129 Below are examples of less formal language and more formal alternatives. Match expressions 1–8 with the corresponding formal equivalents (a–h) in each box. 16 In formal writing, use passive structures to avoid (a) vague references to unnamed people (e.g. Everybody says …) and (b) addressing the readers directly (e.g. Have you ever wondered …?): (a) Some people say that … It is sometimes said … Many people believe that … It is widely believed that … (b) You know that … It is well known that … You see that … It can be seen that … Rewrite the following sentences in a more impersonal style. 1 Many people believe that theatre tickets are too expensive for young people. It 2 Some people say that live performances have a special magic. It 3 You know that young people rarely go to the theatre. It 4 You see that this is highly problematic. It Avoid phrases such as I think and In my opinion in the body of your text. Your arguments will sound stronger if you present them in more general terms. Complete the examples using the words in the box. doubt established fact obvious 1 There can be no that some contemporary plays are just as sophisticated as Shakespeare’s plays. 2 It is well that society’s definition of ‘high culture’ has changed many times over the years. 3 It is that even today’s pop music or reality TV will be regarded as ‘high culture’ in a few hundred years. 4 It is a that so-called ‘low culture’ deserves more respect. 17 See Greammar revisited, p. 194. 18 Phrasal verbs 1 to ask for 2 to call off 3 to pick up 4 to think about 5 to talk about 6 to find out 7 to put off 8 to put up with a to consider b to tolerate c to postpone d to request e to discover f to discuss g to collect h to cancel Basic vocabulary 1 to tell 2 cheap 3 big 4 happy 5 enough 6 to buy 7 to get 8 funny a pleased b amusing c to obtain d sufficient e enormous f to inform g to purchase h inexpensive Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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