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B1 Lesson 3 of 3 · Professional Emails & Writing

Adapting your register: colleague, manager, client

The same message in three registers: when to use tu or vous, and how to stay professional but warm.

12 min · 6 activities

In this lesson you will

  • Choose tu or vous at work
  • Adapt vocabulary and formulas to the recipient
  • Keep a professional and warm tone
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Lesson summary

The key points to remember, for revision.

  • 1Tu at work: frequent in Québec and start-ups; vous with clients and in traditional companies.
  • 2In doubt, start with vous and follow the other person.
  • 3Formal: conditional (pourriez-vous), precise verbs (transmettre, discuter), formal closing.

Key vocabulary

tutoyerto use “tu”
vouvoyerto use “vous”
faire le pointto review progress
transmettreto send / pass on