When faced with the task of learning English, it is also important to understand the distinction between formal and informal usage of such language. It's common to note that people are more professional when addressing a client or answering questions during the employment interview than when they are talking to their friends and relatives. In most formal situations however, respect is of great importance hence, more polite language will have to be used and such rules are not necessary in informal occasions. The understanding of such language differences would assist not only in achieving greater clarity but also in achieving effective communication with different audiences.
In this lesson, we will check what formal and informal English is, what are some golden phrases in each of the types and situations when these types are used.
Grasping the Concept of Formal English Language
Formal English is appropriate in context of the situation where there is need for respect, work ethics or hierarchy. Such a language can be originated at a workplace or school, during a public address of a gate gcrap or at the side of strangers. Formal English perhaps puts greater emphasis on the use of grammar since it is characterized by the use of complete sentences and not contractions and slang. Such a language is also useful in terms of showing respect, power, and being straightforward.
Characteristics of Formal English
There are particular features that are characteristic of formal English which distinguishes it from informal language. Consider, as a first point, that sentences are generally longer and well-structured, closely adhering to the rules of grammar. Use of contractions (such as I'm instead of I am) will be more uncommon as the proper form appears more elegant. Politeness and specific words are also common in formal language, hence using standard language, because informal jargon may be overly casual.
In formal English, passive voice is more common, which may enhance the feeling of objectivity and distance. Instead of saying, for example, We decided to hold a meeting, it is more appropriate to use a passive form, such as It was decided that a meeting would be held. This kind of language is indirect, which shows professionalism and respect.
Common Situations for formal English
This is the type of language used in situations that require respect, legitimacy, or authority. For instance:
- Business meetings and professional presentations
- Job or academic settings interviews
- Written documents such as: reports, emails to clients, academic papers
- With people you hardly know, especially someone in authority
It has to be stated that formal speech in the above instances helps project a decent impression where an individual appreciates the social environment and is poised to work professionally.
Examples of formal English expressions
There are such expressions that are characteristic of formal English. For example, rather than saying, ' "Could you give me a hand?" ' a formal phrasing would be, ' "Could you assist me?" '. In the working context, such formal phrases as 'I would like to discuss. . . ' or 'Please let me know if you need me to assist you with anything else' are quite popular.
When giving thanks in formal English, instead of saying a simple 'thanks', one says 'thank you very much for your assistance'. In the same way, if you are seeking forgiveness, instead of saying 'sorry' to a person, one says 'I beg your pardon for the trouble I have caused'. Such phrases are for formal situations and are respectful and polite.
The Nature Of Informal English
An informal English is a language style used in casual conversations. This type of English is characteristically short, simple, and concise lending s to a carefree and easy flow of entertaining conversations. Informal English usually uses colloquial phrases, idioms, and sometimes even reduced forms of a sentence. These kinds of languages are very engaging and very easy to use, giving it an advantage to be used when communicating with friends, family members, and close acquaintances.
Characteristics Of Informal English
Informal English has a primary focus on simplicity and efficiency and so allows the speaker to be creative and flexible in the use of language. It is normal to hear statements like "I'm going to go out" or "they're going to eat". Such statements flow naturally in speech but are quite rigid in structure. Informal English in moderation is beneficial since it offers slang, which is colorful language and phrases that are difficult to incorporate in formal settings. For example, many informal speakers would use the phrase "That's so cool" or "that's so awesome" whereas for formal speakers it would be offensive to their audience.
For example, in casual English, it is common that some stating words that may be formal and are not required are often left out hence a single sentence may mean more than one idea or it could be a combination of a couple of sentences. Such that, instead of saying "I am going to the store", you say, "Gonna go to the store." The latter is less formal and accentuates a friendly and nonchalant approach to a conversation. Moreover, informal English allows the use of phrases that are specific to intimate relationships, making speech feel richer and more personal.
Common Scenarios Where People Use Informal English
Informal English, on the other hand, is best suited within relationships that are more affectionate. Some of these examples are:
- Speaking towards friends, family or even close acquaintances.
- Short messages such as text messaging, social networking and friends emailing.
- Non-formal events such as social gatherings or other miscellaneous meet ups.
- Routine work such as shopping or interacting with your neighbours.
In such scenarios, it is vice versa for formal English, which is primarily perceived as cold and overly professional, and informal English which sees the need of being amicable in order to achieve the desired goal in various interactions.
Informal English Language Expressions with Examples
Informal English is best understood with examples such as "Ain't no one mad at ya," " I'm good, cheers." On asking for assistance one may go a step further and say "Hey, could you help me out here please?" Instead of the more formal 'Thank you for your assistance' or just 'Thank you.' Instead, you could just say 'No Problem' 'Anything for you' or even 'That's Ok.'
In informal settings, informal English is even more relaxed with examples such as "Thanks a Million," or "Thank you so much." Essentially, rudeness or being aggressive is not frowned upon. Even when apologizing there really are no formal structures to follow, for example " My bad" to "My Apologies." Such relaxed and friendly language is often great and useful when one is interacting for rapport building and is ideal in informal situations.
Understanding the Limitations of the Formal / Informal Divide
The boundary separating formal and informal languages is hardly rigid; rather it is context based. Biaseding your language according to the context acknowledges cultural difference and the audience that is being addressed. To be bilingual in a sense of using both formal and informal English enables one to communicate much more effectively and minimize misunderstandings.
Linguistic Devices and Sentence Complexity
While there are set rules of grammar in each language, and one needs to follow these in order to maintain clarity and correct expression, many people don't mind getting a little creative in English as style and word choice is a little more calm and polite when one is being formal as compared to when being informal where a person has more leeway in terms of accent and elaborateness of their phrases. For example, in writing a report as a manager he might mention details such as "Please be sure to send a copy of the report before the end of the day" and in everyday conversation use say "Can you just read the report later today?"
Even the ways individuals initiate and end the interactions may vary. The formal may start with minor statements such as "Good afternoon," and end with rather casual phrases as in "Thank you for your words." In the informal however, the greeting may start with a simple "Hi" and finish off casually with "Talk later."
Sentence Structure
The use of passive constructions and longer phrases is common in the structure of formal English language sentences. Shorter and simpler sentences seem to be the preference in informal English. For example, a heading for a formal report can be expressed in the following way: "This work is to be completed by tomorrow." Colloquially, the same could be expressed as; "Do you think you could accomplish it by tomorrow?"
Being aware of these tendencies with structure and formulating sentences makes it easier to adjust and use appropriate and natural sounding language. When one is engaged in a conversation that is considered informal, it is easier for him to break up and simplify his sentences. Professionalism is expressed, on the other hand, by making extensive use of language that is highly structured when the setting is formal.
Contractions and Slang
Zamwa and contractions are trademarks of informal English but are habitually shunned in the formal registers. Everyday language uses 'I'll' and 'won't' as contractions in most cases and it seems to be the case where friends are having a conversation. In contrast, English speakers in a formal setting are more careful with language and refuse to use contractions. Rather they out 'I will' or 'cannot.' Exactly the same applies with the use of slang. Words like 'man' are often over used and have the opposite effect in formal cases.
Code-Switching: Using Formal and Informal English in the Right Context
With an increased understanding of the language, code-switching also comes in as a useful tool. Code-switching means using different forms of a language depending on the occasion and the culture of the people. All these qualities show that you have the ability to blend in and are indeed an intelligent individual.
In many instances, practitioners of the language do formality and informality within the same sphere. So for instance you can be more formal when you are in a meeting with a client only to be very informal after the meeting when in the company of close work colleagues. Such dimensions do show linguistic sophistication and broaden the circle of acquaintances.
Practicing Formal and Informal English
Building competence in both formal and informal English is not easy, it requires patience. Try to look at how other native speakers interact in this different contexts, may it be movies or TV shows or even normal talking with friends. Notice the way as the situation shifts so does the vocabulary, tone, and even the structure of the sentence.
Also, it may help to read different types of texts. For instance, business emails, academic articles and news reports provide examples of formal English while novels, social media posts and movie dialogues provide examples of informal English. Thus, through exposure to both forms of the language, one will develop an intuitive feeling of when to employ either form.
