In English, it is common to have formal and informal expressions with the same meaning but with different levels of formality. This allows speakers to adjust their language to different contexts and audiences. In this video we will look at some social expressions with different levels of formality.
Formal English
Formal English is typically used in professional or academic settings where the tone needs to be more serious and respectful. This includes situations such as job interviews, business meetings, academic papers, and official documents. In formal English, you would use complete sentences, avoid contractions, and follow proper grammar rules. You would also avoid slang and casual expressions and opt for more technical vocabulary and indirect speech.
Informal English
On the other hand, informal English is used in casual settings with friends, family, and peers. It’s more relaxed and conversational and often includes the use of contractions, slang, and colloquial expressions. Informal English is used in everyday conversations, texts, and social media posts, you can use non-standard grammar rules and casual expressions that are common in everyday speech, as well as using more direct language.
We will look at all of this in more detail in later lessons but form now let’s look at some formal and informal expressions that we would use socially.
Formal and informal: Greetings
A greeting is when you say hello or good morning, a friendly message used to acknowledge and welcome someone.
Formal versions would be
- Good morning, sir.
- Good afternoon, madam.
- or good evening.
- How do you do?
Informal versions would be
- Hi,
- Hiya,
- How’s it going?
Formal and informal: Expressing gratitude
“Thanking” means expressing gratitude or appreciation for something someone has done for you or given to you.
In Formal English you might thank someone like this:
- Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.
- I am grateful for your assistance in this matter.
- Your generosity is much appreciated.
In informal English it would be more like this:
- Thanks a bunch for helping me out!
- I can’t thank you enough for your support!
- Thanks a million for being there for me.
Formal and informal: Apologizing
“Apologizing” means expressing regret for something one has done or failed to do, and seeking forgiveness from the person who was affected by it.
In Formal English you could say:
- I would like to offer my sincerest apologies.
- Please accept my apologies for my mistake.
- I’m truly sorry for my behavior and any harm it may have caused
In Informal English you can say:
- I’m so sorry about what happened, it was completely my fault.
- My bad, I messed up, and I apologize for any trouble it caused.
- I’m really sorry for what I said/did, and I hope you can forgive me.
Formal and informal: Requests
To ask for something, means making a request or expressing a desire to obtain or receive something from someone else.
In Formal English you could say:
- May I please request an extension on the deadline for this project?
- I was wondering if it would be possible for you to provide me with additional information about the product.
- Would it be possible for me to have a moment of your time to discuss this matter further?
In Informal English you can say:
- Can I borrow your pen for a minute?
- Could you give me a ride to the store?
- Hey, could you hook me up with some of those concert tickets you were talking about?
Formal and informal: Saying Goodbye
“Saying goodbye” means bidding farewell or taking leave from someone, typically with an expression of good wishes or affection.
In Formal English you could say:
- It was a pleasure meeting you, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
- I hope we have the opportunity to work together again in the future.
- Thank you for your time and consideration, and I bid you farewell.
In Informal English you can say:
- It was great hanging out with you, let’s do it again soon!
- Take care and stay in touch, it’s been real.
- Alright, I gotta run, catch you later!
Knowing when to use formal and informal English is important because using the wrong register in a particular situation can affect how you’re perceived by others. For example, using informal English in a job interview or professional email may come across as unprofessional and could harm your chances of being taken seriously.
Conversely, using formal English in a casual conversation with friends may come across as stiff and awkward.
In general, it’s best to use formal English in formal settings, such as when writing a cover letter, applying for a job, or communicating with someone you don’t know well. Informal English is more appropriate in casual situations, such as when texting with friends, chatting with coworkers during a break, or posting on social media. However, it’s always important to be mindful of the context and the audience to ensure that you’re using the appropriate register for the situation.
