Is 'Heads Up' Too Informal?
2020-09-05
LRC
TXT
大字
小字
滚动
全页
1Each week we answer questions about American English from readers from outside the United States.
2But today we answer a question from the American state of Alabama. Khan writes:
3Could you tell me what else I can use instead of "heads up"?
4That term is considered informal; therefore, I would like to know the formal word for "heads up."
5Thanks.
6Dear Khan,
7Thank you for writing. Let us look closely at this expression and other ways to say it.
8As you said, the term "heads up" is informal.
9However, it is so common in American English that we use it in almost every situation.
10"Heads up" can be used as a noun.
11It sends a message that says something is going to happen.
12Here is an example:
13She gave him a heads up that the company's president would be visiting the office.
14Also, you can ask for a "heads up" by asking someone to report when they are in the process of doing something.
15Can you give me a heads up about how much time you will need for that project?
16You might also hear someone say, "Thanks for the heads up!" This means, "Thanks for letting me know!"
17It is worth noting that "heads up" is a common expression Americans use with friends, family, coworkers and even in business meetings.
18But there are other ways to express the idea. One word you can use in place of "heads up" is "warn:"
19She warned him that the company's president would be visiting the office.
20Another way to express the idea is with the word "let" when you want to give or get information:
21Please let me know how much time you will need for that project.
22Imagine that your company is moving to a new office and your supervisor is sending you an email.
23The message could "make you aware" of something or "draw your attention" to something, as we hear in these examples:
24I want to make you aware that we are moving our office.
25I wanted to draw your attention to the move of our office.
26Khan, I hope that helps to answer your question about "heads up."
27And that's Ask a Teacher for this week.
28What questions do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.
29I'm Jill Robbins.
1Each week we answer questions about American English from readers from outside the United States. But today we answer a question from the American state of Alabama. Khan writes: 2Question: 3Could you tell me what else I can use instead of "heads up"? That term is considered informal; therefore, I would like to know the formal word for "heads up." 4Thanks. 5Khan, Alabama 6Answer: 7Dear Khan, 8Thank you for writing. Let us look closely at this expression and other ways to say it. 9Meaning of 'heads up' 10As you said, the term "heads up" is informal. However, it is so common in American English that we use it in almost every situation. 11"Heads up" can be used as a noun. It sends a message that says something is going to happen. Here is an example: 12She gave him a heads up that the company's president would be visiting the office. 13Also, you can ask for a "heads up" by asking someone to report when they are in the process of doing something. 14Can you give me a heads up about how much time you will need for that project? 15You might also hear someone say, "Thanks for the heads up!" This means, "Thanks for letting me know!" 16Other ways to say 'heads up' 17It is worth noting that "heads up" is a common expression Americans use with friends, family, coworkers and even in business meetings. But there are other ways to express the idea. One word you can use in place of "heads up" is "warn:" 18She warned him that the company's president would be visiting the office. 19Another way to express the idea is with the word "let" when you want to give or get information: 20Please let me know how much time you will need for that project. 21Imagine that your company is moving to a new office and your supervisor is sending you an email. The message could "make you aware" of something or "draw your attention" to something, as we hear in these examples: 22I want to make you aware that we are moving our office. 23I wanted to draw your attention to the move of our office. 24Khan, I hope that helps to answer your question about "heads up." 25And that's Ask a Teacher for this week. 26What questions do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com. 27I'm Jill Robbins. 28Gregory Stachel and Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. 29_______________________________________________________________ 30Words in This Story 31informal - adj. (of language.) relaxed in tone or not suited for serious or official speech and writing 32aware - adj. knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists 33Do you have a question for the teacher? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.