Levels of formality
Look at the sentences below and, using the information in the dictionary about
the word given in bold type, find the pairs which mean the same and link
them with a  neutral version of the sentence.
1. Will there be an opportunity to a. I was sacked.
purchase beverages?
2. She was rather parsimonious. b. Cut that out!
3. I was asked to vacate the premises. c. She could talk the hind legs
off a donkey.
4. My contract was terminated. d. She was pretty tight with her
money.
5. Please refrain from doing that. e. Any chance of a cuppa?
6. She was loquacious. f. I had to clear out.
1 PHOTOCOPIABLE © Oxford University Press www.oup.com/elt
Levels of formality
KEY
Including possible  neutral sentences. Other sentences may be acceptable.
Will there be an Could I get a drink? Any chance of a
opportunity to purchase cuppa?
beverages?
She was rather She was rather mean. She was pretty tight
parsimonious. with her money.
I was asked to vacate I had to leave. I had to clear out.
the premises.
My contract was I lost my job. I was sacked.
terminated.
Please refrain from Stop that! Cut that out!
doing that.
She was loquacious. She talked a lot. She could talk the hind
legs off a donkey.
1 PHOTOCOPIABLE © Oxford University Press www.oup.com/elt