When learning English it is important to note the key differences in how different groups of people interact and communicate with each other. There can be key differences within grammar, vocabulary and the use of more natural idioms, phrases or slang. It is important to understand these differences so you are able to communicate appropriately. Generally, we use formal English for business and academic settings and informal English for friends, family and social media. Understanding this skill can help your written and spoken communication, communicating in more appropriate and natural ways. Below I will discuss formal v informal English with some example phrases and sentences for you to begin using.
What Is Formal English?
Formal English can be defined as the use of standard English, more complex sentence structures, infrequent use of personal pronouns and lack of slang terms. It also carries a more polite and structured tone. Formal English is more common in official situations such as business emails, business meetings, professional presentations, conferences, job applications, job interviews or academic writing, among more. Below are some common phrases and sentences used in formal situations.
Business Emails
I hope this message finds you well. (A polite note about the persons wellness)
May I kindly ask you to ....? (Making a polite request)
I appreciate your prompt response. (A polite notice of their quick reply)
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist. (Letting the person know you are there to help)
I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. (A polite apology)
This email is to confirm .....(details). (Confirming arrangements)
Thank you for your attention to this matter. (Ending an email)
Best Regards, (signature phrase)
Sincerely, (signature phrase)
Business meetings
Let's get started by reviewing the objectives for this meeting. (Starting a meeting)
The first item on our agenda is ....(topic). (Introducing the topic)
As you can see from this chart/slide, ...(explanation). (Presenting information)
I'd like to hear your input on this, (Name). (Addressing participants)
How do you think we should proceed? (Facilitating discussion)
In the interest of time, let's move onto the next point. (Keep the meeting on track)
Before we adjourn, does anyone have any final comments? (Concluding the meeting)
Job interviews
We appreciate your interest in this position. (Starting the interview)
What attracted you to this role at this company? (Asking about experience)
Can you describe a challenge you faced in your previous role and how you overcame it? (Asking about experience)
How do you prioritise tasks when managing multiple projects? (Asking about skills and competencies)
What software/tools are you most proficient with? (Asking about skills and competencies)
Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision under pressure? (Asking about behaviours and situations)
We'll be in touch within (time frame) to let you know the next steps. (Concluding the interview)
Thank you once again for your time. (Ending the interview)
Greetings and Farewells
It's a pleasure to meet you. (Greeting)
Good day. (Greeting)
Have a productive day ahead. (Farewell)
Take care. (Farewell)
Nice to have met you. (Farewell).
What Is Informal English?
We can define informal English as using a relaxed, friendly and unofficial approach. Usually, it carries a more casual and spontaneous approach which includes many slang words/phrases, idioms and contractions. Informal English is mostly used when communicating with friends via text messages or social media posts/comments and during casual conversations either on the phone or face to face. Below are some common sentences or phrases used in informal situations.
Greetings and farewells
Hey, mate! ('Mate' is very British and is a friendly, warm greeting)
Alright? (A common way to say hello and doesn't require a specific answer, just a short greeting back)
Hiya! (An upbeat, casual way to say hello)
Morning. (A short and frequent way to say good morning)
How's it going? (Another way to say 'how are you?')
See ya! (A very casual way of saying 'see you later')
Cheers! (A common way to say goodbye)
Have a good one! (A polite way to wish someone well as you say bye)
I'm off! (A way to announce you are leaving)
Catch you later. (To say to someone you see often and suggests you will see them again soon)
Everyday conversations
Fair enough (Used to say you agree or find something reasonable)
No worries! (Used to say 'it's okay' or 'don't worry')
Can't be bothered (When you don't feel like doing something)
Sorted (Used when something has been arranged or taken care of)
I'm knackered! (This means 'I'm very tired')
Under the weather (This means you don't feel very well)
Can't complain (In response to 'how are you?' meaning there are no issues and everything is okay)
It's not my cup of tea! (Meaning you dislike or something is not preferable)
Blimey! (Used to express delight or surprise at something)
I'll give it a go! (Meaning you will try something)
I'm gutted! (Meaning you are disappointed)
Banter (Meaning playful and friendly teasing)
Talking with friends and family
Can't wait for the weekend, need a break! (A casual way to express feelings of tiredness)
Wanna grab some lunch/dinner? ('Wanna' a contraction to 'Want to', a more relaxed question)
That film was a bit rubbish! (A more casual saying, instead of 'didn't enjoy')
Could you give me a hand with this? (A more informal way to ask for help)
That's a good shout! (A way to express your positive thoughts on a suggestion)
Fair enough, I see your point. (A way to acknowledge someone else's view)
Key Differences Between Formal and Informal English
It is useful to note that we can sometimes change the verbs in a sentence to make the sentence more formal or informal depending on your situation. The more formal a word is, the higher the level of politeness, which is useful when in job interviews or meeting people of authority. Using contractions is very common in informal English, especially when talking casually to familiar people (even if you haven't seen them in a long time). Usually, in academic writing contractions are always avoided. English grammar and the structure of sentences can also differ between writings. For example, when texting friends fragment sentences are commonly accepted, whereas during an academic essay complete sentences in formal English is usually required. This is useful to note when writing emails or messages for different purposes and with different audiences. Below are common vocabulary choices with the same meaning but with an informal or formal tone.
Formal Informal
Assist Help
Apologise Sorry
Essential Important
Discuss Talk
Elated Happy
Exhausted Tired
Enquire Ask
Preserve Keep
Donate Give
Obtain Get
Reside Live
Inferior Worse
Gratitude Thanks
Permit Let
Entire Whole
Occupation Job
Consume Use
Tips for Using Formal and Informal English Appropriately
Sometimes it may seem difficult to choose which style would be best to use. I suggest you analyse your audience first and ask yourself some quick questions, are they your friends or family? Are they colleagues? How familiar are the people/group of people? Next, ask yourself about the environment you are in, is it a professional workplace? Is it a place of authority? Is it a friend's or family member's house? If the group of people or persons are very familiar to you and in a casual environment, then an informal tone would likely be more suitable. If the group of people are colleagues and in a professional setting, a formal tone would be more suitable.
It is also important to note the differing situations you will be in, for example, sending messages and emails. Evaluate who you are sending the message to, if it is a friend or family member, an informal tone is more acceptable, and if the recipient of your email is a colleague or manager/boss, a formal tone is more acceptable. The benefit of this is while at work you will sound more professional, reliable and responsible to your colleagues and bosses, yet while at home and sending text messages you will sound more friendly and relaxed.
To conclude, understanding how you can switch between using formal and informal tones is important in order for you to sound more natural, professional and friendly with different groups of people and in different situations. This will help you within your personal and professional communication.
If you want to learn more about formal and informal English, book a lesson with Ace English!
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