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The document discusses the differences between formal and informal language. Formal language is less personal and is used for professional or academic purposes, while informal language is more casual and used communicating with friends and family. Some key differences are that formal language avoids colloquialisms, contractions, and first-person pronouns, uses longer words, slower pronunciation, and no abbreviations, acronyms, contractions, emojis or colloquial language. Informal language is more personal and spontaneous.

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Hezi Meia
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46 views3 pages

R I Port

The document discusses the differences between formal and informal language. Formal language is less personal and is used for professional or academic purposes, while informal language is more casual and used communicating with friends and family. Some key differences are that formal language avoids colloquialisms, contractions, and first-person pronouns, uses longer words, slower pronunciation, and no abbreviations, acronyms, contractions, emojis or colloquial language. Informal language is more personal and spontaneous.

Uploaded by

Hezi Meia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is the difference between formal and informal language?

Formal and informal language serve different purposes in written communications


depending on the reader (Audience) and reason for writing (Purpose). The tone, the
choice of words and the way the words are put together vary between the two
different styles.

Formal language is less personal than informal language. It is used when writing
for professional or academic purposes like graduate school assignments. Formal
language does not use colloquialisms, contractions or first-person pronouns such as
“I” or “We.”

Informal language is more casual and spontaneous. It is used when


communicating with friends or family either in writing or in conversation. It is used
when writing personal emails, text messages and in some business
correspondence. The tone of informal language is more personal than formal
language.

Grammar Example:
Formal:
 We regret to inform you that the delivery will be delayed due to adverse
weather conditions
 Have you seen my glasses?
 I am sorry to have kept you waiting
Informal:
 Sorry, but the delivery will be late because of the weather
 Seen my glasses?
 Sorry to keep you waiting

Modal verbs:
Formal language uses modal verbs. For example:
 We would be grateful if….
 Could you kindly inform us as to whether..?
Pronouns
Formal language is less personal, and is more likely to use the ‘we’ as a pronoun
rather than ‘I’: For example:

Formal:
 We can assist in the resolution of this matter. Contact us on our help line
number
 We regret to inform you that
 We have pleasure in announcing
Informal:
 I can help you solve this problem. Call me!
 I’m sorry, but….
 I’m happy to say…
Vocabulary

In formal language, words are generally longer. For example:


 Require [formal] vs need [informal]
 Purchase [formal] vs buy [informal]
 Acceptable [formal] vs okay [informal]
 Assistance [formal] vs help [informal]
 Require [formal] vs want [informal]

Pronunciation
Speech is generally slower in formal language, allowing for correct and
clear pronunciation, and the tone of the voice is more serious.

Contractions
These are not used in formal language. In informal language they are
used for easier flow and faster speech. For example:
 She has decided to accept the job offer [formal]
 She’s decided to accept the job offer [informal]

Abbreviations and acronyms


These are not used in formal language. For example:
 ‘As soon as possible’ [formal] vs ‘asap’ [informal]
 ‘Advertisement’ [formal] vs ‘ad’ or ‘advert’ [informal]
 ‘Photograph’ [formal] vs ‘photo’ [informal]

Colloquial language
This is not used in formal language. For example:
 Would you like a cup of tea? [formal] vs Fancy a cuppa? [informal]
 ‘Would you like to…’ [formal] vs ‘Do you want….’ [informal]

 Emojis are never used in formal language!


Glossary
 Eliminate: to remove or eliminate something.
 Pompous: grand, solemn, or self-important.
 Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something.
 Serious: grave, thoughtful or subdued.
What is the difference between formal and informal language?
Formal and informal language serve different purposes in written communications
depending on the reader (Audience) and reason for writing (Purpose). The tone, the
choice of words and the way the words are put together vary between the two
different styles.

Formal language is less personal than informal language. It is used when writing for
professional or academic purposes like graduate school assignments. Formal
language does not use colloquialisms, contractions or first-person pronouns such as
“I” or “We.”

Informal language is more casual and spontaneous. It is used when communicating


with friends or family either in writing or in conversation. It is used when writing
personal emails, text messages and in some business correspondence. The tone of
informal language is more personal than formal language.

They have a lot of differences in:


Grammar
Modal Verbs
Pronouns
Vocabulary
Pronunciation
Contractions
Abbreviations and acronyms
Colloquial Language
And Glossary

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