Neutral Register

In the wonderful world of linguistic registers (the variety of ways people choose to use language in different situations), there is one example called the 'neutral register'. This is the register we will be exploring in this article, and by the end, you should have a strong understanding of what defines neutral language.

There are several factors to look at where the neutral register is concerned, but what exactly is the neutral register? Let's take a look:

Neutral Definition

The word 'neutral' is very likely one you've come across many times in your life, and you've probably used it yourself many times too.

If something is neutral, it is neither negative nor positive.

'Neutral' is an adjective as it is a word that describes a noun. In this article, the term 'neutral' will be describing language.

In the context of language register, neutral is much more complex than the simple definition above, but we'll look into this more shortly.

Neutral Synonyms

As 'neutral' is such a widely-used word that can be applied to so many topics and situations, it's not surprising to see that there are quite a few neutral synonyms. Here are a few:

• impartial
• unbiased
• objective

and

• unexceptional
• bland
• commonplace

We've separated these two lists, as the word 'neutral' can have different applications. The first list refers to conflicts or debates where neutral would mean not taking a side, and the second list refers to something having no marked characteristics.

In the context of the neutral register, we're concerned with both applications of the word. Neutral language is inherently objective and unemotional (as suggested by the first list of synonyms) and it can also be quite plain and simple (as the second list of synonyms hints at).

The neutral register will not be appropriate in all situations, so we'll now look at some of the characteristics of neutral language so we get a better idea of what it actually is and where it fits in social interactions. The neutral language style is:

• non-emotional

• free from slang or colloquialisms

• comprised of relatively simple sentence structures

• to the point/ sticks to the facts

• somewhere between casual and formal in tone – professional yet accessible

• not positive or negative but purely factual and objective

Linking back to our definition and synonyms from earlier, the neutral register is not used to convey opinions or feelings – it is unbiased and impartial, and it does not include any flowery or overly descriptive language (so in some senses, neutral language is fairly bland too).

Sports referees are supposed to stay neutral and impartial between the two teams.

Based on this information, when do we then use the neutral register? We can use neutral language in both written and spoken discourse, so we'll look at each of these modes (ways in which language is used or experienced) in turn.

Neutral language in spoken discourse

If we keep the qualities of the neutral register listed above in mind, these are some of the situations in which people can use neutral language in verbal interactions:

Giving Directions

When you ask someone for directions, you'd expect them to give you information that was concise, meaningful, and factual. The neutral register is ideal for this, as the speaker would be able to convey the necessary directions without needing to use evocative or descriptive language. They could do it in short, simple sentences that get right to the point. Giving someone directions is also an act that is inherently free from positive or negative connotations; by relaying only the required information, the speaker avoids becoming personally biased.

Giving Instructions

In a similar way to giving directions, when we instruct someone on how to complete a simple task, we tend to try and keep the information purely relevant to the task at hand. The speaker should aim to keep their sentences simple and fairly short, whilst using accessible language so that the listener is able to understand what is being said. Giving someone instructions is also (usually) a non-emotional interaction, so there should be little reason for the speaker to inject their personal feelings or opinions into the exchange.

Giving a Presentation

This will obviously depend on what the presentation is about – if you're doing a presentation on a topic where different interpretations or debates are possible, then the neutral register might not be very effective. However, if you're giving a presentation on a scientific or business-related topic, the neutral register can help you to keep your information relevant, direct, and concise whilst helping you to phrase it in a way that's easy for the listeners to understand. Presentations that are fact-based and use professional language will most likely use the neutral register.

Neutral Language in Writing

Due to the nature of the neutral register as outlined in the Neutral Language Style section, it is potentially used more frequently in writing than it is in verbal communication. This could be because writing is not as instantaneous (occurring instantly) as speech, and it is, therefore, easier to remain objective and...well... neutral in text form than in spoken language. Here are some examples:

Professional Emails

If you've ever had a job or had to email one of your teachers, you're probably familiar with writing professional emails. When constructing an email to a colleague, boss, or teacher, it's important to remain fairly formal and professional without sounding self-important and stuffy. Equally, coming across as too casual is also not appropriate in this example, so the neutral register is the perfect compromise. Professional emails should also avoid 'beating about the bush' and stick to the point, another characteristic of neutral language.

Written Reports

Whether it's a news report, business report, or progress report, written reports should use the neutral register. The purpose of a report is to convey factual information without embellishment (making something fancier or more complicated than it needs to be), and the neutral register is perfect for this. Reports should also be professional yet accessible so that the audience can grasp the point they're trying to make.

Technical Writing

Technical writing can be applied to many different subjects, but usually consists of important, technical information that needs to be conveyed clearly and directly. Some common forms of technical writing include appliance manuals, handbooks about different machines or subjects, and troubleshooting information. All of these kinds of writing need to be free from emotion and slang, and made up of simple, specific sentences – just as the neutral register dictates.

Neutral Language Examples

As you can see, the neutral register can be used in both verbal and written forms. Here are some examples of each of the scenarios listed above:

Spoken

Let's start by looking at some spoken interactions:

Giving Directions

Giving directions is an example of when the neutral register is appropriate.

Giving Instructions

Giving a Presentation

All of these examples are about non-emotional subjects, and they use simple language and sentence structures. There is no personal bias or opinion in any of them, and they keep to the facts. There are also no colloquialisms, and the language used in each example is relatively formal but still very accessible.

Written

We'll now look at some examples of the neutral register in written communication:

Professional Emails

Written Reports

Technical Writing