ENS ANNEX-Annaba

Writing Techniques
By: Dr Roumaissa MABROU

Formal and Informal English

Introduction
Academic writing is a vital skill for university students, especially in contexts where
English functions as a foreign language (EFL). It represents a form of nonfiction
writing that conveys objective information supported by credible and verifiable
evidence, expressed through a formal tone (Sheehy et al., 2019). Such writing is
typically produced in contexts where language use is deliberate, carefully revised,
detailed, and concise (Staples et al., 2016). The main purposes of academic writing
include reporting original research, addressing assigned or self-chosen questions,
articulating the writer’s viewpoint, and integrating existing studies on a given topic
(Bailey, 2018).
The formality of language also depends on the situation. Formal and informal
situations are commonly compatible with formal and informal languages. When a
situation is formal, the language would be formal as well. In contrast, when the
situation is informal, the language would be informal. Moreover, social distance and
familiarity also influence formality.
Maintaining a formal tone in academic writing is essential to promote objectivity,
coherence, clarity, and precision when presenting factual information. A formal style
enables readers to comprehend the topic accurately (Praminatih et al., 2019) by
reducing ambiguity, misinterpretation, and personal bias, all of which may
compromise objectivity (Mullany & Stockwell, 2015). Formality is reflected in the
explicit and systematic use of standard English—a variety standardized through
dictionaries, grammar references, and other academic resources (Mullany &
Stockwell, 2015)—and the avoidance of informal elements such as personal opinions,
direct engagement with the reader, and colloquial expressions (Liardet, 2019). Formal
language features based on Bailey (2018) include precise wording, hedging or
cautions, and passive voice.
Bailey (2018) emphasized that writers should avoid informal language features,
including idiomatic and colloquial expressions, adverbs that convey personal opinions
or attitudes, contracted auxiliary verbs, gender-biased or sexist language, rhetorical
questions, incorrect use of listing expressions, and phrasal (two-word) verbs.
Conversational English, or informal English, appears in contexts such as chatting with
family members, having casual discussions with supervisors, sending messages or
emails to friends, and engaging in informal conversations with teachers (Woods,
2017).
Althought academic writing shifted towards more formal features, informalisation still
persists.
The level of formality suited to particular context is called register by Michael
Halliday (1978), which implies how language varies according to the its use, not its
user.

i. Halliday’s Three Variables of Register

Halliday identified three key dimensions (often called the three variables of register)
that influence how language is used:
Field – What is happening?
Refers to the subject matter or activity of the communication.
Example: A science report vs. a casual chat about the weather.
Tenor – Who is involved?
Refers to the relationship between participants — their roles, levels of
formality, and social distance.
Example: Teacher to student (formal) vs. friends (informal).
Mode – How is language being used?
Refers to the channel or medium of communication — whether
spoken or written, planned or spontaneous.
Example: A speech, a text message, a report, or a phone call

ii. Destinguishing Formal and Informal writing

1. Purpose
Formal Writing Informal Writing
Used in academic, professional, or official Used in casual or personal
contexts. communication.
Example: essays, reports, business letters, Example: emails to friends, text
research papers. messages, social media posts.

💬 2. Tone
Formal Informal
Serious, objective, and respectful. Friendly, relaxed, and personal.
Avoids emotion or slang. Can include feelings, humor, or personal opinions.

3. Vocabulary
Formal Informal
Uses sophisticated or precise words. Uses simple, everyday language.
 Formal Informal
Example: “purchase,” “assist,” “endeavor” Example: “buy,” “help,” “try”
Formal Informal
Commence/ begin start
terminate End/finish
Purchase buy
Assist/aid help
Inform/notify tell
demonstrate show
Provide/supply give
Retain/maintain keep
Manage/handle/ address Deal with

4. Grammar & Sentence Structure

Formal Informal
Complex and well-structured sentences. Short, simple, or fragmented sentences.
Avoids contractions (do not, cannot). Uses contractions (don’t, can’t).

👤 5. Pronouns and Personal References

Formal Informal
Avoids first and second person (“I,” “you”) in academic Freely uses “I,” “you,” and
writing. “we.”
Example: “I think this
Example: “The study indicates…”
shows…”

🧠 6. Examples
Formal:
The results indicate a significant correlation between study time and
academic performance.
Informal:
It looks like the more you study, the better your grades get.
Formal:
I am writing to inform you that your application has been approved.
The experiment demonstrated a clear relationship between temperature
and reaction rate.
Informal:
Just wanted to let you know your application got approved!
The test showed that heat makes the reaction go faster.

Idiomatic Expressions
1. In formal writing or speech:
Idioms are usually avoided because they can sound too casual, conversational, or
vague.
Formal communication values clarity, precision, and professionalism, while idioms
are often figurative and culture-specific.
Example:
❌ We need to get the ball rolling on this project. (informal)
✅ We need to begin implementing this project. (formal)
2. In informal communication:
Idioms are common and natural — they make speech sound friendly and fluent.
Example:
Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it soon!
I’m over the moon about the news!
3. Exception:
Some idioms are so common that they can appear in semi-formal or even formal
contexts if used carefully and sparingly, especially in speeches or creative writing.
Example:
This initiative will serve as a stepping stone toward greater innovation.
(acceptable in semi-formal writing)
The final takeaway
Aspect Formal Informal
Purpose Academic/professional Personal/casual
Tone Objective, serious Conversational
Vocabulary Advanced, precise Simple, colloquial
Grammar Complex, no contractions Simple, uses contractions
Pronouns Limited Common
Example “Request” “Ask”

Punctuation
Punctuation is defined as the marks or signs used in writing to separate sentences or
phrases (Oxford dictionary, 2000). Poor or misused punctuation may make the text
difficult to follow and may create confusion. Without punctuation marks, sentences
are mere disorders of words.
Punctuation mark Usage/ function
Full stop, period (.) To end up a sentence -For abbreviations -Website addresses
A comma (,) When listing items in a sentence -to separate words or
phrases of three or more -With coordinate conjunctions (for,
and, nor, but, yet, or, so)
Semicolon (;) To join two related sentences
Colon (:) Introduce a list, explanation or a quote
Apostrophe To show possesion, used in contractions
Hyphen (-) Joins two words or parts of a word (twenty-one, well-known)

Activity: supply the right punctuation

Text one: email
Dear mr aymen,
i am writing to inform you that our office will be closed for maintenance on monday
november 15 2025 during this time our staff will be conducting a full inspection of
the building facilities and equipment please ensure that all important files are saved
and that your workstation is properly secured before you leave on friday
if you have any urgent matters that need to be addressed before the closure kindly
contact me by email at operations manager brightworks com or through the office
hotline before 5 pm on thursday
thank you for your cooperation and understanding we appreciate your continued
support
sincerely
Leila
operations manager

Text two:
maintaining a balanced diet is essential for good health for example consuming a
variety of fruits vegetables whole grains and lean proteins provides the body with
necessary nutrients according to dr lisa raymond a nutritionist at the national health
institute poor eating habits can lead to obesity diabetes and heart disease she
emphasized that portion control and regular meal times are just as important as food
quality one patient remarked i try to eat healthy but sometimes i overeat when stressed
the doctor concluded by saying adopting a healthy lifestyle requires both discipline
and awareness and as she added small changes such as drinking more water walking
daily and reducing sugar intake can have a significant long term impact