Can use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes in a wide range of contexts
Flexible social register management
Vocabulary
to switch register — mudar de registo
In a formal environment, he switches register with surprising naturalness.
Num ambiente formal, muda de registo com uma naturalidade surpreendente.to address someone formally — tratar por você
With older people, it is customary to address them formally.
Com as pessoas mais velhas, é costume tratar por você.to address someone informally — tratar por tu
Co-workers have addressed each other informally since day one.
Os colegas de trabalho tratam-se por tu desde o primeiro dia.to adjust the tone — adequar o tom
She knows how to adjust her tone to the social context she is in.
Sabe adequar o tom ao contexto social em que se encontra.to keep respectful distance — manter distância respeitosa
In first conversations, it is prudent to keep a respectful distance.
Nas primeiras conversas, é prudente manter distância respeitosa.to break the ice — quebrar o gelo
, she resorted to a comment about the weather.
Para quebrar o gelo, recorreu a um comentário sobre o tempo.
Grammar
Register switching in British English
Managing social distance through first names vs titles, informal phrasal verbs vs formal equivalents, and hedged requests
- Please call me John — everyone does.
- We would ask that you kindly refrain from addressing the client by first name.
Cultural notes
British English lacks a tu/você distinction, so social distance is managed through names, titles, and politeness strategies. 'Mr/Mrs/Ms + surname' marks formality; slipping into first names signals acceptance. Over-hedging can sound insincere.