Formal vs. Informal English Usage MCQs

1. : Which is the more formal alternative to “kids”?
(A) Children
(B) Youngsters
(C) Boys and girls
(D) Little ones

2. : Identify the informal expression in this sentence: “The meeting was put off until next week.”
(A) Meeting
(B) Put off
(C) Until
(D) Next week

3. : Choose the more formal version of: “We found out about the change.”
(A) We learned about the change.
(B) We got wind of the change.
(C) We were told about the change.
(D) We discovered about the change.

4. : Which of the following is formal English?
(A) Can you give me a hand?
(B) Could you please assist me?
(C) Wanna help me?
(D) Lend me a hand, will ya?

5. : Replace the informal word in: “The results were okay.”
(A) The results were satisfactory.
(B) The results were fine.
(C) The results were good enough.
(D) The results were not bad.

6. : Which is the formal equivalent of: “I’m gonna attend the conference.”
(A) I am going to attend the conference.
(B) I will attend the conference.
(C) I am attending the conference.
(D) All of the above could work in formal settings.

7. : Identify the more formal alternative to: “We talked about the issue.”
(A) We had a chat about the issue.
(B) We discussed the issue.
(C) We spoke about the issue.
(D) We talked over the issue.

8. : Which of these is an informal way to say “inquire”?
(A) Ask
(B) Request
(C) Query
(D) Investigate

9. : The phrase “due to the fact that” is more formal than which alternative?
(A) Because
(B) Since
(C) As
(D) Owing to

10. : Which of these is formal English?
(A) The figures show a rise in sales.
(B) The numbers show sales are going up.
(C) The data shows sales are climbing.
(D) Sales are picking up.