Formal (Standard) and Informal English
The difference between formal and informal English is
not a difference between correct and incorrect, but a difference
of what is known as register. A register is a variety of language
related to a particular subject matter or area of activity, a set of words and
expressions as well as syntactical features that may be said to characterise
that specific area of language.
There are many registers: technical, academic,
mathematical, scientific, etc. Very broadly speaking, we can also speak of a
“formal” and “informal” register in English. In writing academic reports and
the like, it would be normal to draw most of the vocabulary and expressions
from the formal register, and few, if any, from the informal.
This entails
avoiding colloquial (everyday) or slang expressions in your writing
assignments. The question of register is far more complicated than indicated
here; for example, there are many degrees of formality and informality.
However, below are listed a few examples which may be of practical assistance.
Formal language, even when spoken, is
often associated with the conventions expected of written standard English.
Formal English follow rules of grammar very
strictly. Sentences tend to be longer and more complex. The vocabulary tends to
be elevated, using big words and avoiding colloquial or slang vocabulary. It
avoids split infinitives and prepositions at the end of sentences.
Formal language uses a
Latin vocabulary and rhetorical devices to create literary-like effects.
Informal language is characterized by a simpler grammatical
structure (i.e. loosely-connected sentences and phrases), and personal
evaluation. Informal language
may make use of slang and colloquialisms, employing the conventions of spoken
language. However, it is too casual and loose to be acceptable for academic
writing.
Informal
They did
an experiment
Then the Drive Manager goes through some steps to install the programme
One after the
other
They found
out what the important things
were
You can find out all about the survey on
page 7
We think you
should discuss the research findings at the next departmental
meeting
Doctors have come
up with a new method of….
Safety officers are looking into the problem
The cost of cleaning services has gone up 25% over the last three years
Informal
We do not think
it is a good idea to do anything at the moment
Many thanks to the
staff at “Computers R Us” for their
help on the technical side
You need to get
the patient’s help when doing these hearing tests
There were no
big differences between the three different groups we tested
A lot of
This seemed
to fix the problem
Enough
This shows
that …
Numbers are
going up
They put the
plan into action
This let them
keep the same temperature during
the whole experiment
These results are because of factors like weight, age …
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Formal
The experiment was carried out / performed
The Drive Manager then performs / executes a series of functions / operations in order to
install the programme
At regular
intervals
They determined
/ discovered / established / identified the important properties / characteristics / issues
Details of the
survey are to be found on page 7
It is
recommended that the research findings are discussed at
the next departmental meeting
Doctors have created
/ established a new method of….
Safety officers are investigating the problem
The cost of cleaning services has risen by 25% over the last three
years
Formal
It is suggested
that no action should be taken at this stage
Thanks are
extended to the staff at “Computers R Us” for their technical support
(Slightly less
formal: We would like to thank
….)
When conducting
these audiological tests, the active participation of the patient being
tested is required.
No significant
differences emerged between the three different groups tested
Many / much / a
great deal of
This appeared
to rectify the problem
Sufficient
This
demonstrates…
Numbers are
increasing
The plan was
implemented / carried out
This allowed
/ permitted / resulted in / ensured a
constant temperature throughout the
experiment / for the entire experiment
These results are dependent on factors such as weight, age …
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