Casa · C1 Advanced · Lesson 9 of 20 · Step 1

International Law

Formal Register and Tone

Recognise and produce formal register appropriate to legal and diplomatic contexts
Use formal fixed expressions and collocations in professional writing
Analyse the relationship between register, audience, and purpose

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Formal register and tone

Formal register in English is characterised by specific linguistic features: formal fixed expressions ('It is incumbent upon', 'With due regard to', 'In accordance with'), impersonal constructions ('It should be noted that', 'One must consider'), Latinate vocabulary over Anglo-Saxon equivalents ('commence' vs 'start', 'endeavour' vs 'try'), avoidance of contractions and phrasal verbs, and complex sentence structures. Register must be matched to audience and purpose — legal, diplomatic, and academic texts demand the highest levels of formality.

It is incumbent upon all member states to comply with the provisions of the charter.

With due regard to the sovereignty of the parties involved, the court issued its advisory opinion.

In accordance with established precedent, the tribunal ruled in favour of the claimant.

It should be noted that the agreement does not preclude further negotiations.

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each formal sentence with the appropriate expression.

1.It is upon the signatory states to fulfil their obligations under the treaty.

2.With regard to the rights of the accused, the court proceeded with the hearing.

3.In with international law, the use of force must be proportionate.

4.The decision was taken the recommendation of the advisory panel.

5.It should be that these provisions apply only to signatory states.

2. Match each informal expression with its formal equivalent.

1.start

2.try

3.help

4.get

5.about / to do with

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Reading

The Architecture of International Order

International law, the body of rules and principles governing relations between sovereign states, rests upon a delicate balance between national interests and collective responsibility. It is incumbent upon all nations, regardless of their power or influence, to abide by the treaties they have ratified and the customary norms that have evolved over centuries. With due regard to the principle of sovereignty, international institutions such as the United Nations endeavour to facilitate the peaceful resolution of disputes. In accordance with the Charter, the Security Council may authorise sanctions or, in extreme cases, the use of force to maintain international peace. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms has frequently been called into question. It should be noted that the international legal order lacks the enforcement capacity of domestic legal systems; compliance is, to a significant extent, voluntary. Pursuant to the principle of good faith, states are expected to honour their commitments, yet violations occur with troubling regularity. The challenge for the twenty-first century is to strengthen these institutions without undermining the sovereignty that states regard as fundamental to their identity and legitimacy.

1. What fundamental limitation of international law does the passage identify?

2. What challenge does the passage identify for the twenty-first century?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Role-play: One student is a diplomat presenting a resolution to the UN General Assembly; the other asks critical questions. Both must maintain formal register throughout. Use expressions like 'It is incumbent upon…', 'With due regard to…', and 'In accordance with…'.

2Discuss: Is formal language a barrier to justice, or is precision in legal language essential for fairness? Give examples from legal or diplomatic contexts you know about.

Writing

Write a formal letter (6–8 sentences) from one head of state to another, proposing cooperation on a shared challenge (e.g. climate, security, trade). Use formal register throughout, including at least four formal fixed expressions.

0 words

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