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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.
Informal
Formal
At regular intervals
Informal
Formal
A lot of
Enough
Sufficient
This demonstrates
Informal English
Used in everyday, personal conversations.
Typically used in "improvised" speech when the speaker
Typically used in careful, edited writing when the
is speaking without preparation, as in a conversation (in
writer has a lot of time to polish his text. Formal
real life or over the phone). Informal English also occurs in
English also occurs in speech, usually when the
writing, usually whenever the writer is writing quickly and
speaker is saying something that was prepared
without editing (for example, in an Internet chatroom or in
beforehand (for example, reading the news or delivering
quick, personal e-mails).
an official speech).
Because informal English is "improvised", it is sloppy.
Speakers (and sometimes writers) often do the following:
Use "delaying expressions" to give themselves time: Well, I
Sentences are longer and more complicated, for
think they should have asked us first, you know?
example: Toyota's US sales bounced back in March as Use "correcting expressions" to correct themselves: He's
substantial discounts helped to win back customers
not well. I mean, he's not sick, but he's very tired.
who had been shaken by the firm's mass safety recalls. Use "qualifying expressions" to show that what they said is
not exactly right: This whole blogging thing is getting kind
of old.
The standard of correctness is higher. Some phrases
are considered correct (or at least acceptable) in
Examples
Active and Passive voice
(i) Our technician repaired the fault on 12th June. Now its 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) Im sorry but
(i) Im 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 cant find the payment you say youve 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.
Dictionary of Formal and Informal English
Informal
About
Agree with
And
Bearing in mind
Because
Begin
But
Careful / Cautious
Carry out
Check
Enough
Fill me in
Find out
Follow
Get
Get in touch
Go over
Has to be
Have to give
If
If or not.
If you don't
If you've got any questions
In accordance with
In the red
Involve
Lost
Make sure
Many
Order
Pay
Put in writing
Sorry!
Supply
Formal
Regarding / Concerning
Be bound by
As well as
Reference being made to
As a result of / due to (the fact)
Commence
While / Whereas
Prudential
Effect
Verify
Sufficient
Inform / Tell
Ascertain
Duly observe
Receive
Contact
Exceed
Shall be
Submit
Should
Whether or not.
Failing / Failure to
Should you have any queries
Pursuant to
Overdrawn
Entail
Inadvertently mislaid
Ensure
Several / Numerous
Authorise
Settle
Provide written confirmation
We regret
Furnish
Take away
Tell
Trusted
We don't want to do this
We'll call the law
When we get
Whenever we like
Write (e.g. Cheque)
Written
Informal
Active Voice
Phrasal Verbs
Direct Language
Possible use of Slang
Personal Form
Little use of Conjunctions
Few Revitalised Sentences
Direct Style
1st Person Singular
Withdraw
Disclose
Entrusted
This a course of action we are anxious to avoid
We will have no alternative but involving our legal
On receipt
Without prior notice
Issue (e.g. Cheque)
Shown / Indicated
Formal
Passive Voice
Latinate Verbs
Formulaic Language
No use of Slang
Nominator
Linking Words
Revitalised Sentences
Modal Usage
1st Person Plural