Formal/Informal

Formal/Informal

Lol

Can’t

Cause

I think

He was so stupid

Formal and Informal Writing

Informal Usage

Formal

• every day
• casual
• Relaxed
• Friends/family
• Social media
• no strict rules (don't care much about applying grammar rules )

• Academic Setting
• Reports
• Essays
• Business Setting
• Letters
• Emails
• Reports

Informal-Words to Avoid

• 1st Person or Personal Pronouns (We, I, You)

Instead use 3rd Person: A person, an individual, one

• Contractions ---I’m, didn’t, can’t

Instead use I am, did not, cannot

• Slang , Cliches, Text Lingo

Examples: Easier said than done, lol, Rosaline friendzoned Romeo

• Abbreviations and Symbols

Examples: &, asap, cause

Example 1

Informal:

• I think that it's really bad that students have to do so much homework all the time.

teacherweb.com/IL/.../6th-7th-8th.../Informal-vs-Formal-Language.ppt

Example 1

Formal: 

• Many people, specifically students, feel that it is unfair that they receive a surplus of homework each day.

teacherweb.com/IL/.../6th-7th-8th.../Informal-vs-Formal-Language.ppt

Example 2

Informal:

When you look at bacteria through a microscope, it might seem like nothing, but its effects are really bad if you're exposed to it directly.

Example 2

Formal:

If an individual observes bacteria through a microscope, one might find that it appears harmless.  However, individuals exposed to bacteria have a higher likelihood of contracting the harmful effects, such as an illness.

teacherweb.com/IL/.../6th-7th-8th.../Informal-vs-Formal-Language.ppt

Word Usage

Formal:

A formal tone uses more complex, precise adjectives, nouns, verbs

Examples:

good superior

use utilize

some things some reasons

Word Usage

Hesitation fillers:

well

let me think

hmm

Like

er

Informal

Well, this experience is one I will never forget.

Formal

Therefore, this is an experience I will never forget.

Example 3

Informal:

When you're thinking about how to solve a geometry problem, that's your cerebrum in action.  It doesn't help you remember things, it also contains your memory, both long-term and short-term.

teacherweb.com/IL/.../6th-7th-8th.../Informal-vs-Formal-Language.ppt

Example 3

Formal:

For instance, when a person attempts to solve a challenging question, the cerebrum is processing, and retrieving, the information necessary to solve the question.  The cerebrum does not only store prior knowledge or information, it also contains a person's memory, both long and short-term.

teacherweb.com/IL/.../6th-7th-8th.../Informal-vs-Formal-Language.ppt

Try It Out

Review your essay. Find instances of informal language. Change those examples to a formal style.

http://www.teachertube.com/video/formal-vs-informal-writing-what039s-the-difference-and-when-to-use-them-360551

Exit Slip:

List two to three things you learned today about writing an essay?