Formal vs Informal Language (SEA 2023)

Formal vs. Informal language

Using appropriate language at the right times!

Formal and Informal:

Why do I need to know?

Through life we need to be able to change the way we interact with people, depending on the situation.

Sometimes, getting the tone wrong can cause big problems!

Formal language (written and spoken)

• Full sentences

• Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar

• Avoid Contractions (aren’t, don’t, can’t)

  Avoid addressing the reader (Are you looking for….? You need to..”

  Use Standard English

  Avoid Slang / Text

  Stay Objective

Informal language

(written and spoken)

• Shorter sentences

• More casual tone

• Uses contractions (e.g. don't, I'm)

• Slang / Text

• Talks to Reader

Multiple Select

Choose the FORMAL phrases from these options

(tick ALL that apply)

• Good afternoon. I'm interested in applying for the vacancy. Please may I have an application form?

• Alright. Have you got any jobs going?

• Hello, my name is Vik, I would like to enquire about the job advertised please.

• Hey. I heard you've got jobs available. How do I apply?

Multiple Choice

You want to impress the manager of a business because you'd like to work there. When shaking their hand, what would be the most appropriate thing to say?

• Hi Mrs Smith. My name is Vik; It's a pleasure to meet you.

• Hey girl, how's it going?

• Alright! I'm Vik.

• Silence. Don't say anything.

Multiple Choice

Which is the MOST formal phrase?

• Thanks a lot for your help.

• Thank you for your assistance.

• Thank you for your help.

Multiple Select

If you're writing a FORMAL email when applying for a job, which greeting should you start your email with? (tick 3)

• Dear Sir or Madam

• Hiya

• No greeting

• To whom it may concern

• Dear Mr Smith

A reminder

You will be expected to change the way you speak and write, depending on the situation.

FORMAL language tends to be less personal and more professional.

INFORMAL language tends to be more personal and casual. Be careful though, as slang words still may not be appropriate - you have to judge the situation.

Multiple Choice

1. Which is not considered part of informal language?

• talking with a friend

• using slang

• writing an expository report in school

Multiple Choice

4.Pick the combination of words that are formal:

• verify and request

• busy and sorry

• won't and need

Multiple Choice

5.Pick the combination of words that are informal:

• occupied and possess

• help and give

• assist and receive

Multiple Choice

6.What would be the formal word for ask?

• receive

• request

• ensure

Multiple Choice

8.Which pair of informal and formal words is not a match?

• busy/occupied

• begin/receive

• check/make sure

• sorry/regret

Multiple Choice

13.The phrase “a number of things” is formal for:

• Something

• One thing

• Lots of stuff

Multiple Choice

14. Instead of saying, “there’s something else”, the formal word to use would be:

• Furthermore

• Consequently

• Ensure

Multiple Choice

15.The informal phrase for “In conclusion” would be:

• The next thing

• The first thing

• The last thing

Multiple Choice

20. Which set of THREE words are formal?

• enquire, provide, give

• request, provide, nevertheless

• blow up, explode, require

​LET'S CHAT SOME MORE!

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Open Ended

Does it even matter whether you use formal or informal language in a situation? Why or why not?

​LET'S RECAP!