Formal and Informal English

Informal and formal English: What’s the difference?

Formal English is a written or spoken style that is characterized by its use of proper grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. It is often used in professional or academic settings and is considered to be more formal than informal English. Informal English, on the other hand, is a more casual, conversational style that is often used in informal settings such as with friends or family. Informal English may use colloquial language and may not always follow strict grammar rules.

Contents

Ask – Enquire

Informal: The interviewer asked me about my future plans.

Formal: The interviewer enquired me about my future plans.

Ask for – Request

Informal: You can ask for a free copy of the leaflet.

Formal: You can request a free copy of the leaflet.

Book – Reserve

Informal: I’d like to book a table for three for eight o’clock.

Formal: I’d like to reserve a table for three for eight o’clock.

Check – Verify

Informal: I’ll leave you to check whether these claims are true.

Formal: I’ll leave you to verify whether these claims are true.

Get – Receive

Informal: We got a warm welcome from our hosts.

Formal: We received a warm welcome from our hosts.

Give – Provide

Informal: The hospital has a commitment to give the best possible medical care.

Formal: The hospital has a commitment to provide the best possible medical care.

Help – Assist

Informal: We are looking for people who would be willing to help in the group’s work.

Formal: We are looking for people who would be willing to assist in the group’s work.

Need – Request

Informal: She need permission to film at the White House

Formal: She requests permission to film at the White House

Say sorry – Apologise

Informal: Go and say sorry to her.

Formal: Go and apologize to her.

Say hello to – Give my regards to

Informal: Well, say hello to your wife and children.

Formal: Well, give my regards to your wife and children.

Tell – Inform

Informal: The leaflet tells customers about healthy eating.

Formal: The leaflet informs customers about healthy eating.

Choose – Select

Informal: He hasn’t been chosen for the team.

Formal: He hasn’t been selected for the team.

Begin/Start – Commence

Informal: Once that is completed, the major construction work will begin.

Formal: Once that is completed, the major construction work will commence.

Let – Allow

Informal: She didn’t let me to live with my kids.

Formal: She didn’t allow me to live with my kids.

Promise – Assure

Informal: “I can promise you of that”, he said.

Formal: “I can assure you of that”, he said.

Conclusion

Formal and informal English are two different styles of communication that are used in different settings and contexts. Formal English is typically used in professional or academic settings, such as in business meetings, presentations, or research papers. It is characterized by its use of advanced vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, and is generally considered to be more polite and respectful.

In contrast, informal English is used in everyday conversations and interactions, such as with friends, family, or casual acquaintances. It is characterized by its use of colloquial language, slang, and contractions, and is generally considered to be less formal and more casual.

In conclusion, the choice between formal and informal English depends on the context and audience, and it is important to be able to adjust one’s language accordingly. Formal English is generally considered more appropriate for professional or academic settings, while informal English is more suitable for casual conversations. Knowing when and how to use each style of English can help to ensure that communication is clear, effective, and appropriate for the situation.