Formal and informal register (B2 Vocabulary)

Formal writing swaps everyday verbs for formal ones: purchase for buy, commence for start, and inform for tell.

Formal verbs in professional writing

Not "I would like to buy this item. (in a business email)" — say "I would like to purchase this item.". Buy is correct, but too casual for business writing.
Try it: Lars: How should I start the email to the fair committee? Amina: Formally. Write 'We would like to ___ two extra tables.' Choose the word for the blank. (purchase / grab / get) Answer: purchase — A formal email uses purchase, while "grab" and "get" are casual.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
purchase	/ˈpɝtʃəs/	I would like to purchase three licenses for the software.
commence	/kəˈmɛns/	The training session will commence promptly at nine.
inform	/ɪnˈfɔrm/	Please inform the committee of any change to the schedule.

Official documents use formal words: residence for home, assistance for help, and obtain for get.

Not "What's your current residence? (to a friend)" — say "Where do you live?". Residence belongs on forms. In conversation it sounds stiff.
Try it: Lars: What should I text Diego? He helped us carry the stand. Amina: Keep it simple and friendly. Choose Lars's text. (Thanks so much for your help with the stand. / I appreciate your assistance regarding the stand. / Your assistance with the stand is noted.) Answer: Thanks so much for your help with the stand. — A text to a friend takes the everyday noun help, while "assistance" belongs in formal writing.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
residence	/ˈrɛzɪdəns/	Applicants must provide proof of their current residence.
assistance	/əˈsɪstəns/	Thank you for your assistance with the visa paperwork.
assist	/əˈsɪst/	A colleague will assist you with the application.
obtain	/əbˈteɪn/	You can obtain a copy of the report from the front desk.

Official notices state rules with be required to + the base verb, not "supposed to" or "have to".

Not "Staff are supposed to complete the form by Friday. (in a notice)" — say "Staff are required to complete the form by Friday.". Supposed to leaves room to ignore the rule. Required to does not.
Try it: Amina: We need a sign for the loading door. What should it say? Lars: Write: 'All exhibitors ___ wear a badge at all times.' Choose the words for the blank. (are required to / are supposed to / have got to) Answer: are required to — A written rule on a sign uses are required to, while "supposed to" only reports an expectation.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
required	/rɪˈkwaɪərd/	All visitors are required to sign in at reception.

Business documents use formal verbs: a company acquires a firm and advertises a post, and a candidate submits an application.

Not "Please send in your application before the deadline. (in a job ad)" — say "Please submit your application before the deadline.". A job advertisement is formal, so it takes submit.
Try it: Lars: I'm writing the last line of the park's volunteer sign-up sheet. Amina: Keep it formal: 'Volunteers may ___ their questions by email.' Choose the word for the blank. (submit / send in / hand in) Answer: submit — A formal sign-up sheet uses submit, while "send in" is less formal.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
acquire	/əˈkwaɪər/	The bank plans to acquire a local insurance firm.
advertise	/ˈædvərtaɪz/	We will advertise the vacancy on the company website.
submit	/səbˈmɪt/	Please submit your application before the deadline.

Incorrect	Correct	Why
I would like to buy this item. (in a business email)	I would like to purchase this item.	Buy is correct, but too casual for business writing.
What's your current residence? (to a friend)	Where do you live?	Residence belongs on forms. In conversation it sounds stiff.
Staff are supposed to complete the form by Friday. (in a notice)	Staff are required to complete the form by Friday.	Supposed to leaves room to ignore the rule. Required to does not.
Please send in your application before the deadline. (in a job ad)	Please submit your application before the deadline.	A job advertisement is formal, so it takes submit.