Written or spoken?	

Which of the words below do you think would be used more in writing than speaking?

inform	advise	ask	let smbdy know	get	request	
suggest	go	arrive	tell	depart	confirm	
schedule	make better	moreover	be	also	enhance	
remove	obtain	take	locate	kindly	environment	
performance	person	come in	convenient	citizen	enter	

The following sentences would all sound rather unnatural if spoken due to the use of formal or written vocabulary. Most of this vocabulary is Latin in origin. (There are one or two very common errors too*) 

	Kindly inform David if you have any problems.
	I suggest you to* visit the Peak while you are in Hong Kong.
	Please advise me when I can collect the goods.
	I requested Suzie to send me a sample.
	I usually arrive at my office at nine o'clock.
	Maybe you could let me know your schedule for tomorrow.
	Our offices are locate* in North Point.
	I would like to enhance my oral performance English.
	My working environment is very good.
	You will need to obtain a visa to visit China.
	May I ask you to remove your shoes before entering.
	Public transport in Hong Kong is very convenient. Moreover the living standard is high.
	Hong Kong citizens enjoy eating outside*.
	Kindly confirm with Sara when you are free.

How do I know whether a word is formal / written or spoken?

�	
�	Phrasal verbs and their verb components – words like 'get', 'take', 'put', 'make' and 'have', are usually neutral or informal / spoken. These words are often short – they have only one syllable.
�	Words used in academic texts, business reports, and of course, formal written correspondence, are often formal / written in register.
�	Many words are neutral in register – i.e. they can be naturally used in written and spoken English, formal and informal situations.
�	Dictionaries intended for native speakers and other proficient users of English (for example, the Concise Oxford Dictionary, often show etymological information (i.e. the origin of the word).