. Language use 2: Formal/informal style: synonyms One reason why the text might be difficult to understand is the fact that it contains several words which are typical of a more formal style of language and are not common in everyday speech. This style is often found in written legal texts, and sometimes in spoken language as well. In general, more formal English words are often of Latin origin, while less formal words are often of Anglo-Saxon origin (e.g. show (informal) vs. demonstrate (formal)). One example of formal language use can be found in Reading 1: A life estate is one in which the individual retains possession of the land for the duration of his or her life. The phrase to retain possession of the land is formal in style, while to keep the land would be more informal. The text in Reading 2 contains the following example: Lease agreements for an indefinite term may be terminated at any time by either party on three calendar months' notice. To terminate is a formal way of saying 'to bring to an end' or 'to end something. 9 Find more formal words and phrases (highlighted in Reading 2 on page 75) which correspond to these words. 1 agreement before 5 following in order 8 in agreement with 2 begun 6 do what is required 9 legal description 3 common 7 goes against 10 state purchase of privately 4 ended owned property 10 Discuss these questions in small groups. 1 When is it appropriate to use a formal language style in legal matters? What factors does it depend on? 2 in which of the following situations do you think it would be appropriate to use formal language? When giving a presentation on a legal topic in a seminar When writing a seminar paper When speaking to a client When writing a letter or email summarising the law to a client