正文
两封信告诉你 正式与非正式英文有何不同
下面有2封英文书信,你能分辨哪封是正式信件,哪封是非正式的吗?
信件1:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing with regard to a flight that I missed due to a mistake by one of your employees.
Two weeks ago I was due to catch a flight to Rome, where I intended to spend four days on holiday. Unfortunately, the attendant at the check-in desk gave me a boarding card for a different flight, and I did not notice the mistake until I arrived at the departure gate and it was too late.
As a result of the error, I was not allowed to board the flight to Rome, and this caused me great inconvenience. I had to book a new flight two days later, which meant that I missed two days of my holiday and I spent an extra £200.
As the mistake was caused by your company, I hope that you will compensate me for the cost of the additional flight, as well as for my taxi fares to and from the airport.
I look forward to receiving your response.
Yours faithfully,
Paul Jones
信件2:
Dear John,
I’m just writing to let you know that I’ve moved house.
As you know, I went for an interview for a job here in London. Well, they gave me the position! It would have been impractical to travel down from Manchester every day, so we’ve found a house here, in a nice part of London called Greenwich.
Our new house isn't ideal. London prices are crazy, and we were only able to afford a one-bedroom flat. But on the bright side, it’s on the ground floor, it’s got nice big windows, and a lovely view out onto the garden.
If you ever fancy a trip to London, you’re more than welcome to come and stay. It would be great to see you. From where we live, it’s only a quick ride on the underground into the city centre, so we could do some sight-seeing together.
Keep in touch!
All the best
Mike
答案是第一封正式,第二封非正式。理由如下:
Formal letter
正式信件
Beginning: Dear Sir or Madam
用Dear Sir or Madam开头
Stating the purpose: I am writing with regard to
用“I am writing with regard to”说明目的
Formal choice of language: due to, I intended, as a result of, caused me great inconvenience, compensate me, the additional flight
使用以下正式词汇:due to, I intended, as a result of, caused me great inconvenience, compensate me, the additional flight
No contractions: I am (not "I'm")
不使用缩写:写成I am而不是I'm
Ending: I look forward to receiving your response. Yours faithfully,
结尾: I look forward to receiving your response. Yours faithfully,
Informal letter
非正式信件
Beginning: Dear John
用Dear John开头
Stating the purpose: I'm just writing to let you know that
用“ I'm just writing to let you know that”说明目的
Informal choice of language: As you know, Well, prices are crazy, on the bright side, it's got nice big windows, a lovely view, if you ever fancy, great to see you
使用以下非正式词汇:As you know, Well, prices are crazy, on the bright side, it's got nice big windows, a lovely view, if you ever fancy, great to see you
Use of contractions: I'm, we've, isn't, it's
使用缩写:I'm, we've, isn't, it's
Ending: Keep in touch! All the best
结尾:Keep in touch! All the best