Formal vs. Informal Language

Formal Language■ Is used when you want to make a good impression on

people in respected positions. You speak in a more traditional way and use longer forms of words when you want to be formal. Use formal language when writing research paper, essays, etc.

Formal Language

■ CHARACTERISTICS■ No slang■ No contractions (should’ve, can’t)■ Complex, complete sentences ■ Avoid the use of personal pronouns (I, you, me)

when writing essays, research papers, etc.

USE FORMAL LANGUAGE WITH…

■ Teachers■ Principals■ Counselors■ Doctors■ Firefighters■ Police officers

■ Who else?

*use in research papers, essays, business letters, etc.

Formal Language EXAMPLE■ This is to inform you that your book

has been rejected by our publishing company as it was not up to the required standard. In case you would like us to reconsider it, we would suggest that you go over it and make some necessary changes.

Formal Language

■ Looks like■ Standing or sitting straighter than usual

■ Sounds like■ “Hello, Mrs. Smith”■ “Please, may I…”■ “Lovely to meet you.”

Informal Language■ Is used when you talk to peers or well-known adults.

You might speak in a more relaxed way by using slang and shorter forms of words.

Informal Language

■ CHARACTERISTICS■ Slang is allowed■ Contractions are allowed (should’ve, can’t)■ Simple grammatical structure

USE INFORMAL LANGUAGE WITH…

■ Your best friend■ Your sister■ Your brother■ Your cousin

■ Who else?

*use in friendly letters, etc.

Informal Language EXAMPLE■ Ya know that book I wrote? Well,

the publishing company rejected it. They thought it was awful. But hey, I did the best I could, and I think it was great. I’m not gonna redo it the way they said I should.

Informal

■ Looks like■ Standing or sitting in a relaxed position

■ Sounds like■ Using slang

■ “Hi”■ “What are ya doin’?”■ “What’s up?”

Formal Informal

Products can be ordered from… We just get products

from…

Personally, I prefer... I love/ I like

A final and equally

important point is...

Last but not least...

Jacobs: Good evening, I am Jane Jacobs from the Jiffy City Publishing.

Stevens: How do you do? I am pleased to finally meet you. Please have a seat.

Jacobs: Hey there, I'm Jane Jacobs from City Publishing.

Stevens: Hi, come have a seat.

Change to FormalActivity 1 -- worksheet

1. Hi.2. Okay!3. Will ya?4. Ya gotta go!5. What do you want?YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS! GO!Be prepared to share with a neighbor!

Change to FormalAct. 1 – worksheet POSSIBLE ANSWERS

1. Hi.Hello.

2. Okay!That sounds delightful!

3. Will ya?Would you like to participate?

4. Ya gotta go!It is a requirement that you attend!

5. What do you want?May I help/assist you?

Change to InformalActivity 2 - worksheet

6. I would be delighted!7. I certainly am grateful for this.8. It has been a pleasure meeting you.9. Could you possibly assist me with this

assignment?YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE! GO!Be prepared to share with a neighbor!

Change to InformalAct. 2 – worksheet POSSIBLE ANSWERS

6. I would be delighted!I’d like to!

7. I certainly am grateful for this.Appreciate it. / Thanks.

8. It has been a pleasure meeting you.It’s been real.

9. Could you possibly assist me with this assignment?

Can you help me out?