@centrox,
From the article you suggested:
Consultative register
This is the register used when consulting an expert such as a doctor. The language used is more precise. The speaker is likely to address the expert by a title such as “Doctor”, “Mr.” or “Mrs.”.
Some sources say this register is the formal register used in conversation.
My question is the following:
Is "consultative register" used only in
conversation?
@paok1970,
paok1970 wrote:Is "consultative register" used only in conversation?
No, it is used also in written communication. I use it myself in my job when writing officially to judges and lawyers.
@centrox,
Do you find my English too formal? After all, I have been asking questions about grammar and, sometimes, about idioms, phrasal verbs and so on. Should I "adopt" a more
informal style?
@paok1970,
paok1970 wrote:Do you find my English too formal? After all, I have been asking questions about grammar and, sometimes, about idioms, phrasal verbs and so on. Should I "adopt" a more informal style?
I find your English uniformly excellent and not too formal at all. Informal and casual registers are a minefield for the non-native speaker. I suggest that you keep your present style.
@centrox,
I agree with Centrox. Do you encounter non-native speakers in your language? Hopefully you are patient and understanding with them... most people are.
I have got a car.
Considered awk or redundant (informal), but a colloquialism often used. 'Have' and 'got' in that sentence could be communicated more efficiently by saying,
I have a car.
---------------
'Have gotten' is more about when you came into possession of the much ballyhooed car.
It refers to a thing you accomplished at a fixed time in the past.
"Bro, I don't want to walk downtown."
"Bro, chill, I've gotten a car." (Implying the purchase has taken place in some interim time since they last spoke.)
"What?! This is awesome."
(Bro was unaware until now.)
@Lash,
If the goal were efficiency, we would all be saying "I've car".
