Meaning & use
writing register
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Meanings
nouncountable or uncountabletechnical
The level of formality or style of language that is appropriate for a particular kind of writing.
Grammar: Can be used with an or the when referring to a specific type: a formal writing register. Also uncountable: adjust your writing register.
Patterns
- a formal writing register
- adjust the writing register
- in a academic writing register
Academic essays usually require a formal writing register.
The teacher explained how to shift your writing register for different audiences.
Using slang in a business report is a mismatch of writing register.
nouncountable
A book or digital record in which writing is officially recorded, such as a log of written work.
Grammar: Countable: a writing register, two writing registers.
Patterns
- keep a writing register
- sign the writing register
The school keeps a writing register to track students' progress.
Please enter your name in the writing register before you submit your essay.
Word forms
| plural | writing registers |
|---|
Common combinations
- formal writing register
- A formal writing register avoids contractions like don't.
- academic writing register
- Academic writing register is more impersonal than everyday speech.
- shift your writing register
- You need to shift your writing register when you write for children.
- appropriate writing register
- Choose an appropriate writing register for your audience.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- register noun
- In linguistics, the level of formality of language used in a situation.
Commonly confused: writing register or writing style?
writing register vs writing style
Writing style is about how you write (sentence length, vocabulary), while writing register is specifically about the level of formality.
Practice
In a formal essay, you should use a ______ writing register.
Choose one answer.
Formal writing register is appropriate for academic essays; casual, informal, and slangy registers are too relaxed for that context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “writing register”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.