Formal vs. Informal Language

Formal vs. Informal
Language
When to use which?
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
Formal Language with

Teachers
Principals
Counselors
Neighbors
Firemen, Policemen

Who else?




Informal Language

Is used when you talk to peers or adults whom
you feel close to. You might speak in a more
relaxed way, by using slang and shorter forms of
words, when you want to be informal. You
should continue to be respectful when being
informal.
Informal Language with

Your best friend
Your sister
Your babysitter
Your cousin

Who else?



Change to Formal





Hi
Sure!
Will ya?
Ya gotta do it!
What do you want?
Change to Informal

I would be delighted!

I certainly appreciate this.

It has been a pleasure meeting you.

Could you possibly give me a hand with this
project?
Formal or Informal?




You call your dad at work and his boss answers
the phone.
You are asking someone out on a date
You are talking to your parents at the dinner
table
You are trying to convince the assistant principal
to change the date of the detention you were
given.
Formal Language

Looks like


Standing or sitting straighter than usual
Sounds like
“Hello, Mrs. Cadle”
 “Please, may I…”
 “Nice to meet you.”

Informal

Looks like


Standing or sitting in a relaxed position
Sounds like

Using slang
“Hi”
 “What are ya doin’?”
 “What’s new?”

Formal vs. Informal
When to use which?
Wisdom is knowing
what to do next; virtue
is doing it.
David Starr Jordan

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