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Formal vs. Informal Language

Formal language should be used in academic writing, business communications, presentations, and interactions with superiors or strangers. Informal language is appropriate for everyday conversations, social media, emails to friends, and discussions with peers. The document provides examples to illustrate differences between formal and informal vocabulary, grammar, and style. It advises being more precise and avoiding abbreviations and colloquial terms when aiming for a formal tone.

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Giang Nguyễn Lê Thanh
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39 views10 pages

Formal vs. Informal Language

Formal language should be used in academic writing, business communications, presentations, and interactions with superiors or strangers. Informal language is appropriate for everyday conversations, social media, emails to friends, and discussions with peers. The document provides examples to illustrate differences between formal and informal vocabulary, grammar, and style. It advises being more precise and avoiding abbreviations and colloquial terms when aiming for a formal tone.

Uploaded by

Giang Nguyễn Lê Thanh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES

FORMAL & INFORMAL


LANGUAGE

NGUYEN LE THANH GIANG, MA.


Key Points to Cover
WHAT T HE GUIDE LINES INCL UDE
Defi nitions
Situations
Examples
Practice
• How you communicate with people you

Informal know well and can relax around

• Similar to the way people speak out loud


Language
Hey guys, we’re
hosting a
brunch thing at
our place this
Sunday

.
morning say
10:30-ish. Hope
you can make
it! XOXO
• We use formal language in situations that are
serious or that involve people we don’t know

Formal well.

• Formal language is more common when


Language we write.

We would be delighted if you


could join us for our company
luncheon on 12 December at
12.30 pm.
Which one is appropariate?

Informal Formal

Situations Purpose
Audience
Informal situations Formal situations

• Everyday conversations • Academic writing/ articles


• Personal emails • Business emails
• Social media • Presentations
• Advertising • Reports
• Spontaneous speech • Professional academic situations
• Text messages • Official documents
• Talking to peers • Talking to superiors
• Networking or socialising with clients • Public speaking (speeches, lectures, etc)
• Team meetings • Job interviews
How to be more formal in writing?

Grammar Vocabulary Abbreviations Colloquial


language
Compare

INFOR MAL FOR M AL


The girl I met in Singapore was The girl whom I met in Singapore was
interested in working in Australia.. interested in working in Australia.

FORM AL
INFOR MAL
We regret to inform you that the
Sorry, but the delivery will be late
delivery will be delayed due to
because of the weather.
adverse weather conditions.
Compare

INFOR MAL FORM AL


I believe the health effects of ... It is believed that the health
effects of ...

INFOR MAL FORM AL


The outcomes of the study haven't The outcomes of the study have not
been documented yet. been documented yet.
Compare

INFOR MAL FORM AL


Do you want some tea? Would you like a cup of tea?

INFOR MAL FORM AL


The study checked out the health The study examined the health
effects of passive smoking. effects of passive smoking.

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