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Formal and Informal Expressions

formal and informal

formal and informal

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 

Informal versions would be

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:

In informal English it would be more like this:

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:

In Informal English you can say:

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:

In Informal English you can say:

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:

In Informal English you can say:

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.

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