Formality in English: French vs. Anglo-Saxon Roots > Blog

When learning English, you may notice that some words sound more formal than others. This difference often comes from the words' origins. English has a rich history of borrowing words from other languages, and many of its words come from either French or Anglo-Saxon (Old English). Understanding when to use these words can help you write more effectively, depending on the level of formality required.

French Roots: Many formal and sophisticated words in English have French origins. This influence began after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 when French became the language of the ruling class. As a result, French words are often used in legal, political, and academic contexts.

Anglo-Saxon Roots: Words of Anglo-Saxon origin are usually shorter and more direct. These words come from Old English, the language spoken by the common people before the Norman Conquest. They are often used in everyday conversation and informal writing.

Let's look at some of the many, many examples to understand how the choice of words affects the formality of your writing.

Start vs. Commence

Start (Anglo-Saxon): Let's start the meeting. (informal)

Commence (French): The meeting will commence at 10 AM. (formal)

Buy vs. Purchase

Buy (Anglo-Saxon): I need to buy some groceries. (informal)

Purchase (French): She decided to purchase a new car. (formal)

Help vs. Assist

Help (Anglo-Saxon): Can you help me with this? (informal)

Assist (French): The staff will assist you with your inquiries. (formal)

Ask vs. Inquire

Ask (Anglo-Saxon): She asked me about my day. (informal)

Inquire (French): We will inquire about the delivery status. (formal)

Eat vs. Consume

Eat (Anglo-Saxon): Let's eat dinner. (informal)

Consume (French): The product is safe to consume. (formal)

Know Your Audience: Use more formal words when writing to superiors, in academic papers, or in professional settings. Use informal words when writing to friends, family, or in casual settings.

Context Matters: Consider the context of your writing. Legal documents, business reports, and official letters often require formal language. Personal emails, text messages, and social media posts can be more informal.

Variety in Writing: Mixing both types of words can make your writing more interesting and engaging. However, be mindful of the tone you want to set.

Practice: Read a variety of texts, from newspapers to novels, to see how different words are used in different contexts. Practice writing sentences using both formal and informal words.

Understanding the difference between words with French roots and those with Anglo-Saxon roots can greatly enhance your writing skills. By choosing the right words for the right context, you can convey your message more clearly and appropriately. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to switch between formal and informal language with ease.