Fancy English

I must purchase an automobile, but it is particularly costly. Can you assist me discover about a cheaper one? Thank you a lot!

9 of 21 words translated.

A simple vocabulary swap into a more formal register. It keeps the meaning in common uses, but context can matter, so read the result before you send it.

Words changed

  • need to → must
  • buy → purchase
  • car → automobile
  • it's → it is
  • very → particularly
  • expensive → costly
  • help → assist
  • find out → discover
  • Thanks → Thank you

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What “fancy” means here

This tool raises the register of everyday English. It swaps plain words for more formal ones with the same meaning in common uses: buy becomes purchase, help becomes assist, start becomes commence, and big becomes substantial.

It also expands contractions, so “can’t” becomes “cannot” and “it’s been” becomes “it has been.”

Two levels

The formal level makes careful, believable swaps. The very fancy level adds more ornament: “good” becomes “excellent,” “very” becomes “exceedingly,” and “thank you” becomes “I am most grateful.” Use the formal level for letters and the very fancy level for effect.

Where it holds back

Many everyday words have several meanings, so the tool only changes them in clear contexts. “Get” becomes “obtain” only before a word like “a,” “the” or “some.” “Help” as a noun becomes “assistance” and as a verb becomes “assist.” Capitalized names in the middle of a sentence are left alone.

Using the result

Plain words are often clearer. Use this when you want a formal tone, such as an invitation, a speech or a cover letter. Read the result aloud before you send it.

Common questions

Does fancier English read better?

Not always. Plain words are usually clearer. Formal wording suits letters, speeches and invitations, and can sound stiff in a text message.

Will it change names or titles?

Capitalized words in the middle of a sentence are treated as names and left alone.

The studio notebook

A useful place to begin.

Clear steps, considered details, and ideas you can put to use.