Formal and Informal Language Rules

Which statement is more formal?

• This movie stinks!

• I do not enjoy this movie.

If you were writing an essay, which sentence would be a better claim statement.

• School uniforms would not positively affect learning environment at school.

• I believe school uniforms infringe on students' rights to self-expression.

Which statement is more formal?

• The mail carrier was unable to deliver the mail on time due to the snow.

• The mail carrier couldn't deliver the mail on time because of the snow.

Which statement is more formal?

• My father inflated several balloons for the birthday party.

• My dad blew up a bunch of balloons for the birthday party.

Which statement is more formal?

• That party was lit.

• The gathering was enjoyable.

If you were writing an essay, which sentence would be a better claim statement.

• I think wolves should be reintroduced to Isle Royale.

• Wolves should be reintroduced to Isle Royale.

Which statement is more formal?

• Hannah was sick, but she got over it.

• Hannah recovered from her illness.

Formal language is is more appropriate than informal language in all situations.

• True

• False

Which statement is more formal?

• When she saw my grades, my mother became very angry.

• When she saw my grades, my mom threw a fit.

Which statement is more formal?

• I don't believe the results were accurate.

• The results were believed to be inaccurate.