonder if you would mind coming into my office for a minute? If someone asks you Would you mind doing sth?, you can say (No) of course not if you agree to do what they ask, for example: Would you mind looking after the children for me? Of course not. That would be fine. If you dont want to do what someone asks, you usually say Im afraid/Im sorry and then give a reason, for example: Would you mind looking after the children for me? Im afraid Ive arranged to go out this evening. could you possibly/is there any way you could used when asking someone to do something that is likely to be difficult or inconvenient for them, when you think the answer could easily be no: Is there any way you could change the date of the meeting? | Do you think you could possibly lend me some money until next Friday?

more formal ways of asking someone to do something

I was wondering if you could/would it be possible for you to used when asking someone to do something in a very formal and polite way, especially when you are not sure that they will be able to do what you ask: I was wondering if you could help me? Im trying to find the principals office. | Would it be possible for you to come in for an interview some time next week? I would be grateful if you could/I would appreciate it if you could used in formal letters and in other official contexts: I would be grateful if you could send me an application form. | I would appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for me, Mrs Atkins. would you be so kind as to an extremely polite phrase, used when speaking very carefully to someone you have never met before: Would you be so kind as to fill out this form? | Would you be so kind as to excuse me for a moment? (=used when telling someone that you need to leave them for a few minutes)

A11

we request that .../you are requested not to do sth used in official requests and instructions, especially on notices and in announcements: We request that you turn off your cell phone while you are in the building. | Library users are kindly requested not to bring in food or drink.

asking for permission in everyday English

can I this is the usual way of asking for permission to do something: Can I come with you? | Can I watch the news? | Can we go now? is it all right if I/is it OK if I other ways of asking for permission to do something which are also commonly used in everyday English: Is it all right if I open the window? | Is it OK if I take some time off work? may I/could I/do you think I could these phrases sound more polite than can I. You use them especially when talking to people that you do not know well: May I come in? | Could I use your phone? | Do you think we could take a five minute break? do/would you mind if I these phrases sound more polite than can I. You use them especially when talking to people that you do not know well: Do you mind if I call you Chris? | Would you mind if I took your picture? If someone asks you do/would you mind if I?, you can say (No) of course not when giving them permission, for example: Would you mind if I asked you a question? Of course not. Go ahead! If you dont want to give permission, you usually say Im afraid or Im sorry but and then give a reason, for example: Do you mind if I stay a few more minutes? Im sorry but I have another appointment.

more formal ways of asking for permission

I was wondering if I could/I was wondering if it might be possible for me to used when asking someone for permission in a very formal and polite way. Used in spoken English, and also in formal letters: I was wondering if I could have a few more days to finish my assignment. | I was wondering if it might be possible for me to come and look around the department. would it bother you if I used when asking permission to do something in a very polite way, when you want to be careful not to cause problems for someone: Would it bother you if I put you on our mailing list? If someone asks you would it bother you if I? and you say yes, it means that you do not want them to do it. If you say no, that means that you are happy for them to do it. with your permission, Id like to used when checking with someone if you can do something - used especially in official contexts: With your permission, Id like to forward your email to our accounts department.

Suggestions
in everyday English

A12

why dont you/we this is the usual way of making a suggestion in spoken English: Why dont you talk to her about it? | Why dont we go out for a meal some time? lets used when suggesting that you should do something together soon: Lets meet in front of Shibuya station. | Lets see whats in the movie guide. if I were you, I would or Id used when suggesting what you think is the best thing for someone to do, based on your personal experience and knowledge: If I were you, I would be very careful about giving your address on any public websites. | If I were you, Id take it easy for the next few days. how about/what about used when someone has asked you to suggest a time, place, idea etc: Whens a good day for you? How about Monday? | Where do you think we should go? What about Barcelona? Its supposed to be very beautiful. what do you think about used when suggesting something, and asking someone what they think about it: What do you think about a holiday in Greece? | What do you think about a party at my place on Saturday? you could always/we could always/theres always used when suggesting ideas to someone, when they are not sure about what to do: You could always ask someone to record the programme for you. | We could always go for a walk. | Theres always the pub on the corner.

less direct ways of making suggestions

what if/suppose used when suggesting something as a possible idea: What if we painted the room yellow? That sounds a bit too bright to me. | Suppose you asked the same question in a different way? People often make suggestions in a less direct way by using maybe or perhaps, or by using may/might, for example in the following expressions: maybe we could/perhaps you could used when making a suggestion in a less direct way: Maybe we could ask people if theyd be interested in having a concert? | Perhaps you could change the settings on your computer? you might like to/you may want to used when suggesting what someone should do in a less direct way: You might like to ask them for their advice. | You might like to try giving your lawyer a call. | If youre thinking of buying a holiday home in the sun, you might like to consider Croatia.

Hello
in spoken English

A13

hi used as a friendly greeting when you meet someone, or start a telephone conversation with someone: Hi, everybody. Welcome to our new home! | Hi, Gwen did you have a nice weekend? hello used when you meet someone, or when you start a telephone conversation with someone: Hello. Could I speak to someone in customer service, please? | Hello, Mrs Jones. How are you? In everyday English, most people usually say hi because it sounds more friendly. Hello is used especially when talking to people you do not know well. hey informal especially AmE used as a friendly greeting when you see someone you know well and you want to start talking to them: Hey, Scott! Good to see you! good morning/afternoon/evening used when meeting someone at a particular time of day: Morning everyone. Sorry Im late. | Good morning, class! | Good afternoon, Mr Smith. Good morning etc sounds rather formal. In everyday English, people usually just say Morning! etc, without saying good. How are you? used when you are greeting someone, especially when starting a conversation with them: Hi Helen. How are you? Im fine. And you? How are you doing?/Hows it going?/How are things? informal used when you are greeting someone, especially when starting a conversation with them: Hi, Helen. How are you doing? Im good, thanks. How about you? | Hows it going, Tom? I havent seen you for a long time! Whats up?/Whats happening? informal used when you are greeting someone, especially when starting a conversation with them: Hey Joey. Whats up, buddy? | Hi, Ray. Whats happening? How are they treating you these days? These phrases sound very informal. How do you do? formal used when you meet someone for the first time, especially after you have just been told their name: John, Id like you to meet our new project manager, Nisha Patel. How do you do? How do you do sounds very formal. These days people often just say hi when meeting someone for the first time. pleased/good/nice to meet you used when you meet someone for the first time and have just been told their name: Richard, this is my brother Ronnie. Nice to meet you, Ronnie. | My name is Lena Curtis. Pleased to meet you, Im David Bennet.

Goodbye
in spoken English

A14

bye/goodbye used when you are leaving or when someone is leaving you: Bye, Annie. Bye, Mom. | Goodbye, Mrs Moore. Goodbye, Dr Aziz. | Thank you for calling. Goodbye. | Bye for now (used especially on the phone when you will speak to someone again soon). Call me if you need anything. Goodbye sounds rather formal and is used especially when talking to people you do not know well. In everyday English, people usually just say bye. night/good night used when leaving someone in the evening, or before they go to bed: Night everyone. | Good night. Sleep well. Good night sounds rather formal, especially in British English. In everyday English, people usually just say night. bye bye/night night used especially when talking to children: Say bye bye to Daddy! Bye bye! see you used when saying goodbye to a friend who you will see again soon: See you, Darren. See you on Monday! | Im going now. Okay. See you tomorrow. | Safe trip back guys, and well see you soon. | See you later, Michelle. later/catch you later informal used when saying goodbye to a friend who you will see or talk to them again soon: Later, John. Later, Steve. | See you, Keith. Catch you later! Later sounds very informal and is used especially by young people. see you around informal used when saying goodbye to someone, when you are not sure when you will see them again: He spent the holiday with me and then just said See you around and left. so long AmE informal used when saying goodbye to someone, when you will not see them again very soon: So long, he said. Dont forget to write. | She grabbed him by the shoulders and hugged him affectionately. So long, Nick. have a good weekend/a great trip/a nice time etc used when saying goodbye to someone to wish them a good weekend, an enjoyable trip etc: Have a nice weekend. | Have a great time at the concert, guys! have a good one informal especially AmE used when saying goodbye to someone in a friendly informal way: Ill talk to you later. Have a good one! The one in have a good one does not really mean anything. It is just part of the phrase.

A15

have a nice day used especially by people working in shops when saying goodbye to customers: Heres your change. Have a nice day. take care also look after yourself BrE used when saying goodbye to someone, especially someone you like, to show that you care about them: Bye love! Take care. You too! Bye! cheerio BrE goodbye: Right ...were going now. Cheerio then! Bye! Cheerio sounds rather old-fashioned and is used especially by older people.

in emails and informal letters

all the best/best used at the end of informal emails: Hope to see you soon. All the best, Joanne You usually end informal emails with your first name. You can also end with the first letter of your first name, for example All the best, J. If you have just exchanged several emails with someone, you can leave out your name at the end, because it is understood. regards/best wishes used at the end of emails to people you often write to, or people you work with, especially people who are not close friends. Regards sounds a little formal: Speak to you soon. Regards, David. | Thanks for all your hard work. Best wishes, Michael love/love from informal used at the end of emails to close friends and family: Take care. Love, Katie | Look forward to seeing you. Love from Mum

in formal letters and emails

yours sincerely BrE/sincerely AmE/yours truly AmE used at the end of formal letters and emails: We will contact you directly, as soon as your order is ready. Yours sincerely, Paula Jordan (Ms), Customer Sales Manager | Thank you for your interest in our products. Yours truly, Stephen Merill In British English, yours sincerely is used only if you have used the persons name at the start of the letter or email. In American English, sincerely and yours truly can be used to end any formal letter or email. yours faithfully BrE/sincerely AmE/yours truly AmE used at the end of formal letters and emails: I await your reply. Yours faithfully, Lisa Johnson (Mrs) In British English, yours faithfully is used when you do not know the name of the person you are writing to. In American English, sincerely and yours truly can be used to end any formal letter or email.

Thank you
in everyday English

A16

thank you Thank you for all your help. | Im writing to say thank you on behalf of everyone at Rockford Productions Inc. for your support and encouragement during the past year. | I just wanted to send a big thank-you from all of us for making last weekend so enjoyable. Be careful about spelling. Thank you is usually spelt as two words, but the noun thank-you is spelt with a hyphen. Dont say I thank you. Just say thank you, or I just wanted to say thank you. thanks in everyday spoken English, people usually say thanks rather than thank you: Thanks again for a lovely evening. | Many thanks for all your hard work. | You did a great job. Thanks a lot! I cant thank you enough used when you are very pleased because someone has been very helpful or generous: I cant thank you enough for everything you did on my wedding day! it is good/nice/kind of you also thats kind of you used when thanking someone for doing or saying something: It was good of you to come all this way. | Its nice of you to say those things. | Ive brought you some more coffee. Thats very kind of you.

in more formal English

I appreciate used when thanking someone, especially when they have been very helpful to you: I really appreciate all your comments and suggestions. | We appreciate everything youve done for us. I am most grateful/deeply grateful used when thanking someone in a formal way: I am deeply grateful to my colleague, Helen Jones, for her guidance and encouragement. | We are most grateful to all those who have lent works to the exhibition. I would like to express my appreciation/gratitude used when thanking someone in a very formal way, especially in a formal speech: I would like to express my appreciation to the French government for hosting this meeting and for their kind hospitality.

replying when someone says thank you

dont mention it/youre welcome/my pleasure used when replying to someone who has just thanked you: Thanks for letting us use your office. Dont mention it! | Thank you for all your advice. Youre welcome! | Thank you for showing us around the college. My pleasure. thats all right/anytime/no problem these sound more informal than dont mention it etc and are very common in everyday spoken English: Thanks for showing me around the city. Thats all right! | Youve been really helpful! Anytime!