正如汉语语体形式富于变化一样，英语语体也是有不同层次的，一般来讲，根据语境的不同可分为三个层次：Ａ. 正式体；Ｂ. 非正式体；Ｃ. 俚语、习语。
"正式体"适用于书面英语，正式场合或商务活动中，或者跟你交谈的人对你并不熟悉时运用；"非正式体"可用于和熟悉人的日常交谈中；"俚语、习语"的使用有助于突出英语会话的多样性，使地道纯正的英语更丰富多彩，妙趣横生。请看以下话题中的一语三款：
１. enjoyment 享受
我们喜欢跳舞。
Ａ. We enjoy going dancing.
B. We like to go dancing.
C. We have a ball when we go danc- ing.
２. fulfillment 满意
你对新工作感到满意吗？
A. Do you feel fulfilled in your new position?
Ｂ. Do you feel satisfied with your new job?
C. Does your new job cut it?
３. futility 徒劳无益
我们的全部努力都白费了。
A. All of our efforts have been futile.
B. All of our attempts have been in vain.
C. We're going now nowhere fast.
4. influence 影响
广告能影响消费者的选择。
Ａ. Advertising can influence consumer decisions.
B. Advertising can change consumer decisions.
C. Advertising can brainwash consumers. （贬义）
５. option 选择
请悉听尊便。
A. You can select whatever you like.
B. It's your choice.
C. Take your pick.
6. preparedness 准备
足球运动员正在为这次比赛作准备。
A. The football players are preparing for the game.
B. The football players are getting ready for the game.
C. The football players are getting psyched for the game. （心理上的准备）
7. prudence 谨慎
夜间一个人走路是不安全的。
A. It is not prudent to go walking alone at night.
B. It's not safe to go walking alone at night.
C. It's not smart to go walking alone at night.
8. search 寻找
我们到处寻找那本书。
A. We searched everywhere for that book.
B. We looked everywhere for that book.
C. We have left no stone unturned looking for that book.
（小周）