In many situations, it is critical to know the difference between formal and informal language. If you use informal language during the job interview for that job you have always dreamed of, it might be the reason why they did not hire you. Similarly, if you use very formal language at a casual party, people might laugh behind your back. What is the difference between formal and informal language then, and when do you use one and not the other?
Formal language is used in serious contexts, including business meetings, official documents, and school essays. This type of language is primarily used in written communication but can also be used in oral communication (like public speeches). It is characterized by an objective style, proper grammar and spelling, advanced vocabulary, and formal linking words.
Informal language, on the other hand, is much more spontaneous and casual. This type of language is used in everyday situations, including interactions with family members and friends. Informal language can be found in everyday conversations, personal emails, and text messages. It is characterized by a personal tone, basic vocabulary, slang, contractions, and a simple sentence structure (and even smilies!).
- Precise vocabulary. Words like good, youth, and stuff are rather vague. In a formal situation, use more specific words like delicious, adolescent, and possessions.
- Formal vocabulary. A formal situation requires formal vocabulary, for instance: adequate, provide, resonate, sufficient.
- Linking words. Use linking words to join sentences and paragraphs together and to make the relationship between ideas clearer. However, do not overuse them. Some examples: however, furthermore, moreover, for instance, consequently, thus.
- Rational reasoning. Aim for an objective rather than a subjective style. Furthermore, the exclamation mark (= !) should be used with caution (or altogether avoided) since it might suggest that you are too emotionally attached to your subject.
- Complex sentences. In formal language, sentences are usually rather long and complex (but avoid writing too long sentences). Punctuation, proper grammar, and correct sentence structure are very important.
- Passive voice. In formal situations, the passive voice is usually preferred over the active voice (but do not overuse the passive voice). Passive voice: “The movie Avatar was directed by James Cameron.” Active voice: “James Cameron directed the movie Avatar.”
- Avoid contractions. A contraction is a shortened form of a word that omits certain letters or sounds, like isn’t and doesn’t. In formal language, write the full words instead: is not and does not.
- Avoid phrasal verbs. A phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of a main verb together with an adverb or a preposition, or both. Generally, their meaning is not obvious from the meanings of the individual words themselves. Phrasal verbs, like got over and went up, are common in everyday conversations but should be avoided in formal language. Instead, use formal words like recovered or increased.
- Avoid colloquialism (informal words or expressions) and slang. Colloquialism and slang convey an informal tone and should be avoided in formal writing. Thus, avoid expressions like gonna and wanna. Instead, use going to and want to.
- Avoid personal pronouns. Using personal pronouns in a formal essay can make the writing wordy, the writer seem less confident, and give the essay an informal tone. For this reason, try to avoid personal pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, you, they) when they cause your reasoning to appear subjective. Readers will know that they are reading your thoughts, beliefs, or opinions, so you do not need to state I think that or I believe that.