What is the importance of knowing When to use formal and informal language

It is important to know when to use those words as to give respect and formality to the person whom you are talking to such us talking for business or talking to your friends. Both are in different fields but using the opposite way of talking like talking informally to your business partners shows no respect and dignity. (hope this helps)

This table shows the main scenarios in which it is best to use formal language. Using very formal English in everyday situations can sound pompous, so always think about the context and your target audience.

Formal language

Informal language

When you are communicating with someone that you don’t know very well

Situations that are more relaxed and that involve people that you know well or know each other well

Business emails

Some business correspondence

Academic writing/ articles

In everyday conversations

Professional academic situations

Personal emails

Presentations

Social media

Reports

Advertising

Public tenders

Spontaneous speech

Official documents

Text messages

Talking to superiors

Talking to peers

Legal documents

Some meeting minutes

Public speaking (speeches, lectures, etc)

Networking or socialising with clients

Job interviews

Team meetings

2. Grammar

In formal language, grammar is more complex and sentences are generally longer. For example:

• We regret to inform you that the delivery will be delayed due to adverse weather conditions [formal]
• Sorry, but the delivery will be late because of the weather [informal]
• Have you seen my glasses? [formal]
• Seen my glasses? [informal]
• I am sorry to have kept you waiting [formal]
• Sorry to keep you waiting [informal]

6. Pronunciation

Speech is generally slower in formal language, allowing for correct and clear pronunciation, and the tone of the voice is more serious.

7. Contractions

These are not used in formal language. In informal language they are used for easier flow and faster speech. For example:

• She has decided to accept the job offer [formal]
• She’s decided to accept the job offer [informal]

8. Abbreviations and acronyms

These are not used in formal language. For example:

• ‘As soon as possible’ [formal] vs ‘asap’ [informal]
• ‘Advertisement’ [formal] vs ‘ad’ or ‘advert’ [informal]
• ‘Photograph’ [formal] vs ‘photo’ [informal]

9. Colloquial language

This is not used in formal language. For example:

• Would you like a cup of tea? [formal] vs Fancy a cuppa? [informal]
• ‘Would you like to…’ [formal] vs ‘Do you want….’ [informal]

10. Emojis are never used in formal language!

Glossary

Eliminate: to remove or eliminate something.

Pompous: grand, solemn, or self-important.

Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something.

Serious: grave, thoughtful or subdued.

This blog has been written at level C2. Practise your reading and listening by reading the blogs below.

Formal and informal language serve different purposes in written communications depending on the reader (Audience) and reason for writing (Purpose). The tone, the choice of words and the way the words are put together vary between the two different styles.

Formal language is less personal than informal language. It is used when writing for professional or academic purposes like graduate school assignments. Formal language does not use colloquialisms, contractions or first-person pronouns such as “I” or “We.”

Informal language is more casual and spontaneous. It is used when communicating with friends or family either in writing or in conversation. It is used when writing personal emails, text messages and in some business correspondence. The tone of informal language is more personal than formal language.

Society is changing at a rapid pace and informality in the English language is on the rise. In places where formal language was once a must, informality has taken over, and questions are raised over whether formal language still has a place in modern English. However, despite changes, formal language is still in use and is still expected and considered the most appropriate method of address in many situations. In written and spoken communication, formal language has the ability to convey knowledge and provide a sense of occasion, while informality has the ability to minimise social distance and is easily understood.

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Situations in which formal language is the most appropriate form of address may have diminished, however it retains an important role in society.

From chatting on the phone to a friend to asking about a neighbour’s day, spoken informal language is the main form of language used in most people’s everyday lives, however it is now being used in more situations.

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For example, a shift in the way businesses run has been reflected in a less formal method of communicating. Whereas the old business model was focused on the boss being above their employees, hence, a formal manner of communication between the two groups. Businesses now run on the basis of collaborating, sharing and creating a healthy and enjoyable work environment, so the method of communication is far more informal. Another example of a shift to informality is in the way people learn.

Teachers now speak in a far more informal style than they used to, instead of talking down to the students in a formal manner.

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The internet also uses informal, humorous language, people now go to Youtube videos to learn The advantage of using more informal language in these situations is that it minimises social difference, is engaging and makes both parties in a conversation feel comfortable. Informal spoken language is a huge part of peoples lives, the personal way in which it is spoken is now being mimicked in informal writing.

Over the course of the last 10 years, mostly due to the invention of texting and the internet, the informal form of writing has become far more prevalent. People are more connected to each other, and yet often see little of each other face-to-fac. Informal writing is very similar to informal spoken language, non-fluency features are used, as well as other previously spoken language only features. In this way informal written language connects people in a way that formal written language never could, and can almost replace in-person conversation. However, punctuation and grammar are forgone for the convenience factor of less keys to press, and in a fast moving society it is quicker to use non-standard grammar and shorten words to just a handful of characters than it is to plan, write and edit a single message. In a fast-paced, digital setting, informal written language is being used more than ever, however that does not mean formal written language no longer has a place.

Formal written language is one of the forms of language most declined in use, however the use of formal written language but still remains a requirement in many areas of communication. Formal language enables both individuals and corporations to convey their expertise and knowledge on a subject. Formal language is expected in academic essays, scientific research reports, legal documents and other more ‘serious’ occasions. For instance, compare a formal sentence such as “I believe working at KMart would allow me the opportunities to grow as an individual,’ with an informal one such as ‘I reckon working at Kmart’d make me a totes swaggier person’ for a job application. The first conveys experience, maturity and intelligence, and is in the style of language expected on the occasion, and as a result is far more likely to get the position. Formal written language may not be as widely used as it has been previously, however in certain situations it is the most appropriate, as is the case with formal spoken language.

While it is not the language the average person uses reguarly, formal spoken language has immense importance in both conveying knowledge and giving a sense of occasion. For a formal speech, given by a politician or other powerful figure, such as a debate, a press conference, ceremony, or other formal occasion, formal language is the most appropriate method of communication. This choice assures the audience of the speaker’s expertise on the subject and their competency in their position, which leads to trust what they say as being truth. Another occasion where formal language is prevalent is at ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and religious events such as Mass.

This formality, and adherence to the norms are key to creating a sense of occasion and meaning. For instance, wedding vows, or the Lord’s prayer. Each of these is highly formal and rehearsed, and an event would not have the same weight without them. Formal spoken language still has a place in society, giving meaning and weight behind individuals and situations.

A mixture of both formal and informal language are important for the continuance of society as it stands. Despite technological and societal changes, formal language remains key to conveying knowledge giving a sense of meaning and occasion to events. The two forms can coexist in separate spaces, in what linguist, Renato Beninatto, describes as the “underwear effect”. ‘Wearing a suit, people don’t mind using formal language […] The closer they get to intimate life—the closer they get to their underwear, that is—the more they want to use their mother tongue.’ So for the most part, in their homes, informality will be the language chosen by people, however for different occasions, be it a funeral or a job interview, people will accept formality. This goes to show that formality still has a place in today’s society.

What is the importance of knowing when to use formal language?

What are the benefits of using informal language?