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Differences in Formal and Informal Writing

The document discusses the differences between formal and informal writing in English. It provides three rules for identifying formal writing: 1) Formal writing contains no filler words like "well" or "y'know". 2) It contains no contractions. 3) It uses longer, more precise words instead of slang terms. Examples are given to illustrate the differences between formal and informal language based on these rules.

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Baljeet Singh
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27 views2 pages

Differences in Formal and Informal Writing

The document discusses the differences between formal and informal writing in English. It provides three rules for identifying formal writing: 1) Formal writing contains no filler words like "well" or "y'know". 2) It contains no contractions. 3) It uses longer, more precise words instead of slang terms. Examples are given to illustrate the differences between formal and informal language based on these rules.

Uploaded by

Baljeet Singh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Formal vs Informal

It can be hard to tell the difference between formal and informal


writing in English
Let’s look at some ways we can tell the difference.

English Writing Rule 1: Formal Writing = No ‘fillers’

Formal vs Informal Writing Fillers = Words we say to fill space, meaningless


Examples: Well, like, y’know

(Very) Informal Example:


I was going to, well, tell him about it, but, y’know, I just couldn’t

Formal:
I was going to tell him about it, but I wasn’t able to.

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Formal vs Informal Formal vs Informal

Rule 2: Formal Writing = No contractions Rule 3: Formal Writing = Longer words, no slang

Contractions = 2 words becoming 1 Examples: Check out = Examine/Investigate; Let me know =


Inform me.
Examples: I’ll (I will); He’d (He would); She’s (She is); I’m (I am)
Informal Example: I’m gonna check out the situation, and I’ll let
Also: Gonna (going to); Wanna (want to); ‘cause (because) you know what I find out.

(Very) Informal Example: He’d wanna go, but he’s gonna be busy Formal: I intend to investigate the situation, and I will inform
with work. you about what I discover.

Formal: He would want to go, but he will be busy with work. Tip: Our speaking language isn’t always the same as our written
language.
Read plenty of formal English e.g. high-level newspapers, to
understand formal language more.

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Thank You

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