Who defines register as a variety of language defined according to its use in social situation.

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The way we speak or write changes depending on where we are, who we are speaking to, or the purpose of the text. These changes in our language relate to register and style.

This article explains what a register is, introduces the five main types of register, and provides some tips for identifying register. It then discusses writing styles and explains how we, as writers or speakers, must choose the most appropriate register according to the style of the text.

Register definition

Before we dive in, let's look at a definition:

The term register refers to the various ways people use language based on who they're talking to and their situation. We often talk about register in terms of formality.

For example, our word choices, tone of voice, and body language will likely differ in a formal situation (e.g., a job interview) compared to informal situations (e.g., hanging out with friends).

Although the term register is most commonly used to describe formality, it can also describe the general language used by groups of people who have something in common. This can include their occupation (e.g., two lawyers using legal 'jargon' in a conversation).

Jargon

Words and terms a specific group of people uses – usually related to work – that others might find difficult to understand.

The register we choose to use during communication (consciously or subconsciously) is determined by several different social factors, such as the context (where), purpose or occasion (why), and audience (who).

Now that we have a basic idea of what register means, let's look at some main types of registers and when we can expect to use them.

Register examples

There are five main types of different linguistic registers. They are: frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimate.

Frozen register

The frozen register, otherwise known as the static register, is used for very old pieces of discourse, such as wedding vows, readings from the bible, and Shakespearean plays. It's called the frozen register because the language hasn't changed for a long time, and it will continue to remain the same even though that language is no longer used today.

Formal register

The formal register is often associated with standardised versions of English and is used in formal situations.

A formal register is most commonly used to address people in positions of authority and individuals that merit respect, such as headteachers, police officers, and people who work in the services. In writing, you would use a formal register in letters of complaint, official speeches, or essays.

Consultative register

The consultative register is usually used when there is an expert-novice relationship between the two people engaging in the conversation, i.e., someone who knows a certain subject and someone who doesn't. The consultative register involves a tone of respect since the advice is being sought and given and is typically quite formal. However, the consultative register can also be informal and include things such as slang, depending on the relationship between the two people.

Examples of when the consultative register can be used are between a doctor and a patient, a teacher and a student, and between a boss and an employee.

Casual register

The casual register typically refers to informal speech used between people who know each other well. The casual register often contains slang, contractions, swear words, and features of speech from local dialects. The casual register is what's usually used in everyday language.

Intimate register

The intimate register refers to the informal language used when talking to close friends, family members or romantic partners. The intimate register is frequently used in private and can be used when discussing personal issues, sharing secrets, telling inside jokes, or when being flirty!

Occasionally, we use more than one register when we're talking, and there usually aren't clear 'boundaries' between them.

Identifying register in linguistics

According to the linguists Halliday & Hasan (1976), register1 can help define discourse (written or spoken language) by adding another level of meaning. It's important to recognise register, in written and spoken language, to respond appropriately. This may prove to be an important skill in your exams.

So, how can we identify the register? We need to look for contextual clues!

Examine the grammar and spelling

Grammar use can tell us how formal or informal a text is.

Formal textwill use standardised grammar, avoid contractions (e.g.,don't), standardised spelling, and follow standard layout guidelines, e.g., use of paragraphs.

I look forward to meeting you tomorrow.

Kind regards,

Kate.

Informal text is less constrained to standardised grammar and spelling, and may use contractions and abbreviations.

Can't wait to see ya girl!

Examine word choice

Vocabulary choicecan dictate the register of a text and how formal or informal the writing is. Look at the examples below of two sentences saying the same thing but using different word choices.

• I'm sorry to hear about your job. Let's meet for a proper catch-up soon?

• Aww, sorry to hear that. Cuddles and hang out soon?

What can you interpret about the tone of the previous two sentences? How would you change your register when replying to each one if you received these as messages?

Examine the punctuation

The use of punctuation can help us identify the register and tone of a text. The tone can tell us whether the text is formal, informal, joyful, optimistic, pessimistic, sad etc.

Have a look at the following sentences and observe how the use of punctuation affects the feeling of the sentences.

• We are going home tomorrow.

• We are going home tomorrow…

• We are going home tomorrow!

All these sentences state that the speaker is going home tomorrow; however, the punctuation used can change the tone. Note how the exclamation mark makes the speaker seem excited to be returning home, whilst the ellipsis suggests the speaker is disappointed to be leaving. The full stop is considered to be neutral.

Code-Switching

Code-switching isn't just for bilingual people…

Code-switching is switching between multiple different languages, dialects, and registers depending on the social situation the speaker is in.

Although we usually talk about code-switching in terms of switching languages, utilising different registers in communication is also considered code-switching.

A teenager at school may talk to their friends and classmates using a casual register, then code-switch to a formal or consultative register when talking to their teacher.

Register and Style

The term style relates more to written text, and refers to how the text is written to fit a specific purpose. Style includes the choice of vocabulary, tone, use of grammar, sentence structure, and layout, which will all differ depending on the purpose of the text.

For example, if the purpose of the text is to convince the reader to buy a new product, the style would likely be persuasive.

There are four main writing styles: narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and expository. (we'll cover these more shortly!)

The writer should choose the most appropriate register for the style of writing.

For example, a persuasive text might use a casual register to create a sense of familiarity and friendship, and thus trust, with the reader.

Different writing styles

So, what is the difference between the four main writing styles?

Narrative writing

Narrative writing is used to tell a story. It's most commonly associated with fictional writing, such as novels and screenplays, and non-fictional writing, such as speeches and autobiographies. We could use any register in narrative writing, and the register choice is dependent on the context of the story.

Persuasive writing

Persuasive writing is used to persuade others of your ideas and thoughts, or to convince others to change their behaviour somehow.

Examples of persuasive writing include advertisements, cover letters, and persuasive essays.

Essays would use a formal register, whereas advertisements might use a more casual register to create a sense of friendship with the reader.

Descriptive writing

Descriptive writing aims to 'paint a picture' for the reader. It aims to entertain and often contains many figurative and decorative language, such as metaphors.

Examples include poetry, song lyrics, and short stories.

Again, the register will depend on the context of the text. The writer may even choose to code-switch between multiple registers for literary effect.

Expository writing

Expository writing aims to explain something to a reader. This writing style needs to be clear, have evidence or statistics, and be concise: it should avoid any unnecessary jargon or complex language.

Examples of expository writing include 'How to' articles, textbooks, FAQ pages, and business writing.

Expository writing would usually use a consultative register.

Style vs Register

The difference betweenstyle andregister can be a little confusing, so let's clarify.

• Style refers to how the text is written to suit its purpose (to explain something, persuade someone, describe a situation).

• Register is the language required to fit the style of writing. For example, if you are writing a cover letter, you need to adopt a formal register. If you were writing an Instagram caption, you would most likely use a casual or intimate register.

Register and Style - Key Takeaways

• The term register refers to the various ways people use language based on who they're talking to and their situation.

• We most commonly talk about the register in terms of formal or informal language.

• There are five main types of different linguistic registers. They are:frozen, formal, consultative, casual, andintimate.

• Switching between different registers when talking is a form of code-switching.

• We can identify the register of a text by looking at the spelling, grammar, and vocabulary choices.

• Style refers to how text is written to fit a specific purpose. The main writing styles are narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and expository.

• The registeris the language required to fit the style of writing.

References

1. M. Halliday & R. Hassan. Cohesion in English. 1976.

Frequently Asked Questions about Register and Style

Register describes the type of language the writer or speaker chooses to use. The term style describes how a text is adapted to fit a particular context.

Register and style refer to the language used by authors or speakers to suit the context and purpose of their writing or speech. Dialect is a way of speaking that is specific to a geographical location.

The term register refers to the various ways people use language based on who they're talking to and their situation. An example of a register is the formal register, which we would use in formal situations, such as writing essays or talking to a headteacher.

The main writing styles are narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and expository.

Final Register and Style Quiz

Question

What does 'consultative' mean?

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Answer

Consultative refers to giving professional advice or recommendations. 

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Register refers to the variety of language a speaker chooses to use in a particular situation or exchange.

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What kind of dynamic is consultative speech usually characterised by?

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What kind of word is 'consultative'?

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True or false, an individual can switch between different registers depending on the situation they're in.

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Answer

True, register is related to circumstance not to the user themselves. 

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What does it mean to consult someone?

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Answer

To consult someone means to ask them for expert advice or recommendations. 

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List three words similar in meaning to consultative.

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Answer

• advisory
• informative
• educational

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Question

What four factors can determine what register to use in a situation?

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Answer

• audience
• time
• place
• formality

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Give three examples of expert-novice situations.

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Answer

• teacher and student
• mentor and mentee
• industry professional and client

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True or false, the consultative register is often quite casual in tone. 

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Answer

False. The consultative register is usually characterised by relatively formal language use.

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Choose one phrase to describe the consultative register:

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Question

What are the five other kinds of register?

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Answer

• informal
• formal
• neutral
• frozen
• intimate

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Answer

Neutral means having no marked characteristics or features, and is often used to mean not positive or negative.

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Answer

Register is a variety of language a speaker chooses to use in a particular kind of situation. 

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Question

How many registers are there in English? What are they?

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Answer

6 - frozen, neutral, formal, casual, intimate, and consultative

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True or false, neutral language includes some slang and colloquialisms where appropriate.

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Answer

False. Neutral language should remain free of colloquialisms and slang.

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Question

Give three examples of written situations where the neutral register is appropriate.

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Answer

• professional emails
• written reports
• technical writing

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Give three examples of spoken exchanges where the neutral register is appropriate.

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Answer

• giving directions
• giving instructions
• giving fact-based presentations

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​​​​​Choose one of the following options. Neutral language is: 

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non-emotional and fact-based

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Should the neutral register use long, complicated sentences or short, simple ones?

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How formal is the neutral register?

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Answer

The neutral register is not overly formal or overly informal, but somewhere in the middle. 

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What is gender-neutral language?

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Answer

Gender-neutral language is any language that is free from gendered connotations.

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What are two common gender-neutral pronouns?

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Has English ever been a gendered language?

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Answer

Old English had some gendered grammatical structures and gendered nouns, but modern English is almost completely genderless.

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True or false. It's important for neutral language to stick to the point.

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True, the neutral register is fact-based and should not include opinions. 

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Would the neutral register be an appropriate language style to use when discussing a subject heavily influenced by personal beliefs or opinions?

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No, the neutral register is used in non-emotional subjects where personal bias should not arise. 

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Question

Read the following sentence and decide if it is a good example of the neutral register or not:

"I visited Austria last month and it was the most amazing city in Europe!"

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Answer

This is not a good example of the neutral register, as it conveys a personal opinion rather than facts.

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Is the consultative register typically an emotional language style?

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Answer

No, the consultative register is characterised by professional and moderately formal language.

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List three kinds of industry professionals that might be able to provide expert consult to a client.

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Answer

• Doctor
• Lawyer
• Accountant
• (or any three other appropriate professions)

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True or false, a speech style is the same thing as a register.

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True, the two terms are interchangeable.

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A frozen register contains language that can be changed.

True or false?

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A frozen register means that the type of language used has ___________ over time.

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The frozen register is often used for official and serious purposes.

True or false?

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Which of the following is an example of the frozen register?

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Which of the following is not an example of the frozen register?

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The frozen register can contain old-fashioned language that is no longer commonly used. What is this type of language called?

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The frozen register is also referred to as what?

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Which of the following is an antonym for 'frozen'?

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Which of the following is a synonym for 'frozen'?

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The frozen register can often contain archaic language. An example of this is the word 'thy'. What does this mean?

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The frozen register can often contain archaic language. An example of this is the word 'thine'. What does this mean?

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The frozen register can often contain archaic language. An example of this is the word 'art'. What does this mean?

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Fill in the blanks:

The 'right to silence' is an example of the frozen register. Who reads it?

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When using the frozen register, the language _________ every time it is recited.

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Songs and poems are not examples of the frozen register.

True or false?

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The intimate register is the most formal type of register.

True or false?

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The intimate register is usually used in _______ situations.

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The intimate register is not used with ________.

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The intimate register is the most ________ type of register.

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The intimate register can be used between friends.

True or false?

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What refers to a variety of language defined according to its use in social situations?

Who first used the term register?

What is register according to Halliday?

How did David Crystal define register?