Understanding the Differences between Formal and Informal Languages

Chances are you have once wondered what the big deal is with formal and informal ways of speaking and writing. But there is nothing to be puzzled about; really. When talking about formal and informal languages, we are referring to the tone, the choice of words and the way the words are put together vary in such a way that one set is more business-like while the other set is a lot friendlier. In other words, formal and informal languages serve different purposes such that the formal language is less personal while the informal is very personal. Inasmuch as students do not necessarily need to learn how to communicate informally because that comes naturally to you, the focus is always on teaching students formal communication skills which will help them write professional either for academic purposes or job.

Furthermore, formal language does not use colloquialisms, contractions or first person pronouns. This is unlike Informal language which is more casual and spontaneous; appropriate for use only when communicating with friends or family.

 The tone of informal language is more personal unlike formal language which must be professional. Take note of the following examples demonstrating the same set of sentences in both formal and informal languages-

CONTRACTIONS

1. The improvements can’t be introduced due to funding restrictions. = Informal language
2. The Improvements cannot be introduced due to funding restrictions. = Formal
3. I donʼt believe that the results are accurate. = Informal
4. The results are not believed to be accurate. = Formal
5. The research project wonʼt continue next year. =Informal
6. The research project will not continue next year. =Formal

PHRASAL VERBS

7. The balloon was blown up for the experiment.= Informal
8. The balloon was inflated for the experiment. = Formal
9. The patient got over his illness. =Informal
10. The patient recovered from his illness. = Formal
11. The results of the study were mixed up. =Informal
12. The results of the study were confused. = Formal

SLANG/COLLOQUIALISM

13. The mob was very rowdy during the protest against cuts to university funding. =Informal
14. The crowd was very rowdy during the protest against the cuts to university funding. =Formal
15. Lecturers still count on students to use correct grammar and punctuation in essays. =Informal
16. Lecturers expect students to use correct grammar and punctuation in essays. =Formal
17. It was raining cats and dogs. =Informal
18. It was raining very heavily. =Formal

I hope you have learnt something new. Keep it up!