EPIC ACCELERATE 4

FORMAL
AND
INFORMAL
LANGUAGE
FORMAL LANGUAGE
Is often associated with the conventions
expected of written standard English. At its
most extreme, formal language is signaled
with complex, complete sentences,
impersonality, avoidance of colloquial or slang
vocabulary, and a consistent preference for
learned words
Characteristics of Formal Language
NO ABBREVIATIONS
Any form of abbreviation are avoided

LACK OF PERSONAL PRONOUNS

Formal language does not use first person
pronouns such as ‘I’ or ‘We’

LONGER, MORE COMPLICATED

SENTENCES
Sentences are usually longer compared to
informal language
Characteristics of Formal Language
BIGGER AND MORE
SOPHISTICATED TERMS

FOLLOWS ETIQUETTE
GUIDELINES

SOUNDS EXTREMELY POLITE

At a business

WHERE AND
At school
WHEN IS IT USED

In courts

Commonly used in writing

INFORMAL
LANGUAGE
Is characterized by a simpler
grammatical structure (i.e. loosely-
connected sentences, phrases),
personal evaluation, and a colloquial or
slang vocabulary
Characteristics of Informal Language

USE OF ABBREVIATIONS

USE OF PERSONAL PRONOUNS

SHORTER SENTENCES
Characteristics of Informal Language
SHORTENED OR LESS
COMPLICATED WORDS

SOMETIMES LESS PROPER OR

POLITE

USE OF IDIOMS,
COLLOQUIALISM, SLANG
COLLOQUIALISM
A colloquialism is a word or
expression that is commonplace
within a specific language,
geographic region, or historical
era.
SLANG
Slang consists of words that are non-
standard in a given language and is
generally spoken to show inclusion in
a certain social group.
At home

WHERE AND
Casual places
WHEN IS IT USED
Social
networking sites

Commonly used in speaking

formal vs informal words
About Regarding / Concerning
Check Verify
Enough Sufficient
Get in touch Contact
Get Receive
Involve Entail
Many Several / Numerous
formal vs informal phrases
When we get Upon receipt

Whenever we like Without prior notice

We'll call the law We will have no

alternative but
involving our legal
formal vs informal phrases
In accordance with Pursuant to

Put in writing Provide written

confirmation

If you've got Should you have

any questions any queries
examples
I don't believe that the
results are accurate.

During the interview I

asked students about
their experiences.
examples
The results are not
believed to be accurate.

During the interview

students were asked
about their experiences.
examples
Lecturers still count on
students to use correct
grammar and punctuation in
essays.

It was raining cats and dogs.

examples

Lecturers expect students to

use correct grammar and
punctuation in essays.

It was raining very heavily.