Formal and Informal Words in the English Language

Have you ever wondered why you speak differently when talking to your friends compared to when you’re writing an essay or speaking to your teacher?

The answer lies in understanding formal and informal language.

This essential skill can make the difference between sounding professional in important situations and connecting naturally with peers in casual conversations.

What Are Formal and Informal Words?

Formal words are the type of language you use in professional, academic, or official situations. They tend to be longer, more precise, and follow traditional grammar rules strictly. Think of formal language as wearing a business suit – it’s polished, appropriate, and shows respect for the situation.

Informal words, on the other hand, are the relaxed, everyday language we use with friends, family, and in casual settings. This language is like wearing comfortable jeans – it’s natural, flexible, and helps us connect with others on a personal level.

Understanding when to use each type is crucial for effective communication. Using informal language in a job interview might cost you the position, while using overly formal language with friends might make you sound distant or pretentious.

Key Characteristics of Formal Language

Vocabulary Choices

Formal language uses sophisticated vocabulary and avoids slang, contractions, and colloquial expressions. For example:

• Formal: “I apologize for the inconvenience.”
• Informal: “Sorry about that!”

Sentence Structure

Formal writing typically features longer, more complex sentences with proper grammar and punctuation. The tone remains objective and impersonal.

Examples of Formal Words and Phrases

• Purchase instead of “buy”
• Commence instead of “start”
• Terminate instead of “end”
• Assistance instead of “help”
• In addition instead of “also”
• Nevertheless instead of “but”

Key Characteristics of Informal Language

Conversational Tone

Informal language mimics how we naturally speak. It includes contractions (can’t, won’t, it’s), casual expressions, and sometimes even slang terms that are appropriate for the audience.

Flexible Grammar

While still maintaining clarity, informal language allows for more flexibility in sentence structure and may include fragments or questions that engage the reader directly.

Examples of Informal Words and Phrases

• Get instead of “obtain”
• Show up instead of “arrive”
• Figure out instead of “determine”
• A lot instead of “numerous”
• Okay instead of “acceptable”
• Stuff instead of “items” or “things”

When to Use Formal Language

Academic Writing

Essays, research papers, and academic presentations require formal language. This demonstrates your ability to engage with serious topics professionally and shows respect for academic standards.

Example: “The research indicates that climate change significantly impacts agricultural productivity in developing nations.”

Professional Communication

Business emails, reports, proposals, and presentations all require formal language. This builds credibility and shows professionalism.

Example: “I am writing to inquire about the status of my application for the marketing position.”

Official Documents

Legal documents, government forms, and formal letters require precise, formal language to avoid misunderstandings.

Job Interviews and Professional Meetings

Speaking formally in these situations demonstrates that you understand professional expectations and can communicate appropriately in work environments.

When to Use Informal Language

Personal Communication

Text messages, emails to friends, and casual conversations naturally use informal language because the goal is connection rather than formality.

Example: “Hey! Can’t wait to see you tonight. Should be fun!”

Creative Writing

Depending on your audience and purpose, informal language can make stories, blogs, and creative pieces more engaging and relatable.

Social Media

Most social media platforms favor informal, conversational language that feels authentic and engaging to followers.

Casual Presentations

When speaking to familiar groups or in relaxed settings, informal language can help you connect better with your audience.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Register

Consider Your Audience

Always ask yourself: Who am I writing or speaking to? A professor expects different language than your best friend. When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly more formal rather than too casual.

Think About the Context

The situation matters as much as the audience. A casual email to your boss about weekend plans differs from a formal report about quarterly sales figures.

Match the Medium

Text messages and social media posts naturally lean informal, while official documents and academic papers require formal language. Let the medium guide your choice.

Practice Code-Switching

Successful communicators learn to “code-switch” – seamlessly moving between formal and informal language depending on the situation. This skill develops with practice and awareness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Contractions in Formal Writing

While contractions like “don’t” and “can’t” are perfectly fine in informal settings, avoid them in academic papers, business reports, and official correspondence.

Incorrect: “The data doesn’t support this conclusion.” Correct: “The data does not support this conclusion.”

Being Too Formal in Casual Situations

Overly formal language in casual settings can create distance and make you seem unfriendly or pretentious.

Too formal: “I would be delighted to accompany you to the cinema this evening.” Better: “I’d love to go to the movies with you tonight!”

Mixing Registers Inconsistently

Stick to one register throughout your communication. Switching back and forth can confuse your audience and weaken your message.

Using Slang in Professional Settings

Save expressions like “That’s sick!” (meaning cool) or “My bad” for casual conversations with peers who understand these terms.

Real-World Applications and Examples

Email Transformation Example

Let me show you how the same message changes based on formality level:

Informal version (to a close colleague): “Hey Sarah! Can you check out that report when you get a chance? Let me know what you think. Thanks!”

Formal version (to a senior executive): “Dear Ms. Johnson, I would appreciate your review of the attached quarterly report at your earliest convenience. I look forward to receiving your feedback. Sincerely, [Your name]”

Academic Writing Example

Informal: “Kids these days spend way too much time on their phones instead of talking to people face-to-face.”

Formal: “Contemporary research suggests that excessive smartphone usage among adolescents may negatively impact their development of interpersonal communication skills.”

Building Your Vocabulary Arsenal

Create Word Pairs

Make a list of informal words you use frequently and find their formal equivalents. Practice using both versions in appropriate contexts.

Read Widely

Expose yourself to both formal texts (academic articles, business publications) and informal writing (blogs, social media, casual magazines) to see these registers in action.

Practice with Purpose

Consciously practice switching between formal and informal language. Try rewriting the same message in both styles to develop flexibility.

The Bottom Line

Mastering both formal and informal language isn’t about choosing one over the other – it’s about having the right tool for every communication situation. Like having different outfits for different occasions, having command of both registers makes you a more effective and confident communicator.

Remember that language is always evolving, and what seems formal today might be standard tomorrow. The key is developing sensitivity to your audience, context, and purpose. With practice, you’ll naturally know when to use “purchase” versus “buy,” or when to write “I apologize” instead of “Sorry!”

Start paying attention to the language choices around you. Notice how news anchors speak differently than podcasters, or how your textbooks use different words than your favorite social media accounts. This awareness is the first step toward mastering both formal and informal English, making you a more versatile and effective communicator in all areas of your life.

Whether you’re writing your first job application or texting friends about weekend plans, understanding formal and informal language gives you the confidence to communicate appropriately and effectively in any situation.