B2 COURSE

Unit 20 - Formal vs Informal Writing

When it comes to writing in English, there are two main styles of writing – formal and informal.
Consider these two examples:

Example 1:
This is to inform you that your book has been rejected by our publishing company as it was not up to
the required standard. In case you would like us to reconsider it, we would suggest that you go over it
and make some necessary changes.

Example 2:
You know that book I wrote? Well, the publishing company rejected it. They thought it was awful. But
hey, I did the best I could, and I think it was great. I’m not gonna redo it the way they said I should.

The difference between the two is obvious. The first one is formal, and the second is informal. But
what is it that makes them formal and informal?

It is the style of writing, or the way we use words to say what we want to say. Different situations call
for different ways of putting words together. The way we write in academic and scientific settings
differs greatly from the way we write to a friend or close one. The tone, vocabulary, and syntax, all
change as the occasion changes. This difference in the styles of writing is the difference between
formality and informality, or the difference between formal and informal writing.

INFORMAL FORMAL

Ask Enquire
Ask for Request
Book Reserve
Check Verify
From (company) On the behalf of
Get Receive
Give Provide
Help Assist
Need Request

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Unit 20 - Formal vs Informal Writing

INFORMAL FORMAL

Say worry Apologise

Say hello to Give my regards to
Tell Inform

Here’s a list of some of the main differences between informal and formal writing:

Informal writing Formal Writing

Avoid using colloquial words/expressions

May use colloquial words/expressions
(substitute with children, man/boy,
(kids, guy, awesome, a lot, etc.).
wonderful, many, etc.)

May use contractions Avoid contractions (write out full words –

(can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, etc.).  cannot, will not, should not, etc.).

Write in third person (except in business

May use first, second, or third person.
letters where first person may be used).

May use clichés (loads of, conspicuous by

Avoid clichés (use many, was absent, etc.)
absence, etc.)

Avoid addressing readers using second

May address readers using second person
person pronouns (use one, one’s, the
pronouns (you, your, etc)
reader, the reader’s, etc.)

Avoid using abbreviated words (use full

May use abbreviated words (photo, TV, etc)
versions – like photograph, television, etc.)

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Unit 20 - Formal vs Informal Writing

May use imperative voice Avoid imperative voice (use Please refer to.
(e.g. Remember….) ….)

May use active voice (e.g. We have noticed Use passive voice (e.g. It has been noticed
that…..) that….)

Longer and more complex sentences are

May use short and simple sentences. preferred (short simple sentences reflects
poorly on the writer)

Difficulty of subject may be acknowledged State your points confidently and offer
and empathy shown to the reader. your argument firm support.

VIDEO - Formal vs Informal Writing: What's the Difference

and When to Use Them

These are just some of the differences between formal and informal writing. The main thing to
remember is that both are correct, it is just a matter of tone and setting. Formal English is used mainly
in academic writing and business communications, whereas Informal English is casual and is
appropriate when communicating with friends and other close ones. Choose the style of writing
keeping in mind what you are writing and to whom. But whichever style you write in – formal or
informal – be sure to keep it consistent, do not mix the two.

20.1. - Informal vs Formal Words & Expressions

Informal Formal

1. What do you need? 1. Please let us know of your requirements

2. Thanks for your mail on 22 Jan
3. Sorry, I can't make it.
4. I'm sorry to tell you that...
5. I promise...
6. Could you...?
2. Thank you for your email of the 22 of January
3. I am afraid I will not be able to attend.
4. We regret to inform you of...
5. I can assure you that...
6. I would be very grateful if you could...

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Unit 20 - Formal vs Informal Writing

7. You haven't... 7. We note that you have not...State verbs:

8. Don't forget...
9. I need to...
10. Shall I ...?
11. See you next week.
12. Could you...?
13. I'm sorry for...
14. Let me know if we can get together.
15. Please get back to me asap.
16. If you need any more questions, just let
me know.
17. If you need any more info, just drop me
a line.
8. I would like to remind you that...
9. If it is necessary for me to...
10. Would you like me to...?
11. I look forward to meeting you next week.
12. I was hoping that you could...
13. Please accept my apologies for...
14. Please let me know when you will be
available.
15. I would be grateful if you could reply
early.
16. If you have any further questions, please
do not hesitate to contact me.
17. Should you have any further
information, please do not hesitate to
contact me.

Informal Formal

a lot of many, much, numerous, a great deal of

about regarding
after that thereafter
also / plus moreover
answer respond
ask for request
at first initially
better superior, improved
breathing respiration
buy purchase
cheap inexpensive
drink beverage
eat consume
end terminate, complete
enough sufficient
fix repair

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Unit 20 - Formal vs Informal Writing

get obtain, acquire State verbs:

help assist, assistance
home residence
in the end finally, ultimately
I’ve got to / I have to I must / It is necessary for me to
kind of / sort of rather / somewhat
leave depart
let permit
live reside
lively animated
need require, necessity / requirement
next / later subsequently
OK / all right acceptable / satisfactory
old elderly
people individuals
people say that… it is said that…
right away immediately
seem appear
show demonstrate
so therefore / thus / consequently
start begin / commence
start again resume
stop cease
sweat perspire / perspiration
tell inform
that’s why therefore
try attempt
very / really quite
want desire / would like / wish
watch observe
whole entire
work function
wrong incorrect
you (generic) one / everyone