Formal vs Informal English Formal vs Informal English Mr Ánh The difference between formal and informal English is not a difference between correct and incorrect, but a difference of what is known as[.]
Formal vs Informal English Mr Ánh 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 Definitions of formal & informal: • 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 Latinate 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 Here are some examples of how vocabulary changes in each level of usage: Formal Informal comprehension understand intoxicated drunk exhausted tired dejected sad Informal and formal sentences: + They did an experiment The experiment was carried out / performed + Then the Drive Manager goes through some steps to install the programme The Drive Manager then performs / executes a series of functions / operations in order to install the programme + One after the other At regular intervals + They found out what the important things were They determined / discovered / established / identified the important properties / characteristics / issues + You can find out all about the survey on page Details of the survey are to be found on page + We think you should discuss the research findings at the next departmental meeting It is recommended that the research findings are discussed at the next departmental meeting + Doctors have come up with a new method of… Doctors have created / established a new method of… + Safety officers are looking into the problem Safety officers are investigating the problem + The cost of cleaning services has gone up 25% over the last three years The cost of cleaning services has risen by 25% over the last three years + We not think it is a good idea to anything at the moment It is suggested that no action should be taken at this stage + Many thanks to the staff at “Computers R Us” for their help on the technical side Thanks are extended to the staff at “Computers R Us” for their technical support (Slightly less formal: We would like to thank ….) + You need to get the patient’s help when doing these hearing tests + This let them keep the same temperature during the whole experiment This allowed / permitted / resulted in / ensured a constant temperature throughout the experiment / for the entire experiment + These results are because of factors like weight, age … These results are dependent on factors such as weight, age … ... a ? ?formal? ?? and ? ?informal? ?? register in English Definitions of formal & informal: • Formal language, even when spoken, is often associated with the conventions expected of written standard English. .. how vocabulary changes in each level of usage: Formal Informal comprehension understand intoxicated drunk exhausted tired dejected sad Informal and formal sentences: + They did an experiment The...The difference between formal and informal English is not a difference between correct and incorrect, but a difference of what is