Descriptive Writing: Register

Defining the Register

In English language, register refers to the tone, style and word choice used in writing.
It can be formal or informal, depending on the context of the writing and the intended audience.
Formal register is used in academic, professional, or polite situations, often using complex sentences and advanced vocabulary.
Informal register is more casual and conversational, often used in personal letters, diaries, emails, texts, and social media.
The register should always suit the purpose of the writing and the relationship between the writer and the reader.

Determine your audience and the purpose of your writing to select the most appropriate register.
Adapt your language, tone and structure to match the expectations of your reader and the context.
In descriptive writing, the register might be influenced by the narrator’s voice, the mood or atmosphere, and the setting or context.

Vocabulary choice is crucial in establishing the register: formal writing often uses more complex, academic or technical words, while informal writing may use slang, idioms, contractions and colloquial language.
The register can also shape your sentence structure: formal writing tends to use complex, well-structured sentences, while informal writing can use shorter sentences, fragments, or colloquial expressions.
Even punctuation can contribute to the register: formal writing will adhere strictly to punctuation rules, while informal writing might use more exclamation marks, ellipses, or even emoticons.

You might vary the register within a piece of writing to create an effect.
A sudden switch to informal language in a mostly formal text can create emphasis or surprise.
Conversely, a shift to formal language in an otherwise informal text can indicate seriousness or importance.
This technique should be used carefully and purposefully to avoid confusing the reader.
Ultimately, the register should always support your overall aim in the piece of writing.