Informal words and phrases

Introduction to functions and chunks

List of functions + some examples of 'chunks' for particular functions

Informal phrases matching

4016

Walk around matching supplement to Speaking & Listening Advanced, unit 16

Informal phrases dominoes game

Dominoes game of informal phrases

Chav nativity

Version of the Christmas story in modern London / SE British slang circulated on the Internet c.2005

Sharon's bikkies

Informal language: jigsaw dialogue between two colleagues involving an argument over biscuits

Natural and unnatural conversations

Students order lines in two conversations. The situations are identical (making an arrangement to meet for dinner), but one is full of unnatural written vocabulary, the other uses informal spoken language.

Written and spoken words

Thirty common words for students to sort into 'more often written' and 'more often spoken' lists + 14 sentences that use words that would normally be found in written English. Ss change them so they sound more natural in spoken English.

Common phrases: pubs and restuarants II

(1) Grid of 36 common spoken phrases and expressions useful for a pub or restaurant (various functions including informal offers, requests and situation-specific functions - asking for food preferences etc. These can be cut up, divided between students who have to try to use them in a simple pub / restaurant role-play. (2) The same phrases + others arrranged in a table of functions

Quizzes

Informal language quiz 1
Mulitple-choice quiz. Test your knowledge of informal words and phrases.

Material from other sources

Tools

Urban Dictionary external link icon

Web dictionary of user-contributed slang words and phrases. Contains over 5 million entries as of 2011.

Urban Dictionary

Book references

Inside Out Student's Book Advanced

Unit 1 Identity Pages 11 - 12 My girl
Madness song, My Girl Listening: boy / girlfriend row

Inside Out Student's Book Intermediate

Unit 1 Friends Page 12
Words and phrases from songs: I wanna hold your hand It ain't me etc.

New Inside Out Student's Book Advanced

Unit 1 Conversation Page 12 Useful phrases
Useful phrases for informal conversations with strangers

New Inside Out Student's Book Upper Intermediate

Unit 1 Impressions Page 13 Writing: informal letter
Letter to a penfriend in formal, business style. Students substitute informal words and phrases.

Unit 1 Impressions Page 12 useful phrases
Short dialogue featuring common informal expressions

Unit 2 Generations Page 20 Reading and listening
Two dialogues in different register following on from previous material: 1 - boyfriend / girlfriend (informal) 2 - boyfriend / girlfriend's parents (more formal)

Unit 3 Gold Page 32 Useful phrases (money)

Informal words and phrases

See also:

Material from other sources