What Are Formal and
Informal Language?
Can you write definitions for ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ language?
Formal Language
Formal language is used for more official and serious purposes. The correct
grammar should always be used.
Informal Language
In informal situations and informal writing, a more relaxed casual and chatty
style can be used. Slang words and abbreviations are more acceptable.
Do you and your partner agree?
What Are Formal and
Informal Language?
Sort the following criteria into formal or informal language conventions:
Do you and your partner agree?
is clear and to the point use more contractions
and abbreviations (e.g.
it’s or TV)
has a more serious tone
has a more ‘chatty’ tone
uses the correct
grammar and
punctuation
uses text-style words (lol)
uses specific vocabulary
for the subject
uses clichés (e.g. raining
cats and dogs)
often uses complex
sentence structures
What Are Formal and
Informal Language? Answers
formal
has a more serious tone
uses the correct
grammar and
punctuation
uses specific vocabulary
for the subject
often uses complex
sentence structures
informal
is clear and to the point
use more contractions and
abbreviations (e.g. it’s or
TV)
has a more ‘chatty’ tone
uses text-style words (lol)
uses clichés (e.g. raining
cats and dogs)
Formal or Informal
Formal
Language
Informal
Language
presenting an award
Formal and informal language are more suited to different situations. Can you
sort the following situations into the correct place in the table, according to
which style of language would be more suitable?
talking to the headteacher writing a letter of complaint
talking to friends
talking on the phone to gran
writing an email to a cousin
writing a report
sending a text to a friend
writing a personal diary
talking to the headteacher
presenting an award
writing a letter of complaint
writing a report
talking to friends
talking on the phone to gran
writing an email to a cousin
sending a text to a friend
writing a personal diary
Formal or Informal Vocabulary
Formal
sufficient
injustice
profession
opportunity
Informal
now
sacrifice
immediately
chance
enough
job
give up
not fair
Some vocabulary is more formal, whereas other is more informal in tone. Can you
match these formal and informal words with the same meanings (synonyms)?
Formal or Informal Vocabulary
Formal
sufficient
injustice
profession
opportunity
Informal
now
sacrifice
immediately
chance
enough
job
give up
not fair
Some vocabulary is more formal, whereas other is more informal in tone. Can you
match these formal and informal words with the same meanings (synonyms)?
Your Turn – Formal Vocabulary
Choose a square to reveal a picture. Write a sentence using a formal alternative of
the word given:
?
? ?
? ? ?
get better
job live in
now
enough speak to
Formal or Informal?
Read the following emails and decide whether they are formal or informal:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inform you of my
upset when I opened the lucky dip
bag I had recently purchased with
my own pocket money.
I was disappointed to find that my
favourite toy brand had been
replaced with an inadequate copy,
which even had pieces missing.
I shall expect to be fully compensated
for the distress and inconvenience
this experience has caused me and
hope that you send a replacement
promptly.
Yours sincerely,
Miss F. James
Hi Kerry,
You know the lucky dip bag I bought
when we went into town yesterday?
Well, you’ll never believe what
happened when I opened it – there
was a broken, copy of the toy
instead of the real thing!
I was so shocked and annoyed that
I’ve emailed the company to tell
them what I think.
I hope they send me a new one ASAP
so I can complete the set.
Was your pack ok? I hope so.
C u soon,
Frankie
Formal or Informal?
Read the following emails and decide whether they are formal or informal:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inform you of my
upset when I opened the lucky dip
bag I had recently purchased with
my own pocket money.
I was disappointed to find that my
favourite toy brand had been
replaced with an inadequate copy,
which even had pieces missing.
I shall expect to be fully compensated
for the distress and inconvenience
this experience has caused me and
hope that you send a replacement
promptly.
Yours sincerely,
Miss F. James
Hi Kerry,
You know the lucky dip bag I bought
when we went into town yesterday?
Well, you’ll never believe what
happened when I opened it – there
was a broken, copy of the toy
instead of the real thing!
I was so shocked and annoyed that
I’ve emailed the company to tell
them what I think.
I hope they send me a new one ASAP
so I can complete the set.
Was your pack ok? I hope so.
C u soon,
Frankie
formal
informal
Your Turn – Informal Vocabulary
Choose a square to reveal a picture. Write a sentence using an informal
alternative of the word given:
?
? ?
? ? ?
require
inform you refund
purchase
apologise spectacles
Formal or Informal?
Read these sentences. What do you notice about them?
The teacher demands that you be present in PE.
The teacher demands that you be present in PE.
Our Queen requests that you attend at 9am prompt.
Our Queen requests that you attend at 9am prompt.
If I were you, I would try harder in my lessons.
If I were you, I would try harder in my lessons.
These sentences all use the subjunctive verb form,
which makes sentences sound more formal.
Quick Quiz 1
Which sentence is written in formal language?
You’ll have a great trip!
I guarantee that your experience will be a positive one.
The flight was quite bumpy.
I guarantee that your experience will be a positive one.
Quick Quiz 1 Answers
Which sentence is written in formal language?
You’ll have a great trip!
I guarantee that your experience will be a positive one.
The flight was quite bumpy.
I guarantee that your experience will be a positive one.
Quick Quiz 2
Change these sentences from informal to formal language:
Please come to see me tomorrow.
I reckon we’ll have a fun time together.
Let me know if you can make it ASAP.
Quick Quiz 2 Answers
Change these sentences from informal to formal language:
Please come to see me tomorrow.
I am requesting that you visit me tomorrow.
I reckon we’ll have a fun time together.
I guarantee that we will have an enjoyable time together.
Let me know if you can make it ASAP.
Please inform me if you are able to attend as soon as possible.
