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What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Language?

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Formal and informal language are two different styles of communication that are used in different settings and situations. Formal language is characterized by its use of proper grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, while informal language is characterized by its use of colloquial expressions, contractions, and less formal grammar. Formal language is typically used in professional settings such as business meetings, academic writing, and legal documents, while informal language is used in casual conversations, social media, and text messages. It is important to use the appropriate style of language depending on the context and audience to ensure that your message is clear and well-received.

Formal and Informal English Words/Phrases

Actually, there are no specific definitions about formal and informal words/phrases because it is absolutely back to the definition of differences between formal and informal English that has been explained before.

Difference Between Formal and Informal Language

Here are examples of formal and informal words/phrases in sentences based on the places and situations:

Difference Between Formal and Informal Language
Difference Between Formal and Informal Language

What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal English?

  • The difference between formal and informal English is not a difference between correct and incorrect, but a difference of what is known as register. A register is a variety of language related to a particular subject matter or area of activity, a set of words and expressions as well as syntactical features that may be said to characterise that specific area of language.
  • There are many registers: technical, academic, mathematical, scientific, etc. Very broadly speaking, we can also speak of a “formal” and “informal” register in English. In writing academic reports and the like, it would be normal to draw most of the vocabulary and expressions from the formal register, and few, if any, from the informal. This entails avoiding colloquial (everyday) or slang expressions in your writing assignments.
  • The question of register is far more complicated than indicated here; for example, there are many degrees of formality and informality. However, below are listed a few examples which may be of practical assistance.

Formal and Informal English

Active and Passive voice

(i) Our technician repaired the fault on 12th June. Now it’s your turn to pay us.

(f) Although the fault was repaired on 12th June, payment for this intervention has still not been received.

Phrasal verbs and Latina

(i) The company laid him off because he didn’t work much.

(f) His insufficient production conducted to his dismissal.

Direct and Formulaic

(i) I’m sorry but …

(i) I’m happy to say that …

(f) We regret to inform you that …

(f) We have pleasure in announcing that …

Use of Slang

(i) He had to get some money out of a hole in the wall …

(f) He withdrew the amount from an ATM.

Personal form & nominators

(i) If you lose it, then please contact us as soon as possible.

(f) Any loss of this document should be reported immediately …

Linking words

(i) The bank can’t find the payment you say you’ve made.

(f) Notwithstanding that the payment has been sent the bank fails to acknowledge it.

Revitalised Sentences

(i) Anybody or any company.

(f) … any natural person who, and any legal entity which …

Modal usage

(i) If you need any help give us a call.

(f) Should you require any assistance, please feel free to contact us …

Singular & Plural Person

(i) I can help you to solve this problem. Call me!

(f) We can assist in the resolution of this matter. Contact us on our toll-free number.

Formal and Informal English Sentences

After describing about the differences between formal and informal words/phrases now we will see the differences between formal and informal English sentences.

Difference Between Formal and Informal Language

Difference Between Formal and Informal Language

Summary of Differences between Formal and Informal English

Finally, after we see a lot of explanations about formal and informal English, to conclude it let us see on the summary below:

Difference Between Formal and Informal Language

Difference Between Formal and Informal Language – Image.