Question

When you are calling in a formal context (making calls related to employment, finances, law, health or admissions), which of the following word(s) should not be used?
A) Could
B) May
C) What’s up?
D) Thank You.

Answer 1

Hint: There are two types of conversation one is formal and another is formal. Well, one can use formal language in an informal place but the vice-versa is not true. Here, the person is calling in a formal context so he or she can’t use informal language.

Complete solution:
There are certain words, idioms, phrases, slang, etc. in the English language that are used with people that one doesn't know and there are some words, idioms, phrases, slang, etc. That can be used with the people to whom we have personal relations with. In the formal English language, the conversation between two people is very direct and to the point. The questions asked are close ended questions and the answers are to the point as well while in informal conversation the questions are open ended and the answer can have many outcomes. There are some words which can be used in both the cases such as might, could, couldn’t haven’t, etc.
These words are neither formal nor informal. So, in the given options we have been given the options: Could, may, thank you and what’s up? The options: Could, May, thank you can be used in the formal context that is making calls related to admissions, interview, employment, finances, etc. as they are close ended statements that will have a direct answer while the option: what’s up? is a open ended question and might get an indirect answer, this is a type of slang we use when we are talking to our friend or family.

Final answer is option C. What’s up? is the following word that should not be used in formal context.

Note: Here, we need to explain the difference between formal slang and informal slang and where we need to use that particular. Provide specific examples where the slangs are being used and in what context.