Formal and Informal Language

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Formal and Informal Language: Formal is the polite form of language you would use to speak to those of greater age than yourself, those in authority over you, strangers, and so on. Informal, or familiar, language is what you would use to talk to friends, family, and other people with which you are comfortable and casual. Formal language tends to be stiff, while informal language is relaxed Here's a list of some of the main differences between informal and formal writing: Informal: May use colloquial words/expressions (kids, guy, awesome, a lot, etc.). Formal: Avoid using colloquial words/expressions (substitute with children, man/boy, wonderful, many, etc.) Informal: May use contractions (can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, etc.). Formal: Avoid contractions (write out full words – cannot, will not,should not, etc.). Informal: May use first, second, or third person. Formal: Third person Informal: May use clichés (loads of, conspicuous by absence, etc.) Formal: Avoid clichés (use many, was absent, etc.) Informal: May address readers using second person pronouns (you, your, etc) Formal: Avoid addressing readers using second person pronouns (use one,one’s,the reader, the reader’s, etc.) Informal: May use abbreviated words (photo, TV, etc) Formal: Avoid using abbreviated words (use full versions – like photograph, television, etc.) Informal: May use imperative voice (e.g. Remember….) Formal: Avoid imperative voice (use Please refer to.….) Informal: May use active voice (e.g. We have noticed that…..) Formal: Use passive voice (e.g. It has been noticed that….) Informal: May use short and simple sentences. Formal: Longer and more complex sentences are preferred (short simple sentences reflects poorly on the

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