There is always more than one way of saying something!! Be aware of the difference register can make to what you say, and be aware of which register you are using.
If you are interpreting into a foreign language, the correct use of a variety of registers will be one of the most difficult things for you to master. For practical purposes it will often come down to a choice of two registers (formal and less formal) for the non-native speaker.
Have a look at the examples below where you will find pairs of synonymous phrases in the left and right-hand columns. These examples are taken from David Walker’s excellent Committee Guide, a thematic and lexical handbook for interpreters working in the European Parliament.
| actively considering | thinking about it |
| afford an opportunity | give a chance |
| and indeed | and |
| as matters stand | the way things are |
| at an early date | soon |
| at their earliest convenience | soon |
| bereft of | without any |
| brought fully to the attention | take up with |
| came to recognise | realised |
| carries with it | involves |
| conspicuous by its absence | not there |
| consonant with | in keeping |
| debarred from | prevented |
| decline their invitation | say no |
| have an opportunity | be able |
| don’t think it differs very markedly | much the same |
| drew a positive response | was welcomed |
| endeavouring | trying |
| express my gratitude | thank |
| far in excess of | much more than |
| have shown no indication | don’t seem to |
| fortified | encouraged |
| have other ideas | disagree |
| I am reminded | I remember |
| I have in my possession | I have |
| in readiness | preparing for |
| indicate a willingness | say they will |
| initiate urgent discussions | get on to |
| it was for that reason | that was why |
| it’s my intention | I intend |
| likely patterns | forecast |
| little to tell them apart | similar |
| made statements | said things |
| make common cause | join forces |
| make alternative arrangements | do something else |
| make available | provide |
| make representations | protest |
| nigh on | nearly |
| no dearth | plenty |
| on day one of accession | as soon as they join |
| omits to mention | doesn’t say |
| persist in efforts | keep trying |
| put a statement out | issue a press release |
| secure an accommodation | get an agreement |
| seek a response | ask for a reply |
| set them alongside | compare |
| 7 or 8, no-one really knows | 7 or 8 |
| should acquaint themselves | find out about |
| some but not all | some |
| taken in conjunction | together with |
| that puts one in mind | that reminds me |
| their phrase for | how they describe |
| therefore seeks leave to | asks permission |
| under debate | being discussed |
| use their best endeavours | try their best |
| we’re ad idem on | we agree |
| wishes to | wants to |
| would do well to | ought to |